A Building Information Modeling (BIM) application offers extensive capabilities – CAD programs, building design, analysis and documentation. The tool, therefore, reengineers the approach to driving construction projects.
Smarter building designs and efficient project execution schedules have become an acute need in the construction sector. Given the challenges posed by traditional processes, building owners and developers have been fast shifting to outsourcing 3D BIM Modeling applications for construction projects.
In fact, a study by McGraw-Hill highlights that 71% of construction stakeholders including architects, engineers, contractors and owners, use BIM in their projects.
BIM offers a comprehensive mechanism to streamline construction projects across entire project life cycle, and is a great tool to develop and document designs. Further, it allows flexibility to get a detailed insight into minutest detail.
3D clash detection and 3D MEP modeling models allow three-dimensional visualization at the pre-construction phase and owners can make smarter and more informed decisions regarding resources. With the addition of 4D BIM Scheduling and 5D BIM cost estimation, BIM provides owners to ensure that the project remains within the agreed budget and a sustainable structure is built within the stipulated time.
Project data mismanagement and inefficient construction teams can cost a whopping 15+ million dollars annually, 67% of which has to be paid by owners.
(Source: https://www.breakwithanarchitect.com/post/building-information-modeling-for-the-owners)
Challenges for owners/developers in construction projects
- Poor Risk Management Framework
- Inefficient planning
- Lack of communication
- Poor Prediction
- Unprecedented cash flow delays
Importance of Building Information Modeling for owners
- Pre-visualization allows owners them to get a detailed understanding of the project at the pre-construction stage.
- Standard schedules allow owners to assess performance of different construction teams.
- Track and monitor mechanisms allow owners to have crucial information on delivery dates, cost estimates, proposed changes, design modifications etc. at their fingertips.
- Owners have the flexibility to experiment with various designs to create a robust design life-cycle that can be verified easily.
Benefits of BIM to the owner
Discussed in brief are some important benefits that owners can experience when they practically implement BIM in their construction projects:
- Better financial risks assessment
BIM gives a clear-cut idea on budget you should allocate for a particular task, which is a crucial aspect prior engaging architectures, engineers, and contractors.
You can separate those activities which can be managed within budget and time constraints from those which cannot be managed, and have separate strategies to deal with and manage them.
- Time and cost optimized workflows
BIM keeps design stages short and simplified and advanced capabilities allow moving across designs easily. So, there exists no scope for complexities, hence it saves on time and cost.
- Better onsite execution
Dynamic 3D models allow owners to visualize changes across designs simultaneously. View synchronization help in creating highly coordinated and accurate designs, and precise elevation planning and project scheduling prevent discrepancies during onsite execution.
- Reliable cost estimation
Automated Quantification allows stakeholders to arrive at precise cost estimates for different planned activities, materials and resources. Any change in material quantity or cost is updated automatically.
Real time cost estimation helps owners to be prompt in taking actions at points where they are most impactful.
- Collaborative framework that facilitates greater ROI
BIM consolidates various disciplines into a single model, wherein different construction stakeholders – owners, designers, contractors, subcontractors and consultants have access to information through a common platform.
Acting as a central knowledge repository, BIM supports excellent communication amongst team members. When all stakeholders are on the same page and there is clarity about the project, rework and unnecessary costs are reduced. The integrated approach to construction design therefore imparts owners with abilities to fetch huge ROI amounts.
3D BIM MEP modelling garners better ROI for a healthcare facility in the Middle East
A project management solution firm from Saudi Arabia needed an accurate coordinated 3D BIM model in LOD 500 for a University Hospital Building project.
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The BIM experts at TrueCADD developed a bespoke 3D BIM model for the firm, leveraging AIA standards through Revit and Navisworks, facilitating faster collaboration. Accurate BIM geometry and excellent documentation allowed project managers to meet within schedule time and budget. Apart from eliminating the need for rework and optimizing time, appropriate scheduling allowed generate better ROI.
- Sustainable building performance
Advanced simulation features allow owners to evaluate different designs for increasing building quality in pre-construction stage itself. Pre-construction analysis like energy consumption calculations acts as a great input to improving building performance.
Schematic model creation before developing the final model gives owners an opportunity to drive scheme-wise evaluation and know whether a scheme is efficient in terms of sustainability.
Conclusion
BIM is a tool that owners and developers must have in their resource pool to match fast changing dynamics of the construction industry.
Today’s competitive circumstances and stringent sustainability requirements demand that owners become proactive in their approach to adopting robust BIM solutions, lest they end up unnecessarily wasting dollars in rework and design corrections.
As owners strive to streamline their projects, they should seek the most viable option to implementing BIM. For immediate implementation, collaborating with experienced BIM Service providers can allow owners to quickly pave a path to bettering operational performance and improving ROI for their construction projects.
About Author:
Harika Singh is an academician and published writer. Her passion for engineering and technology reflects in the in-depth coverage she provides on technology trends. 20 years of work association with institutes of repute across India and the US positions her to provide valuable insights to business stakeholders on achieving scalability and operational efficiencies through digitalization.