The Future of Construction: Embracing BIM Technology

BIM or Building Information Modelling is a highly collaborative process that allows architects, engineers, real estate developers, contractors, manufacturers, and other construction professionals to plan, design, and construct a structure or building within a single 3D model.

Understanding the Components of BIM

Let's break down the alphabets of BIM to understand the term better:

Building (B)

The 'B' in BIM stands for “building”. It covers all constructions in the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) industry, from residential and industrial buildings to bridges and roads. BIM refers to any 'built form'.

Information (I)

The key word in BIM is the ‘I’ – “information”. BIM is centered around models made up of objects. The data in the model defines the design elements and establishes behavior and relationships between model components. Thus, when an element in a model is changed, every view is updated with the new change appearing in section, elevation, and sheet views.

Modelling (M)

The 'M' stands for “modelling”. BIM models are known to be packed with data. And most of this data is collected throughout the modelling stage. Additionally, BIM models contain even the smallest details that may be crucial for later stages.

Advantages of BIM in the AEC Industry

Building Information Modelling (BIM) has proven to be a valuable tool for design and construction teams, regardless of their size, during the last two decades. The advantages of BIM in the AEC industry are endless. Here are some of the key benefits:

BIM Brings Down the Project Cost and Saves Resources

BIM technology has provisions for the calculation of project estimates, 5th dimension of BIM. BIM allows for quick and reliable estimates for the materials, shipping, and labor costs that automatically update alongside revisions. This provides architects and other stakeholders with a much better idea of project cost and scheduling compared to conventional methods.

BIM Ensures Greater Efficiency and Shorter Project Duration

BIM allows for a more continuous flow of information and opens up new possibilities for better efficiency, accuracy, collaboration, and cooperation between the parties involved in the building. It is not surprising that using BIM leads to reduced project completion time and cost, increased productivity, and quality.

BIM Improves Interdisciplinary Coordination and Communication

BIM allows for seamless collaboration between all disciplines. BIM uses all the information on a project to create a virtual model with its details, from conception to operation. One of the star advantages of BIM is that it allows for inter-disciplinary cloud collaboration. This means that all the different consultants, whether electrical MEP or HVAC, can make and receive all the updates and details about a project in real-time.

BIM Increases Productivity and the Scope for Pre-fabrication

Pre-fabrication is a process in which all the parts of the building are constructed somewhere off-site, sometimes partially installed, and brought to the building site for final installation. The method is superior to the more traditional way as the construction speed and even costs are calculated with precision. This is similar to the above-mentioned point about BIM technology's contribution to sustainability. Also, there are fewer on-site waste and labor requirements.

BIM Yields Higher Quality Results

Using BIM not only makes the process of construction smoother but also improves the overall project quality as a result.

BIM Helps with Sustainable Construction

BIM offers greater transparency and improves efficiency during the design and construction phases and offers greater control during the operations phase.

In my personal opinion, BIM technology is a great tool and process and is going to rule the future of the construction industry. There is no doubt that the demand for BIM will keep growing, especially as firms around the world are committing to efficiency and sustainable building design.