Through the use of building information modeling, the architecture, engineering, and construction industry is enhanced because of the improved collaboration and sharing of information. BIM is an electronic plan of the physical and operational attributes of a facility and is used to create an accurate source of information on the facility for use during its life cycle.
BIM allows architects and Construction Estimating Services contractors to collaborate more effectively on construction projects in the following ways:
- Visualization of Design Intent
- Clash Detection
- Cost Estimation
- Construction Scheduling
- Pre-Fabrication
- Facilitates Communication
- Real-Time Updates
This blog post discusses constructional changes that come with BIM that enhance the relationship between architect and contractor for better results.
Visualization of Design Intent
Another advantage of BIM is that you can see the building in a more detailed manner, especially if you use 3D models. Utilizing the architectural models, architects can produce 3D models that can capture the design intention whether in terms of geometry, spatial relations, geographic info., properties of building elements, etc.
These BIM models help the contractors to have proper insight into the architect’s concept. The models serve as an effective communication tool and help to minimize back-and-forth communications. They also enable contractors to recognize constructability concerns at an initial stage and work with architects to come up with potential resolutions. In particular, elements such as curved walls, intricate MEP systems, and many others are easier to decipher in 3D.
Clash Detection
Research shows that out of a Construction Estimating Companies’ expenses in any construction project, 30 percent is attributed to change orders. Among the major causes is a clash or conflict in the building systems which may be discovered at the later stages of construction.
Through the use of clash detection software, it is possible to detect clashes such as between structures, MEP systems, and other components like slabs, walls, beams, ductwork, pipes, etc by superimposing the architectural, structural, and MEP models.
Building structural conflict can consequently be handled by architects and contractors in the design phase and not when the construction is already undertaken thus saving a lot of time and money.
Cost Estimation
Information related to construction and design, such as the type of materials and systems used for construction, are embedded in BIM models. It simplifies quantity takeoff and cost estimate enabling early determination in the design phase. A contractor may use this for life cycle costs that would help in analyzing different designs concerning the cost and striving to achieve organizational goals and objectives on costs.
This kind of cooperation in contingency costs prevents subsequent large-scale budget surprises. It also means bending is minimized, which in turn helps to avoid many possible change orders as well. The takeoffs from BIM are much more precise as compared to the takeoff from 2D drawings with the help of the conventional quantity takeoff method.
Construction Scheduling
4D scheduling can be produced using BIM software where it is possible to relate the 3D models with the work schedule of the project. The project schedule visualized in 4D allows architects and contractors to:
- Get to know construction sequences and the order in which they will be implemented.
- Examine the potential of conflict of time and place in case of multiple trades
- Further, work together to enhance the efficiency of processes and procedures.
For instance, MEP and HVAC contractors may work with other trades because of the integration of their systems and the general schedule of work. It also provides a 4D scheduling which makes the design buildable since potential sequencing problems are highlighted.
Pre-Fabrication
BIM enables the modeling of dimensions that exist in the field, properties of the material, and fabrication requisition of parts of the building. These models are useful to contractors for designing and detailing complicated shop drawings for fabrication and direct transfer to CNC machines for prefabrication.
Since architects do have this information modeled in BIM, there is no need to reconvey any of this information for contractors. It also helps in minimizing mistakes in material procurement and construction of prefabricated components that originate from incorrect data on the 2D drawings. Models serve to enhance better coordination and result in quality and productivity.
Facilitates Communication
One of the biggest problems of AEC projects is the lack of effective communication. Through BIM software, different aspects of information can be in one single model in BIM reducing on development of sub-models. All project stakeholders can read and obtain any data they require from this model, thus preventing having different data from one project.
Other items such as visualization of designs, walkthroughs, clash reviews, etc., enhance comprehension and shorten the time required in decision-making processes. BIM models serve to facilitate information exchange that enhances coordination by involving multiple disciplines as well as teams.
Real-Time Updates
Elements of BIM software include linking information to models that are real-time updated. Whenever there is a modification made to the model by architects, contractors are informed to determine the effects on their activities.
For instance, modifications made to specifications for a wall type will immediately revise the cost plans associated with it. It minimizes instances where one part of a project uses a document that was updated and passed around to others, only for it to be out of date. By doing so, it enhances productivity since it reduces time wastage.
Conclusion
The integration of BIM methodology has a significant rationale for architects as well as contractors since it allows them to work more efficiently in the collaborative design phase. The major areas where the use of BIM facilitates information sharing include, Building design visualization, Identification of interference, Estimation of cost, Construction Estimating Service planning, and scheduling.
In this case, implementing BIM entails a certain level of capital investment in new software knowledge and hardware; nevertheless, this yields colossal cost benefits across the entire project delivery life cycle through the elimination of unnecessary coordination blunders. There is no question that the level of information integration, the frequency of exciting loops, the degree of transparency, and the kind of visualization that is achievable with BIM are unparalleled.
