Building Information Modeling is a revolutionary set of processes involved to create digital representations of physical and functional characteristics of any building. These models are, for the most part, just files stored on computers with high processing capacity. These models help you discover every aspect of the building or facility before starting the construction process.
Before BIM, such models were purely paper-based and did not offer a comprehensive understanding of the way these facilities functioned.
BIM can be used effectively in creating models for smart buildings. As smart buildings use a lot of equipment and technology, using BIM can be fruitful in the long run.
Here are some ways it can help in improvising smart buildings.
According to McGraw Hill Construction data and analysis , BIM adoption in North America soared from 28% to 71% between 2007 and 2012, while the UK is also seeing dramatic results. Adoption by contractors in other regions is growing rapidly, for example, South Korean contractors have demonstrated a 65% BIM adoption rate.
Here are some project-level examples that prove BIM has helped builders, designers, and architects increase ROI.
Vilnius Municipal Complex
General contractors began construction and work on the Vilnius Municipal Complex in 2002 and finished all necessary work in 2004. This facility is a 20-story, 252-foot-tall building with two other adjacent buildings with a different structure. The building covers a total area of 15,060 square meters.
When working on the Vilnius Municipal Complex, one of the main challenges the general contractors faced was ensuring that the Vilnius Municipal Complex met a certain criteria. This meant that the building had to meet all necessary criteria in terms of quality, durability and efficient functioning of all buildings.
Engineers and architects used specialized Building Information Modeling software to model and simulate the operation of buildings. Many comprehensive 3D models were generated from scratch, detailing each compartment of the building. Simulation software helped visualize all functional parts of the facility.
When the work was completed, the project managers discovered that the BIM software benefited them enormously. It has been estimated by project managers that using BIM software has saved more than 20% of their time. It took less time to plan and visualize the building drawings, as well as go back to rectify some designs.
The 3D models were used to estimate the costs that could be quoted by suppliers and all subcontractors. This made trading processes much more transparent and easier. Staff time was not wasted in disputes over any type of work and experts paid more attention to details and their own work.
MG Valda Victoria Offices
The Victoria office block is located in the Business Triangle, on the banks of the River Neris. This is a 17-story, 250-foot-tall building that provides space and accommodation for a variety of employees and employers. It covers a total area of 6,500 square meters. Builders and suppliers began work on this building in the first months of 2005.
The main challenge the team faced in completing this project was saving as much money and time as possible. It was then that the engineers and builders working on the project decided to opt for building information modeling software. They purchased the latest software that could help them find viable and ideal solutions for their project.
The team used specialized modeling software purchased from a software company. 3D modeling was largely carried out by designers, architects, technicians and engineers who helped design every corner of the building. The main purpose of computer-aided imaging and visualization was to save time and money.
By simulating and modeling the building and its function, the engineers and team discovered that there were several designs that had errors that needed to be corrected. Upon completion, project managers estimated that using BIM technology saved 10% of their time. And it took 60% less time to fix problems because there was no real work done on the project and it was all digital.
PET factory in Klaipeda
A construction management company had little time to develop a fully functional facility for a client. This customer is a leading plastic bottle manufacturer in Central and Eastern Europe. This factory occupied 35,050 square meters of area and had several buildings and warehouses.
The challenge for the construction management company was to save a lot of time during construction, as they only had 1 and a half years to complete the project. They had to ensure that the construction processes started and finished on time and without delays.
Detailed 3D models were prepared by the teams and simulations were carried out efficiently under the supervision of experts.
After the models were completed and the construction was completed, project managers calculated the return on investment value of the building information modeling software. They found that BIM software saved them 40% of their time and money. This software allowed them to correct any errors in the design process in advance. They also estimated that it would cost them 10 times less resources, as all the project planning was done upfront so they knew exactly how many resources they needed.
Wrap up
Building information modeling tools are a great way to save time and money on projects like facilities and buildings. They are much more affordable than traditional ways of building facilities and structures. With this evidence presented, it is clear that BIM software will only increase productivity and reduce costs.
