The AEC (Architecture, Engineering and Construction) industry would still be behind today if it had persistently used time-tested methodologies. BIM (Building Information Modeling) integration now plays a fundamental role in the success of construction strategies around the world. The benefits of this integration are many and enormous. For this reason, many countries such as the US, UK, China and India are requiring BIM modeling in their major construction projects.
Construction projects are fast-paced and a single day delay can mean huge cost overruns. We typically account for a certain percentage of delays because projects often take 20% longer than the estimated time. Furthermore, cost estimates are often inaccurate with older manual quantity taking methodologies. BIM has revolutionized the way construction projects are carried out. As a result, we witness accurate estimates of time and cost, among others.
Higher education institutions are also paying attention to the advantages of BIM technology, which is leading to the addition of curricula in courses in project management, operations, civil engineering, facilities management and architecture. Consequently, companies are reviewing their recruitment requirements for graduates. They are eager to add BIM technicians to their teams. All thanks to the great benefits obtained by integrating BIM into construction strategies.
When many people think of BIM, they are referring to 3D modeling. Although 3D modeling is synonymous with a virtual BIM model, it does not, in itself, provide a finite definition of what this technology entails. There are 4D, 5D and 6D dimensions. 4D is about schedules, 5D is about cost estimates, and 6D is about operations and facilities management.
The benefits of BIM are practically countless in today's construction projects. Human errors that were ubiquitous in construction projects are addressed. You can think of BIM as the digital construction manager. However, he does more than a typical construction manager can accomplish. For example, it helps facility owners manage their properties by tying critical information to building components in a digital prototype.
How do you benefit from integrating BIM into a construction strategy?
We have already highlighted some benefits of BIM in construction projects. He integrated various aspects of a construction project to make it successful. Among others, technology improves collaborative efforts, communication and validates the viability of the construction project before construction begins. This saves a lot of money that would otherwise be lost due to multiple change orders.
BIM gives interdisciplinary teams a visual model they can work with. No more inconvenient 2D or CAD drawings. Thanks to continuous and effective collaboration between teams, regardless of their geographic location. We highlight some critical benefits of BIM below:
1). Accurate cost and time estimation
Time and cost estimates are critical components of every construction project. All stakeholders are interested in knowing the overall budget and time required to complete the project. Manual determinations of these factors have proven to be tedious and ineffective. BIM helps with accurate cost and time estimates from design to planning phases. Eliminates human error. Construction projects are now completed efficiently and on time due to fast and accurate cost and time estimates.
two). Effective communication between teams
Often, those involved in a construction are comprehensive teams, some of which may be located in different countries. To collaborate during construction, they held several meetings or countless calls as a means of communication. Today, BIM provides effective communication in a common data environment.
All teams are able to communicate effectively and continuously through the digital BIM model. They are able to achieve common goals in the shortest period of time because BIM unifies them and facilitates collaboration. If one team, for example, makes changes to the models, other teams can see this and react immediately to the changes. As a result, teams stay up to date throughout all phases of the project.
3). Zero reworks or redesigns on site
Traditionally, projects would undergo multiple changes throughout construction. Other teams may be ordered to redesign or rework other parts of the project. BIM provides a digital model in which teams can perform reworks and redesigns before construction is actually completed. Thanks to the digital model that represents the physical characteristics of the structure.
Teams can preview the finished structure in a common data environment before contractors lay the foundation. Because of this, BIM saves time by eliminating rework and redesigns. Instead of imagining the building, teams are visualizing the facility live in a digital prototype.
4). Precise procurement of materials
A construction manager is responsible for ensuring materials are up to date and on budget. To achieve this, the manager would carry out quantity takeoffs manually using 2D drawings. Imagine how time consuming this will be in a complex hospital building, for example. You would need many managers to manually compile the list of materials and their costs.
BIM makes the process very easy. It provides accurate and fast quantity pickups. Additionally, it helps managers acquire the right amount of raw material that can last the entire duration of the project.
5). Facilities management and project delivery
Upon completion, teams must hand over the facilities to the owner. Normally and traditionally, there would be a lot of paperwork served on the owner. BIM provides digitally centralized information that can be delivered to the owner. Facilitates facilities management because critical information is included in the model.
Issues such as energy efficiency and routine maintenance are easily achieved using BIM for facilities management.
Without BIM, the construction industry would not be where it is now. Companies like New York Engineers are playing a key role in integrating and implementing BIM across all construction projects. The benefits of this technology are irresistible, which is why many economic powers are mandating the use of BIM in their projects. Today, BIM contributes around 6% to the global economy through the AEC industry.
