Building Information Modelling (BIM) - The new era of construction

The Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industries have long sought techniques to decrease project cost, increase productivity and quality, and reduce project delivery time.

Building Information Modelling (BIM) offers the potential to achieve these objectives. To put it simply, BIM refers to a collaborative method of working which is based on the generation and exchange of data and information between the various project parties.

Based on this information the full cycle of a building, from conception to completion, can be managed. In that sense, it is an indispensable part of the decision-making process. It allows projects to be built virtually before they are constructed physically, eliminating many of the inefficiencies and problems that arise during the construction process.

BIM creates efficiency and users will get enormous benefits. It helps in better collaboration and communication. Digital BIM models allow for sharing, collaborating, and versioning that paper drawing sets don’t. With cloud-based tools, BIM collaboration can seamlessly occur across all disciplines within the project. Cloud access also allows project teams to take the office to the field.

BIM also helps in model-based cost estimation. Many AEC firms are realizing that including estimators earlier in the planning stage allows for more effective construction cost estimation, which has led to the growth of model-based cost estimating (also known as 5D BIM).

Preconstruction project visualization is also a significant function of BIM. By using BIM, you can plan and visualize the entire project during preconstruction, before the shovel hits the ground. Space-use simulations and 3D visualizations allow clients to experience what the space will look like, offering the ability to make changes before construction starts. Having a greater overview from the beginning minimizes expensive and time-consuming changes later.

BIM allows design and documentation to be done at the same time, and for documentation to be easily changed to adapt to new information such as site conditions. Schedules can be planned more accurately and communicated exactly and the improved scheduling helps projects be more likely to be completed on time or early.

BIM can help improve construction safety by pinpointing hazards before they become problems and avoiding physical risks by visualizing and planning site logistics ahead of time. Visual risk analysis and safety evaluations can help ensure safety over the course of the project execution.

Overall, the construction industry is seeking to reduce guesswork and project risk, as well as improve information flow when it comes to major decisions and large monetary commitments. Building Information Modelling has become an invaluable tool with an abundance of benefits for the construction industry. Projects utilizing BIM have a greater chance of success and maximize effectiveness for every stage of the project lifecycle and beyond.