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PurdueX: Fundamentals of Building Information Modeling

Learn the fundamentals of building information modeling (BIM), including object-oriented modeling, parametric modeling, and central database.

Fundamentals of Building Information Modeling
5 weeks
6–9 hours per week
Instructor-paced
Instructor-led on a course schedule
This course is archived

About this course

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This course is the first of a sequence of interrelated courses on the current computer applications in the construction industry. The emphasis of this course is building information modeling (BIM) fundamentals. BIM, which allows engineers, architects, and others to more efficiently plan, design, and construct buildings and infrastructure, is revolutionizing the practice in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry.

The primary goal of this course is to:

  • Cultivate students' knowledge on core BIM concepts, including object-oriented modeling, parametric modeling, and central databases.
  • Train students to effectively use BIM tools for various construction project- management and research tasks.

A number of carefully crafted hands-on activities targeting construction problems will allow students to not only learn the fundamentals, but also master their applications in construction.

Additional tools required:

This course requires the use of a BIM authoring tool, such as Revit from Autodesk.

Note that Autodesk offers a Revit trial version that is free for 30 days. Autodesk also offers a free tool for viewing BIM models, the Autodesk Viewer.

As this is a 5-week course and the free Revit trial is 30 days, we suggest that you time the trial download correspondingly.

At a glance

  • Language: English
  • Video Transcript: English
  • Associated skills:Building Information Modeling, Object Oriented Modeling And Design, Authoring Systems, Infrastructure, Research, Parametric Modeling, Autodesk, Autodesk Revit, Project Management

What you'll learn

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  • Explain the fundamental principles of BIM.
  • List BIM applications in construction and their corresponding benefits.
  • Create BIM models.
  • Develop construction documents through BIM.

Week 1: Introduction to BIM

  • A Critical Review of the Facility Delivery Process
  • Define BIM
  • BIM Applications and Benefits
  • Revit

Week 2: Object-Oriented Modeling in BIM

  • BIM Authoring Process
  • Object-Oriented Modeling in BIM I- II
  • Developing Architectural Model in Revit

Week 3: Parametric Modeling in BIM

  • Parametric Modeling
  • Parametric Modeling vs. Direct Modeling
  • Parametric Modeling in BIM and Benefits
  • Topological Constraints
  • Central Database

Week 4: Structural Modeling and LOD

  • Organizational Structure ain Revit
  • BIM Tools for Different Applications
  • BIM vs non-BIM Construction Tools
  • BIM LOD
  • Structural Model

Week 5: Construction Documentation

  • Explain Construction Documentation
  • Generate Construction Documentation in BIM (Revit for Demonstration)
  • Develop Peripheral Structures and Create Construction Documents

Frequently Asked Questions

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Is there a required textbook for this course?

This course requires the use of BIM authoring tools which could lead to additional costs.

Who can take this course?

Unfortunately, learners residing in one or more of the following countries or regions will not be able to register for this course: Iran, Cuba and the Crimea region of Ukraine. While edX has sought licenses from the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) to offer our courses to learners in these countries and regions, the licenses we have received are not broad enough to allow us to offer this course in all locations. edX truly regrets that U.S. sanctions prevent us from offering all of our courses to everyone, no matter where they live.

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