Building Information Modelling (BIM): 3D to 10D

BIM is about much more than creating drawings or models of buildings. It can be used like this, if that is all you need. However, it’s also powerful enough to provide a way to manage multidisciplinary information for a building project, including layout, materials, time, costs and more.

Why go further than 3D?

Obviously, you’re already familiar with 2D and 3D design. 2D means line drawings, which are flat. 3D designs show the shape and space of a building or other asset.

In the same way that 3D adds a new layer of information to the project process (shape data), 4D BIM adds in yet another layer (scheduling), while 5D adds yet another layer (cost) and so on.

When we work with our clients to deliver BIM services, project timelines are critical and major decisions need to be made in a short space of time to keep the project on track. The primary function of BIM is to facilitate accurate and timely communication so those decisions can be made with input from the right stakeholders. It has been developed and adopted worldwide precisely because of its capacity to create and manage all the information about a building project, throughout the lifecycle of the building. Each dimension supports a different use for the project data, and each will be needed by different stakeholders at different points in the process.

There is some disagreement within the industry about whether or not using the names 3D, 4D, 5D (and so on) is helpful. The UK BIM Framework, which is the framework MultiCAD adheres to, suggests using plain language that describes what each dimension is and does. Yet many parts of the industry use up to 10 dimensions and so things can easily become confusing. In this article we’ll give an overview that demystifies what each “D” means.

Note: BIM dimensions should not be confused with BIM levels of development. The levels of development go from Level 1 to Level 6 and are a standard framework for the level of detail and accuracy of information in a BIM.

What value does this add for construction projects?

Both CAD services and BIM services can be used for 3D design. BIM, however, adds more power to 3D by creating a digital model with the capacity to include architectural rendering and non-physical data (like specifications and performance characteristics). It is frequently used for early-stage clash detection to prevent costly adjustments on-site and the related delays.

The more layers of information included in the model, the more widely changes to the design can be propagated and the more fully their implications can be understood.

When time (or 4D) is added, BIM stakeholders can easily share and find out the impact of project changes on the project schedule. Adding in cost information (5D), the same model becomes a powerful tool for cost analysis and budget management.

The different BIM dimensions incorporate these (and more) useful layers of information within a single, digital model.  This allows different contractors and disciplines to make informed decisions at all stages, particularly early stages where they can have significant consequences down the line.

An overview of the BIM dimensions

The most commonly used BIM dimensions used internationally are 3D, 4D and 5D. 6D and 7D are also part of the current industry standard and recognised worldwide. The highest dimensions, 8D, 9D and 10D are not yet defined in any industry standards and exactly how they should be interpreted is still under debate.

3D BIM: Shape

This is the basic structure of the project, shape and layout represented on the X, Y and Z axes. It is especially useful for clash detection.

4D BIM: Scheduling

This adds time as a dimension, allowing scheduling information to be included so users can visualise the construction sequence. This allows all stakeholders to see when different components will come together, making it easier to avoid issues with scheduling and dependencies.

5D: Costs

Adding cost data allows an estimation of costs that keeps up with the latest changes. Users can add cost data into all elements of the plan, giving real-time cost information to project managers and decision makers. This makes budget management and cost analysis quicker and easier.

6D BIM: Sustainability

This includes data on energy consumption, life cycle analysis of the building and maintenance requirements. The 6D layer supports stakeholders to meet sustainability targets and demonstrate an eco-conscious approach.

7D BIM: Management

Supporting facility managers, 7D data includes building performance and maintenance requirements. This allows maintenance schedules to be optimised, improving performance and reducing downtime.

8D BIM: Safety

This dimension is about modelling safety risks on-site and incorporating safety features into a building’s design to improve health and safety.

Designers can create a comprehensive risk assessment for each design component of the systems they are working on before construction begins. This reduces risks and hazards on-site, leading to better safety for construction workers.

9D BIM: Lean Construction

Aiming to reduce wastage, 9D applies lean principles to the construction process. This highlights ways to reduce or eliminate low-value parts of the process, for example waiting times in the construction process or where rework is most likely to occur, allowing designers to improve the process and maximise productivity and profit.

10D BIM: Construction Industrialisation

This dimension is about improving productivity through mechanisation and automation. It typically involves increasing off-site production with prefabrication, preassembly, modularisation and mass production. Highly-detailed BIM designs provide a digital model of building components, which can be used to successfully manufacture and assemble them off-site. Benefits of 10D BIM include fewer delays and disruptions related to site conditions, like poor weather for example.

All the outputs needed, when you need them

BIM will continue to evolve as the construction industry finds new ways to improve efficiency and productivity. As leaders in our industry, we were quick to spot the potential of BIM before the UK standards were introduced and we make it our mission to stay ahead of the latest developments.

For BIM designs that easily bring all of your stakeholders on to the same page, and support you to maximise productivity and profit for your project, talk to MultiCAD.