BIM-M announces open call for proposals for REVIT modeling of masonry

Words: David BiggsThe Building Information Modeling for Masonry Initiative (BIM-M) invites Consultants (architects, engineers, contractors, BIM specialists, etc.) to submit a proposal for either or both Project 1 or Project 2. Each project involves the creation of models and details of masonry buildings using Autodesk Revit 2014. BIM-M expects to award either or both of Projects 1 and 2 with cost as a major consideration.

This modeling project will be included in an overall plan to develop a Masonry Best Practices Guide (Guide) for design professionals. The Consultants’ work will include both creative modeling efforts and input into the Guide. BIM-M’s goal is that the guide will provide instruction on how to use BIM with masonry to its greatest and best use for modeling today, and point the way towards improvements to the underlying software, so that evolving BIM software will become more capable of representing masonry design and construction.

The Guide is intended to provide the design profession with detailed instructions and small explanatory BIM models that demonstrate how to use Revit to create models that depict masonry in typically used scenarios. We recognize that Revit and other BIM authoring tools are not fully developed for use with masonry, and often “workaarounds” are required for the BIM model to depict masonry properly in models, elevations and sections. In addition, we are aware that many design practices use BIM to represent masonry only at the most elemental level, and transmit the more detailed information about masonry construction in conventional 2D drawings that are not generated through or tied to BIM. However, we expect that the Guide will contain directions to the profession as to these situations and to how the models might be applied.

It is tradition in design practice to submit design documents with increasing levels of detail at the schematic design, design development and contract document stages of the project. The BIM models at each of the stages might be expected to contain more detailed information at the later stages of the project. The contract deliverable BIM models for this project should be delivered according to a typical BIM execution plan so that the owner and contractors can have downstream uses of the BIM model during building procurement, construction planning, fabrication, installation and operational phases of the building. The terms “level of detail” and “level of development” or LOD are being used in BIM parlance to identify the use of the model and the rationale for including certain details. The Consultants will work with the Project Manager, Georgia Tech’s Digital Building Laboratory, and the TMS BIM Committee to illustrate BIM models suitable to different phases of a project. The Project Manager will also direct the review efforts of the TMS BIM Committee.

Visit https://masoncontractors.com/Default?pageID=36926 for more information.
How I plan to live to 130
November 2026

While talking with one of our mechanics about the importance of changing the oil and keeping equipment greased, a thought occurred to me. These simple maintenance habits keep equipment running smoothly and help prevent breakdowns when you can least afford

The Frustration Of Firefighting
November 2026

I find it fascinating what happens when an owner or executive leader walks into a struggling project. Morale picks up. Production improves. People communicate better. Meetings get sharper. Problems that have been sitting around for two weeks suddenly get

Motivate With Money!
November 2026

I get asked about employee incentive and profit-sharing programs with every contractor I coach. Construction business owners seem to be looking for the magic bullet that will motivate their people to work harder and produce more. Some hope that providing

Manufacturer Relationships
November 2026

As a contractor, the last person I wanted to see in my office was a salesman or a sales representative. Now that I better understand being a manufacturer, I see it in a different light. As a contractor, you can control the purchasing of material, understa