BIM Fundamentals for Engineers from Coursera

In this course, we will explore the foundational principles of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and its practical applications, starting with the evolution of engineering from traditional 2D drawings to the shift towards object-based modeling, which forms the core of BIM. This understanding sets the stage for examining real-world implementations across diverse sectors including airports, residential and commercial buildings, water treatment plants, substations, transportation, and material handling facilities. We begin with BIM fundamentals through case studies demonstrating its role in enhancing efficiency and collaboration in complex projects. Moving forward, our focus shifts to Design Authoring workflows aligned with ISO 19650 standards, preparing participants for hands-on experience with Autodesk Revit. We explore Revit's user interface comprehensively, covering menus, ribbons, and key concepts such as Revit extensions, parameters, worksets, phases, design options, schedules, annotations, and sheet creation. Finally, participants delve into practical BIM modeling within Revit across architecture, structural, and MEP disciplines, equipping them with essential skills to create detailed and integrated BIM models across disciplines. Join us on this journey to master BIM fundamentals and discover its transformative potential in engineering and construction.

Target Learners:

• Undergraduate students of Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering & Mechanical Engineering

• Post-Graduate Students in Construction Management.

• Practicing Engineers involved in BIM in construction.

• Faculties in Civil, Electrical & Mechanical

• Industry professionals working in construction and BIM

• Project managers and consultants in construction and infrastructure development sectors.

Prerequisites:

• Basic knowledge of Construction

• Familiarity with Construction Management

• Understanding of Construction Practices

Hardware Prerequisites:

Minimum Entry level configuration as follows:

1. Operating System: 64-bit Microsoft® Windows® 10 or Windows 11

2. CPU Type: Intel® i-Series, Xeon®, AMD® Ryzen, Ryzen Threadripper PRO. 2.5GHz or Higher.

3. Memory: 8 GB RAM

4. Video Display: 1280 x 1024 with true color (Minimum)

5. Disk Space: 30GB free disk space

Software Prerequisites:

• Install Revit 2020 and higher versions for this course

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to BIM

The module "Introduction to BIM" covers the basics of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and its role in engineering. Participants will learn about creating 3D models, using isometric views, and understanding the BIM process. They'll explore how BIM applies to different projects like residential buildings, airports, and water treatment plants, highlighting its benefits for project efficiency and collaboration. This module aims to introduce learners to BIM's practical applications in modern engineering and construction projects.

Design Authoring - Discipline Based Modeling

The module "Design Authoring - Discipline based modeling" teaches participants how to use specific modeling techniques tailored to different disciplines. It covers workflow basics and adheres to ISO 19650 standards for managing Work In Progress (WIP). By the end, learners will understand how to improve design workflows, ensure consistency, and meet industry standards effectively. This module prepares them to apply these skills in architecture and engineering projects for better collaboration and efficiency.

Introduction to Revit Tool

The module "Introduction to Revit" teaches the basics of Autodesk Revit, a key tool for Building Information Modeling (BIM). Participants will learn how to use Revit's interface, explore its Ribbon menu for architecture and structural tools, understand annotation features, manage views, and handle project elements like worksets and phases. By the end, learners will be able to manage architectural and structural models efficiently using Revit's features.

Design Authoring - Architecture

The module "Design Authoring - Architecture" teaches you how to use Revit Architecture for building design. You'll start with the basics and learn file setup, then move on to modeling architectural elements in detail across different parts. You'll also master creating schedules, annotations, and sheets to organize your designs effectively. Advanced topics include managing project data and creating parametric families for flexible design options. By the end, you'll be able to confidently design and document architectural projects using Revit Architecture.

Design Authoring - Structure

This module, "Design Authoring - Structure," teaches how to use Revit Structure for structural design. You'll start with the basics and learn to model structural elements in detail. The course covers creating schedules, annotations, and sheets for organizing and presenting designs effectively. You'll also explore specialized Revit tools tailored for structural engineering to improve workflow and project management skills.

Design Authoring - MEP

In "Design Authoring - MEP," you'll learn how to use Revit MEP for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing design. The module covers basic navigation, setting up files with levels and grids, and modeling HVAC, plumbing, piping, fire protection systems, and electrical lighting. You'll also explore advanced topics like cable tray layout and creating parametric components for efficient MEP design in Revit.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores BIM fundamentals and their practical applications across diverse sectors, which is highly relevant for professionals in engineering and construction

Aligns with ISO 19650 standards, preparing participants to meet industry standards effectively, which is essential for design authoring workflows

Provides hands-on experience with Autodesk Revit across architecture, structural, and MEP disciplines, equipping learners with essential skills for BIM modeling

Requires Revit 2020 or higher, which may necessitate an additional software purchase for learners using older versions or other BIM software

Requires a computer with a dedicated graphics card and at least 8 GB of RAM, which may pose a barrier to entry for some learners

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in BIM Fundamentals for Engineers with these activities:

Review Construction Management Principles

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Reinforce your understanding of construction management principles to better grasp BIM's role in project efficiency and collaboration.

Browse courses on Construction Management

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Review key concepts in construction management textbooks or online resources.
Summarize the main phases of a construction project lifecycle.
Practice creating a simple project schedule using Gantt charts.

Review 'BIM Handbook: A Guide to Building Information Modeling for Owners, Designers, Engineers, Contractors, and Facility Managers'

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Gain a comprehensive understanding of BIM principles, workflows, and applications across various disciplines.

View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon

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Read the introductory chapters to understand the core concepts of BIM.
Focus on chapters related to design authoring and discipline-specific modeling.
Summarize key takeaways from each chapter and relate them to the course content.

Follow Revit Architecture Tutorials

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Enhance your Revit Architecture skills by following online tutorials that cover modeling architectural elements, creating schedules, and managing project data.

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Find a series of Revit Architecture tutorials on YouTube or Autodesk's website.
Follow along with the tutorials, practicing each step in Revit.
Experiment with different modeling techniques and settings.

Four other activities

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Review 'Mastering Autodesk Revit 2020'

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Deepen your understanding of Revit's features and workflows across architectural, structural, and MEP disciplines.

View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon

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Read chapters related to your specific area of interest (architecture, structure, or MEP).
Follow the step-by-step instructions to create sample models.
Experiment with advanced techniques and settings.

Model a Simple Residential Building in Revit

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Apply your knowledge of Revit to create a detailed BIM model of a residential building, integrating architectural, structural, and MEP elements.

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Gather architectural plans or create your own design for a small residential building.
Model the architectural elements, including walls, doors, windows, and roofs, in Revit.
Add structural elements such as beams, columns, and foundations.
Incorporate MEP systems, including HVAC, plumbing, and electrical components.
Create schedules and sheets to document your design.

Revit Family Creation Exercises

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Practice creating parametric Revit families to improve your ability to customize and manage building components.

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Choose a simple building component, such as a door or window.
Create a new Revit family for the chosen component.
Add parameters to control the dimensions and properties of the component.
Test the family in a Revit project and adjust parameters as needed.

Create a BIM Project Case Study Presentation

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Develop a presentation showcasing a real-world BIM project, highlighting its benefits, challenges, and lessons learned.

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Research and select a BIM project case study.
Gather information about the project's goals, BIM implementation, and outcomes.
Create a presentation outlining the project's key aspects and results.
Present your case study to peers or colleagues for feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete BIM Fundamentals for Engineers will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

BIM Modeler

A BIM Modeler creates detailed 3D models of buildings and infrastructure projects using Building Information Modeling software. This role requires a solid understanding of BIM principles and the ability to translate design concepts into accurate digital models. This course helps build a foundation in BIM, especially through the use of Autodesk Revit, and covers essential modeling techniques for architecture, structure, and MEP disciplines, which are all crucial for success as a BIM Modeler. The course's focus on ISO 19650 standards also ensures this course is particularly useful in preparing one to meet industry requirements for collaboration and information management.

See salaries and explore the career path for BIM Modeler

Architectural Drafter

An Architectural Drafter translates architectural designs into technical drawings and models. This role involves producing detailed plans, elevations, and sections that are crucial for construction projects. This course helps build proficiency in using BIM software such as Autodesk Revit, a key tool for architectural drafting. The course's focus on architectural modeling within Revit, including managing schedules and annotations, makes it particularly helpful in preparing one for the specific tasks involved in this role. The course’s emphasis on design workflows and parametric families is valuable in optimizing drafting processes and creating flexible design options.

See salaries and explore the career path for Architectural Drafter

Structural Engineer

A Structural Engineer designs and analyzes the structural integrity of buildings and infrastructure. This role requires understanding of structural principles and the ability to create models using BIM software. This course helps build skills through its specific training on structural modeling within Autodesk Revit. The focus on design authoring, project management, and industry standards like ISO 19650 make this course a particularly suitable for the practical aspects of the job. Moreover, the course's coverage of creating schedules and annotations is instrumental to presenting and documenting design work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Structural Engineer

MEP Designer

An MEP Designer plans and designs mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems for buildings. This role requires both technical knowledge and an understanding of BIM software to create integrated designs. This course helps provide a strong foundation in BIM principles, but it is especially beneficial for covering MEP design using Revit. The course's specific focus on modeling HVAC, plumbing, electrical systems, and the creation of parametric components directly applies to the daily tasks of an MEP Designer. The course's inclusion of design workflows improves design capabilities and project management skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for MEP Designer

Construction Project Manager

A Construction Project Manager oversees construction projects from beginning to end, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget. This role requires a comprehensive understanding of construction processes, as well as the ability to utilize BIM tools for efficiency and coordination. This course helps provide a foundation in Building Information Modeling along with practical applications across diverse construction projects, such as buildings, water treatment plants, and material handling facilities. This is especially useful to learn the role of BIM in project collaboration, which is a crucial component of this project management role. The course helps prepare individuals to use BIM to improve project efficiency and decision making.

See salaries and explore the career path for Construction Project Manager

Civil Engineer

A Civil Engineer plans, designs, and oversees infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and water systems. This role requires a deep understanding of engineering principles and the use of modeling tools like BIM. This course helps provide an introduction to the principles of BIM, along with its real-world applications in various civil engineering projects, like transportation and water treatment. The course's focus on collaboration and project efficiency through BIM directly translates to the type of complex projects a civil engineer would undertake. The course’s practical application of modeling in Revit makes it useful for anyone entering this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Civil Engineer

BIM Coordinator

A BIM Coordinator manages BIM processes within a construction or design project. This role involves developing BIM standards, coordinating models, and ensuring effective collaboration among project teams. This course helps build an understanding of BIM principles, which is central to the role of a BIM Coordinator. The focus on ISO 19650 standards and the hands-on training with using Autodesk Revit are both particularly suitable. Its emphasis on collaborative workflows ensures this course is useful when applying BIM within a real project scenario.

See salaries and explore the career path for BIM Coordinator

CAD Technician

A CAD Technician uses computer-aided design software to create technical drawings and models. This role requires proficiency in using various CAD tools and understanding engineering drawings. This course may be useful as it covers the use of Autodesk Revit, a BIM software, which helps build skills in creating detailed 3D models. The course material related to design authoring and annotation features makes it relevant when thinking about preparing technical documents and drawings. The training in architectural, structural, and MEP modeling provides a good starting point for someone looking to gain skills in computer-aided design.

See salaries and explore the career path for CAD Technician

Facilities Manager

A Facilities Manager is responsible for the maintenance and operation of buildings and infrastructure. This role requires a broad understanding of building systems and the ability to use BIM tools for efficient facility management. This course may be useful to facilities managers for understanding how BIM can be used in their field, especially with the course's focus on real-world implementations in various sectors like commercial buildings and water treatment plants. The course introduces participants to BIM processes, which are valuable in coordinating maintenance and operations efficiently, as well as how to use Autodesk Revit as a tool. The course’s practical approach is useful for those looking to enhance facility operations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Facilities Manager

Construction Estimator

A Construction Estimator calculates the costs of construction projects by analyzing drawings and specifications. This role requires attention to detail and a solid understanding of construction materials and processes. This course may be helpful in learning about BIM processes, since the use of BIM tools can be leveraged when performing project estimations. The course’s overview of BIM concepts, case studies, and the hands-on training in using Revit for modeling is a useful introduction to construction processes. By learning about design authoring and modeling, an estimator can better understand a project's scope and complexity, which may improve the accuracy of estimates.

See salaries and explore the career path for Construction Estimator

Project Coordinator

A Project Coordinator supports project managers in the planning and execution of projects. This role involves tracking project progress, coordinating resources, and ensuring effective communication among team members. This course may be helpful, because it demonstrates how BIM enhances project efficiency and collaboration. By understanding the basics of BIM through this course's introduction, the project coordinator can better track ongoing projects, and communicate updates with stakeholders. The practical approach demonstrated with real-world implementations, and the use of Revit, may be valuable to understanding the project workflow from design to construction.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Coordinator

Interior designer

An Interior Designer plans and designs spaces within buildings. This involves selecting materials, finishes, and fixtures to create aesthetic and functional environments. This course may be useful to an Interior Designer, as a designer can leverage the architectural design authoring module of the course to provide insight when mapping out the design of a space within a building. An introduction to BIM and its practical applications in building design may be a useful starting point to learning about more advanced design tools.

See salaries and explore the career path for Interior designer

Landscape Architect

A Landscape Architect designs outdoor spaces, such as parks and gardens, integrating natural elements with structures. This course may be useful to a Landscape Architect by providing an introduction to how BIM software is used in construction and infrastructure projects, even if the course does not directly address the landscape architecture discipline. Understanding the basics of BIM, its practical applications, and the use of design software like Autodesk Revit can help one collaborate with other professionals on projects. Moreover, the design authoring section of the course may provide a foundation for more specialized design software used for landscape design.

See salaries and explore the career path for Landscape Architect

Real Estate Developer

A Real Estate Developer manages all phases of real estate projects, from acquiring land to selling completed properties. This role requires knowledge of construction, planning, and market trends. This course may be helpful, since the introduction to BIM and its applications in various projects, like residential and commercial buildings, could be a beneficial overview. The case studies and practical applications of the course may be useful in understanding how BIM may be leveraged in project management. However, this course is less directly relevant, because it does not cover financial or market analysis, which are large components of the real estate development profession.

See salaries and explore the career path for Real Estate Developer

Urban Planner

An Urban Planner develops plans for the growth and development of cities and communities. This role requires an analysis of demographics, infrastructure, and zoning laws. This course may be helpful to an urban planner, because the introduction to BIM, along with its application in infrastructure projects, provides a starting point to thinking about the digital representation of buildings. The exposure to case studies and practical implementations in various sectors may be useful in seeing how buildings are developed; this could inform urban planning strategies. However, the focus of this course is more on the technical aspects of building design and construction, not the broader considerations of urban policy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner

Reading list

We've selected one books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in BIM Fundamentals for Engineers.

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This handbook comprehensive guide to BIM, covering its principles, workflows, and applications across various disciplines. It serves as an excellent reference for understanding BIM implementation strategies and best practices. The book provides in-depth knowledge of BIM standards, collaboration techniques, and project management aspects. It is commonly used as a textbook in academic institutions and by industry professionals.

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BIM Fundamentals for Engineers

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Activities

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