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Intelligent Construction Opportunities’s newsletter shares insights into construction technology from the perspective of YOU, the construction professional!
This issue…all about BIM!
BIM High Level
In addition to geometric elements essential to the build, a typical BIM model contains inputs including:
- material data
- design data
- scheduling data
- cost data
- structural data
- energy related data
- environmental data
- on-site delivery data
- installation and assembly data
- health and safety data
- quality data
- maintenance data
- demolition related data
BIM stands for Building Information Modelling and is a way to store and share digitally created information, models and drawings of real-world products before they’re ever built.
Building information modelling (BIM), enables both a process and is a database of building digital inputs.
BIM is the overall process of creating a three-dimensional database in the form of a model containing information that pertains to the design of a building. The elements of a BIM can include CAD models, and multiple types of information such as digital plans, schedules, costs, materials, etc. etc. etc., generated for the management of digital representations of physical and functional characteristics of real places. Building information models (BIMs) are essentially computer files that can be extracted, exchanged and networked throughout the lifecycle of the build to support decision-making by architects, engineers, contractors, field crews, and building developers regarding the built assets they foster into existence.
Especially good for monitoring clash detection, BIM models allow construction professionals to carry out clash detection resolutions, and coordination that include meetings and model reviews. Teams can simultaneously carry out clash detection & collaborate in real-time. Think of BIM as your 3D model that contains multiple types of data about the structure you are building, so you always have a dynamic way to respond to the day to day changes of the average construction build.
BIM not only covers the design of the building but also includes other essential aspects of building design, including electrical wiring, plumbing and other services. This allows a more realistic digital representation of the final building vision which is one of the most significant benefits of BIM to developers, and owner representatives.
BIM Standards – which level are you?
Let’s dive in…
BIM – Who Uses it?
ARCHITECTS, STRUCTURAL AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERS, CONTRACTORS, AND BIM PROJECT LEADERS
BIM typically begins at the design stages of the build.
Many diversified roles are responsible for the multiple aspects that BIM enables. The overarching reason to implement a BIM process is so everyone involved in the build right through to facilities management, can benefit from this collaborative model.
The 3D digital BIM model provides visual representation for not only the building form and materials but also the structural and mechanical systems. The architect is responsible for the architectural BIM digital model, while the engineer works on the structural digital model and the mechanical engineer the MEP model. These models are linked together by the manager or the architect, which means that potential errors or inconsistencies are identifiable at the very early stages of the project. A major benefit of the digital model is the comprehension of each sector design by the other sectors. By working on a BIM 3D collaborative model all participants maintain constant contact with the final model and the changes that occur during the design phase. As a result, the duration of the design phase of the project is reduced and the quality is increased.
BIM has come a long way for contractors. Today general and larger specialty contractors are getting ahead of BIM’s capabilities. Many are now creating specific roles in their companies for BIM technicians, specialists, and project leaders so they can exclusively drive and direct the complexity of all data inputs contained within the BIM database model.
BIM Enablement
Clash Detection
As you know clash detection issues arise during the construction phase. Since BIM is far more precise and practical than traditional methods of managing these issues, users can spot these challenges earlier. It’s always easier and more affordable to fix a problem in planning than in execution.
Clashes detected automatically enable project stakeholders to course correct using the details contained in a BIM model. As technology has improved and companies are extending access to more insightful data, BIM clash detection has improved immensely over the last couple of years. Users can now react to a broader range of potential conflicts. Traditional clash detection processes leave room for human error and can waste time, sometimes costing both financially and in negative attitudes fostered on the site. Because of BIM, these factors are changing these outcomes.
Cost and Resource Savings
Architects use BIM tools to estimate costs to provide reliable estimates related to:
- Materials
- Material shipping
- Prefabrication scheduling and planning
- Labor, including payrolls based construction timelines
Architects use BIM processes to help them discover ways to reduce costs that they may not have initially considered. For example, they can:
- Choose and agree on cost-effective materials with other roles on the project including engineers and contractors
- Buy materials at the right time for their lowest market price
- Decide what is feasible to prefabricate or what must be built on-site
- Streamline the task workflow and design digital twins to reduce rework
Visualizations
Architects can see what the building will look like in its final form. In fact, there are five types of visualizations, called dimensions, that architects can view and customize using BIM:
3D: Height, width, length, depth
4D: The time it takes to complete each design element
5D: How much it will cost to construct each element
6D: The structure’s environmental impact over time
7D: Estimated facility management costs throughout the structure’s lifecycle
Single Source of Truth
BIM improves communication among architects, clients, contractors, and other relevant parties involved in the project. BIM relies on a “single source of truth” system; meaning that all relevant information—including models, estimates, and design details are shared and stored from one place. Permission based access is crucial so information is not abused and made only available to inform good decision making as the building process proceeds. True collaboration creates trust and eliminates information silos helping architects, engineers, and contractors find the best solutions for the good of the build, understanding that profit and design must ultimately exist together.
Careers in BIM
Career Opportunities: Modeller, Coordinator, and Design Engineer
More career opportunities are opening up for BIM specific roles. These include opportunities with architect firms, general contractors, government agencies, speciality design companies, and consultants. Recruitment research indicates BIM positions in high demand include structural designers, project information managers, building science technologists, and mechanical engineers.
BIM Tech Specs
BIM SYSTEM SHOULD-HAVES
- Animation
- 2D and 3D modelling/imaging/drawing
- Issue Tracking
- Job Costing
- Rendering
- Conflict Tracking
- Sketching and annotation tools
- Search filter
- Scheduling
- Third party integrations
BIM Tech Options
To name a few…
- Autodesk Build
- Revit
- Tekla Structures
- ARCHICAD
- Vectorworks
BIM in the News!
Industry veteran Martin (Marty) Rozmanith contacted AEC Magazine to give them a sneak peek of the next-generation BIM technology that he’s working on.
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