Top 13 Best Free and Open source Building Information Modeling Software (BIM) List

Building Information Modeling (BIM) process improves the structural engineer’s workflow and can help structural engineer actively contribute to the sustainable design of a building. BIM is an integrated process that helps engineers to visualize project’s critical physical and functional characteristics digitally – before it is constructed! Available BIM solutions in the market are based on coordinated and more reliable information generated with Revit and AutoCAD Civil 3D software.

Read More: Top 10 Hvac Design Software

By using BIM, structural engineers can:

#Visualize real-life appearance and performance of a structure or building
# Simulate and Analyze structural members
# Design projects from the earliest phases
# Manage Project documents more effectively and accurately
# Deliver project faster and with less impact on environment

BIM for structural engineers utilizes above approach for the whole structural engineering process. The structure’s virtual model can be used for collaboration with architects, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, civil engineers and other stake holders. This same 3D digital model can be integrated with design, analysis and construction documentation, and is utilized as the basis for digital design-to-fabrication planning and construction. Using Building Information Modeling (BIM), structural engineers can track material quantities and investigate various design options that eventually result in a more sustainable design.

At the heart of the structural engineering 3D Modeling process is the Revit Structure software. BIM and Revit Structure allow structural engineers to minimize waste and optimize the re-use of materials. The comprehensive & intelligent information model generated through a BIM process can also be used for analysis and simulation – helping structural engineers to make better informed decisions and optimize the building or structure for flexibility, future modifications and environment friendliness.

In near future we may see industry trends such as Building Modeling, Sustainable design and Design-to-fabrication methods continue drive the structural engineering market. As the market swifts in this direction, sustainability will become an integral part of the foundation for all successful projects. Each material in the building process will be selected for considering environmental factors and once the building life ends, all materials will be recycled.

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Best Free and Open source Building Information Modeling Software (BIM) List:

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BIMX.ARCHICAD

BIMx — BIM project presentation on mobile devices. Download BIMx & BIMx PRO: the mobile app for exploring and presenting BIM on handheld devices.

OPENBIM

xBIM provides a rich API to the IFC data standard. It allows developers to read, write, and update an IFC file in a few lines of codes.  xBIM is a .NET toolkit, so developers can build everything from simple command-line applications, to extensions for Windows applications and Web services.  An example of this would be: an “Add-In” for commercial BIM tools such as Autodesk Revit.

DIGITALPROJECT3D

Digital Project allows you to build BIM & CAD models regardless of geometric complexity. With powerful surface, wireframe & solid modeling, Digital Project can support the most demanding projects.

DYNAMOBIM

Dynamo extends building information modeling with the data and logic environment of a graphical algorithm editor.

BIM 360

BIM 360™ construction management software enables almost anytime, anywhere access to project data throughout the building construction lifecycle. BIM 360 empowers you to optimize and manage all aspects of construction performance as well as those in the field to better anticipate and act via mobile/cloud capabilities.

ACCASOFTWARE

ACCA software | Architecture, Engineering and Construction industries. Try the first free BIM software integrated with real-time rendering to assess your design choices in real time, the first BIM that even allows you to create highly immersive 3D video for architectural visualizations, an advanced BIM Design solution for integrating architectural design, structural analysis and cost estimating, in a simple, innovative, professional and much more convenient solution.

TEKLABIMSIGHT

with Tekla BIMsight – the easiest to use construction collaboration software.

B-PROCESSOR

B-processor is BIM software that has been and currently is still developed by the Arhus School of Architecture in cooperation with the Alexandra institute. While it follows the main concepts and definitions of BIM, some essential ideas are quite different. This is owed to the fact that B-processor was developed from scratch, not as an add-on or further development of existing CAD software.

BIMSERVER

Open source BIMserver – In the heart of your BIM! The BIMserver software is free and open source (GNU Affero GPL) so it can be used by commercial software tools as well. It’s ideal to support your dynamic collaboration process in the AEC sector.

BIMSURFER

BIMsurfer WebGL viewer | The first open source WebGL viewer for BIM and IFC.

BRICSYS

BricsCAD: 2D & 3D CAD software with industry leading support. BricsCAD BIM thinks logically, just like you. BIM models exists on a building site, and can contain one or more buildings. Each building can have multiple stories. You always have full control over the properties you assign to these BIM elements.

TEAMTAD

TAD (The Architect’s Desktop) is an early stage Building Information Modeller. It does not work like other IFC based BIM such as Revit, Archicad, etc. Instead it has a simple approach to designing where it uses spaces to model all architectural elements. It is best suited for those countries that do not really employ standardized building components.

Revit LT

Revit LT™ BIM (Building Information Modeling) software helps designers produce high-quality 3D architectural designs and documentation in a simplified, model-based environment.