The construction industry is constantly changing and technology is impacting how we design, plan and deliver projects. This technology takes many forms and sits within the BIM process, which helps with all of these aspects with improved visualisation, collaboration, and control.
While it is clear BIM has many potential benefits, the central BIM objective is simple: resolve construction coordination and efficiency problems.
The purpose of this blog post is to explain how BIM helps solve long-standing coordination and efficiency barriers that the construction industry has faced for decades, and how driveable solutions from services such as BIM modeling, structural steel detailing, and material take-off services will enable projects to be delivered more smoothly.
What is the BIM Objective?
In its simplest form, the core goal of BIM is to enhance communication and coordination between those from different disciplines, architect, structural, MEP etc. and improve overall efficiency of the project. BIM allows all participants to work from the same 3D model which is data based across all systems operating within the building. The 3D model is the only source of truth, from the first review of the design, through construction, and even into facility management.
BIM and the data incorporated in the model can help streamline and simplify the decision-making process, reduce clashes and rework, and improve the schedule. Overall, the objective of BIM is to eliminate project workflow fragmentation, which is all the sources of delay and failure in project delivery.
Tackling Coordination Challenges in Preconstruction
Many of the most costly mistakes happen in the preconstruction period. However, construction parties were often involved in inadequate coordination, lack of communication, design scope conflicts, redesign in the field, and other issues during that Chaos time. This is the area that BIM works best.
When construction firms use preconstruction services with BIM modeling, they can identify design conflicts much earlier in the preconstruction phase. The use of BIM clash detection can identify conflicts with a HVAC system and structural steel at the early design phase so these problems can be resolved before starting sitework. This decreases costly rework and increases the level of coordination between the disciplines.
Improving Efficiency with BIM Modeling Services
BIM modeling services are essential to increasing the speed and accuracy of construction planning. Unlike traditional 2D CAD drawings, BIM models are three-dimensional representations complete with geometry, material, and time (4D) and cost (5D) details, as well as any other project critical data.
BIM models give project managers and stakeholders real-time information on project progress, resource allocations, and budget tracking. They also enable accurate sequencing for construction logistics on-site, so labor and equipment can be used efficiently. With this degree of control, particularly on complex operations, the timeliness is lower, waste is lower, and therefore return on investment is better.
Incorporating Structural Steel Detailing for Precision
Structural steel detailing is an important part of BIM workflows for commercial and industrial buildings. Integrating steel detailing into the BIM model will ensure that the fabrication drawings will be accurate as per the intended design, with no interferences from other systems.
With precision like this, off-site fabrication and just-in-time deliveries of steel components can happen, dramatically faster, while reducing the number of changes made on site at the last minute. BIM allows structural detailers to eliminate many variables while doing the structural detailing, which greatly increases safety, particularly with unsuspected installation hazards.
Streamlining Estimates with Material Take-Off Services
Cost estimation is another area where BIM is so helpful and really powerful as an advantage. Accurate and efficient material take-off services are indispensable to budgeting and procuring. Conventional quantity take-off services were done manually from 2D drawings, and are subject to human error and missing items. Quantities taken off from BIM using a 3D model are more reliable, taking off quantities directly from the model.
These estimates are data-rich and meaningful to construction teams so they can make better decisions around material purchase, reduction of over or under ordering, and better control costs. In addition, the material take off supports sustainability goals and addresses materials of waste.
The real-world effect of BIM on Project outcomes
BIM has been increasingly adopted by contractors and developers as its benefits become evident. Studies show that BIM projects have substantially lower design-related errors, scheduling delays, and cost overruns.
Coupling a BIM model with experienced preconstruction teams and sophisticated BIM modeling services can be even more powerful. Teams can work collaboratively more quickly utilizing better and more informed decision making, lessened rework with design changes, while controlling quality and compliance.
Conclusion
The problems of coordination and efficiency aren’t just nice-to-haves anymore; they are essential to staying competitive in the building industry today. The BIM goal is a commitment to building smarter, better, and quicker, benefitting every stakeholder in the process, including architects, engineers, owners, and facility managers.
Working with a provider, such as Optimar Precon, firms have gotten the benefit of specialized services in BIM modeling, structural steel detailing and material take off services that would result in greater accuracy, a reduced risk, and be able to complete the job accurately and on time.
Whether you’re starting to design your projects, or are looking to build your job more efficiently, BIM is not just a tool; it is the future strategy for building.
