Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a groundbreaking technology that has transformed collaboration for large-scale projects to make them more efficient and streamlined. Now, construction engineers have the ability to create a digital representation of physical buildings and all of its functional components. This can help with the actual construction of the building, as it gives them the best chance of scaling it properly with everything functioning efficiently.

Although BIM has long been utilised on individual smaller-scale projects, its use has increased recently as more businesses have adopted it as a regular workflow tool to improve their operations. The use of BIM is growing in popularity due to its well-established advantages, such as better visualisation, shorter project durations and improved efficiency.

This guide will explore how BIM has revolutionised the construction industry by analysing the process and investigating the capabilities of the technology. Whether you’re in the construction industry or want to learn more about BIM, continue reading to broaden your knowledge.

How the BIM Process Works

BIM can be used throughout the whole construction process to improve the efficiency of it. This process is usually divided into four sections:

• Planning: By enabling users to use reality capture and real-world data to comprehend how a building will actually look in its natural surroundings, BIM software can help to inform, guide and streamline project planning.
• Design: With its need for conceptual design, analysis and enhanced documentation, the design phase can be the most complicated of any construction process. Comprehensive modelling that can plan construction and offer vital information about a design’s performance can be obtained with BIM data.

It can also streamline scheduling, inform logistics and guarantee that all pertinent staff members have access to the right information whenever they require it.

• Construction: BIM project specifications allow the construction phase to be more efficient, as the shared documents can guide constructors along the fabrication process. This can improve the accuracy of the build and make construction easier.
• Operation: The information-rich models and asset data of BIM can support operations, maintenance, refurbishment, extension and demolition. You can also figure out what types of equipment you will need for the operation, so if you need telehandler hire, BIM can help you realise this.

What are the Capabilities of BIM?

Determine Specifications

When using BIM, you can take advantage of specification modeling to write, manage and publish your project specifications for your construction team to utilisie. The power to import all relevant documentation from various data sources and personnel will improve collaboration to bring together various points of view. This can make the finished product more accurate to the BIM technology, as you combine styles with the rest of your team.

Understand Site and Design Possibilities

Without the possibility of visualising your build with BIM, you might miss out on potential insight that could improve your site’s environment. Using BIM gives you this visualisation, so you can better understand the features you are looking to implement into the build and realise the possibilities that are at your disposal. This can lead to further innovation in the field and reduce any shortcomings that could surface.

Easily Manage Data

You can ensure efficient analysis and meet project requirements by using BIM’s predefined data templates and customisable data structure. To maximise construction delivery and expedite facility operations, you can also distribute complete, comprehensive data and documents to every member of the construction site team. Having the ability to manage data will make the whole process a lot easier, which can lead to quicker construction times.

Comprehensive Analysis Information

You can better coordinate design and execution of your construction team process in the same shared workspace. Specifically, integrated information models and analysis provide more accurate engineering, design and asset performance predictions that will improve the industry. This is especially true if you combine your BIM with other technologies, such as an engineering document management system (EDMS) or augmented reality (AR).

The Benefits of BIM

Increased Project Efficiency

Construction companies want their projects to run as efficiently as possible. BIM allows construction teams to generate production drawings that can be used to help with the manufacturing process. Using this type of technology reduces waste, labour and material costs, as well as streamlining everything there is to complete within construction and operation. BIM can also negate major issues, such as:

• Poor Coordination: BIM enhances coordination so without it could result in there being less communication between different departments within construction. For example, it could make it more difficult for contractors to communicate with designers.
• Clashes: Before construction begins, you can detect MEP, internal or external clashes with BIM. This can help to reduce delays, unforeseen changes and any required rework.

Better Management and Control

BIM has a database-first model that enables designers, construction teams, engineers and architects to access and change essential building information in their preferred graphical formats. This streamlines the editing process and eliminates inconsistencies when everyone has access to their own individual files, which improves management and gives your construction team more control over operations.

Improved productivity, better planning and a greater capacity to consider design options result from the transparency and cooperation that BIM presents. This may result in a longer asset lifecycle and reduced maintenance expenses over the course of a project.

Improved Scheduling

BIM leads to better planning and communication schedules that revolutionises the construction industry. This is because it uses the technology to quicken the design and documentation process with better editorial times whenever any new information comes about that can improve the project. Due to the better communication offered with BIM, these schedules have an increased chance of being followed properly with limited setbacks.

Risk Mitigation

The incorporation of BIM into the construction process can reduce many risks, such as:

• Reduced tender risk premiums.
• Lower insurance expenses.
• Fewer claims prospects.
• Reduced waste and underutilised materials.
• Improved documentation and communication led to lower labour expenses.
• Less outdated information.

Safer Construction

Safe construction processes should be followed at all times to ensure that members of the team don’t get injured or hurt while completing projects. BIM software can help your construction team identify potential hazards, so you can plan on-site logistics with more accuracy and less risks. Robust BIM can also offer risk analysis tools to help them evaluate the safety of the construction site.

If your construction site is safe, it can lead to the following:

• Better efficiency
• Timeliness and quicker construction progress
• Improved risk management
• Lower costs
• Enhanced construction planning

That’s why it’s important to use BIM in your construction projects, as it offers far more positives that you might not have previously realised.