Why Should Building Information Modeling (BIM) Start from the Early Stages ?

The definition of Building Information Modeling or Building Information Model(BIM); describes the process of designing a building on a collaborative level. Thus, using one system of computer models, coherently bringing the design together; rather than many separate sets of drawings. Moreover, a digital representation of the functional and physical characteristics of a facility. It is a resource of shared knowledge or information regarding a facility. This information can be essential to making responsible decisions regarding a facility way to early than from the traditional CAD drawings. Not just from the conception of the building, but during the facilities life cycle too. It is a plan from the conceptualization of the structure to demolition. In short, it is a piece of software(s) that designs the building, from birth to death.

Understanding (BIM) Modeling, helps us see its potential impact.  Now, that we understand the definition of Building Information Modeling (BIM) software, let’s look at a few of the advantages BIM software offer.

• Easy visualization of your construction project in a 3D environment.
• Less rework on design changes thereby acting as money saver and time saver,
• Improved collaboration between consultants reducing on-site coordination issues early,
• Various simulations can be performed such as construction sequencing and construction cost providing transparency among shareholders

It is easy to see why starting with BIM or Building Information Modeling in the earliest stages of a construction would be the smart move. BIM allows the stakeholders to bring their construction projects to fruition more seamlessly, and with fewer surprises. Traditionally designing buildings relied mostly on two-dimensional technical drawings. (e.g., sections, elevations, and plans to name a few), recently, the shift to BIM has created more value.

3D (height, width, and depth), and beyond!

With the development of computer programs from old days, there was a considerable innovation of being able to create your buildings in 3D and the old drawing table and tools of the trade of architecture. Drafting on the paper in the digital was only the start. Building Information Modeling(BIM) extends the scope of what the older programs did. Also, taking it the ways beyond 3D as technology kept changing and is changing.

Building information modeling, 3D design software, with a twist.

Not only you have the 3D capabilities as you had in the older and more traditional CAD software, BIM brings time as the fourth dimension, cost as the fifth dimension and has a much broader scope and meaning than just geometry. It carries the manufacturer information for the properties and quantities of building components, and materials used in the completion of the building. BIM is capable of projecting completion time as and when necessary repairs to the structure might expect. From Construction Documentation to Maintenance, everyone working on the project is on the same page and they have access to, and can enter data into the BIM, which is essential to a seamless outcome.

(BIM) modeling services can build from the ground up.

The BIM modeling program or services first starts from the ground underneath the structure. The project begins with the images of the earth, digital elevation, and aerial imagery, along with laser scans of the existing site. BIM is capable of capturing real-time information in regard with the project location. BIM Designers benefit from all the input compiled and shared in a way paper was never able to do.

Imagine you need to make changes to your project, now what?

There was a time when, if there were changes in a plan (e.g., number of size of windows) for some reason, an entirely new drawing had to be redraw to account for the differences. Maybe just to add a staircase or another exit. Now, while using BIM, you make the changes, hit save, and the whole team has access to the new information in real time using cloud technology. Instead of heading back to the drawing table, and starting again, adding and taking elements away has become a thing of ease now. Think of the money saved by an action to just save the project, thus helping everyone to stay on the same page while working on the construction project; this is one of the more luxurious aspects of Building information modeling. It will also link construction cost and installation costs for the newly added attributes to the building. Thus, saving time and significantly reducing the overall cost of the building project.

Building Information Modeling(BIM) programs and the environment.

BIM modeling can also take the overall operational costs of the finished product in mind. It also has multiple simulation options available so that the design staff can observe the building attributes in all seasons. Its features such as this that can assist in building smarter, more economical, and energy efficient structures. With the click of a button, all the analyses can be done to achieve peak performance. Building Information Modeling(BIM) programs can also detect potentially costly errors on the construction site and can inform about its occurrence such as on-site coordination issues. Things such as electrical conduits or ducts that runs into beams on site; this on-site issue can be expensive, and can be effectively bypassed with BIM modeling. The problem will be detected before you break ground to construction. BIM has the ability to fix such issues, such as these on-site coordination issues, that often plague projects when run by multiple teams. Here again, BIM is a money saver for construction projects. Also, BIM is an excellent way for the transfer of knowledge by sharing traditional plans, sections, elevations, as well as other types of reports that the teams can share with other parts of the project team. The software has customizable features and automation tools such as annotating a category of elements at once, saves precious drafting time; thus, conserving the project money and construction pitfalls.

BIM modeling software helps sequence the steps in a building plan.

BIM modeling software can sequence the steps of building the structure and all phases of these steps, down to the materials needed to accomplish the next step in the series of construction. The sequencing of steps is completed with animations and simulations, helping to coordinate the construction processes. Hence, delivering a more predictable outcome of the project beneficial for stakeholders. These are just some of the reasons that if a BIM plan is in place and is wisely used in the earlier on in the project, the better or smoother the project progresses. Making projects more seamless while saving valuable time and money on any project from a home to a high-rise building.