BIM in Construction: Addressing Challenges With Advanced BIM Solutions From 3D to 7D
Introduction
( Building Information Modeling ) BIM in construction has been the buzzword for the past few years. It is a novel approach to infrastructure development that has created several potential ways to streamline the entire construction process. BIM in construction digitally designs a facility’s physical and functional aspects using a shared data source. It is an object-oriented model that shows the object’s geometry, attributes, and relation.
The construction industry is constantly changing, and the major firms have used advanced technologies to stay at the top of the game. Construction companies have become interested in BIM in construction due to its remarkable features, which include parametric modeling, database management for design, construction, and maintenance, simulation tools, clash detection, and cost-benefit analysis. These features improve project efficiency, quality, and workflow. Leading nations recognize that BIM in construction can increase productivity, and its adoption rate is rising. For example, the UK government mandated building information modeling (BIM) for all building projects; currently, 20% of the industry uses BIM.
BIM in Construction Evolution: A Look Back at BIM’s History and Transition
Although (Building Information Modeling) BIM in construction industry has gained popularity during the last few years, the idea has existed since the 1960s, when computer-aided design (CAD) first appeared.
BIM Implementation: BDS introduced parametric design, 3D representation, and a single integrated database. It also recognized the fundamental issues with architectural design. GLIDE demonstrated several features, such as different components, of contemporary BIM. Several CAD systems were created in the 1980s as a first step toward virtual design and construction. The first CAD application for prefab building was called RUCAPS (1986), the first BIM program for a personal computer was called ArchiCAD (1987), and the first 3D modeling and cross-platform CAD program was called Vectorworks (1985).
Technological improvements gradually impacted the AEC industry, and contemporary technologies were raising the bar for project management and delivery. The development of Revit and Naviswork software significantly improved 3D CAD navigation, collaboration, and coordination. (Building Information Modeling) BIM in construction was progressively advancing as a cross-disciplinary and multifunctional tool.
BIM Dimensional Analysis: BIM 3D, BIM 4D, BIM 5D, BIM 6D, and BIM 7D
BIM in construction has been divided into multiple dimensions to supplement the geometric 3D model with additional information, such as time and cost. Theoretically, seven dimensions of BIM have been identified. These dimensions, which range from BIM 3D to BIM 7D, make the process of BIM implementation easier by digitally supplying and evaluating the model’s essential inputs.
The Necessity for (Building Information Modeling) BIM in Construction
The several significant difficulties construction companies face today prevent them from growing. According to a survey by AGC (American General Contractors), 54% of participating construction companies believe it is difficult to locate qualified contractors, engineers, and estimators, and 74% believe there is a need for more skilled personnel in the sector. Merely 30% of the organizations can complete the project within the projected budget, and only 15% can do so before the deadline.
Scarcity of Skilled Workers
The millennial generation, with little interest in and experience in the construction industry, is expected to make up half the worldwide labor force by 2028. The sector needs a more competent workforce and labor diversification to improve its quality construction and security. By providing the team with critical project information and minimizing reliance on their prior knowledge and expertise, BIM in construction can significantly address these problems.
Reduction in the Profit Margin
Over the past 50 years, the industry has seen a stagnation in productivity, which has led to a drop in profit margin. Worker productivity stops growing as projects become more complex. A BIM model can help with better planning and teamwork to increase labor productivity and profit margin.
Sustainability of the Environment
Climate change and water management are becoming their biggest challenges. ( Building Information Modeling ) BIM tools offer sustainable designs by reducing waste, managing water, and minimizing energy consumption.
Technology Advancement
Utilizing modern technologies and digitizing the sector can only increase the project’s performance, productivity, and profitability. By integrating BIM in construction, businesses can progressively roll out updated technology at various stages to prevent conflicts.
Challenges in the Construction Industry That BIM Can Help Address
The seven dimensions of BIM 3D to 7D address several challenges plaguing the construction sector by addressing problems throughout a project. Building elements can be integrated using BIM dimensions to address common project difficulties.
Using BIM 3D To Collaborate Across Disciplines
An integrated data model, including structural and functional details about the project and its systems, is called BIM 3D. Engineers, designers, contractors, and other stakeholders can extract and evaluate this information to fix structural problems. New values can be added anytime since they increase precision and decrease clash. Data exchange is another element that fosters efficient interdisciplinary collaboration.
Time and Schedule Alignment With BIM 4D
Integrating BIM’s temporal dimension with BIM 3D makes real-time graphic displays of construction growth or progress possible. BIM 4D connects the project’s aspects and design components with the construction schedule to maximize the planning process and time management of the construction activities.
Budget-Friendly Projects Using BIM 5D
Connected to 3D and 4D BIM, the fifth dimension aids in monitoring project activities and estimating project modifications’ costs over time. With 5D BIM, a balanced, precise, and efficient budget is possible.
Sustainable Projects Using 6D BIM
Energy usage is estimated using 6D BIM during the project’s design phase. The layouts might be adjusted appropriately to reduce energy loss and achieve the building’s sustainability.
Facility management with BIM 7D
Using 7D-BIM, project data and documentation can be saved and accessed. Data regarding building components, maintenance and operation schedules, technical specifications, equipment manuals, warranty details, etc., can be saved and extracted to maximize facilities/asset management. Effective asset management extends an asset’s lifespan.
Life Cycle of BIM in Construction
A BIM in a construction project’s life cycle is divided into many Levels of Development (LOD) to represent data at various stages of the BIM model, including geometric information, structured data, documentation, and the dependability of BIM parts. Throughout its existence, the construction model changes, and LOD classes assist in determining who is accountable for those changes. The LOD 100, 200, 300, 350, 400, and 500 are the various 3D BIM model refinement levels.
LOD 100: Primary Idea
The first step lays the foundation for the model. Designers and architects use the information provided by surveyors and the client to create an idea or conceptual model. The model includes area, height, volume, orientation, and position dimensions. The client’s design criteria are completed, but geometric information about the model still needs to be included.
LOD 200: Schematic Design
The architects and designers create a general model with approximate orientation information, size, shape, and placement. The surveyor provides the data to the architects and designers, who then use it to model the elements and add qualitative, non-geometric data to them.
LOD 300: Comprehensive Plan
A precise model with precise elemental requirements (number, size, and shape) is constructed using detailed geometry. The model elements’ position, orientation, and exact and particular assembly are also designed and defined. Accurate and precise shop drawings are created. Here, designers working with contractors can add schedules and cost estimates to the model. Because of the precision of the model and drawings, measurements and other data may be recovered at this level.
LOD 350: Documentation
The model’s components are connected to other systems. The textual documentation and graphic model show how these elements interface with others, systems, and services. As the BIM in the construction phase approaches, the design team double-checks the model’s accuracy with the contractors.
LOD 400: Assembly and Fabrication
The three main components of this level are fabrication, installation, and detailing. The architectural pieces’ construction, geometric intricacies, and individual assemblies are modeled. You can attach even their non-geometric data. The model is now shared with suppliers, contractors, and other project stakeholders. This helps contractors understand the project’s requirements and assign them to subcontractors.
LOD 500: As-Built
The model is updated with as-built or created data for maintenance and operation needs. After being modeled as assembled assemblies, it is examined against the design. The owners and contractors assume responsibility for the model’s upkeep and oversight.
The LOD framework in BIM (Building Information Modeling) improves project control, precise and efficient planning, and productivity by tracking many project activities at different levels.
BIM in Construction: The Future With Greater Benefits Than Expected
New tools for planning, designing, building, and operating are frequently added to the BIM technology area, which is constantly changing. Regarding the construction industry’s safety concerns, technology has expanded its list of dimensions with 8D BIM. Thanks to its rapid advancement, technology has a bright future in the building industry.
Bottom Line
To wrap up, (Building Information Modeling) BIM in construction industry has changed the game. It’s tackling significant challenges and boosting efficiency, sustainability, and teamwork. BIM ensures everything is planned and executed perfectly, from design to facility management. As the tech keeps advancing, it’s only going to get better.
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Tags: BIM, BIM 3D, BIM in construction, Building Information Modeling
