Technological advancements have revolutionized how many industries operate. Take for example, the telecommunications industry. In recent years, the art of letter writing has quickly been replaced by email and texting. In fact, communication has never been easier.
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For the construction industry, change has occurred more gradually, but now, Building Information Modeling, or BIM, may be finally changing that.
What is BIM?
BIM is a three dimensional digital representation of a building and its characteristics. As one of the most promising developments in architecture, engineering and construction, BIM allows for the creation of a virtual model through a digitally constructed building.
This computer generated model contains precise geometry and data, which can be used to make decisions and improve the design process.
Benefits of BIM
BIM technology has numerous benefits for design professionals and facility owners and managers.
- Tighter Coordination: BIM enables all members of the design team, including the customer, contractor and specialists to work more collaboratively. This improves the project's development through every stage of the design process. No longer will the interaction of firms and disciplines be confined to the exchange of construction documents. BIM enables tighter integration of the design teams, which results in a more cohesive and effective design.
- Less Costly Revisions: The integration of the schedule and cost information improves the sequencing during construction. You can get a complete picture during the design.
- Life Cycle Data: BIM is further enhanced after the construction of the facility. BIM is first and foremost about the information and data. It acts as a computerized maintenance management system. Equipment specifications and schedules are easily accessible and critical functions can be integrated into the system.
Additionally, in a study conducted by the Stanford University, Centre for Integrated Facilities Engineering of 32 major projects using BIM (2007), it was determined that BIM will enable:
- Up to 40% elimination of unbudgeted change
- Cost estimation accuracy within 3%
- Up to 80% reduction in time taken to generate a cost estimate.
- A savings of up to 10% of the contract value through clash detections.
- Up to 7% reduction in a project time.
McGraw-Hill Construction reported that the use of BIM technology increased from 17% in 2007, 49% in 2009, to 71% in 2013. Despite it's rapid growth, the widespread implementation of BIM technology still faces significant challenges. Still, the potential of BIM technology makes it an indispensable tool and skill for the design professional. Those who opt not to adopt BIM, may find themselves falling behind.
Resources:
http://www.smartplanet.com/blog/take/the-future-of-construction-meet-bim-or-else/441
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