What is BIM?
Building Information Modeling is a full-scale process of creating and managing information for any built asset. Based on a brilliant model and assisted by a cloud platform, BIM combines structured, multi-faceted data to deliver a digital depiction of investment across its entire lifecycle, from planning until design to building and all operations.
Building Information Modeling is a critical step in digital transformation in the AEC industry. BIM is the industry’s answer to realizing better ways of working and achieving better outcomes for business and the built world now and in the future.
Is BIM important?
According to the United Nations, it’s believed that by 2050 the world’s population will be 9.7 billion. The whole Architecture, Engineering, Construction industry should endeavour to acquire cleaner, more efficient approaches to design and construction. Not only to catch up with global trends and demands but also to allow the creation of spaces that are neater and more durable.
BIM facilitates design and construction teams to work with excellent efficiency. It also allows them to record the data created during the process to smooth out all operations and maintenance activities. This advantage makes BIM important hence its mandates are steady across the world.
BIM and its uses.
The AEC industry utilizes BIM for the sole function of creating and managing data throughout the design, construction, and operations process. BIM integrates multi-faceted data to develop detailed digital depictions that are all addressed in an open-cloud program for live collaboration. The use of BIM grants you more comprehensive visibility, better choice-making, more eco-friendly options, and cost-effectiveness on your AEC projects.
Who uses BIM?
- Architects; reports state that 60% of architects who use BIM do so on more than half of their projects, with that total forecast to rise to 89% by 2024.
- MEP and structural engineers; reports say that 51% of MEP and structural engineers that use BIM do so on more than half of their projects, which is forecast to rise to 80% by 2024.
- Reports state that 46% of civil engineers that use BIM do so on more than half of their projects, with this total forecast to rise to 72% by 2024.
- Contractors; reports state that 41% of contractors who use BIM do so on more than half of their projects, with that total set to 69% by 2024.
The BIM process.
The entirety of the BIM process backs the creation of intelligent data that functions throughout the lifecycle of a building or infrastructural setup.
- PLAN
Add detail to project planning by combining reality capture and real-life data to create context models of existing buildings and the natural environment.
In this phase, carry out idealized design, analytics, detailing and necessary documentation. The pre-construction process uses BIM data to assist and manage all scheduling and logistics. The blueprint of the whole project gets designed in this step.
- BUILD
During this phase, construction begins using the generated BIM specifications analysis as the necessary fabrication logistics are shared with all suppliers and trusted contractors to enable optimization of timing and efficiency.
The building is the action stage of the process; the construction or infrastructure takes shape.
- OPERATE
The BIM data shifts over to the operations to maintain all setup infrastructure or constructed buildings. Engineers can utilize that same data over a while, for instance, when there is a need for cost-effective renovation or effective, sustainable deconstruction.
The BIM Objects
The BIM objects are the components that make up any BIM model. These components are intelligent, are geometrical, and they store data. Therefore if any element alters, BIM software automatically updates the model, reflecting that change. This feature ensures consistency and coordination within the system for the entirety of the process. All parties, i.e. the structural engineers, the architects, the MEP engineers, the designers, the project managers, and the contractors, can work in a very collaborative space.
The information in BIM
As a whole, BIM refers to how all people involved in the construction and lifecycle management of buildings or infrastructure are working together and sharing relevant data. However, it is vital to note that the real strength of BIM lies in the “information”. All of the information collected from the start to finish — isn’t just kept; it’s necessary for action.
How BIM Information Is Shared.
All the information in any BIM model sharing is through a collectively accessible online space known as a Common Data Environment, CDE. The data obtained is known as an ‘Information Model’. These Information models may be vital at any of the stages of a building’s life, from conception to operation— and sometimes renovations and renewals. The link between parties is the reason for the success of BIM.
The Future of BIM
Undoubtedly, BIM is here to stay because of its clear-cut benefits. BIM has redefined all goals and objectives that benefit all those who get the work done through the levels. As this BIM approach increases its sophistication, further dimensions like 4D, 5D, or even 6D BIM could begin to play a role in the entire process. Unmistakably, the future of construction is yet to be even more collaborative and digitalized.
A Walk through a BIM model in VR.
Each passing day, stakeholders are taking walks through BIM models with augmented and virtual reality assistance. Such applications enable contractors and manufacturers to detect clashes and even training. In contrast, architects can sell their designs and investors to take a “look” into their potential structures and ease the decision making for any maintenance and retrofitting.
In addition to that, all over the world, there is a need to reduce significantly waste buildup in construction. This buildup has supply chain inefficiencies and clashes to blame. Still, by working in unison through a BIM environment, this waste buildup is less likely to occur, leaving a bright chance at the end of the tunnel for a sustainable future.