BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING - BIM

Building information modeling, commonly referred to as BIM, is a technology that has the potential to revolutionize the process of project design and construction. Building Information Model or BIM is the process of developing building model which is used in presenting and visualizing building components, construction sequences, resource allocation and other disciplines of construction process in a virtual environment. BIM process generates 3D model encompassing geometric and geographic information of the building and properties of its components.

The terminology BIM is used by Autodesk. It is also known as "Virtual Building" and "Integrated Project Models". Building Information Modeling is a new Computer Aided Design (CAD) paradigm that allows for intelligent, 3D and parametric object based design BIM is a common name for the digital representation of the physical and functional characteristics of a building or a building project. 

The design communication is gradually being changed from 2D based to integrated 3D digital interface. Building information modeling extends this beyond 3-D, augmenting the three primary spatial dimensions (width, height and depth - X, Y and Z) with time as the fourth dimension and cost as the fifth and it is known, “5D”.

 Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a model-based design concept, in which buildings will be built virtually before they get built out in the field, where data models organized for complete integration of all relevant factors in the building lifecycle which also manages the information exchange between the AEC (Architects, Engineers, Contractors) professionals, to strengthen the interaction between the design team. BIM is a shared knowledge about the information for decisions making during its lifecycle

         BIM can be used to demonstrate the entire building life cycle, supporting processes including cost management, construction management, project management and facility operation. A BIM model may contain the building's full life cycle, from concept to construction to decommissioning.

BIM enabled software’s or its different platforms includes

·         Revit (Autodesk)

                     Architecture /Structure/MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing engineering)

·         Bentley

     Architectural / Structural/ Mechanical/ Electrical

·        Gehry Technologies

                     Architecture/Structures/MEP

·         ArchiCAD (Graphisoft)

      Architectural / Structural

BIM makes it possible to create three-dimensional, geometric computer models of a building that can then be navigated like a video game and updated on an ongoing basis. BIM models produce detailed electronic and hard-copy construction drawings that show a significant amount of detail. There are advantages and disadvantages to using BIM and it is important that contractors recognize the effect this technology may have on their work.

In three major phases in the building lifecycle—design, construction, and management—building information modeling offers access to the following critical information:

• In the design phase—design, schedule, and budget information

• In the construction phase—quality, schedule, and cost information 

• In the management phase—performance, utilization, and financial information

The ability to keep this information up to date and accessible in an integrated digital environment gives architects, engineers, builders, and owners a clear overall vision of their projects, as well as the ability to make better decisions faster—raising the quality and increasing the profitability of projects.

Advantages of BIM

Advantages of BIM to Building Contractors 

·                     BIM provides a good estimation during bidding and procurement

·                     BIM improves coordination in construction sequencing

·                     Effective marketing presentation of construction approaches

·                     BIM helps in identifying possible conflicts that may arise during building construction

·                     Biggest advantage of using BIM is lesser amount of errors and hence rectifications – saving costs and resources

·                     BIM allows for more “what if” analysis, such as construction sequencing options, shuffling of human resources, fine-tuning cost factors, etc.

·                     BIM helps clients and end-users in understanding and visualizing the end product

·                     BIM helps owner in taking informed decisions about the proposed project.

Benefits of BIM to the Building Designer:

·                     BIM allows designer to use sophisticated web-based tools which connects the project’s program to other BIM tools such as Tekla, Revit and ArchiCAD.

·                     Designer has a scope of incorporating eco-friendly design aspects before the commencement of the project.

Advantages of BIM to Cost Engineer

·                     BIM model allows for better cost estimation of human resources, raw materials and structural components.

There are some disadvantages also

·         The use of BIM requires significant training and as with any software program there are costs associated with the software such as purchasing, licensing and training. A contractor may need to upgrade its computer system to effectively use the BIM software.

·         BIM requires more effort at the outset of a project. When BIM is used, it is insufficient for a contractor to simply submit plans for its own work and then begin construction. The contractor must first sit down with the designer and other prime contractors and create the collaborative model.

·         BIM can disrupt the general procurement and construction process when ordering items that require a long lead time. For example, a contractor may need to order material based on the dimensions of the design. Ordering this material may take weeks or months. If the dimensions change, as may occur when multiple contractors are inputting information into a model on a continual basis, the contractor may be left with insufficient time to order the material.