Find a Contractor Buyer's Guide
MCAA Logo
Member Login JOIN
NEWS
Join Us For The 75th Anniversary Midyear Meeting Sep 7-11 ↗

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

Words: David Biggs
The 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.
 0
Using Respirators for Silica Exposure
July 2025

Some in the masonry industry have expressed interest in respirator use as protection from harmful exposure to silica. This topic is of paramount importance due to its impact on our workers and the serious health effects of silica exposure. For those new t

Zach Everett
Read More
From Bikes to Buildings: The Importance of Embracing Rainscreen Wall Designs and the New Building Codes.
July 2025

Have you ever been asked to do a project over the course of your lifetime? For example, when my kids were little, my wife asked me to assemble their bicycles. So, I opened the box, dumped out the contents, and cast aside whatever I thought was unnecessary

Keith Lolley
MAP Partner
Read More
Laying the Foundation for Growth: Concrete Masonry Checkoff Unveils Five-Year Vision for Industry
July 2025

The Concrete Masonry Checkoff (CMC) put the finishing touches on an ambitious five-year vision for the industry, targeting a 20% increase in market share, driven by increased demand for concrete masonry products. “This is about building exquisite, enduri

Industry News
Read More
Five of the Seven Chimneys Have Been Saved: Project Chimney Update
July 2025

In the wake of the devastating January wildfires that swept through Los Angeles's Pacific Palisades, a remarkable preservation effort is underway, spearheaded by Project Chimney, an initiative led by Evan Hall, founding director of the non-profit House Mu

Justin Stengel
Industry News
Read More