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Construction process today has become much more complicated than it used to be a decade ago. Not only have buildings become bigger and more complex but the timeframe required to complete a project has also become much less. While all of this is taking place, collaboration between architects, engineers, contractors, and building owners has taken place despite thousands of design requirements.

All of this has led to the emergence of new construction planning and delivery methods for construction projects. Traditional drawings were not able to cater to the requirements of modern-day construction process and thus Building Information Modeling (BIM) has become one of the most important software programs in the AEC industry.

However, BIM is not only about providing 3D visualization of your project.

Building Information Modeling Knowledge

As it was already mentioned before, the full name of this modeling system is called Building Information Modeling. This type of modeling includes information about the whole project in any element of it.

Hence, while talking about walls in BIM modeling, it is necessary to mention that walls in BIM models contain not only lines but also other information like dimensions, materials, positioning and connections of elements.

Problems Associated with Conventional Method

Prior to introduction of BIM, projects could work only with two-dimensional drawings. Drawing is very essential tool for designing process but it may cause some problems while several disciplines are involved in the process.

For instance, consider the situation of commercial building project in which architects change the ceiling design of the project. In this case, structural and MEP engineers must respond quickly otherwise problems may appear in construction phase.

Indeed, there have been instances wherein the duct goes through the beam or there is clash of the electrical system with the structure. It will be costly if the issue will be discovered on-site. It is much better to solve the problem on design.

This is the reason why BIM is utilized in modern projects since this is one of the major benefits of BIM.

How BIM Can Improve Project Coordination

Coordination among different disciplines is one of the major advantages of BIM.

Through the utilization of interconnected models rather than drawings, architects, structural engineers, MEP engineers, consultants and contractors will have an opportunity to solve the problems on the project early enough thus making the right decisions before the construction begins.

It is not waiting for the problem to arise when you are on the construction site; but rather, making it possible to solve the problem during the design phase.

Projects which involve complicated systems such as hospitals, airports, data centers and commercial projects will benefit from this type of coordination.

Importance of Clash Detection

Perhaps, the clash detection is one of those first uses of BIM technology that are perceived by people.

With regard to the traditional collaboration process, there used to be a lot of clashes that could not be identified before the installation of the parts. With the help of BIM technology, architects were able to identify possible clashes prior to the start of the construction process.

For example:

• Clashes between HVAC ducts and structural beams

• Clashes between plumbing and electrical systems

• Uncomfortable equipment positioning due to difficulties with its maintenance

• Architectural elements obstructing the access of services

The identification and solving of such problems with the help of technology will allow avoiding unnecessary expenses due to the need for rework in the future.

Visualization Means Improved Decision Making

Construction plans were not always clear for non-technical participants of the process.

The BIM model offers great visualization of the project and allows understanding of the architect's idea by all participants of the process.

This improves visualization and helps to make decisions about the project development.

Use of BIM Can Help to Avoid Rework

There is no one thing more affecting the budget of construction than rework.

Design discrepancies, lack of coordination and missing information are what cause the extra work, the waste of material and delays during the process of construction.

Using BIM will help to detect the potential problem areas, so using BIM helps to reduce the possibility of any unanticipated changes during the process of construction.

Although there is no construction project free of changes, using BIM can help to achieve the better ground for getting the accurate and coordinated information.

Better Information on Quantities and Budget Planning

Quantities information is an essential part of planning a project and its budget.

Since all the information about the building elements is contained in the model, it will be easier to get the required information on quantities directly from the model. In this way, estimators will be able to make the estimates and assess any design changes.

Design changes make the updating of quantities information much easier.

BIM Applications After Construction Completion

BIM applications do not come to an end upon completion of construction.

Many facility managers use BIM for ease of their activities. Information contained within the BIM model can be useful for asset identification, coordination and maintenance of assets.

In situations where the facility is complex, such as a hospital, university, airport and data center, then having information about the facility will make the future operations more efficient.

Industries Using BIM

There are many industries that use the BIM technology.

Commercial Building

Commercial buildings have greatly benefitted from BIM for design coordination and construction.

Healthcare Facility

Hospitals require proper coordination of various systems in architecture, structure and MEPs. BIM makes it possible.

Data Center

Modern day data centers are complex infrastructures. BIM helps in coordination of this mission-critical facility.

Hotel and Resort Construction Projects

Construction of hotels and resorts includes complex procedures related to the installation of the interior and MEP. This type of construction requires BIM coordination.

Theme Parks and Entertainment Facilities

Construction of theme parks involves the accomplishment of architectural, infrastructure, landscaping, attractions, and utilities. Coordination of these works is ensured by BIM.

Why BIM Is Becoming the Industry Standard?

Nowadays, there are specific requirements concerning high levels of coordination and performance of the client. Therefore, there is a need to use BIM for different constructions done by governmental agencies and corporations around the world.

It becomes clear why BIM is becoming the industry standard.

Using BIM allows avoiding coordination problems and improving planning and communication.

With the increasing complexity of construction projects, BIM is no longer seen as an additional tool.

Conclusion

Using Building Information Modelling has brought about a revolution in the way construction projects are designed and carried out. Using Building Information Modeling has made the whole process very efficient since it brings about a common source of information for all the parties involved in the whole process.

Whether it is commercial building projects, health care facilities, data centers or any other type of construction project, Building Information Modeling can make it happen.