Building information modelling (BIM) is part of the digital technology transformation happening in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) world. It is significantly impacting how the industry runs.

 

What is a BIM Model?

BIM enables project teams and stakeholders to share information, collaborate and monitor construction costs and timelines with management tools that allow a more streamlined and real-time project management platform. Digital tools avoid the silos previously formed from traditional CAD building management.

BIM enables the complex aspects of construction management, such as open communication between design and construction teams, to be more visible, shareable and streamlined. This avoids many common issues that send projects spiralling in terms of cost and timeframes. Using BIM gives project managers a quick overview of an AEC project to keep closer track of spending and timeframes and remove many project clashes, which can occur when information takes time to filter to all interested parties.

 

A Common Data Environment

The BIM process captures data ready for the construction process to begin. The earlier in the process that BIM is adopted, the more effect it will have on the project. Communication is improved, and all working on a project can access the data in one place, leading to a more coordinated and real-time approach. Companies like The CAD Room offer specialist BIM outsourcing partnerships, ideal for those seeking expertise to bring BIM within their project cost-effectively. Working with an experienced BIM partner means you can be sure you have a well-versed team in your corner for as much or as little of the project as you need.

Once project data has been collected, amendments and updates are immediately visible to onsite teams, project managers and stakeholders as agreed and required to make the project come in on budget and time. The ability to identify clashes and make changes that can be shared enables greater project collaboration and more effective communication, which is essential to drive the project forward effectively. 

BIM provides an effective platform to overcome the challenges in construction and is being proven to help bring construction projects of all sizes home within budget, design expectation and time. BIM has been a prerequisite for government construction projects since 2016. It has been mandatory for public sector construction to comply with BIM level 2. Smaller projects are also beginning to adopt the BIM way of working, and its use by architects, builders and actual trades is becoming more widespread.

 

BIM level 2

The key to BIM level 2 is collaboration, the ease of information exchanges between all parties involved in a project, using software that utilises a standard file format to make information sharing easy to use and accessible. BIM brings improved efficiency to large-scale projects, and in many cases, it can reduce the lifecycle of a project, with many aspects being both simpler and quicker.

BIM level 2 also offers hazard and risk analysis to identify issues before they become problematic, improving safety and efficiency. Thorough cost analysis allows reliable estimates for materials, labour and delivery costs to be accounted for before construction commences, giving greater budget control through selective material sourcing to find the most price/labour-effective material with project specifications easily updated.

 

BIM opportunity

BIM also enables greater prediction for project outcomes using virtual reality. Stakeholders, architects and construction professionals can see a built model within its real-life environment before it becomes a reality. The building’s impact can be assessed and changed, leading to better builds. Innovation scope in design becomes simpler as plans can be adjusted with minimal impact on the overall budget.

BIM can bring value to both new and existing buildings, benefits both for now and the future. These innovative BIM-led designs bring energy and environmentally efficient structure giving a solid case to support the growth of BIM within construction trades.