Virtual Reality
Texas A&M Creates New Virtual Environment for Building Information Modeling
Texas A&M University has created a
new computer-aided virtual environment for building information modeling (BIM)
that lets construction science students view immersive 3-D models of their
building plans.
The university's new virtual environment, called the BIM CAVE, is located in
Francis Hall and features three-dozen 46-inch monitors and a rendering system
that uses nine computers to synchronize the 3-D images across all 36 monitors.
According to a news report from the university, the BIM CAVE lets users "take a
virtual stroll through a project and even go through its walls to inspect the
structure's mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems."
Students in Texas A&M's building information modeling course use BIM
software, called Revit, to
create 3-D models of buildings and then import their Revit models into NavisWorks 3-D
design review software. Julian Kang, associate professor of construction
science, who teaches the building information modeling class, led a group of
graduate students to create a computer program that synchronizes the images
across the BIM CAVE's 36 monitors and lets students quickly render models in
NavisWorks or other applications.
"The 3-D image is so large it feels as if you're actually inside
the model," said Kang in a prepared statement.
"Builders are increasingly using BIM because of the many advantages it has
over 2-D paper drawings," stated a news report from the university. Those
advantages include increased collaboration between architects, builders and
engineers, and early detection of design errors.
Texas A&M opened its first BIM CAVE facility in fall 2011 at the
Langford Architecture Center. That facility features 12 monitors and is still
in use.
The university received a gift of $500,000 from Satterfield & Pontikes
Construction to help fund the new BIM CAVE.
About the Author
Leila Meyer is a technology writer based in British Columbia. She can be reached at [email protected].
