What is BIM in construction?
BIM is a process for managing and creating information for a specific construction project and keeping it up to date across the lifecycle of the project. The major output of this process is the Building Information Model, which is the digital description of every area of the build asset. The model draws on information assembled collaboratively by all parties involved in the project (the owner/client, architects, surveyors, civil, structural and building services engineers, primary contractors and any subcontractors) and is updated at the key stages of the project. Creating a digital Building Information Model enables those who are involved with the building project to optimise their activity, resulting in a greater value for the finished asset.
The use of BIM in the construction industry is creating a digital revolution. It is a way of working that encompasses information modelling and information management in a collaborative environment where all members of the project will be:
- adding discipline-specific data to the shared model
- working to the same standards as each other
This means all models and all data are combined into a single source of information, enabling more effective and efficient coordination, enhanced clash detection, and more accurate time and cost decision making. In short, the use of BIM in the construction industry creates value by effectively combining people, processes and technology.
The advantages of BIM in construction
BIM brings together all the information about every single component of one project in one place. It makes it possible for all contractors and sub-contractors to access and add to the design information, from anywhere, for any purpose.
For example, BIM is used to…
- Schedule tasks and manage workflow on site.
- Analyse a project for hazards and risks before you have any people on site.
- Ensure that all sub-contractors have the latest version of the plans.
- Prevent human errors during the various stages of development and construction by signalling conflicts.
- Streamline communication, saving time so the project runs faster.
Using BIM in construction leads to many advantages, including minimising mistakes, discrepancies and additional costs, all of which lead to better profit margins for your projects.
The benefits [of BIM] are not just for the largest projects, projects of modest size can benefit from the improved precision of design, and ability to enhance collaboration within project teams that information modelling provides.
As well as being a tool for the construction phase, the data created by BIM is used to illustrate the building’s entire life-cycle, from inception to completion and from demolition to materials reuse. Spaces, procedures, products and timelines can be shown in relative scale to each other and as a complete project.
BIM tools in construction projects
Expertise in BIM involves having up to date knowledge of the latest software and BIM tools in construction projects. At MultiCAD, we use Autodesk Revit software to produce high-quality 3D BIM models.
Collaboration at its core
Interoperability is important to ensure different teams, using different software packages, can access the model.
At MultiCAD, our models are built using Revit, the industry standard software. They can be exported to IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) format (which is ISO certified) meaning the files are compatible with multiple software packages, hardware devices and other interfaces.
Structure of BIM models
A BIM model itself is composed of a number of BIM objects. These are the building blocks that make up the 3D model. A good example of a BIM object might be the representation of a door in the model.
BIM objects are more than just geometric data and can be a combination of many things that describe the item or product, including but not limited to:
- Measurements and drawings of the product’s characteristics
- Properties of a product, for example, fire performance. Read more about this.
- Manufacturer details, model number and supplier.
- Cost information.
- Imagery and visuals of the object, giving them a recognisable appearance.
- Maintenance requirements for the product.
Experienced technicians can also set the parameters of a BIM object so that, if it’s updated, it will automatically update other objects whose characteristics are affected by the first object. For example, if the dimensions and placement of pipework changes, the dimensions of other interdependent objects will also change accordingly. In this way, expert use of BIM tools in construction will minimise errors and streamline the process.
What’s the future of BIM?
The future of the industry is digital, and BIM is, unarguably, the long term future of design and facility management. BIM is the methodology of choice: it is led by the government and is driven by clear processes and technology, and it will become ever more critical for future projects.
For our specialist technicians, staying at the forefront of the technology curve is a source of pride in our work. Expertise in data architecture and latest software products is as necessary for achieving the project outcomes as having relevant design expertise.
Get the BIM support your project needs
Here at MultiCAD, we have been providing CAD & BIM modelling services since 2004, delivering BIM level 2 and beyond using Autodesk Revit, which is a multidirectional, database-controlled program (including layouts, elevations, schedules or the 3D model itself).
On most projects now, BIM modelling is a requirement and I needed someone to help me with this requirement. I am pleased to say that MultiCAD have taken this responsibility off my hands and have just run with it. I have found their service very friendly and flexible to the ever changing requirements. I would not hesitate in using MultiCAD on my next project.
Danny Driscol, Project Manager, Schneider Electric
We are experienced in supporting architecture studios, contractors and project managers with affordable, flexible and reliable BIM services. Email info@multicad.co.uk to find out more. If you prefer to discuss your project with one of our experts over the phone, please call us on 01322 226 162.
