Impact Analysis of BIM Spread on Mechanical Design Process Based on Consciousness Survey among Japanese Mechanical Engineers

Recently, the demand for Building Information Modeling (BIM) construction drawings and specifications has increased rapidly. Many countries have also started to implement BIM. The BIM implementation can change the design flow of buildings including high-rise buildings. Against this background, many companies are focusing on the development of BIM software. BIM involves a three-dimensional CAD program that can examine the placement of ductwork and machinery. It significantly increases the efficiency of a mechanical design through data unification using standard Industry Foundation Classes (IFC). In addition, BIM functions as a database to simplify the use of simulation technology for designing air-conditioning systems. To further develop BIM, it is important to know the expectations of mechanical engineers who will become frequent users of BIM in the future. A survey was conducted among Japanese mechanical engineers using a questionnaire to analyze the expectations of mechanical design using BIM. The results show that many respondents strongly recognize BIM as a three-dimensional CAD program. However they also expect that BIM can help the optimization of their design works and enhance design functionality by running simulations utilizing BIM.