Building Information Modeling (BIM) is more than just a technology; it is a process for creating and managing all of the information about a project, which results in creating an Information Model that contains detailed digital information regarding every aspect of the physical project.
BIM technology is playing a critical role in revolutionizing the construction industry, and the effective use of BIM can aid in increasing construction industry efficiency.
Despite the hype, there is a lot of misinformation about BIM in construction and how it can benefit contractors.
To shed light on the significance of BIM, here are some of the significant advantages of incorporating BIM into construction.
1. Effective communication
Communication is essential in construction projects. BIM software can effectively improve stakeholder collaboration by reducing distractions such as emails and phone calls.
BIM brings together and integrates the architects, clients, contractors, and other project stakeholders into a collaborative process.
With cloud-based tools, BIM collaboration can take place across all disciplines within the project in real-time. This means that everyone involved in the project has the same access to the same information throughout the project, ensuring that information is always up to date.
2. Better estimations
Many businesses are realizing that involving estimators earlier in the planning process allows for more accurate construction cost and time estimation, which has led to the rise of model-based estimating.
The BIM model aids in estimating costs and time requirements during the design and planning phases. By providing the most accurate numbers, model-based cost and time estimation help to eliminate human error.
Experts in BIM modeling can help you refine your shop drawings, 3D models, and construction documentation to identify precise budget and time estimates.
Furthermore, BIM technology enables you to use simple specifications for architectural, design, and structural elements, allowing you to plan all expenses and tasks much more accurately than with traditional shop drawings.
3. Offsite prefabrication offers enhanced visualization
Before construction begins, every design is subjected to numerous changes. Furthermore, the final constructed building is frequently quite different from its original blueprint.
BIM software is ideal for creating detailed production models that can be prefabricated off-site later. You can plan and visualize the entire project using BIM during preconstruction before the shovel even hits the ground.
Furthermore, having a better understanding of the project before beginning allows for more prefabrication and reduces waste on unused materials. This, in turn, can save contractors time and money because they will spend less time constructing pieces on-site from scratch.
4. Cost reduction
Every construction project will be evaluated and adjusted several times. Using BIM tools, on the other hand, allows you to create highly accurate 3D models while also reducing errors by automating most recurring tasks.
Furthermore, closer collaboration with contractors via BIM can result in lower tender risk premiums, lower insurance costs, fewer overall variations, and fewer claims opportunities.
Finally, being able to procure materials with confidence can help procurement teams get better deals and ensure a more consistent supply of materials throughout the project's duration.
5. Increased productivity
BIM enables concurrent design and documentation, as well as the ability for documentation to be easily changed to adapt to new information such as site conditions. Because information can be shared quickly and easily, schedules should be more accurate, and projects are more likely to be completed on time.
BIM data can also be used to generate production drawings or databases for manufacturing purposes in real-time, allowing for greater use of prefabrication and modular construction technology.
In addition, architects can use BIM to design buildings faster and begin construction earlier. Improved workflow and other efficiencies help to accelerate the project as well.
6. Enhanced safety
Another critical concern is workplace health and safety. Traditional injury-prevention strategies, on the other hand, abound in the construction industry. Furthermore, these strategies work best during the planning and pre-construction phases.
By visualizing and planning site logistics ahead of time, BIM can help improve construction safety by identifying hazards before they become problems. It can also help avoid physical risks.
Final words
As can be seen, BIM is a valuable tool for the construction industry with numerous advantages. BIM-enabled projects have a higher chance of success and maximize effectiveness throughout the project lifecycle and beyond.
Furthermore, architects and contractors who recognize the value of BIM may be able to provide you with more in terms of project efficiency and build quality.
As a result, BIM in construction may be the only thing separating a successful project from a stalled construction. When used correctly, BIM software can assist you in making better design decisions, optimizing labor, and lowering operating costs.
BIM consumes a 3D visual representation to plan, design, and collaborate during the building construction projects. With the various benefits using BIM that used to support the building design, or management of a design or renovation projects. Building Information Modeling (BIM) is only limited to the building design but it beneficial to overall construction industry.
