The Role of BIM in AEC industry
BIM which refers to building information modelling is a technique that has been adopted in the AEC industry that helps to plan and manage projects effectively. By making use of geometry and relevant data, BIM has enabled creation of digital representation of buildings to be constructed. Utilization of software tools is one of the benefits that AEC industries have earned by using BIM technology in its operations. Some of the additional benefits that come with this kind of technology includes better scheduling, improving operability between teams as well as coordination of the construction projects. With the help of BIM services, the design team consisting of engineers, surveyors, architects among others are able to get a virtual information model to pass to contractors to implement the design. The design team is able to get the design model in time before moving the project to the construction site.
BIM helps to provide high quality as well as accurate documentation of the construction process. Reduction of the building lifecycle is implemented with this technology which helps to improve the level of interaction among engineers, architects as well as contractors. It also helps in coordination during the various stages of the building lifecycle which helps to eliminate any conflicts between the experts. Besides production of accurate quantity take-offs, BIM also helps to provide improved construction management during the entire process. Projects that done with the aid of BIM technology tend to be more accurate and cost-effective as well.
BIM technology tends to be more superior as compared to manual drawings since 3D objects are quite machine readable hence any errors or conflicts in a building model can be identified and corrected automatically. This helps to reduce the number of errors and change orders due to this capability of the technology. During cost estimation and placing orders for materials, contractors use the data provided by BIM to generate bills for the materials. Building models therefore allow integration of most processes involved in a construction project.
BIM tools differ from those used in CADD. Online simulation of a construction provides better products to owners that are more affordable which is what BIM mostly involves. The main feature of this technology is the use of coordinated computable information during the design process. With the model created, there are better performance predictions, construction planning, cost estimates as well as better decision making. BIM is utilized during the entire design process and the building lifecycle which includes the operation as well as maintenance stages.
In order to minimize the design lifecycle, BIM technology enables creation of different components of construction prior to its implementation. Another advantage of using BIM technology is that aids in eliminating wastage of construction material which leads to lower project costs.