How can you use BIM to predict the performance of a building?

Harnessing BIM for Predictive Excellence : BIM is not just a design tool; it's a visionary force in predicting building performance. By integrating data on materials, climate, and user behavior, architects can simulate and analyze various scenarios, foreseeing the impact on energy efficiency, structural integrity, and overall functionality. BIM enables us to be proactive in design, ensuring that our creations not only meet but exceed performance expectations. Let's embrace the predictive power of BIM, shaping a future where buildings are not just structures but living, evolving entities.

B.I.M.(Building information modeling) is a powerful tool for AEC industry. The integrated collaborative environment has improved the workflow between various disciplines such as Architecture , Engineering, Mechanical, Electrical and plumbing. Each individual element in the model is defined by its unique “Element ID” that carries important information related to the its location in model and information required by the manufacturers or contractors. The future use of these models is creating “A digital twin” that will be further helpful to know the building systems and building performance to assess its life cycle in Real-time.

As BIM is the evolution of Computer-Aided Drafting it provides the additional benefit of coordination - due to the ability of all consultants to overlay their models and perform clash detection prior to completion of construction documents. The other added benefit of BIM beyond CAD is the ability to model information once and be able to view it in plan, section and elevation as well as create large scale detail views. This saves time as well as reduces errors.

BIM tools and standards also set up a framework for all of the stakeholders to integrate their work into the model; naming standards, Level of Detail (LOD), deliverables and other expectations which are typically defined in a project BIM Execution Plan (BEP).

Navisworks is one of the leading tools for clash detection within Autodesk. This tool allows various disciplines to understand the flaws within their models by using “Element ID” to understand if the model has objects that coincide with others. For example it can detect if a mechanical duct passes through a column and needs to be resolved in order to create a model that is free from interference.