Building information modeling (BIM) has come to civil engineering with a reputation. In addition to its obvious benefits, BIM has left some old-fashioned firms skeptical of taking the plunge into this new technology and its design process.

But, don’t run for cover yet because BIM—also referred to as dynamic 3D modeling—is where civil design is headed; the firms of the future are moving into three dimensions.

The following is a short list of the current biggest BIM myths out there:

Design takes place in 3D—The end result of dynamic 3D modeling is just what it claims to be—a 3D model. But, before the mock-up is complete, roadway planning and design still occur in the familiar 2D environment. While these 2D elements are being created, full 3D representations of the design objects are also generated.

"With 2D CAD, it’s a big effort to create a 3D model for analysis or animated visualization, consuming lots of extra money and time," said Mark Scacco, P.E., president of Itasca, Ill.-based Engineered Efficiency (www.eng-eff.com), a CAD consulting firm specializing in dynamic modeling software implementation. "Working within a 3D model, it’s easy and short-stepped to use that model for additional purposes like visualization and further design."

Implementation is either too difficult or it’s a simple, one-day affair—Wrong again. Implementing dynamic 3D modeling won’t be too difficult or too simple. It will, however, change the way your firm operates for the better. Engineered Efficiency, Inc.’s five-step software implementation process includes: data collection/research; installation, configuration, and styles creation; development of a workflow and data management strategy; software training; and mentoring. A typical implementation timeline is between two and six months for a medium-sized firm.

Software training takes a few hours of staff time—Software isn’t the only tool that has shifted paradigms; today’s technology training exists on a new plane as well. Gone are the times of training an entire staff in one day and then hoping they can apply their knowledge to future projects. Instead, software implementation firms such as Engineered Efficiency are conducting process-based training when engineers need it the most—immediately before and during their project design.

Here’s how it works: Together, the training firm and your engineering firm choose a pilot project and a design team to implement the software with. After instruction on basic software tools, the team works through a real project with the support and tutorial of live, remote trainers, linking the core concepts to practical work processes.

"Training isn’t something that happens and then later you use the software," said Scacco. "Training is gradual and works on real-time projects. Our clients are successful because of it."

BIM is only for architects—Although "B" is for building, the principals of dynamic 3D modeling transcend disciplines. Enhancing the visualization of design, improving workflow efficiencies, and promoting total project team collaboration are features even civil engineers can profit from.

For more information on these benefits, read the other articles in CE News’ BIM Channel’s "Feature Archives."

Mindi Zissman is a freelance writer based in Chicago.