Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a new way to digitally model any type of construction, while including important details that may not have been able to be done in one file before. I was tasked with reading Chapter 6: BIM for Contractors, which went into how BIM is best utilized in the contracting industry. I personally did not know much about BIM at all, but after reading this chapter, I have gained a lot of information about how the technology is growing, how efficient and multifaceted it is, and how to effectively incorporate it into the construction process.
The parts I found most interesting about BIM is the 3D aspect. The 3D aspect of BIM includes Visualization and Coordination through clash detection. Class detection, which BIM completes automatically in most cases, can identify design errors, which can come from inadequate spatial coordination. Since human error exists, there are, more often than not, small issues that always arise where objects are occupying the same space or where objects are too close to one another. Based on current construction methods, these problems would only be discovered in the field. BIM allows for multiple users to access the model at a time, see the building details sooner rather than later, and can make adjustments before even leaving the office, saving both time and money.
To effectively employ BIM’s clash detection, the building model must be detailed. The model should include as much information as possible, such as piping, HVAC ducts, electrical cable trays. The clash detection checks to make sure these components are contained in those volumes and not creating conflicts within the model. Since BIM can also handle shared files, designers and builders in all aspects of the construction process can overlay various layers of detail or sequences of construction and run the clash detection to determine if there are any issues in the design. This is great for projects were multiple contractors or sub-contractors must work simultaneously. In the earliest stages of construction detailing, BIM’s clash detection is extremely useful in detecting conflicts early. Since projects often fall behind schedule or go over budget, this tool seems to be revolutionary in being proactive in construction.
Comments:
Pritesh,
BIM is definitely useful in many facets of construction. I like that you mentioned accuracy of cost estimation. At my last co-op, we would spend so much time on cost estimates only to get a result that was most likely too far off from what we would actually need to spend. BIM provides a way for contractors and designers to do cost estimation almost instantly as they work, which, as you pointed out, shortens the project schedule in the end since you’re not running around trying to find proper costs to evaluate the project with. Overall, BIM just makes all processes more streamlined.
Michael,
I never thought about the implementation of BIM into current use. I guess that since our generation is more used to technological changes and advancements and embracing them, I just assumed that BIM implementation would happen smoothly. Thinking back on a couple of my co-ops, there were definitely older staff there who were set on using their prefferred version of CAD or did not want to try out a new system for cost estimation. I am glad that you talked about this and the learning curve that would develop, in which there would most likely be a period of lag in productivity as contractors and designers learn a new method, but it seems like BIM is so beneficial that it would be best to do so sooner rather than later.
Stephen,
Interoperability can get so difficult in the civil engineering industry. I also have come across problems in my co-op where one company sends us files in microstation but we need to convert it to autoCAD for it to run with our programs. Or even in Philadelphia, the CIty often requires submission in AutoCAD, but PennDOT requires submission in microstation. I think that an industry standard is a great idea. If not nationwide, statewide. That would make working on projects a lot easier and would save a lot of time.
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