There was a foreman in a shipyard whose radio malfunctioned. He received all the messages between all the other foremen. He soon became the go-to person in the yard when anyone had a question because he knew what was happening everywhere.
Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a little like the all-knowing foreman. It creates an information platform accessible to all stakeholders. BIM blends two critical elements of project management, planning and programming, to facilitate collaboration in a convenient and effective way.
How Does BIM Work?
BIM is a digital process that creates a representation of a building project using advanced modelling technology. It provides all stakeholders with an accurate representation of all the critical areas of the project.
The data that the BIM provides creates a platform where different disciplines can input specific information relating to their field of expertise. Typical information consists of data related to material sizes and specifications but extends far further into areas such as schedules, milestones and critical interventions to ensure safety and avoid delays.
BIM software constructs a 3D model of the project. Individual sections of the model are loaded with comprehensive data relating to each section’s properties and how each one fits into the overall project.
The data includes:
- The building’s physical properties
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- Material data
- Geometry of the building
- Sustainability and performance data
- Scheduling
- Costs
- Geographic parameters
The BIM 3D model can be used to create 2D drawings far quicker than traditional methods. Because the data is integrated into the overall project, amendments can be tracked and filed for future reference.
The critical element of BIM is that it is a process rather than a technology. Two fundamental processes require compliance for BIM to be successful. Relevant information needs to be accurately spelled out for each participant, and the manner in which the information will be delivered needs to be mutually agreed upon.
Benefits and Drawbacks
BIM strips away the traditional cumbersome layers of communication and replaces them with a transparent communication structure that promotes an open and collaborative culture. This, in turn, generates a more cooperative attitude to problem-solving and idea-sharing.
BIM can benefit collaboration in other ways. By providing 3D visualizations of projects, it offers better decision-making and a greater likelihood of catching potential issues early in the design process. It can also help identify conflicts between different systems, which reduces the likelihood of on-site changes.
Now to turn to some of the drawbacks. BIM faces a limited adoption rate. Since the construction industry is fragmented, with a lot of small- and medium-sized businesses that are used to doing things a certain way, many do not have the incentive or resources to use it.
The information in BIM far exceeds the traditional sharing of drawings and site plans. The embedded information has the most expansive boundaries, which means that securing data is essential to avoid crippling cyber attacks. Companies who use BIM need to use firewalls to protect their data. It doesn’t matter what platform you use; you can get a firewall on mac, PC, tablet or mobile phone. For added protection you can get a hardware-based firewall, which comes either as a standalone device or built into a router. For a more detailed look at this topic read our article on Cyber Risk Management for Construction Companies.
As well, since multiple stakeholders are working on the same model, if a mistake happens it can be difficult to pinpoint responsibility, which leads to concerns about liability issues. Then there’s the question of who owns the digital model and fears of infringing on intellectual property rights.
Despite these obstacles, the enhanced communication envisaged in BIM is instrumental in transforming the construction industry into one where all stakeholders are provided with timely and detailed information that inspires a sense of belonging and responsibility for the project’s success.
BIM for Different Trades
Designers, Architects, Interior Decorators
Designers and architects utilize the potent creative features of BIM to create virtual models and investigate different layout options where the structural stability can be analyzed. They can identify critical areas and highlight potential conflicts by referencing the project timelines and milestones.
The BIM model can provide simulations to demonstrate the building’s performance under stressful conditions, such as heavy winds or possible flooding.
The data generated can be used by regulatory agencies to ensure that the building complies with local regulations. In addition, accurate forecasts regarding buildings’ energy usage can be provided.
By using BIM, they can create realistic photo representations of the proposed project, providing stakeholders with accurate information to promote the project and accurate imagery on which to base their decisions.
The digital model can provide a realistic walk-through of the building, allowing for a greater understanding of the correct construction sequence.
Construction Trades
Construction managers can view the entire project and understand the required planning sequence. The detailed instructions in the embedded data provide accurate information for the various trades to accomplish their scope of work within the specified parameters.
Various trades can access specific details of the project relevant to them. For example, the plumbing crew can access all the project piping drawings from the BIM.
BIM also allows construction crews to schedule their specific operations on time, avoiding delays.
Subcontractors
BIM provides subcontractors with their detailed scope of work, which specifies timelines, materials to be used and completion dates. By providing accurate and up-to-date information regarding the completion percentage of subcontracted work, project managers can monitor the project accurately.
Where alterations have been made to the original plan, the BIM can incorporate the ‘as-built’ modifications into the overall plan.
How Does BIM Help the Construction Industry?
BIM must satisfy all the role players by providing relevant, accurate and up-to-date information. Each stakeholder has a different focus, which needs to be aligned with the overall project objectives:
Architects <–>Design and Aesthetics
Engineers <–> Structural and MEPT* systems
Contractors <–> Building and installation of equipment
Clients <–> Ensuring costs remain within budget
Regulators <–> Compliance with laws and standards
*MEPT= Mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and technology
1. It provides clear objectives, which include setting goals and expectations for each participant and providing a detailed description of the type and timing of the required deliverables.
2. Clear communication frameworks are created that include protocols surrounding meetings and information-sharing platforms.
3. The Business Execution Plan (BEP) details each stakeholder’s responsibilities and provides the appropriate level of information required to perform successfully.
4. Milestones and timelines for achieving them are clearly defined and provide accurate guidance for measuring the project’s progress and identifying stakeholder responsibility for attaining them.
5. Potential risks and problems are identified in the BIM plan, and appropriate mitigating processes are introduced to minimize the risks and ensure the efficient completion of the project.
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