How to harness the potential of BIM in the construction industry?

Last Updated on November 23, 2023 by softtech

The construction industry for the past few decades has come a long way. Sketching building designs on sheets of paper has become a talk of the bygone era. Architects now make use of technology to draft 3D sketches of building projects. BIM, also known as building information modelling, is one such innovative technology that is used to represent digital models in construction. Wondering what BIM in construction is?

What is BIM?
BIM serves as the foundation of digital transformation in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry. In simpler terms, it helps to create 3D models that represent both the physical and functional characteristics of a building. BIM maps manufacturing specifications, schedules maintenance, and generates logistics requirements for building projects.

The advent of BIM technologies in the AEC (Architecture, Engineering & Construction) industry
BIM is crucial for the developments in the AEC industry. Sketching architecture designs on paper and taping them together to create a canvas proved to be time-consuming. The age-old process also has a high risk of miscalculation, which would lead to restarting the entire process. The advent of computing BIM technologies changed everything. BIM in the AEC industry gave architects the ability to test out a plethora of design options, flooring plans, and building material on the digital front before initiating the construction process.

How is BIM changing the construction industry landscape?
Although BIM was conceptualized during the 19th century, it was put to use only in the 20th century. BIM now serves as an authoring tool that oversees the process of planning, designing, construction, and operations.

Best Practices in realizing the full value of BIM in the AEC space
BIM finds its usage in every stage of building projects. The key areas of its usage are:

Operations and Maintenance
Bim helps with future renovation planning and analyzing future goals. It also enables easy information sharing and storing of case studies for future usage.

Planning and Design
Bim assists with 3D modeling, object selection, and creating simulations. Bim facilitates digital rectification of design flaws thus helping to reduce on-site waste.

Project Collaboration
Bim is used by designers and architects for structure and model design sharing. It is used by engineers, contractors, and insurers for project cost estimation. It is utilized by facility managers and project managers for planning logistics and material requirements.

Construction
Bim finds its usage in task scheduling, material procurement, and facility management. The software also assists with project monitoring, asset management, and performance analysis.

Benefits of BIM

The primary benefits of bim in architecture, engineering, and construction industry include:

Facilitates cost-cutting
BIM 360 docs help find the estimated cost of materials, material shipping, labor charges, and shipping prefabrication prices. As a result, it helps the architects to use cost-effective materials, reduce costly repairs and streamline construction workflow.

Onsite communication facilitator
BIM improves communication between architects, clients, contractors, and workers. The storage of the design model, cost estimates, and material information avoids miscommunication.

BIM offers preconstruction project visualization
It offers space usage visualization through 3D design. The process saves time on construction changes.

Clash Detection
The software aids in finding internal and external onsite and offsite clashes. Bim detects machinery faults, employee grievances, and software errors. The beforehand clash detection helps to find solutions for resolving the error.

BIM increases the productivity
BIM generates production drawings and allows the use of prefabrication technology. In addition, it helps analyze whether it’s better to build offsite or prefabricate.

Offers better safety on construction sites
It helps avoid onsite logistic planning risks and evaluate safety measures.

Conclusion

BIM software fast-tracks the performance of the construction organization. In the changing business world, BIM software has revolutionized old-age construction methods. In addition, BIM boosts efficiency, productivity, accessibility, and communication. As a result, the software makes investment in the AEC industry worthwhile.