What Is BIM and Why Do You Need It?
Building Information Modeling has become a valuable tool with many benefits for the construction industry. Projects that use BIM have a greater chance of success and maximum efficiency at every project stage and beyond.
BIM is an acronym for Building Information Modeling and is an information modeling technology.
This technology makes it possible to simulate any construction objects, including buildings, railways, bridges, tunnels, ports, etc.
BIM is similar to 3D modeling. In both cases, a building design is carried out in three-dimensional space. However, unlike 3D models, Building Information Modeling is directly linked to a database. This model is not limited to structural lines and material texture.
Such a model contains detailed and up-to-date information about the building, such as the location of systems, materials, technical and economic features, physical characteristics, and even the cost of every brick, lampshade, and pipe.
The information in the model makes it possible to manage a building after completion of the construction. BIM can be used in construction to optimize maintenance, repair, and modernization processes, resulting in increased revenue and faster return on investments.
Information collected by BIM (Building Information Modeling) during the design and construction process can be easily integrated into building management software. Using tools like Autodesk’s BIM 360 Ops, contractors can improve the building handover process by linking BIM data directly to building maintenance operations. This allows the collected information to be used more effectively to manage the building after its construction.
This article will look at the advantages of BIM in construction.
BIM Trends:
- application of artificial intelligence capabilities;
- creation of digital twins and use of energy-efficient buildings;
- process automation, modeling of energy-efficient buildings.
All this enables different specialists to work on the project simultaneously.
Key findings from a study by Dodge Data and Analytics indicate the following benefits of BIM in construction:
- Reduction in final construction costs by 5%;
- Increase of construction speed by 5%;
- Increase in productivity by 25%;
- Reduction in manpower requirements by 25%.
11 Advantages of BIM in the Construction Industry
These are the advantages of BIM in the construction industry:
Better Collaboration and Communication
Unlike sets of paper drawings, digital BIM models allow for data exchange.
Due to cloud-based tools, Building Information Model collaboration can be conveniently performed in all project disciplines, taking into account their particularities.
The BIM 360 ecosystem allows teams to share project models and coordinate planning, ensuring the project is understood by all interested parties.
Access to the cloud also enables project teams to bring the office to the construction site. Tools like BIM 360 from Autodesk provide access to up-to-date project information anytime, allowing teams to view drawings and models even on their mobile devices.
Model-Based Cost Estimation
Involving BIM specialists in the early planning stages makes it possible to calculate construction costs more effectively.
Using BIM tools such as Revit from Autodesk and BIM 360 Docs automates the time-consuming task of cost evaluation, allowing estimators to focus on more important factors, such as building structure identification and risk factoring.
Project 3D Visualization
Sometimes, construction clients draw sketches of their projects as they envision them, but it can be difficult for professionals to understand their ideas. Using BIM, you can create 3D models of buildings. It helps visualize the building’s appearance, making the project presentation clear to everyone.
Reduced Risk and Losses
The use of BIM tools significantly reduces the number of errors both in models and on the construction site. Errors occur when design companies transfer 3D models manually, for example, using paper or other unreliable sources. BIM eliminates these problems by digitizing the process of information and data transfer.
Improved Scheduling
BIM saves money by reducing project cycle times and eliminating schedule delays. It allows designing and creating documentation simultaneously; documentation can be easily adapted to changed site conditions, making it possible to develop more precise timetables.
Prefabrication
Prefabrication means preassembling structural components away from the actual construction site. These components are then transported to the site for final assembly. Prefabricated structures offer a number of benefits, including improved quality control, shorter construction time, and reduced material waste.
Improved Quality and Safety
BIM models provide more accurate construction planning and management, producing higher final product quality. The data are used for quality control to ensure all building components and systems comply with the required standards. The models also help identify potential hazards and reduce the risk of occupational accidents.
Improved Facility Management
BIM models are valuable tools for assessing building systems’ performance and, as a result, providing more efficient operation and maintenance. This can also be used after construction for maintenance planning and space management.
Better Site Logistics
The staged site logistics tools available in BIM are one of the best means for construction planning. In simple terms, all information related to the construction process can be collected and used to plan and implement the project best and most efficiently.
Early Detection of Collisions
No matter how good a model looks, it is still a risk of failing to comply with the actual situation. Even if it seems perfect, equipment or internal systems may need to be more consistent. This is just where BIM can help eliminate the drawbacks, such as potential collisions between the equipment, pipes, cables, etc.
Competitiveness
It is no wonder that companies possessing BIM technologies are commercially successful due to the benefits of BIM in construction throughout the project life cycle, including the post-construction period and facility management.
Which Process is More Efficient in Your Case? Find Out the Best Solution With Our Experts
M HEAVY TECHNOLOGY Experience in Building Information Modeling for Construction Industry
- First, we use collected data to create 3D models of the constructed buildings and pipelines. Then, based on these models, we plan and make changes to update or reconstruct these facilities.
- Next, we detail the existing enterprise systems for further improvement and modernization.
Below, you can see the 3D-tour model, which is used as a basis for development.
Our specialists created this model based on paper documentation and a 3D tour.
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Summary
The various benefits of BIM have made it a must-have tool for construction companies of any size. It helps detect errors in the building model and ensures success and better results for any construction project. This technology is genuinely a technological revolution in construction.