Today most of the Construction Industry is facing challenges with technology adoption to increase productivity in construction. Building Information Modeling (BIM), laser scanning, and virtual reality has also been used at a greater level in 2017 and has become a necessary practice for all construction firms in order to reduce wastage and rework which in turn reduces the budget of projects. BIM and laser scanning are becoming more commercially affordable, and despite the initial investment saves the organizations’ money in the long run by streamlining processes
The technological advancements in the building sector are seeing boost these days. Are you aware of the latest BIM technologies in MEP industry that can seriously raise your construction productivity reducing the cost and rework? BIM is a real a big-shot in the construction industry, isn’t it? Working in BIM creates value from the combined efforts of people, process, and technology. In this article, let’s get familiar with exclusive BIM technologies poised to embrace the construction world and are ready to boost the productivity:
- Modular construction & Prefab
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- Virtual/Augmented Reality
- Cloud App
- 3D Laser Scanning & Drones
- 3D Printing
- Green Building
Let’s expound…
BIM Trends in MEP Industry
BIM promises to be interesting. Introduction of new technologies and trends from last year are now becoming common and more infrastructure players are benefiting from cost lowering and thus achieving productive work processes. For those who want to raise BIM Projects to a higher level, here are the most significant trends to keep an eye on.
1. Modular Construction & Prefabrication
Modular construction system is getting traction in the current scenario. They are beneficial in reducing costs as well as boost the overall project process when building elements are ready to assemble in the workshop before actual construction. Prefabrication starts with prefab concrete walls and floors, fabricating many MEP elements in advance. The MEP engineers can now create prefab drawings based on the information for the workshop reducing the assembling time furthermore creating an efficient workflow from design to prefabrication and installation.
2. Internet of Things (IoT)
The installation sector has already standardized the intelligent ventilation system and smart thermostats. The participation of technology giants like Apple, Google, and Samsung in the market make sure that the homes and buildings are becoming smarter than never before. However, modern technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) are also going to change the work of modelers in the building industry. For example, IoT offers an advantage when it comes to sharing BIM data to prefab workshops, modelers as well as suppliers. Modeling is becoming a lot easier, and credit goes to Cloud Apps. With exact data formats, the designing process has become more comfortable giving direct delivery to the construction site. Thus, IoT can certainly help in changing the traditional working system of the installers.
3. Realm of Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality
There seems hike in using the virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) technologies in the installation sector. Virtual Reality allows users to analyze 3D models through glasses like Oculus Rift. It is pretty much helpful in giving project presentations to the clients. Augmented Reality, on the other hand, merges the reality with virtual images. The best example of Augmented Reality is Microsoft HoloLens which is a promising training tool for conducting error testing on construction site. Let’s take an example, imagine a technician wearing AR glasses on site and an expert in the office remotely managing the job progress. Well, this still may be a dream in a queue for many, but you can surely keep an eye out for this in coming years.
4. Cloud Applications
The cloud collaboration is the new trend mainly reflecting use of mobile cloud applications in building sector. Different people from different locations view real-time construction as well as design data. All this needs a proper internet connection. Cloud-based apps are great examples which can efficiently collaborate in cloud right from design phase to delivery. The on-site engineers can also get access to the current information via the tablet, smartphone as well as PC. Thus, easy and fast sharing of BIM models with the building site and reporting from the building site reporting can efficiently facilitate a productive as well as qualitative collaboration.
5. Use of 3D Laser Scanners and Drones
2018 will undoubtedly bring more options for boosting BIM models with current information with the help of Point Cloud. Creation of Point Cloud model with 3D laser Scanning on the job-site is now possible. The scan consists all exact 3D dimensions of the site, and the data which is further used as a base for the BIM model, for example, Revit. The complicated projects where there is a need to manually measure the project components use this technology. On the other hand, Drone technology is emerging in building industry. The combination of point cloud and drone is useful in delivering accurate BIM models.
6. Advancements in Going Green
Green building is in boom these days. BIM ensures better chain cooperation as well as internal efficiency. The predictions of material quantity for the entire project is priorly given during the design phase, thus helping the buildings built with higher energy efficiency. Thanks to BIM, now the Prefab and modular constructions are applied during the operational phase of the project. Also, in the later phase, huge savings can be made on energy costs and CO2 emission by making use of right products and materials. BIM also ensures that building can be demolished or recycled with fewer efforts as well as loss.
7. 3D printing
3D printing technology made massive progress in the building industry. The first house was completely 3D printed in the year 2017 with the help of 3D Printing technology. The technology has excellent potential for creating certain building elements in a brief time with the nominal material loss. 3D printing technology can be useful within BIM environment in many ways. It can be helpful in quickly making building prototypes for construction partners to view. It can also be useful for manufacturing components and prefab material. The 3D printing technology is going to make progress to a greater extent and is indeed worth keeping a watch on.
Conclusion
To conclude, the above BIM trends for 2018 are undoubtedly ready to transform the building industry. They are inevitably going to become essential for the construction industry to stay on top of the latest technologies. With the advancements in mixed reality and IoT, adopting the technology in coming years not only will prove absolute sustainability but also an effective project performance boosting productivity at par.
Also Read – BIM Latest Technology