Journal-1_What is BIM?

1.?????Introduction:

Within the construction phase, many problems and errors occur due to difficulties in communication, coordination, and standardization. This interoperability issue can be aided with the adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM), which is said to be most likely a technology-led change to deliver the highest impact to the construction sector (Reference 1). The European Construction Industry Federation predicts that the wider adoption of BIM will unlock 15-25% savings to the global infrastructure market by 2025. (Reference 2)

If BIM adoption across Europe will deliver 10% savings to the construction sector, then an additional €130 billion would be generated for the €1.3 trillion markets. (Reference 3)

2.?????What is BIM:

To date, BIM is a white elephant for the engineering industry. There are a various group of thoughts about BIM some says BIM is a software application, others feel it is just a process that helps design and documentation buildings. There is one more group that believes that BIM is a holistic approach for design, construction and maintaining the building.

In short, there is a common consensus that “BIM is a Process for combining information and technology to create a digital representation of a project. It Integrates data from many sources and evolves in parallel with the real project across its entire timeline, including design, construction, and in-use operational information” (Reference 4)

The term ‘Building’ within Building Information Modelling can be misleading. Rather than just referring to Buildings, the term should be thought of as the verb to build. The methodology can be applied to all types of construction projects, both vertical and linear including infrastructure projects and land surveying.

Figure 1.1. Traditional process versus BIM process

3.?????COMMON MISUNDERSTANDINGS ABOUT BIM:

There is common confusion about BIM is that it is a magic stick and when applied it can do magic.

BIM works because people make it work. Behind every fruitful BIM project there are skilled people, with the right tools (software and hardware), that create 3D models, undertake clash detections, 4D schedules and other types of BIM uses. People define and organize BIM outputs. No software can replace that.

Second, misunderstanding about BIM is that it is all about 3D modelling for some staffing people for industry BIM is about some specific famous software packages only.

Third, a misunderstanding about BIM is that it is about information models and once the models are created there is no need for drawings at all. Currently, the BIM is in transition cure, the industry is still trying to implement the BIM process 100%. Until that drawings are the final output only for construction works.

4.?????PAYBACKS OF BIM:

BIM can provide numerous benefits to a project, when implemented properly and can be applied either at all phases of a construction project, or just one of them. It can for instance result in improved design quality through:

·???????Effective analysis cycles,

·???????Effective prefabrication due to better information and more predictable field conditions,

·???????Efficiency on-site due to enhanced visualization of the planned construction schedule,

·???????Innovation in using digital design applications.

The following list presents some of the benefits that BIM offers to the AEC sector, such as the design team, the construction team, the facility manager, etc. BIM can provide:

·???????Reliable, accessible electronic information over the life cycle of the structure

·???????Design documentation with increased accuracy and improved quality

·???????Better production value

·???????The enhanced basis for decision making

·???????Overview of changes during design and construction

·???????Fewer changes in supply orders

·???????Shorter construction time

·???????Reduction in errors and omissions

·???????Improved operation and maintenance

·???????The better total cost of ownership

BIM offers a more efficient way of doing various analyses required during the building process, which all aid the decision making and supervision process, and improves the odds that the anticipated construction will be carried out. BIM is the tool that enables the construction manager to pull out the information required when it is needed. An example of such analysis is:

·???????Accurate quantification of supplies needed can easily be evaluated within the model

·???????Cost analysis throughout all phases of the project can be provided in less time

·???????Better visualization of the project, throughout all phases.

·???????Constructability analyses are easier to perform.

(Reference 1) World Economic Forum WEF, Shaping the Future of Construction, 2016 (https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Shaping_the_Future_of_Construction_Inspiring_Innovators_redefine_the_industry_2017.pdf).

(Reference 2) (ref. BCG, Digital in Engineering and Construction, 2016; McKinsey, Construction Productivity, 2017).

(Reference 3) (ref FIEC, Annual Report, 2017).

(Reference 4) Mordue S, Swaddle P, Philp D, Building Information Modelling for Dummies (Wiley) 2015.