Basic of BIM: An Overview of Building Information Modeling

Introduction

As an architect, consider yourself ready to take on a significant project. Instead of sifting through stacks of blueprints and static 2D drawings, you use a dynamic, interactive 3D model. This model not only displays every element of the structure but also detects any issues before they occur. Greetings from the sphere of Building Information Modeling (BIM) . Here, advanced technology and construction combine to achieve unprecedented levels of precision, efficiency, and teamwork. This blog will explore (BIM), its significance, and how it is transforming the construction sector.

What is BIM?

BIM, an acronym for Building Information Modeling, is a digitalized process that helps to create a detailed 3D model of your structure. These models help you know the structure in detail before the actual construction. The model includes information on the construction material, ASMEPF connections, dimensions, how different parts interact with each other, physical and functional characteristics, and other details of the structure to help contractors, stakeholders, architects, engineers, designers, and clients visualize and suggest changes to the structure being constructed.

Generating these models lowers the chances of mistakes in the construction process, saving cost, time, and material use for the structure. Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology is commonly regarded as being used by the UK at the forefront of the world, according to the International Journal of BIM & Engineering Science (IJBES). Nearly 70% of professionals in the construction sector used BIM on projects in 2019, and the majority of the remaining professionals were fully aware of its presence.

These models are also used during the maintenance and renovation of the structure. Now, the models include different objects that define the BIM process. Let us discuss them in detail.

What are BIM objects?

BIM objects, or Building Information Modeling objects, are discrete models of the real-life components of the building or the structure. These objects give a detailed view and description of walls, doors, windows, internal structures, different ASMEPF connections, and other components. It allows engineers, contractors, architects, and stakeholders to understand the building model and structure in detail. These are created using Revit, Navisworks, Tekla, and other such software.

This also helps to estimate the cost of the material, maintenance schedules, amount of time required, performance, dimensions, and every other technical and non-technical detail.

Benefits of BIM

• Improved Teamwork and Interaction

By providing the information in a single space, the team can work on the project simultaneously and everyone is updated on the changes made in the file, increasing teamwork.

• Enhanced Visualization and Design Quality

The 3D models in BIM help in visualizing the design before its construction, reducing the chances of on-spot errors and design defects.

• Lower Costs and Enhanced Efficiency

The detection of flaws beforehand helps reduce mistakes, ultimately reducing the cost and this also contributes to the pre-planning of the structure to get a better result.

• Better Project Administration

The BIM designs and processes help to maintain the building structure from the start till the renovation, or future demolition of the building. This facilitates long-term asset management.

• Ecological Viability and Energy-saving

Using energy efficiency and environmental impact analyses, BIM facilitates the design of greener buildings. Along with lowering expenses and environmental impacts, it also optimizes energy utilization.

• Adherence to Regulation and Hazard Assessment

By incorporating rules into the design process, BIM guarantees adherence to local construction requirements and lowers risks by identifying design flaws early on and averting expensive mistakes and delays.

Important conclusions from a recent Dodge Data & Analytics survey on contractors showed that using BIM increased ROI. Among the declared achievements are: "A 25% increase in labor productivity, a 25% decrease in labor, a 5% reduction in the final construction costs, and a 5% increase in the speed of completion."

Different BIM Levels

00 Level

This is a very basic level of BIM, where 2D CAD designs are created and are not shared with everyone. These are either created by traditional methods or in PDF format, offering minimal or no sharing among other designers, drafters, and stakeholders. This is also referred to as zero collaboration level. The use of this level is rarely seen in the modern world.

01 Level

This level involves 3D CAD modeling with 2D drafts for documentation and a detailed view of the structure. Here, these designs are moved to a Common Data Environment (CDE), where every drafter and designer can share their design and work on it. It allows a little collaboration with others, but not completely.

02 Level

This level, also known as the full collaboration level, allows different drafters, designers, stakeholders, and others to create their CAD models, and then share them commonly in CDE. These are then combined and formed into a single BIM-processed design allowing contributions from everyone. These are created in COBie or IFC format for easy collaboration and changes from the team. All the disciplines, ASMEPF, duct, and other details are made at this level.

03 Level

The level of detail allows all the collaborators to work on the same file simultaneously and make changes accordingly. This makes the model fully integrated for the use of everyone. It makes sure that there is no overlap of information or changes made in the file. At this level, BIM increases efficiency and gives every single detail of the structure.

Higher Levels - 04, 05, and 06

These are higher levels of integration in BIM-processed models, allowing cost estimation, maintenance requirements, functioning, time required, and other necessary details of the project. This allows the stakeholders, contractors, and others involved to plan and execute the construction of the project.

Future of BIM

BIM has enormous future possibilities for the building industry. BIM has the potential to grow even more significant and powerful as technology continues to progress.

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) in BIM

With the rise of AI, its integration into BIM will be very common. Using AI to generate ideas and details of a particular discipline of the structure might be seen. Making the right use of AI can reduce the time taken to develop a BIM-processed model, and certainly reduce the time taken to develop the structure.

• Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) with BIM

The use of AR and VR helps to visualize the BIM-processed model or structure created, making it easier for designers, drafters, and stakeholders to take action on the design.

• Cloud Collaboration in BIM

As of now, cloud computing has already been integrated with BIM. As seen in level 02 of BIM, the CDE is a Common Data Environment where you can share information with others and they can share their collaborative contributions too.

Conclusion

Building information modeling, or BIM, is transforming the construction sector through increased efficiency, better project outcomes, and cooperation. BIM facilitates smooth collaboration between stakeholders, reduces mistakes, and maximizes resource use, resulting in more intelligent, effective, and sustainable building methods. Take the lead in a revolutionary movement that is transforming our built environment and opening the door to a more intelligent, sustainable future by embracing BIM now.

Source: https://www.gsourcedata.com/blog/basic-bim-overview-building-information-modeling