In today’s construction industry, Building Information Modeling (BIM) is the crucial link between design and construction that binds them together. It is, in its very essence, is a process for collaborative purposes — from the schematic design leading up to construction and turnover. In today’s standards, where tolerances and accuracy of executing design are getting stricter, it goes without saying that any project must go hand in hand with a BIM project.
Building Information Modelling (BIM) in today’s Construction Industry
BIM software allows engineers and designers to create a digital building in a computer prior to construction. All details particularly drawings, plans, blueprints, and specifications can be transformed into BIM models with clean layers, rich details, and references.
Therefore, problems mostly encountered during the construction phase can be detected in the early stages, analyzed, and sorted out — all in collaboration with all the trades involved.
More importantly, BIM serves as the master reference of all parties. Without utilizing any BIM model, many parties will be subjected to what we call the “information loss gap”. This happens due to the non-existence of a master reference, where all parties are relying on each other, and each other alone for reference without a duly centralized reference. In other words, BIM is used to bridge the information loss gap between the design team, construction team, and client.
The 5 Steps towards a Successful BIM Project are:
1. Pre-design: The designer starts on the schematic model by using a BIM software. Once the architectural schematic design is done, it will be presented to the client, complete with renderings and walk-throughs. The client will then provide suggestions, ideas, and preferences which is subject to revisions and minor tweaks. The model is then ready to enter the design phase.
2. Schematic Design: During this stage, the target schedules, milestones, and estimates starts to get involved. However, in order to have a BIM model conducive to both functions, the model needs to be structured correctly from the start. Schedulers and estimators must now work collaboratively with the designer. For instance, the frames of the building must be modeled by the sequence of concreting. This is crucial because schedulers needs the sequence to come up with a master schedule. Also, given that BIM models are rich in details, estimators will have an easier task of coming up with cost-related documents, rather than relying on drawing sets — which at best, mostly are time-consuming and unreliable, as there are a lot more functions possible only through a digitized model.
3. Detailed Design: During the detailed design, collaboration is key. The goal here is to come up with a final BIM model as master reference. In order to do this, weekly coordination meetings must take place with all trades in attendance. During this stage, conflicts and errors between trades are found which is then revised to come up with a new design, sorting out all issues. Doing this prevents costly on-site clashes and ensures a perfect fit for elements manufactured off-site, among others.
4. Construction Phase: If all prior phases are implemented correctly, it would be straightforward to issue construction drawings that have rich details for structural, architectural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing plans, etc. The Construction Manager will then use the BIM model during execution, all in accordance with the plans and specifications. The approved sequence of work, integrated within the model will be the basis of execution. Moreover, the model itself can be a means of monitoring whether the project is on schedule or not.
5. Turnover and Punch-list: The Quality Assurance Team can use the BIM model to spot actual work discrepancies or if tolerances are met. With their model as their reference, it gives them significant spotting capabilities where the likelihood of errors are going to be and check it on site. Once all the punch-lists are accounted for, they can now turnover the building formally to the client.
We at URCADServices offers BIM Services Outsourcing. Our BIM Solutions serves home builders, architectural firms and AEC consultants as a strategic partner, providing them maximum information on BIM modeling and supporting them in making a smooth transition from their existing infrastructure to a BIM environment. BIM Solutions from UR CAD Services offering customized, high quality, cost effective and time bound BIM consulting services by using state of the art system.
Contact us today if you need assistance on BIM modeling, MEP Shop Drawings, MEP Coordination Drawings and Material takeoffs. We will be glad to assist you!
