Building Information Modeling
What is Building Information Modeling?
BIM is a collective process that helps AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) professionals and stakeholders to collaboratively plan, design, and construct buildings in a 3D model. It is a multiphase process which collects input of all team members to design the elements and the tools for analyzing, planning and continuous calibrating which are utilized in the construction process. BIM provides a unique perspective of the construction process by providing visuals concept from all angles.
The information collected about the building design during the process of BIM can be used by decision makers and stakeholders even after the construction is completed. The series of visualization and collaboration process of the building that are is a highly cost-effective strategy that saves time and simplifies the building process.
BIM Evolution
Building information modeling systems are the result of a history of trial and error. The need for a drafting software arose with the increasing complexity of 21st-century construction projects. When 2D blueprints and sketches were unable to demonstrate the dimensions required, they were replaced by Computer Aided Design (CAD). With CAD, AEC professionals were able to visualize building plans in a virtual environment. Later, CAD was upgraded to 3D realistic blueprints that brought about BIM which is now the industry standard application drafters use for planning.
Components of BIM
How it Works
BIM Levels
BIM levels represent the various sets of criteria which represent a specific maturity stage of the building. The BIM levels range from 0 to 6D. Each level gauges the effectiveness and quantity of shared and managed information during the building process.
BIM Level 0
This is the old school way that is almost obsolete but still being used by veteran professionals who are inflexible to adapt to technology. On this level, there are:
Zero collaborations with maximum use of 2D CAD, digital prints and/or drawings.
BIM Level 1
Following are characteristics of this level:
3D CAD concept work
2D drafting production and documentation
CAD standard: BS 1192:2007
Use of CDE which is managed by a contractor
minimum collaboration where all stakeholders publish and distribute their data individually.
BIM Level 2
This level was declared mandatory in all UK projects in 2016. A level 2 project must have the following:
A collaborative environment
3D CAD to be used by the team but not necessarily for the same model. Team members may have separate models of the same design they are working on.
A standard file format, such as industry foundation class (IFC) or construction
operations building information exchange (COBIE), to be used for sharing of information about the design of the built environment.
On this level, firms can save a lot of time and cost by combining their data with existing data and reducing a lot of work.
BIM Level 3
This level works on a hundred percent collaborative system where a single 3D model is used.
A centralized environment where everyone can access and modify the model.
Open BIM: Against clashes, the protection layer is added which increases the project’s value on each stage.
How BIM is used
BIM is primarily for designing and architecture to create a clear model that results in more integrated designs that the AEC can collaboratively use while working on the building. The software creates documents that accelerate the construction process by enabling contractors to coordinate and foresee possible challenges that could arise during the real-world process. Several different trades are united under this umbrella during the designing and implementation of the building project. The applications of BIM include:
- Architecture
- Road construction
- Sustainability projects
- Construction and property management
- Scheduling of projects and commissioning
- MEP
- Utilities required can be prearranged
Benefits of BIM
Revolutionizing the
Conventional Processes
Revolutionizes the traditional architecture and data sharing processes. Allowing a concurrent work system and modeling actual construction pieces.
Accurate Cost Estimation
BIM estimates the construction cost accurately and monitors the actual data on building performance.
Data Accumulation
Accumulates data such as installing time, warranty, defects and aging, gauges the need for a temporary building set up and also uses sequence planning to determine how the phases of the project would be scheduled.
Pre-detects errors
Detects and helps to avoid issues in construction and design early on. Reporting, submittals and scheduling are enhanced by the BIM process and communication
Why Choose METCO
METCO professionals use BIM software to construct and manage the built assets through collaborative work and data sharing. The information collected and saved by the software throughout the process maximizes METCO’s opportunity to improve accuracy, improve transferring of knowledge between stakeholders and experts, help demonstrate the design concept and give the insight for existing buildings that can help in future renovations. Hence with a well-conceptualized strategy METCO brings your most exotic ideas into reality helping you to accomplish ROI in a very short time while maximizing your energy savings.
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