So, What’s BIM?
Building Information Modelling (BIM) is the digitization of the construction sector, utilizing three-dimensional BIM Objects (digital product models ) for the design, construction and management of built assets.
The architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry is experiencing a technological revolution, the revolution of BIM! For the first time in a long time, high-tech change has come to the industry. It’s a much-welcomed change. As the name suggests, BIM is all about information. Information is managed throughout the life cycle of a built asset – from initial design all through to construction, maintenance and finally demolition. BIM, in essence, is a 3D database of intelligent data relating to a built asset (completed building, facility, or civil infrastructure).
Why should you incorporate BIM in your project? It’s simple really; successfully implemented BIM offers higher-quality design and construction projects and standardised information for more informed decision-making. Project information derived from BIM is more coordinated, reliable and reusable. BIM enables higher productivity from the Design Team and sustainable cost-effective construction projects. The BIM workflow involves the use of 3D parametric models linked to intelligent data to generate drawings, documentation and perspectives. The BIM Models allow for highly coordinated documentation and model geometry necessary for running analyses, such as daylighting studies, energy usage simulation, material take-offs, etc.
The use of BIM in construction projects has numerous advantages, including great savings gained through waste reduction. BIM allows for virtual testing, where Structural Analysis, Energy Usage Analysis, Clash Detection, etc. are conducted to identify and resolve issues cost-effectively in the model rather than on-site.
“You can use an eraser on the drafting table or a sledgehammer on the construction site.”
– Frank Lloyd Wright
BIM presents the added advantage of the Owner being able to visualize the project in 3D, and also have the site context with respect to the new project. Virtual Building allows for a seemingly unlimited number of interior and exterior visualization. BIM supports the transfer of project data into facility management software for use by building/facility operators, and this is where the most value is realised. A built asset incurs most of its cost during its operating life; having the tools to manage them efficiently is most beneficial.
What are the BIM Minimum Requirements?
A BIM model could be discipline-specific or a harmonised model. A harmonised model (Integrated BIM) contains information on design, construction logistics, operation, maintenance, budgets, and schedules, which is used during and after construction. BIM has the following foundational elements:
- Labelling of Documents and Data; should be consistent, utilizing conventional labelling.
- Storage and Handling of Information; involving a spatial database containing records of location and attributes of objects – in a BIM authoring software.
- Information Exchange (Also, Information Drops, Data Drops); BIM is used to generate necessary output for building construction and maintenance. Effective BIM is whereby information flows through the design, construction and operation process from briefing to facility management. This is achieved through interoperability, non-proprietary open standards e.g. IFC.
Standards, BIM settings and industry best practices are used to generate high-quality information, efficient processes, and model sharing in a collaborative environment of discipline and focus teams.
BIM Maturity Levels
Level of Development defines the reliability of information and the level of completeness to which a model element is developed, where completeness = information + geometry.
Level 0 – Use of 2D CAD files for production information
Level 1 – Use of both 2D and 3D information. The use of 3D software as a conceptual design tool and for visualization of finished projects for presentation. Use of BIM by only one party (Lonely BIM); Non-Collaborative.
Level 2 – Use of 3D information models by all members of the Integrated Team. Models need-not co-exist in a single model.
What are the Benefits of Adopting BIM?
Industry research shows that BIM return on investment (ROI) for construction projects stakeholders has been found to be between 11% and 30%. Some of the most important aspects of BIM ROI being realised by Building Designers include:
- Improved project outcomes such as fewer RFIs and field coordination problems
- Better communication because of 3D visualization; fewer misinterpretations than 2D documentation
- Positive impact on winning projects; Design Visualization and Simulation empower designers to make creations that are efficient as well as visually appealing. BIM allows for different design options to be explored and optimised.
- Better Data Management; BIM authoring software manages data associated with each element of the building. Reports produced at any time will reflect the current state of the model.
- Improved supervision during construction; drawings are derived from the BIM model making it easier to get details from an unlimited number of views. 3D imagery can be easily grasped by builders on the site, thus making inspections a lot easier.
The use of BIM affords Owners, Building Designers, and Contractors advantages in design efficiency and quality control. BIM, instead of 2D design and drawing is the new paradigm, fostering new cooperation, innovation and building lifecycle savings.
