Building Information Modelling (BIM)
Layouts are important since they show an exact picture of what the building will look like. They help make sure the work follows the plan. Also, they improve communication, reduce mistakes, and make the site safer. In addition, they support better planning, design improvements, cost planning, and spotting problems early. The project is more likely to succeed when everyone has the same information.
Especially in these modern days, it shows how digital tools like building information modelling (BIM) have become one of the keys in the construction field. It offers the benefit of health and safety on the worksite by improving the precision of design and teamwork. Therefore, it helps parties to make informed decisions and risk assessments.
What is building information modelling (BIM)?
Building information modelling (BIM) is a method that promotes joint working between all the areas involved in the design, maintenance, and use of structures. In addition, it is a complete process of creating and handling details for a built asset. It produces its data in a digital image of an asset across its phases. Starting from preparation and design to construction operations. Moreover, here are some key aspects of BIM:
- 3D modelling: It uses 3D design to represent the structure.
- Collaboration: Engineers, contractors, and other parties will be working together throughout the process.
- Digital representation: Building information modelling (BIM) provides the potential result of the project in a digital form. That allows for virtual study and analysis.
- Life cycle management: BIM supports the development from start to finish.
- Data sharing: The method helps each stakeholder to share the data.
- Reduce errors: It helps find problems early and fix them before construction through early clash detection.
Understanding how building information modelling (BIM) works
This creates digital images of structures and shows how they appear in the real scenario. It uses details and multi-field data from various sources to create the digital depiction. Building information modelling (BIM) will act as a central knowledge resource and a 3D digital version of a 2D set of blueprints.
The image is visualised using BIM objects. They create a 3D portrayal of each object and structure with similar details. The application of building information modelling (BIM) has impacts on every aspect of the facility lifecycle. For more insight, the steps you have to go through are:
Planning
The process starts with planning. In this part, every party will talk together to define the project goals and BIM uses. For example, set clear objectives for 3D modelling, clash detection, scheduling, and cost estimation. After that, they can develop a BIM Execution Plan (BEP). It is an established standard, roles, joint processes, software platforms, and data exchange formats.
Conceptual design
Once the plan is ready, the team can build the initial models. They can use building information modelling (BIM) tools of their choice to do this. The purpose is to create conceptual massing, site layout, and spatial relationships. From here, they can study the site conditions, energy use, and initial cost estimates.
Detailed design
After every party has agreed on the conceptual design, they can move to a more detailed plan. They can create intricate structural, architectural, and MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) models while still using BIM tools. From here, stakeholders are going to work together and solve any clash if there is one. If everything has settled, they can start to create accurate drawings, schedules, and amounts from the representation.
Construction documentation
They will have to come up with approved blueprint documents once the structure process begins. It contains shop drawings, standards, and work plans taken straight from the building information modelling (BIM) virtual layout. Also, they can combine scheduling and cost data to test and plan construction activities.
Operations and upkeep
After the project has finished, they can hand over the digital copy, delivering complete blueprints to the facility managers. Therefore, the management can use the BIM for space planning, asset tracking, and upkeep scheduling. In doing so, it helps them to manage everything related to the building, such as design coordination, material scheduling, cost estimation, and construction timelines.
Renovation or demolition
Over time, a building will deteriorate. However, they can easily keep track of it with the support of building information modelling (BIM). There are going to be cracking walls, water damage, crawl space moisture, and more issues. If the damage is still manageable, the issues can be repaired. However, if the problem is too severe, it may not be possible to fix, and the decision to demolish the structure may follow.
