BIM (Building Information Modeling) is not a new thing to any construction professional in the present scenario. Centuries ago construction professionals implemented different ideas regarding the ways art resembles life. Today with the advent of high-tech digital trends; it is pretty much easier to recreate the reality.
The modern building structures have sensors and monitors that make them smarter as well as efficient. The architects now create amazingly realistic looking models and drawings. Unfortunately, much of this technological innovation practically does nothing to improve the hands-on process of cost scheduling or managing buildings. A costly gap still exists between the architect’s drawings and the world of construction site or building management team.
What could be the missing link here? Whom to blame? Well, according to experts, there exists a missing link between the traditional 2D drawing plans and the computerized building systems. A 2D line drawing has severe limitations in its usefulness. They may be visually sophisticated as well as have attractive representation, but its relationship to reality disappears the surface like an image in a mirror.
Introduction of BIM As A Bridge To The Future
To address the significant limitations in the construction sector, there exists an affordable Building Information Modeling (BIM) solution. It is taking an incredible step from traditional CAD drawings by bridging the gap between the construction industry’s sluggish past and parametric future.
BIM is a software platform that symbolizes buildings in a 3D model with an associated database. It not only provides symbolic lines to add a depth of knowledge but also showcases solid shapes with their intrinsic value-added properties.
The BIM model is flexible as well as interactive and is based on the interdependent relationships objects. For instance, if the user wants to increase the width of windows in the building model, the BIM software can automatically adjust the thickness of the wall to increase the width of a window.
One compelling advantage of BIM software is that it instantly detects incompatible measurements and design issues. Whereas, in 2D drawings, the problems, as well as the inconsistencies, are often hard to identify.
For example, if a structural engineer’s supportive beam is coming in same space which is already occupied by a mechanical engineer’s ductwork- the mistake gets easily eliminated in BIM model.
The detection of such mistakes in the traditional construction process begins when actual work starts which leads to rework and therefore, increases overall budget for the project. BIM, however, recognizes the process from concept to creation, also facilitates communication and collaboration amongst all the project team members. Even the changes made by any of the participants gets immediately highlighted in the model in real time. The user also receives a convenient option of being able to create 3D views as well as traditional 2D drawings from the model.
BIM Simulations Encourages Cost Savings
Building Information Modeling is also a digital simulator. It can perform the precise calculation and reporting, as well as analysis of different project facets such as energy consumption, the cost of local utilities, and temperature variations.
The BIM platform is smart and intelligent. It allows users to click on the line that represents the wall and immediately get access to archived data. The notes, documents files, photographs or any digital data access is possible in the BIM platform. Even the user can get access to HVAC vent that penetrates the wall, take it out, rotate it in 3D. It also analyzes every single detail while easily retrieving the service specs.
For making any specific changes, for example, if the user wants to enlarge a window, then it becomes essential to rebuilding the wall around it to cater that change. But there may be many such changes in a single project which encourages the rework and redrawing process for architects. Whereas using BIM the construction of cost projections, scheduling is calculated in prior and thus, can avoid 80% of the rework process.
Also Read: Discover Futuristic Construction Technology Trends
Economically Compatible Applications
With the advent of futuristic technologies, the use of BIM is affordable and economical. It doesn’t even requires any special computer setup to begin. Implementation of BIM within the commercial building industry is equally valuable. It helps to predict the overall construction costs and minimizes energy consumption through more effective designs.
To conclude, Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a powerful tool for building management, maintenance as well as marketing. The use of BIM in the construction sector can generate unlimited ideas and concepts without triggering significant expenses as well as delays. Green Building and Smart Cities are trending and are the driving forces in the present scenario. BIM will certainly pave a way towards Eco-friendly living.