BUILDING INFORMATION MODELLING IN CONSTRUCTION

By the 8M Reporter

The acronym BIM stands for Building Information Modeling. It’s a 3D digital representation of the physical and functional characteristics of a building. BIM is also a coordinated set of processes that allow for the creation, management, and sharing of properties throughout the entire lifecycle–before, during, and after construction. Its models incorporate operational, graphic, environmental, commercial, and physical data. All around, it’s a knowledge resource of information for professionals to make intelligent decisions during the lifecycle of a construction facility. The great thing about BIM is that the outputs are all consistent because they are all generated from the same model. If the 3D view shows a door, then the plan will too.

The Benefits of BIM

Using BIM data generated during design and construction enables faster and less wasteful construction. All of the coordinated input by project managers aids sustainability in several ways:

• Design changes can be made without time penalties and costs.
• With the pooling of manufacturing, construction, technical and operational knowledge, design is value-engineered at every stage of operation and delivery.
• All disciplines involved are aware of any changes and can quickly adapt.
• Eliminates the need for ad-hoc solutions.
• Eliminates waste and rework with the coordination of construction, cost planning, design, and production

BIM is a leap forward for ground engineering. It’s always been a challenge to visualize and map what lies underground. BIM represents hidden features in a model. Unlike traditional software that connected data points crudely, BIM 3D allows for the geometry between data for geological features like pockets and faults. By enabling the annotation of data points in the model, the user gets a full view. Specifically, BIM models are more integrated, dynamic, and detailed.

What Industries are Embracing BIM

BIM is one of the most recent developments that affect many industries, including the construction, engineering, and architecture industries. With more builders and contractors embracing BIM, the days of old-fashioned marked-up drawings and CAD are slowly becoming a thing of the past. 

Many architects are using BIM to articulate their vision from concept to completion. By optimizing designs for energy efficiency and creating more accurate visualizations for clients with BIM, architects are securing their businesses’ futures. Today, over half of the successful architects use BIM. Although the engineering sector has been slow to use BIM, many skeptics are now believers. This is likely due to clients requesting it and the ability to expand into third-party integration consulting and construction management services. Many believe they will be using BIM within the next decade. For many, the future of BIM is already here.