How BIM benefits Electrical Construction?
The BIM technology is disrupting the electrical construction industry and it is drastically changing the approach towards design, preconstruction, construction, and operational phases of the electrical systems. Apart from creating a virtual model and generating drawings, the use of BIM process has got various extended benefits.
Let’s have a quick rundown through the benefits of BIM for the electrical systems construction.
1. 3D Visualization
The BIM adoption has brought in a shared virtual space where all the stakeholders can collaborate on a single model. This brings the benefits for electrical contractors to visualize the complete design before being constructed on site. With the use of a 3d digital model, the contractors can zoom in and out to visualize every nook and corner of a project.
2. Clash Detection & Coordination
Since there is a single repository for every stakeholder’s model, interferences can be easily checked when compared to the traditional 2D based coordination process. With tools like Autodesk Revit and Solibri Model Checker, we can automate the clash detection process and any potential issues related to clearance and maintenance access can be easily identified in the preconstruction stage of a project.
3. Change Management
According to the construction news, it is estimated that more than 69% of the projects go overbudget and 90% of projects are delivered late from the original construction contract. The design changes are common occurrence in any construction project and for the smooth execution of a project, these design changes must be communicated effectively between all the stakeholder’s involved in the project.
Collaboration is the core of the BIM process, the stakeholder’s can now review the potential impact of the changes based on technical feasibility, schedule, and budget. Since the changes can be visually communicated and discussed, the process of initiating the change management is quite easy and transparent.
4. Schedule and Cost tracking
BIM has been recognized to improve project schedule and cost tracking through collaboration and increased use of data generated during the construction process. The 3d models developed can be linked to project tasks and time to create a 4d model to visualize the project timeline. With the use of a 4d model, the contractors can visualize sequence conflicts between discipline trades, out-of-sequence works and even logistics issues can be identified.
With the use of a 4d model, contractors can also evaluate the possibilities for various construction options off the job site and even the possibilities for prefabrication.
A typical cost estimator spends 50 - 60% of his time on quantification. The use of BIM has simplified the quantification process as the takeoffs, counts and measurements can be generated directly from the digital model, and there is an assurance that the generated outcome is always consistent with the design.
For example, when a change is initiated with an increase in number of lighting fixtures, with the use of a digital model, the information related to the additional number of lighting fixtures are automatically updated in the construction documents as well as the lighting fixtures schedule. Henceforth, the estimator can easily re-calculate the cost, rather than spending time on repeated quantification.
5. Prefabrication
Prefabrication of components offsite can reduce labor, material storage requirements and the need of heavy machineries in the construction site. This is also considered as an effective method to reduce safety hazards, as most of the components are prefabricated offsite.
One of the challenges in prefabrication is the timely delivery of components to site, and how to determine whether a component can be precisely fabricated. Since the BIM process allows the early involvement of contractors and subcontractors into the project, there is ample time to look for manufactures and schedule deliveries.
6. Operations & Maintenance
The As-built model developed after construction can be used for operations and maintenance as the 3d model is updated throughout the construction process. Whereas in the traditional process, the 2d as-built drawings developed after construction shows only the recent design and does to reflect the data related to the entire field modifications done. The as-built model optimized for facilities management can be connected to FM tools like IBM Maximo for digital operations and maintenance management.
Conclusion
The BIM technology is leading the innovation in the construction industry and electrical contractors must adopt the same to stay competitive in the market. Use of BIM has got varied benefits in terms of avoiding delays, reduction in labor and lowering the material wastage etc. and altogether bringing a significant reduction in project costs.
To attain the full potential of BIM, it requires a quality 3d model with the required level of geometrical detail (LOD) and level of information (LOI) for successful implementation. A successful BIM project is the right mix of people, process, and technology.
Contact BIMEX Engineers to know more about our Electrical BIM Services and, how we can support your business in achieving the BIM goals, to stay competitive in the market. Visit us on the web at bimexeng.com
About BIMEX Engineers
BIMEX Engineers is a multi-disciplinary BIM Consulting and BIM Outsourcing firm who are specialized in providing BIM Services for the AEC industry. Our mission is to help our clients to design, build and operate projects with better time savings and cost reduction. We make ourselves responsible to help new firms implement BIM and get the full potential of Building Information Model in their projects.