BIM

What is BIM?

There is a common misconception that BIM means 3D design. In fact, it’s much more. BIM is a process for creating and managing all of the information on a project – before, during and after construction. The output of this process is the Building Information Model, the digital description of every aspect of the built asset.
BIM – Building Information Modelling

• Building Information Modeling is gradually becoming the norm for modern project execution.
• Apart from creating digital data base for project, BIM enable enhanced level of integration and interoperability within design environment.

The Growth of BIM

The use of BIM in construction and engineering is not new, but the rate of growth becomes clear when you look at the usage pattern & people using this tool for the project detailed engineering. This growth rate is clearly multifold!

The benefits of BIM

When we think of BIM, we often think of better design coordination and improved constructability. But the real value can come after handover, when the owner or facility manager receives a complete and accurate set of information.  Even more than that, BIM provides a set of interrelated and cross-referenced information. For example, objects in the model are linked to related information including manuals, specifications, commissioning data, photos, and warranty details on a click away. This allows the owner or facility manager to efficiently and accurately manage the asset.

• Enhanced VISUALIZATION prior to construction phase of the projects
• Quick VIRTUAL MOCKUP
• Seamless 3D COORDINATION
• Time saving PREFABRICATION for squeezing project schedule
• As built RECORD MODEL for future working

VISUALIZATION

• Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a great visualization tool. It provides a three dimensional virtual representation of the Plant & building.
• The construction manager can provide renderings, walkthroughs, and sequencing of the model to better communicate the BIM concept in 3D.
• Visualization provides a better understanding of what the final product may look like. It takes away thought process of bringing the different traditional 2D views together to come up with the 3D view of a detail.

VIRTUAL MOCK UP

• Furthermore, virtual mock-ups such as laboratories or building envelope can be provided to the designer and the owner. This would help to visualize, better understand, and make decisions on the aesthetics and the functionality of the space.
• The virtual mock ups help to communicate and collaborate among the project participants.
• Virtual mock up is very cost efficient in comparison to a physical mock-up,
• Physical mock-up may still be required if a member such as an assembly of the building skin / louvers to have better understanding. But, virtual mock-ups could become a good standard to initiate the mock up process and an actual mock-up may be necessary after the virtual mock up is approved. For sure, virtual mock up will reduce the physical mock up cost in a great way.

3D COORDINATION

• Collaboration of the construction team with the architect, engineer and the owner is preferred to be started on early stages of design phase. At that time, the Building Information Modeling shall immediately be implemented.
• The 3D coordination can be started right after the model is created to ensure that any same space interference (hard clash) or clearance clash (soft clash) conflicts are resolved
• Overall, the coordination efforts of construction manager and specialty contractors in advance of construction help to reduce design errors tremendously and to better understand ahead of time the work to be done.

PREFABRICATION

• BIM can provide accurate Prefabrication platform to save on time & cost with improved quality of fabrication for structural work as there are more tools and options readily available in a workshop as compared to jobsite for performing more precisely, and less costly in a shorter period of time.

RECORD MODEL

• Construction Managers can provide a record Building Information Model to the owner at the end of a project. The model includes the integration of the as-built from the subcontractors.
• Furthermore, each object property in the model can also include links to submittals, operations and maintenance, and warranty information. Centralized database can help the facilities department to find information easier.
• Record model can be used to manage security and safety information such as emergency lighting, emergency power, fire extinguishers, fire alarm, smoke detector and sprinkler systems.
• Furthermore, the facility team can analyze energy efficiency of a virtually built model. In addition to that, facilities team can plan with record model to maintain and renovate buildings by tracking spatial information such as furniture, equipment, and MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) connections.
• Finally, the facilities department / end user can utilize the model to generate cost and schedule impacts for maintenance and renovation projects.
• Overall, a record model can be utilized to optimize facility management and maintenance.