Building Information Modelling is a process that integrates the entire supply chain into an interactive 3D model. It is a collaborative tool in which everyone involved in a building's creation and life cycle has real-time information and total transparency in their communication and collaboration.
BIM is currently seen as one of the most important technologies in construction today due to its ability to improve the entire project team's ability to deliver safer, more cost-effective constructions.
Besides the design process, BIM also proves to be helpful in steps after construction. Below, you'll find the benefits of using BIM and you absolutely need to adopt it.
Benefits of BIM
Using BIM can enhance the construction process in several ways. The following are some of the benefits you can get from using BIM in your building projects.
Maximises Efficiency
One of the major benefits of BIM is the higher efficiency it brings. BIM makes all steps of the planning and pre-construction phases easier to manage. Plus, it takes less time to complete these steps.
BIM also facilitates faster and more efficient communication between the architect and the contractor. This means that you will get a strong and collaborative design, which can result in less re-work and faster construction completion.
The integration of BIM into a project increases information sharing among team members, enhances planning, and reduces rework. As a result, projects run more smoothly and efficiently.
The data from BIM software can also be used to generate databases and production drawings for manufacturing. It allows stakeholders to use modular construction and prefabrication technology.
By detailing, building, and designing in a controlled environment offsite, you can increase your project's efficiency, lower material costs, reduce labour, and diminish waste.
Allows Model-Based Cost Estimation
Cost estimation is one of the most important concerns in construction, as it is commonly about determining the projected cost before starting a project. BIM's ability to create accurate models lends well to better costing estimation.
The availability of an accurate model makes cost evaluation much easier. It also helps you reduce costs by eliminating rework and schedule delays.
With BIM tools like BIM 360 Docs and Autodesk Revit, you can automate cost application and quantification. Doing so saves you time to focus on other more demanding and high-value aspects of construction, such as factoring risks.
Gives Better Project Insights
BIM allows contractors to have a more realistic look into what the project's outcome will be. It enables project stakeholders to identify potential issues early, giving them an opportunity to resolve them before moving on.
This capability also allows the project owner and contractor to see what's happening in real time. It can provide photos, diagrams, and videos of completed models, making it easier for the owner to make decisions about their property.
On the one hand, it helps you understand the building project up close. On the other hand, it prevents unnecessary work as you get an early insight into what makes sense and what has to be changed.
Lowers Wastage and Risk
BIM also reduces wastage and risk in a construction project. This is achieved by allowing you to model different stages of your work before starting implementation, which reduces waste and provides an early look into potential problems to save you from failure.
In addition, BIM helps owners reduce the common risks involved in projects such as inconsistency between actual conditions and specifications, change orders, and warranties.
It also enhances on-site safety by providing real-time visualisation, allowing everyone involved in the project to be aware of any potential hazards.
BIM's ability to provide accurate data and information allows you to make better decisions. This can also improve overall site safety by making sure that all team members are aware of their surroundings through accurate geometry, dimensions, and labels.
Facilitates Scheduling and Clash Detection
Construction schedule setbacks can be a major problem. However, BIM helps you easily gather and access information from your subcontractors to determine their involvement in the project.
Using BIM can help you schedule and manage all subcontractors to complete tasks in a timely manner. This is particularly useful when dealing with multiple projects at once, as it gives you an accurate look into when everyone is expected to be finished with their tasks.
BIM allows you to determine the critical path, which is valuable insight when trying to manage subcontractors because it creates a clear picture of who needs what from whom and by when.
This information then serves as a basis for negotiation and can help resolve conflicts that might arise between parties on site.
How to Use BIM in Construction?
Working with BIM takes more than just installing a few applications on your computer and clicking away. You need to use smart software that can help you solve specific problems in the building industry.
Here's a brief description of the steps needed to deploy BIM in construction:
Identify Your Needs: Firstly, you need to understand what needs to be done. What are your specific problems? Once you identify them, you will be able to find the software that can help solve them.
Know Your Inter-Relationships: Keep in mind that everything is connected. You don't just design one aspect of your building. Rather, you design several of them simultaneously. This includes elements such as structural and architectural engineering, which eventually create an interconnected building assembly.
Select the Software: Having considered your needs and relationships, you need to identify the software that can help solve these issues.
Make Responsibilities Clear: Once the software is selected, you need to pick the people who will oversee its implementation.
Start Using: Finally, once you have everything set up, use the software to monitor your projects and carry out all necessary tasks.
Final Words
Summing up, BIM is extremely beneficial for owners and contractors of construction projects.
It not only helps you save time and money but can also improve safety on site and enhance overall quality. This is why more and more companies are switching over to BIM software for all their major construction tasks.
Projects using building information modelling have a higher likelihood of maximising effectiveness and gaining success at every step of the project lifecycle and even beyond.