In the rapidly advancing Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry, Building Information Modeling (BIM) has emerged as a game-changing technology that streamlines project delivery and improves collaboration between stakeholders.
However, it remains somewhat of a mystery to the many stakeholders involved, leading to sub-optimal use of technology, increased costs and missed opportunities.
Dispelling BIM myths is essential because understanding BIM capabilities can enable stakeholders to:
- Increase project efficiency and improve collaboration
- Reduce errors in the design or construction phase that eventually result in excessive costs and project delays
- Set realistic expectations about project success, estimated cost, and completion time
- Achieve integrated project delivery and improve product quality
When applied correctly, BIM can help construction companies make better decisions and reduce costs by facilitating team and stakeholder engagement. For architects, contractors, engineers, designers and building engineering consultants, it becomes critical to address the myths surrounding BIM and continually adapt to the changing landscape.
BIM Misconception #1: BIM is just 3D modeling
Fact: BIM is an intelligent, information-rich system based on three-dimensional models.
While 3D modeling and BIM involve the creation of visual representations of structures, there are significant differences between them.
- Intelligence and data: BIM models are more than 3D representations; they contain detailed data on structural properties, performance characteristics and specifications for each building component. Real-time data updates allow you to make informed decisions.
- Collaboration: BIM allows architects, engineers, real estate developers and contractors to plan, design and construct buildings within a 3D BIM model, facilitating better collaboration and communication between project stakeholders.
Schematic of the BIM model during the design, construction and maintenance phases of the building artifact.
Permission granted by Researchgate.net
An interesting project where the data management capabilities of BIM had a significant impact was the construction of an international airport terminal in the Middle East. As this was a very busy airport, the construction company had to ensure that the construction work was carried out without disrupting the current operations of other terminals. There were multiple areas of the airport terminal that required works, for which architectural, structural and BIM models from MEPF were required.
The project team used BIM to coordinate the design and construction of the complex structure, which included office buildings and several passenger terminals. Using BIM, the team created a coordinated and clash-free Revit 3D model at LOD 400, ensuring the MEPF model and designs were in harmony with the architectural and structural designs. The 360 degree view allowed the team to make smart and informed decisions that led to huge time and cost savings and trouble-free MEP installations.
BIM Misconception # 2: BIM implementation is expensive and time consuming
Fact: The ROI of implementing BIM is high, even though it takes time initially.
The initial costs associated with BIM implementation, including software, training and transition, can be somewhat high, but the ROI is significantly high.
- Software costs: BIM software may require an upfront investment, but the benefits of better project management and collaboration can outweigh these costs.
- Training costs: Training employees to use BIM tools is essential to a successful implementation, but increased efficiency and reduced errors can balance the investment.
- Transition time: BIM implementation can initially slow down the design process, but with proper planning and resource allocation, long-term benefits can be realized.
Finally, the long-term return on investment is important due to the accurate representation of data and data-driven decisions, as BIM enables greater process efficiency, reduces overall risk and leads to cost savings. money. In fact, many companies are increasingly choosing to outsource their projects to reliable BIM service providers.
A European property management company used BIM modeling to optimize and automate its workflows and processes. Automating Revit with Dynamo helped the client save 50% in time and 18% in project costs.
BIM Misconception #3: BIM is only for architects
Fact: BIM is a useful tool that is adopted by various professionals in the AEC space, including engineers, designers, contractors and facility managers.
BIM is used by different AEC stakeholders to resolve clashes or conflicts with objects of the same model that can occur between different disciplines, streamlining the entire design and construction process.
By integrating different disciplines such as architecture, structure and MEPF into a single or centralized model, BIM allows multiple teams to resolve potential clashes and conflicts in a timely manner during the pre-construction stage. This results in reducing the impact of costly rework and delays in project timelines. This collaborative environment fosters better communication and coordination among project stakeholders, resulting in more efficient and successful projects.
An example of a multidisciplinary project is that of a data center in Asia. Created a coordinated and clash-free 3D BIM model in Autodesk Revit for architectural, structural and MEPF disciplines. Early clash detection eliminated potential design clashes early in the design development stage, resulting in reduced rework and cost and time savings during actual construction.
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BIM Misconception #4: Traditional methods are just as effective
Fact: Traditional methods often lead to inaccuracies, BIM provides improved accuracy, efficiency and collaboration.
While traditional methods may have their merits, they often result in a lot of manual work and errors. BIM improves spatial awareness and accuracy by providing a 360-degree representation of the building, which allows for better visualization and understanding of the project. This helps to reduce on-site errors and ensure that all elements fit perfectly.
It also encourages interdisciplinary collaboration by consolidating all design information into a single, shared model. This allows multiple teams involved in a construction project to work together in real time, improving communication and coordination between project stakeholders.
With real-time updates and insights, BIM allows project managers to monitor project progress and make necessary adjustments. This helps reduce on-site errors and improve overall project efficiency.
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BIM Misconception #5: BIM doesn’t offer much value after the construction phase
Fact: BIM is beneficial throughout the construction lifecycle, especially in facility management and future renovations.
3D BIM models are information-rich and contain information about materials, components and equipment used in construction. This data can be invaluable when renovations are required, as a BIM model provides an accurate representation of the existing building, eliminating the need for extensive new studies or measurements.
BIM can also be seamlessly integrated with building systems to provide real-time data on building performance, energy use and occupancy patterns. This information can help facility managers optimize building operations, reduce energy consumption and improve overall efficiency.
A project management solutions company created a 3D BIM model at LOD 500 to AIA standards, for MEP, architectural and structural disciplines for a hospital project in Saudi Arabia. This information-rich model not only helped them gain an in-depth understanding of the building’s performance, but also enabled better decision-making and facility management.
Image: LOD 500 BIM model prepared by FM
Permission granted by Hitech Digital
Transformative impact of BIM in building engineering
- Improved collaboration between architects, engineers, contractors, etc.
- Better visualization and analysis of building systems
- Perfect execution of the project
- Engineers can extract accurate quantity takeoffs and generate cost estimates in real time
- Access detailed information about building components, warranty details, replacement schedules and more, facilitating proactive facility management
- Integration with IoT enables real-time monitoring of building systems, paving the way for smart building solutions
BIM best practices
Here are some practical tips for successfully implementing BIM in your organization:
- Identify an experienced BIM partner
- Develop a comprehensive BIM Implementation Plan (BIP).
- Set clear goals and objectives for BIM adoption
- Establish and follow BIM standards and protocols
- Invest in adequate training for employees
- Choose the right BIM software and tools
- Foster interdisciplinary collaboration
- Monitor progress and make necessary adjustments
- Assess and measure the success of BIM implementation
Along with this, establishing clear standards and protocols is essential for a successful BIM implementation, as:
- Ensure consistency and quality in BIM models
- Facilitate collaboration and communication between project stakeholders
- It helps manage project costs, improve quality and reduce overall project time
conclusion
In short, by debunking BIM myths and adopting BIM best practices, the AEC industry can benefit from improved accuracy, efficiency and collaboration.
It is essential that professionals explore the potential of BIM, dispel their misconceptions and fully embrace the future of construction and design.
