How can BIM help optimize building materials and reduce waste in facilities engineering?

So far a majority of the feedback has focused on BIM as the process, the acquaintance & familiarization with steps in coordination and collaboration, the communication of available information to prospective users… all of which could mislead someone standing outside the conversation. But I challenge each and every person on the project, think of the term used…is it BIM (Building INFORMATION MODELING) or is it BiM (Build INCLUDING Modeling)? Are you using the totality of INFORMATION to complete the project, or are you building something and using the information AND model as a communication mechanism to make decisions accurately and efficiently?

BIM is to create an intelligent three-dimensional model. It is a database containing all relevant building data and intelligent data, such as construction sequencing, cost, and lifecycle management information, which is a feature of the most sophisticated BIM software systems. This database enables document management, collaboration, and simulation throughout a project's lifecycle.

BIM (Building Information Modelling) allows for accurate digital representation of building components, which aids in efficient material quantity estimation and reduces excess procurement. BIM reduces errors, improves planning, and, ultimately, reduces waste and empowers facility engineering by streamlining stakeholder communication and collaboration.

In my opinion, the three letters B I M could stand for building information management instead of building information modeling. It better embraces all of the necessary activities and processes needed in planning and executing a building. The digital building model itself is still the source of information (the single source of truth), that means, all stakeholders can rely on the same information at the same time.

Accurate quantity estimation: BIM software generates precise material quantity take-offs, minimizing wastage from excessive procurement. Clash detection: BIM helps identify clashes between different building components early in the design phase, preventing rework and material waste. Lifecycle analysis: BIM allows for analyzing the environmental impacts of different materials, aiding in selecting sustainable and efficient options. Improved communication: BIM facilitates collaboration among project stakeholders, enabling better decision-making and reducing errors that lead to material waste. BIM enables better material management, reduces unnecessary waste, and promotes more sustainable practices in facilities engineering.

Although BIM is often utilized for small efficiency gains in material in traditional building methods, its greatest impact is actually found in 'BIM for fabrication.' This niche of the BIM ecosystem enables precise material specification, automated assemblies, and drastic reductions in material use, enhancing cost-effectiveness. Integrating BIM with fabrication, we can create detailed digital models that inform efficient material use and are foundational tech for advanced manufacturing techniques like prefabrication. This approach not only improves efficiency but also fosters sustainable construction, marrying cost savings to environmental responsibility. BIM in fabrication is already revolutionizing material utilization in construction.

BIM optimizes building materials in several ways: 1. Accurate Quantities 2. Clash Detection 3. Prefab and Modular Design 4. Material Lifecycle Management 5. Cost Estimation 6. Sustainable Design 7. Resource Optimization By incorporating these features, BIM helps optimize the use of building materials, reduce waste, and enhance overall efficiency in construction projects.

BIM has allowed for real-time collaboration on material selection and substitution, leading to better-informed decisions that consider factors such as cost, sustainability, and performance.

BIM can help reduce material waste, is cost and time efficient with the right expertise working within a well thaught out workflow that is executed in a time efficient manner by all parties. It can help store information about building specification but at the end of the day it's the designers decision to choose the right product from a reliable supplier ensuring that any changes in product specification is updated and all correct information is ready for handover stage.

Imagine if you could take all the computer logic, national & local building codes, engineering standards & requirements, and specifications…. And then cram a master journey/trades-person’s accumulated knowledge from their career in the construction industry… and put it all in the design software so that when you decrease the size of a chiller unit you see all the affects the decision has on the building. Or when you change the material on a piping system how that affects structural requirements due to weight & seismic requirements. Instead we complete a project, insist we’re going to do a post-project analysis and see what went well and what didn’t, but then move to the next project and repeat the same mistakes & decisions again & again.

BIM implementation significantly minimize construction waste by facilitating better design coordination and allowing for efficient material usage, ultimately contributing to sustainable and cost-effective project outcomes.

BIM can reduce wast by automating the information management which speeds up the process which shortens the project delivery date, reducing operational wast. It also allows for lean & modular construction methods which also eliminate a significant percentage of operational waste. Building Information Modelling is a holistic approach to building a design and in such allows for ease of analysis which in turn negates unnecessary error which reduces future potential wast.

I love the out of the book responses, but I skimmed it. Seriously, you can save a lot of money by investing in the process surrounding BiM (BUILD including Modeling). If you ever sat in a coordination meeting and heard the designer say that the lighting conditions would look so much better if they raised the ceiling and the owner approved it without getting anyone else’s input… then you spent the next year trying to negotiate for space in a congested ceiling, and figure out who’s going to tell the service/maintenance team they’ll never be able to do annual inspections and repairs because they can’t access anything once the ceiling is enclosed…. Pretty has a price, so what’s it going to cost you? Not saying I dislike a good open view.

Reflecting on BIM's role in facilities engineering, I see it as more than a design tool; it's a holistic approach to lifecycle management. It weaves together structure, systems, and efficiency, mitigating errors and fostering seamless team communication. (that is if everyone wants to play along or has the same goals) Through BIM, we craft facilities that are not only sustainable and reliable but also adaptable and innovative. It represents a paradigm shift in our field, guiding us towards creating spaces that evolve with time and technology. BIM, to me, is the embodiment of progress in facilities engineering.

Facilities engineering revolves around the topic how one should operate and maintain the building in its lifecycle. It means, all end requirement are to be shared upfront during the planning stage, this is what we call early facilities engineering planning if you can relate, in BIM early information planning are key success to any project, all the informations and operation instruction will definitely benefits how spaces are planned, how MEP are designed and how will the end use experience the space including for facilities engineering personnel.

The digital twin help buildings operate more efficiently by helping predict and avoid unexpected costs, identify system inefficiencies, and better estimate when replacement parts are needed. Running simulations on a digital twin reduces risks and helps system engineers make better cost cases for changes to the system. It also allows for better collaboration between all skilled parties involved in making changes to a system workflow.

BIM is prove to be instrumental in optimizing facility performance by providing a centralized platform for collaboration among various stakeholders and enabling data-driven decisions throughout the facility life cycle.

Accurate cost predictions and clash detections saves the day for me. These help to reduce the risk of cost overruns and ensuring that resources are utilized optimally.

Engage in real-world projects and seeking mentorship from experienced BIM practitioners. Learning and applying BIM in facilities engineering involves acquiring software proficiency, understanding industry standards, and participating in training programs. Practical application can be achieved through hands-on projects, collaboration with experienced professionals, and staying updated on the latest BIM technologies and practices.

BIM in facilities engineering, it's a journey of continuous learning and adaptation. It starts with grasping BIM's core principles and its relevance to our roles. Skillful handling of BIM software and adherence to standards are crucial. However, the essence lies in collaborative learning, engaging with fellow BIM users and sharing insights. It's a perpetual process of honing our skills, staying updated, and valuing feedback from peers and mentors. Embracing BIM is about evolving with the technology and our industry's needs.

Most BIM folks agree on the theory and intent of the process. I just hope we don’t spend another decade arguing over whose fault the failure is and instead visit the communication a bit more honestly and openly without so much animosity. Love you all. Peace and blessings to you in this year and the next.

Great thread! BIM as the regular solution is an inevitability. There will be no room in the future to knowingly ignore the power of data in the construction process… but how do we get there? The issue with BIM now has everything to do with a separation of concept from application. The people who are physically laboring on these projects are not typically the people creating the models. The opposite is true of the modelers, they can virtually construct quickly, but typically have no experience with the basic problems you would face when tasked with the physical job of construction… thus corrupting the data. So yes, communication is a problem, but it’s really duplicity of purpose that’s the culprit, then throw in a 1/2 cup of ego!

A lot of BIM implementations doesn't focus on collaborative approach a reason why the full potential of a "BIM enabled project" fails. When considering the implementation of BIM, it's essential to also focus on establishing clear communication protocols, standardized workflows, and ensuring that all stakeholders are adequately trained. Additionally, staying informed about emerging technologies and industry trends can contribute to continuous improvement in BIM processes and outcomes.

Seré muy breve sobre lo que hay tener en cuenta y es la normativa aplicable a cada país por ejemplo en el Ecuador la reducción de desechos peligrosos viene acompa?ada de un plan de minimización que debe contemplar la reduccion paulatina de desechos en toda actividad.