Building information modeling or BIM is a 3D model-based process that provides engineering, construction, and architecture professionals the insight as well as tools to efficiently plan, design, build, and manage construction projects. It’s a process supported by several technologies and tools, and this involves generating and managing digital representations of functional and physical characteristics of places. BIMs are essentially files which you can extract, exchange, or network to support decisions regarding a particular built asset.
Importance of building information modeling
With the expansion of construction activities, the need for BIMs becomes apparent. Without BIMs, you can’t carry out major projects. Even smaller projects deliver the best results with the usage of BIM software. Today, you can use innovative BIM software applications in various sectors such as communication utilities, electricity, gas, water, refuse, bridges, railways, roads, tunnels, and ports. Here’s why BIM is important for any construction project.
Captures reality
Better mapping tools have greatly expanded the accessibility of information about project sites which wasn’t possible earlier. Nowadays, project starts embody aerial imagery as well as digital evaluation in conjunction with laser scans of the existing infrastructure. Such an adjustment accurately captures reality and streamlines project preparations. BIM benefits designers with all of the input compiled and shared accurately in a way that can’t be captured with paper.
Improves productivity, reduces cost
Since building information modeling tends to be a single point of reference, it improves operational as well as communication efficiency. This, in turn, greatly cuts down the cost of cross-referencing. It also minimizes the approval time during the construction phase of the project, resulting in improvements in the quality of work and productivity. Increased productivity subsequently leads to a reduction in time and cost of the overall project. In this way, BIM lets a business tap the dual benefits of cost and time concurrently.
Maintains control
The digital-based workflow encompasses aids like auto-save and connections to the project history, assuring users they’ve captured their time expended on the model. The auto-save function can be a life-saver to recover past files when you need them urgently as a reference for an ongoing project. Plus, the connection to the project history can help you to avert disastrous disappearances and corruption of files that could impinge productivity and make your blood boil.
Improves collaboration
BIM makes sharing as well as collaboration with models easier than before. With numerous functions, you get to connect and collaborate with models with the blink of an eye. This isn’t an option with paper drawing sets.
Today, a major portion of project management functionality is delivered on the cloud, making things even better. Using various tools, you can share complex project models and coordinate integration with similar models. Review as well as markup steps further assure that everybody has contributed to the evolution of the project design and everything is ready to be executed once the concept is accepted and finalized.
Resolves conflict
The building information modeling tool-set helps to automate any clash detection such as electrical conduit and/or ductwork that runs into a beam. With early modeling of these things, clashes are identified early and expensive on-site clashes are reduced to a great extent. BIM also ascertains an ideal fit of components manufactured offsite, allowing these elements to bolt easily into place instead of creating them onsite.
Lines your steps in a sequence
The BIM process with a model as well as an accurate set of sub-models lines up your steps in a sequence for each phase of construction. Crews and materials also align properly for a more effective construction process. Perfected with animations, BIM facilitates coordination of processes and steps, delivering an anticipated path for the desired outcome. As a result, any instances of errors or blunders are eliminated, which is a possibility with paper drawing sets.
Reduces fragmentation
Before building information modeling, it was very difficult to get a global view of any project due to various unconnected documents in the model. In some cases, it took many years for designers to find the forest for trees. BIM lets you do away with this obstacle. By puling all documents of the project in one view, BIM allows teams to communicate and collaborate more efficiently, minimizing fragmentation of the project.
Decreases reworks
Reworks are common in construction projects. However, a series of reworks can delay the project substantially. Unclear information between executioners and designers or lack of updated info can lead to reworks which can eat a lot of time and money. However, since BIM is centralized, any changes or ambiguity is instantly reflected with suitable solutions, leading to uniform information and seamless work activity with zero errors.
Scalability
Major construction projects are a long-term commitment. Even a simple building project takes up to two to three years to complete. With a slow paper-based drawing set, your project moves slowly. On the other side, building information modeling lets you scale your business by focusing on multiple projects concurrently. Without worrying about mistakes and time-lags, you can carry out multiple projects with the BIM process.
Affordability
Folks who aren’t familiar with the BIM process think that using this cutting-edge technology might be out of their budget range. However, this is way beyond the truth. You can use BIM without burning your finances. Plus, you can recoup the cost of the technology in terms of speedy construction, reduced cost, and higher profitability. If you review the cost of BIM with the benefits, you’ll figure out that the benefits surpass the cost in all respects.
Bottom line
The above points highlight the growing popularity and importance of building information modeling. Improved productivity, reduced cost, better control, minimum rework, seamless project execution, scalability, etc are some of the wonderful perks of using the BIM process. For these reasons, many construction businesses adopt this innovative technique in their projects. Today, construction businesses that employ BIM enjoy an edge over others. On the other side, construction and infrastructure ventures that don’t use BIM witness a big failure. So decide which side you wish to be and make an educated choice.
