What is BIM? Building Information Modeling, or BIM, is a process that allows for the creation of a digital model of a building. This model can be used to track and manage every aspect of the building’s construction. BIM has been a truly revolutionizing concept for the entire AEC industry, promoting efficiency and collaboration like never before.

How BIM Can Help You with Your Project? Being a systematic blend of processes, policies, people information and technologies, BIM allows professionals to acquire deep insights on several aspects like design, cost, time, sustainability and facility management, among others. In a way, BIM facilitates the entire construction cycle, paving way for higher growth in AEC domain. Here are 5 processes which have been positively impacted by the introduction of BIM:

Design Coordination & Clash Detection: Design coordination and clash detection are two important aspects of the construction process that can be effectively managed with BIM software. Design coordination is the process of aligning the various disciplines involved in a construction project. Clash detection is the process of identifying and resolving conflicts. There are two types of clashes: soft and hard. Soft clashes are easily resolved with a few changes, while hard clashes require major changes and can cause delays, cost increases, and workforce management issues.

Detailed Estimation of material: The 5D BIM Model is capable of accurate generation of BOM & BOQ with its quantity take-off function. This kind of automated cost estimation promises high-grade efficiency and saves time in re-estimation in case the geometry or quantity is changed. The on-screen quantity takeoffs help improve decision-making by eliminating prediction and guesswork from logistics, scheduling, and costing. Planners can use 5D BIM models to communicate about costs due to a detailed and accurate BOM that gets updated in real-time with design changes.

Digital Fabrication & Development of Shop drawing: BIM can be used to efficiently manage and control the design and fabrication process. The digital design flow for fabrication and shop drawing design is more accurate and faster, and has the potential to eliminate design issues. With the help of BIM, designers can identify and eliminate issues at the design stage, resulting in a better final product.

Facility Management:  BIM can store all the information you need for the entire life cycle of a project in a single model. This includes information about facility management, which is vital after a building is handed over. The fact that it is easier for everyone involved to access and coordinate different aspects makes it so information can flow more smoothly and there is less chance for miscommunication. BIM can be used to effectively manage all the systems and components associated with regular maintenance, sustainability and energy efficiency.

When it comes to facility planning, BIM can be used to evaluate various aspects for energy efficiency during the design phase. All the documentation related to several components is present in a single digital model, which makes the work of facility managers easier after the contractor moves out of the picture.

Re-Modeling of Existing Building:  BIM can also help with redesigning an existing building. Using a combination of the original design plans, laser scanning of the actual building, and other innovative practices, an integrated digital model can be created for a redesign. BIM can support as-built models of old buildings and existing facilities and can modernize the entire design and coordination process, bringing every stakeholder onto a single platform. The BIM approach can be used to discover retrofit and improvement opportunities within old buildings, making buildings cleaner, energy-efficient, and easier to manage in the future.

BIM technology is a powerful tool that can help improve the efficiency and productivity of your project. By using BIM, you can manage and coordinate all aspects of your project more effectively, from the initial design to the construction process. In addition, BIM can also help you to create a more sustainable and energy-efficient project. Learn how to use BIM for your next project from our experts today.