Innovating Construction With Building Information Modeling (BIM)
Cloud computing, prompted by innovation as well as necessity in the post-pandemic world of work, is providing countless creative solutions in the Architecture Engineering and Construction sector (AEC). One such solution is BIM or Building Information Modeling – a transformative framework for data-driven design, planning and construction.
The use of BIM as a working method before the actual build, leverages data intelligence to improve planning and implementation, and identify conflicts and incorrect specifications at an early stage. BIM is the powerful tool that allows successful firms to deliver significant efficiency and sustainability gains in the project life cycle.
BIM is possible through computer-aided design and other digital workflows that help make virtual construction projects a reality. The following is a ten-point introduction to BIM to help you get acquainted with its basic features, functions and benefits.
1. What is BIM?
Building Information Modeling (BIM) is the holistic process of creating and managing information for a built asset. Based on an intelligent model and enabled by a cloud platform, BIM integrates structured, multi-disciplinary data to produce a digital representation of an asset across its lifecycle. BIM covers the entire process from planning and design to construction and operations.
2. Why is BIM Important?
BIM is the foundation for digital transformation in the architecture, engineering and construction industry (AEC).
With BIM, project teams can collaborate in a cloud-based environment. It allows them to create a detailed and dynamic 3D model of data associated with the project. These models capture both the physical and functional characteristics and relationships for buildings and infrastructure.
3. What are the benefits of BIM?
The benefits of BIM are through connecting teams, workflows, and data across the entire project lifecycle—from design and engineering to construction and operations—to realize better ways of working.
By enabling close digital collaboration between design and construction teams, BIM reduces the amount of errors and rework, improves timelines, cost-savings and project outcomes. BIM users are able to move innovative designs smarter and faster than ever before – from 2D to 3D and into the cloud.
4. What Is BIM Used For?
BIM is used for creating and managing data during the design, construction, and operations process. BIM integrates multi-disciplinary data to create detailed digital representations that are managed in an open cloud platform for real-time collaboration. Using BIM gives teams and stakeholders greater visibility, better decision-making, more sustainable options, and cost-savings.
5. How Does BIM Work?
The process of BIM supports the creation of intelligent data that can be used throughout the lifecycle of a building or infrastructure project.
Phase 1 – Planning
Inform project planning by combining reality capture and real-world data to generate context models of the existing built and natural environment.
Phase 2 – Designing
During this phase, conceptual design, analysis, detailing and documentation are performed. The preconstruction process begins using BIM data to inform scheduling and logistics.
Phase 3 – Building
During this phase, fabrication begins using BIM specifications. Project construction logistics are shared with trades and contractors to ensure optimum timing and efficiency.
Phase 4 – Operating
BIM data carries over to operations and maintenance of finished assets. BIM data can be used down the road for cost-effective renovation or efficient deconstruction too.
6. How Do Teams Collaborate on BIM?
BIM is revolutionizing the way projects are delivered across industries, adding intelligence and efficiency to project execution and connecting teams, data, and workflows at every stage of the project in the cloud for better project outcomes.
7. What is BIM interoperability?
BIM Interoperability is the ability of AEC project teams to work and communicate fluidly across disciplines and industries. Regardless of preferred software tools and vendors, BIM solutions should support an open and interoperable AEC software ecosystem defined by seamless data connection.
8. Who uses BIM?
Architects
60% of BIM-using architects report using BIM on over half of their projects, with a total of 89% forecast by 2024.
MEP and Structural engineers
51% of BIM-using MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) and structural engineers report using BIM on over half of their projects, with a total of 80% forecast by 2024.
Civil Engineers
46% of BIM-using civil engineers report using BIM on over half of their projects, with a total of 72% forecast by 2024.
Contractors
41% of BIM-using contractors report using BIM on over half of their projects, with a total of 69% forecast by 2024.
9. What is the difference between 3D CAD and BIM?
The difference between 3D CAD modeling and BIM is that, while both processes provide geometric expressions of buildings and infrastructure, the BIM process goes beyond geometry to capture the relationships, metadata, and behaviors intrinsic to real-world building components. BIM data informs decision making for successful project outcomes in a way that 3D modeling alone cannot. CAD modeling stops at the visualization whereas BIM supports decision making.
10. What are BIM levels?
There’s a hierarchy to BIM workflows that pertain to increasing levels of project complexity and maturity. The purpose of these levels is to determine how much information is managed throughout the entire process.
Level 0 BIM: 2D Drawings
While most of the industry already work above this level, there are some without sufficient BIM training with the majority of clients not specifying BIM in their contracts.
Level 1 BIM: 3D Modeling
Using 3D CAD for concept work and some 2D for drafting production information and other documentation describes Level 1 BIM which doesn’t involve much collaboration, and each stakeholder publishes and manages their own data.
Level 2 BIM: Data Sharing
This is the start of collaboration where team members work independently on 3D CAD models and then come together on the design of a built environment. When firms combine this with their own data, they save time, reduce costs, and eliminate the need for rework. Since data is shared this way, the CAD software must be capable of exporting to a common file format, such as IFC (Industry Foundation Class) or COBie (Construction Operations Building Information Exchange).
Level 3 BIM: Open Collaboration
Level 3 means that everyone uses a single, shared project model. The model exists in a ‘central’ environment and can be accessed and modified by everyone. At this level, stakeholders get better 3D visualization of the entire project, easier collaboration between multiple teams and trades, simplified communication and understanding of design intention and reduced rework and revisions at every stage of the project
Level 4 BIM: Scheduling
BIM level 4 brings a new element into the information model: time. This information includes scheduling data that helps outline how much time each phase of the project will take or sequencing of various components.
Level 5 BIM: Cost Estimate
BIM level 5 enables teams to run a structure sequencing breakdown based on numbers, adding cost estimations, budget analysis, and budget tracking to the information model. When working at this level, project owners can track and determine what costs will be incurred during the length of the project.
Level 6 BIM: Sustainability Model
This level of BIM calculates the energy consumption of a building before it’s built. This ensures that designers take into account more than just the upfront costs of an asset. Level 6 BIM ensures accurate predictions of energy consumption requirements and empowers stakeholders to build structures that are energy efficient and sustainable.
The Global Impact of BIM
According to the UN, by 2050 the world’s population will be 9.7 billion. The global AEC industry must look to smarter, more efficient ways to design and build not just as a means to keep up with global demand but to help create spaces that are smarter and more resilient too.
BIM not only allows design and construction teams to work more efficiently, it also captures the data they create during the process to benefit operations and maintenance activities. This is why BIM mandates are increasing across the globe.
Sources:
2. Constructible: What is BIM?
3. Accelerating Digital Transformation Through BIM
Innovating Project Workflows
In response to supply chain breakdowns, the rising cost of labor and raw materials, we take part in the global effort to reduce waste in construction by using the BIM framework. If you want to learn more about BIM and the value it could add to your dream project, reach out to speak with one of our experts today!
