To fully understand the benefits of BIM in construction, it’s essential to clear up the misconceptions that BIM is just a technology offering 3D design and only valuable through the design and preconstruction building phases. The reality is so much more.
Whilst 3D design models form the core of BIM, BIM services offered by companies such as The CAD Room provide an entire process to create and manage all project information using BIM. The completed Building Information Model will contain digital descriptions for every aspect of the physical project. It has benefits that are valuable throughout the project lifecycle and after the project is complete through building management information, allowing virtual builds of the project before they are constructed to eliminate many of the problems that can arise during the build.
BIM construction benefits
Visualisation of projects preconstruction – perhaps one of the most apparent benefits is the ability to plan and visualise the project before the build begins. From the earliest design phase, it is possible to experience how the project fits within the landscape and experience what the space will look like. A greater project overview from the outset minimises time-consuming and costly changes later.
Cost estimation – the 5D element of BIM allows for more accurate cost estimations by quantifying and applying costs from the outset.
Clash detection – BIM enables smoother coordination between trades by detecting internal and external or MEP clashes within the design.
Automated clash detection will identify where doorways have insufficient clearance or beams and cables clash, allowing changes to be made at the early planning stages rather than last-minute changes. The ease at which changes can be reviewed and implemented across multiple disciplines will ensure all subcontractors are on the same page.
Reduce risk and cost – Closer collaboration with contractors can lead to lower costs as there will be less requirement to factor in variations. Real-time collaboration with a single document repository ensures that all stakeholders have access to the latest project information and makes project data sharing across teams simple and more reliable. Better project planning will allow for more significant prefabrication and reduce waste with less reliance on onsite solutions. Risk mitigation is also higher, which can lead to lower insurance costs.
Effective communication and collaboration – With auto collaboration tools, communication is seamless across all disciplines within the project. Project models and coordinated planning and updates are shared. Cloud access also allows office-to-field access to review information on mobile devices to ensure current project information is always available wherever it is viewed.
Time efficient – BIM allows the design and documentation to be completed simultaneously and easily adapted for new information, such as a change in site conditions. Improved scheduling and ease of change communication will help ensure that projects are delivered on time and eliminate many common schedule setbacks.
As we have mentioned previously, BIM also presents substantial opportunities for modular or prefabricated construction, thus reducing the time and costs of onsite labour or material cost.
Safety – another critical feature of BIM is its ability to pinpoint hazards before they become problems. Visualising and completing safety evaluations and planning for specific site logistics in advance will help ensure safety throughout the execution of the project.
Better buildings – The reliability a coordinated model brings supports superior building quality. Projects can be tested before decisions are cast in stone. Technical and design aspects and structural deficiencies can be seen early in the project and addressed before the building commences. The visualisation elements allow for better design aesthetics, and optimum placement within the intended environment can be adjusted digitally to allow adjustments for light flow and environmental impact, supported by reality capture technology accuracy during construction.
Our last words are on the ability to streamline building handover and facility management using the ongoing digital record of building information available for future facilities management and renovators throughout the entire lifecycle of the building. To this end, BIM is driving the UK’s construction breakthrough, allowing for a cohesive vision to be implemented throughout the project.