BIM in Construction Industry
BIM in Construction Industry
BIM in construction industry has a profound impact, revolutionizing the way projects are planned, designed and constructed. BIM provide digital 3D representation of the physical and functional characteristics and functionality of the building’s facility. It contains detailed geometric and semantic information of architectural, MEP, structural disciplines integrated together to produce a comprehensive 3D BIM model of the building.
It allows all stakeholders of the design and constriction projects such as architects, engineers, general contractors, trade contractors to work collaboratively in a shared digital BIM platform.
BIM has transformed the construction industry by improving the team collaboration, design optimization, clash detection, cost estimation, scheduling, and facility management. The adoption of BIM in construction industry is growing continuously as more construction companies are recognizing its advantages of improving the project outcomes, mitigating risks, save cost overrun, quick turnaround time, and enhance efficiency throughout the building lifecycle.
BIM Uses in the Construction Phase
BIM uses are the actual output from the BIM process. The key BIM uses in construction are introduced and explained further in the following below:
- Existing Conditions Modeling or Field Capturing
A 3D model can be developed of any existing conditions for a site to create a representation of current conditions on a site, within a facility, or a particular space, a 3D model can be generated utilizing various techniques, such as modeling software, laser scanning, and other surveying methods, based on project requirements and objectives. Laser scanning produces a remarkably precise 3D point cloud that can be associated with the BIM model and utilized for modeling the area or validating existing models.
Explore: Scan to BIM Services
- Cost Estimation or Quantity Takeoff
BIM 3D model can be used to generate accurate quantity takeoffs of the building materials and components. Here the 3D model is linked to a cost data, which can be extracted as a cost estimate.
- 4D Modeling
4D modeling is a process used to plan and visualize the phased occupancy of a construction project. It is particularly useful for renovation, addition, retrofit, or any project where construction activities need to be sequenced and coordinated. A 4D model integrates the traditional 3D building model with the dimension of time, allowing stakeholders to visualize and understand the project’s construction sequence.
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- Site Utilization Planning
By linking the information 3D model with the 4D schedule, project stakeholders can effectively convey space and sequencing requirements on the construction site. This integration allows for a better understanding of how different elements come together over time and helps in identifying any potential conflicts or constraints that may arise during construction.
- 3D Coordination and Clash Detection
Clash detection software is a valuable tool used in the construction industry to coordinate and identify clashes or conflicts between different building systems. It compares the 3D models of various systems, such as architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing, to detect any clashes before the actual construction or installation takes place.
Explore: BIM Coordination Services and Clash Detection Services
- Construction System Design or Virtual Mock-up
3D modeling software is extensively used in the construction industry to generate, design, and analyze building systems. It allows for the creation of detailed 3D representations of various components and assemblies, such as formwork, glazing, tie-backs, and more.
A key area of interest when using 3D modeling software is the joints and edges between assemblies. These critical connection points require collaboration and coordination between multiple trades, and the software allows for a comprehensive analysis of these areas.
- Digital Fabrication
Digital fabrication, enabled by BIM technologies ensures that the manufacturing phase encounters minimal ambiguities and possesses sufficient information to fabricate components with minimal waste. By utilizing digital information, manufacturers can accurately translate design intent into fabrication instructions, reducing errors and improving efficiency. Digital fabrication can be seen in sheet metal fabrication, structural steel fabrication, pipe cutting, and prototyping through 3D printing.
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- 3D Control and planning or Digital Layout
An information model is used to layout facility assemblies or automate control of equipment’s movement and location.
- Field/Manage Tracking
A Field Management BIM software is used during the construction, commissioning and handover process. It is used to manage, track, task and report on quality (QA/QC), safety, documents to the field, commissioning and handover programs, connected to the BIM models.
- Record Modeling or As-built Modeling
Record modeling is used to depict an accurate representation of the physical conditions, environment, and assets of a facility. It is the culmination of all the BIM Modeling throughout the project, including linking Operation, Maintenance and Asset data to the As-built model (created from the Design, Construction, 4D coordination models, and subcontractor fabrication models) to deliver a record model to the owner or the facility manager.
Why BIM is Important to Construction Managers?
Although the design team is typically the group most closely associated with Building Information Modeling (BIM), Construction Managers (CM) also play a crucial role in ensuring that the necessary components for a successful construction project are present and accurate. While CMs are not typically involved in the creation of the BIM model itself, they must possess a thorough understanding of the procedures and technologies utilized throughout the project’s lifespan, extending beyond the design phase.
It’s essential to manage the asset throughout its lifecycle, from conception to operation and ultimately decommissioning. Construction managers must possess a comprehensive understanding of BIM data, analyze and contribute to it, and verify its accuracy to maximize its potential benefits. They must utilize model information and innovative work methods to support novel construction techniques, scheduling, cost, quality, coordination, fabrication, sequencing, facilities management, and more. To meet this broader scope of responsibilities, construction managers must adopt new tools, processes, and skillsets.
Benefits of BIM for Contractors
BIM has become valuable method in construction industry and there are several benefits that are recognized and implemented by general contractors and subcontractors to get efficient project outcomes.
- Improve Planning and Design
BIM allow contractors to collaborate closely with architects, engineers during the planning and design phase of the project. This way contractors can provide constructability inputs and valuable insights for efficient and cost-effective solutions.
- Efficient Coordination
BIM improve the coordination among the different trades, where contractors can integrate architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing models in BIM platform like Navisworks to enable clash detection and resolving conflicts before the construction begins.
- Accurate Cost Estimation
General contractors and subcontractors can extract accurate quantities of the building materials and components directly from the detailed BIM model. This eliminates the manual calculations and errors, enabling precise bidding and procurement.
- Improve Construction Simulation and Scheduling
BIM allow platform to integrate construction simulation and scheduling data with the 3D BIM model. This help owners, contractors to optimize project timelines, plan resources, ensuring efficient project execution.
- On-site Construction Management
BIM allow real time onsite access in digital model which allow contractors to monitor the accurate installation, verify compliance with design intent, and track construction progress.
Conclusion
Leveraging BIM in Construction industry empowers general contractors, subcontractors with improved construction execution, coordination, thus enhance overall project efficiency, mitigate construction risks, reduce cost overruns, save time and budget. Integrating BIM and contractors in the early phase of planning and design can reduce the design errors which can be resolved before the construction begins.
Original version of this blog is published at https://www.bimprous.com/bim-in-construction/
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