Category: BIM

  • Construction technology of Bricks in the UK

    As part of the RICS competency on construction technology, bricks are used today. Technical and illustration is needed to explain the different bonds and bricks.

    As part of the RICS competency on construction technology, bricks are used today. Technical and illustration is needed to explain the different bonds and bricks.

    Bricks in general

    The size of bricks and blocks can make a big difference to the construction process because they are important materials. There are many types of bricks and blocks that could be used in construction, but there’s one size that affects how everything else will be built.

    The size of bricks and blocks can make a big difference to the construction process because they are important materials. There are many types of bricks and blocks that could be used in construction, but there’s one size that affects how everything else will be built.

    Bricks and blocks are man-made concrete building materials that can be used to build anything. They are made of a variety of materials, such as terra cotta, travertine or clay bricks.

    Bricks and blocks are man-made concrete building materials that can be used to build anything. They are made of a variety of materials, such as terra cotta, travertine or clay bricks.

    Stone is quarried and shaped, but it also often occurs naturally. Additionally, it was often used as it was found below cliffs or outcrops or on beaches, or from the general stones on or in the ground.

    Stone is quarried and shaped, but it also often occurs naturally. Additionally, it was often used as it was found below cliffs or outcrops or on beaches, or from the general stones on or in the ground.

  • A side is another name for a stretcher or stretcher-faced panel.
  • Mortar is a type of material used to bind bricks and blocks together.

    Bricks are made in different sizes, but in this text we’ll only focus on the standard metric brick.

    Brick manufacture is complicated, because the final size of a brick can be slightly different from what you expect.

    The nominal size of a brick is the difference between the working and coordinating dimensions.

    The nominal size of a brick is the difference between the working and coordinating dimensions. The usual nominal size is 10 mm, with a layer of mortar into which the bricks are pressed when laid. Most often this nominal size is the thickness of six bricks or one inch- American units.

    Our content is sized according to importance, rather than just by time.

    Our content is sized according to importance, rather than just by time.

    The term nominal sizing refers to the size given by a manufacturer that allows for slight variation. The variations in size – larger or smaller – are generally given in British Standards. Variations on individual bricks may vary, as they’re allowed an extra few millimeters as they are pressed into the mortar, but they will fall between the dimensions width of 225mm and thickness of 75mm.

    The term nominal sizing refers to the size given by a manufacturer that allows for slight variation. The variations in size – larger or smaller – are generally given in British Standards. Variations on individual bricks may vary, as they’re allowed an extra few millimeters as they are pressed into the mortar, but they will fall between the dimensions width of 225mm and thickness of 75mm.

    Durability of bricks

    Durability is an important consideration when building in areas with freezing temperatures or high levels of salt. For a classification of durability, see BS 3921.

    Durability is an important consideration when building in areas with freezing temperatures or high levels of salt. For a classification of durability, see BS 3921.

    The durability of brickwork is dependent on two factors: resistance to frost and soluble salt content. Frost resistance falls into three classes: frost resistant (F), moderately frost resistant (M) or not frost resistant (O). Soluble salt content is classed as either low (L) or normal (N). So, one could have a brick that is frost resistant with normal soluble salts content and this would be classified as FN. Likewise, a brick that had no frost resistance and had low soluble salt content would be classified as OL.

    Mortar joints

    Mortar placed below or on top of bricks is called a bed. Mortar placed vertically in between bricks is called a perpend.

    Mortar placed below or on top of bricks is called a bed. Mortar placed vertically in between bricks is called a perpend.

    Mortar placed below or on top of bricks is called a bed. Mortar placed vertically in between bricks is called a perpend.

    Coordinating sizes

    Regularly spaced, matching sizes allow these bricks to be pieced together in a number of different ways. Building brickwork to the specific coordinate size is important for achieving the desired appearance.

    Other elements like bits, lints, and window halves are manufactured to fit openings that are calibrated in whole or cut bricks.

    When creating a brickwork design, you should make sure that the bricks are all the same size so they will fit properly.

    The height of the lintel is 176 mm, or 3 x 65 mm.

    The height of the lintel is 176 mm, or 3 x 65 mm.

    The durability of brickwork is dependent on two factors: resistance to frost and soluble salt content. Frost resistance falls into three classes: frost resistant (F), moderately frost resistant (M) or not frost resistant (O). Soluble salt content is classed as either low (L) or normal (N). So, one could have a brick that is frost resistant with normal soluble salts content and this would be classified as FN. Likewise, a brick that had no frost resistance and had low soluble salt content would be classified as OL.

  • The width of the window opening must be a multiple of half a brick, plus the perpends. This means that 8 × 102.5 + 9 × 10 = 880 mm or 4′ 10
  • Perforations that do not exceed 20% of the brick’s total volume; at least 30% solid brick across the width.
  • cellular bricks

    cellular bricks

    perforated bricks
    perforated bricks

    Bricks can be manufactured to fulfill many different functions, such as adding structural support, resisting moisture absorption, or being used as decoration.

    The majority of bricks used are from the ‘All other’ category, but don’t have a problem resisting the weight of most buildings. That being said, it’s important to remember that there are limits for bricks when it comes to absorbing water. If bricks will be used for an external wall and you want them to resist weather, it would be foolish to use extremely absorbent bricks or let the absorption level for engineering bricks fall below those required by DPC. At the same time, if a DPC is not in place and you’re using less than average water-absorbing bricks, this might not be necessary and could actually end up causing problems down the road.

    The majority of bricks used are from the ‘all other’ category, but don’t have a problem resisting the weight of most buildings.

    However, it’s essential to remember that there are limits for bricks when it comes to absorbing water.

    If bricks will be used for an external wall and you want them to resist weather, it would be foolish to use extremely absorbent bricks or let the absorption level for engineering bricks fall below those required by DPC.

    At the same time, if a DPC is not in place and you’re using less than average water-absorbing bricks, this might not be necessary and could actually end up causing problems down the road.

    The vast majority of bricks used are in the “all other” category, but this compressive strength is perfectly adequate for all but the most severe loadings.

    However, the water absorption should be limited if you need your external walls to resist weather conditions.

    It would be foolish to build a wall that has bricks that can absorb lots of water if these bricks were going to become damaged from weather conditions.

    On the other hand, if the brick is low on water absorption and you’re required to use drying agents, it might be an unnecessary expense.

    Testing of bricks

    Brick must be tested to comply with British Standards.

    The tests typically include dimensions, soluble salt content, efflorescence, compressive strength, and water absorption.

    Bonding of Bricks to form walls (types of bonds)

    One of the first building concepts ever developed–bonding bricks together–is still being used today. This quality of a wall is created with layers and various patterns that change from course to course. You can mold your bonding pattern by changing the cut and whole bricks in these layers, or even by using bricks that are shaped differently than standard rectangles.

    Cutting a brick in half can be tricky. It’s easy to draw out the lines correctly, but it’s not so easy to cut along the lines with precision. Fortunately, there is a simple solution that will work for any type of brick – even one that has been damaged or deteriorated. By cutting the brick along its half height, you create the perfect surface against which to rest other bricks. You could call this cut a ‘half batt’.

    Building walls with straight vertical ends is possible because of the simple cut at the end of the brick.

    English bond is a complex pattern used in situations where the wall has a thickness of 215 mm or one brick.

    For walls thicker than one brick, a further development for bonding comes into play.

    Wall Thickness

    What are the thickness of walls

    Stretcher or common bond

  • The point where two straight lines meet, called an intersection.
  • The right-angled corner of a wall, known as the quoin.
  • The right-angled corner of a wall, known as the quoin.
  • Before we begin, you should know that this is not a complete list of bonds or situations. When reading other texts, you’ll find variations on the bonds discussed here and many other types of intersections and thicknesses.

    Before we begin, you should know that this is not a complete list of bonds or situations. When reading other texts, you’ll find variations on the bonds discussed here and many other types of intersections and thicknesses.

    Different areas of a wall
    Different areas of a wall

    Stretcher or common bond

    Common and English bond

    The first and most basic form of bond is illustrated here.

    The first and most basic form of bond is illustrated here.

  • Only used for walls of half brick thickness, this is the only practical bond that can be used on a wall of this thickness. Though we’ll build ‘mock’ bonds of other kinds later. A little of that later.
  • Only show stretchers on the general face, with occasional applications at quoins, scuntions, and intersections.
  • Flemish bond

    • This bond is not so strong as English bond
    • It is used on walls made of one brick width.
    • Noting how the width of a secant varies in direct proportion to the wall thickness, one can see that

    The decorative pattern on the face of walls shows alternate headers and stretchers in each course, with the headers centered under and over the stretchers in adjacent courses.

    Quetta bond

    Quetta bond

    Quetta Bond

    This drawing is the sectional bond. The hatched portion is a void, not the actual sectional bond. This is an attempt to produce a more weather-resistant form of wall than the one brick, solid wall commonly used in housing at the time without using any more bricks or splitting the wall into two layers joined with wall ties. This idea never took off because, although it does provide a way for moisture from outside to travel onto the inside surface of the wall, it adds another step to production and slows down construction.

    This drawing is the sectional bond. The hatched portion is a void, not the actual sectional bond. This is an attempt to produce a more weather-resistant form of wall than the one brick, solid wall commonly used in housing at the time without using any more bricks or splitting the wall into two layers joined with wall ties. This idea never took off because, although it does provide a way for moisture from outside to travel onto the inside surface of the wall, it adds another step to production and slows down construction.

    Bricks are the most common type of masonry wall we see today. They’re all layed on edge (or stacked vertically). Due to this, our walls are 1 and a half bricks thick.

    When building bond with bricks on edge, there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Bricks should have plain beds – no raised frogs, cavities or perforations.
  • If the wall is to be rendered or plastered, choose bricks with shallow frogs or small perforations
  • If the wall is covered over in some other way, then the size of a frog etc. doesn’t matter.
  • Coverings could include vertical tiles, slates, or board-like structures that are half an inch thick.
  • This wall would solve the problem of moisture crossing the wall.
  • This type of bond uses bricks and concrete. Reinforcing rods are installed in weakened brick bonds to strengthen the walls.

    For example, for brickwork that is complete and mortar has hardened, concrete is then poured into the gaps between the bricks and rods.

    This type of construction may not be an economically-feasible solution for keeping out the weather once the cost of overcoating is added, but it is a good option for noninhabitable buildings or garden walls because they don’t require as much upkeep.

    This type of bond uses bricks and concrete. Reinforcing rods are installed in weakened brick bonds to strengthen the walls.

    For example, for brickwork that is complete and mortar has hardened, concrete is then poured into the gaps between the bricks and rods.

    This type of construction may not be an economically-feasible solution for keeping out the weather once the cost of overcoating is added.

    However, it is a good option for noninhabitable buildings or garden walls because they don’t require as much upkeep.

    Rattrap bond

    Rattrap Bond

    Like the Quetta bond, the Rattrap bond are laid on edge, which can result in an interesting face pattern. The following information about Quetta bond applies equally to Rattrap bond, with a very low chance of keeping out weather effects. A stronger bond than Quetta, Rattrap is often used for industrial or agricultural buildings. It can be made more weatherproof by over-cladding, and the bond usually involves one stretcher to one header, as seen in the illustration above

    Conclusion

    I hope this answers the different types of brick bonds, the sizes and common misconceptions about working with bricks. I sure have learnt the two new bonds of Quetta and rattrap bonds from doing this research.

    Construction Technology: an illustrated introduction by Eric Fleming

    If there are any mistakes or suggestions, please do not hesitate to leave a comment below.

  • Guide to hiring a measured building surveyor

    So you’re planning a house extension or refurbishment of your current property? Then, you need a measured building survey done first, before you hand over the rest of work to an architect.

    What is a measured building survey (MBS)?

    What is a measured building survey (MBS)?What is a measured building survey (MBS)?

    MBS is vital for any architect before any refurbishment scheme commences and it provides valuable information, including accurate plans of a building. If you’re a landlord, a measured building survey is also produced to provide you with not so detailed plans to compute the Gross Internal Area for letting purposes.

    MBS include a vast range of detailed building information to suit your relevant needs. Such information covers many surveyed areas ranging from floor plans, area plans, elevations, roof plans and floor slab surveys, usually using latest technologies or ‘the tried and tested methods’.

    Methods used in MBS

    Methods used in MBSMethods used in MBS

    The measured building surveyor can generate accurate building footprint, including internal control points and then sketches and measures the internal layout before he proceeds to the contruction of the CAD (Computer Aided Design) plan. CAD plan is typically based on the measurements the MBS recorded during the site visit.

    Another method typical for MBS is via hand-held computers and tablets useful for inputting spatial data whilst on site. Such method is extremely useful for constructing and verifying the survey data as and when on the site.

    What to look out for?

    What to look out for?What to look out for?

    Once the need for an MBS has been identified, you can then start looking for a perfect measured building surveyor who will carry out a survey at your property. First thing to remember, like with any project, you need to prepare a scope sheet with requirements before approaching a relevant surveyor. In this sheet you need to state what needs to be picked, your timescales and what outcome you want to achieve.
    Even though an MBS will be equipped in various checklists and tools needed for a survey, you might also have your own checklists prepared, ready for the inspection. You might want to include such areas as ceiling heights, structural elements (i.e. beams and columns), floor levels, steps (including changes in levels), door heights, chimneys, window sill heights and window head heights, rainwater pipes, foul drainage pipes, etc.

    You might also need to consider a dedicated engineering surveyor, who will not only carry out the MBS but also a topographical survey and as-built survey. There is a number of elements an engineering survey involves, which ranges from project planning and design through to quality control of construction projects and monitoring the performance and health conditions of completed structures and facilities. Overall, these are the key elements worth considering and keeping in mind prior to a successful MBS.

    You might also need to consider a dedicated engineering surveyor, who will not only carry out the MBS but also a topographical survey and as-built survey. There is a number of elements an engineering survey involves, which ranges from project planning and design through to quality control of construction projects and monitoring the performance and health conditions of completed structures and facilities.

    Following this quick guide to hiring a measured building surveyor will guarantee your preparedness for an on-site survey and will help you look out for key elements involved in creating a survey. Before you hire an MBS or an engineering surveyor, make sure to mention as much information as possible to make the whole process smooth and hassle-free.

    Following this quick guide to hiring a measured building surveyor will guarantee your preparedness for an on-site survey and will help you look out for key elements involved in creating a survey.

    Before you hire an MBS or an engineering surveyor, make sure to mention as much information as possible to make the whole process smooth and hassle-free.

    There are many websites out there, where you can find your local MBS. Have a browse around, see how long particular MBS companies have been established for, see if you can find any testimonials on their websites and whether they have relevant certifications for carrying out surveys.

    Don’t go with the first website that you like the look of. Reviews and length of service are probably the most important ones to look out for. Also, why not ask around amongst your friends and family and find out if they could suggest a reliable MBS – word-of-mouth is probably the best advertisement.

  • What is Stage 4 Design of the RIBA Plan of work

    A construction project usually consists of four stages. Stage 4 deals with gathering information required to manufacture and construct the building. This requires input from the design team and specialist subcontractors employed by the contractor, regardless of how they got the project. Any changes in this stage may alter the cost in later stages.

    All the designing must be done in Stage 4 before the construction phase starts in Stage 5. It is common for the specialist subcontractor’s design work to be completed in Stage 4. The RIBA Plan of Work intends that Stage 5 exclusively consists of manufacturing, construction, related inspections, reporting, and resolving site queries.

    For example, on a two-stage design-build project, the client may be content to sign the Building Contract after major packages are secured; however, in a traditional project with design ahead of construction, the designer’s work should substantially be complete before signing the building contract with the specialist subcontractors’ work completed after appointing a contractor.

    By keeping all design work within Stage 4, the lead designer can prepare a Stage4 Design Programme covering all elements of the design team’s and specialist subcontractors’ work.

    The interface between design team and specialist subcontractors and the procurement route can be a tough decision to make. However, they are not the same thing.

    Prescriptive elements are common in traditional projects, whereas descriptive specifications are more typical of Design & Build projects.

    The value brought by the design team in delivering prescriptive information varies depending on the building type and desired outcomes.

    Many clients prefer products to be specified by the design team, while allowing others to be chosen by the contractor.

    Specialist subcontractors often possess design skills that surpass those of traditional designers, adding value to the design process.

    Setting up a Responsibility Matrix at the initial stage is essential, acknowledging that it can be updated as the design progresses.

    Interior design

    At this stage, you might want to look at getting existing plans of your property (either your landland or your buildingbuilding.) These measured building surveys and topographical surveys would be the starting point of the design team to build upon. You could consider it the foundation of the design.

    The RIBA has seen a spike in interest in offsite manufacturing methods, as well as other modern construction technologies.

    But these things need to be contemplated at Stage 2, and embedded into the design from the earliest stage.

    If you want to be sure that the building is constructed through a specific modern method of construction by the architect, it’s best to mention it in your project brief for Stage 2.

    If not, it may be wise for the designer to consider what different types of construction might work best based on a consultation with their construction adviser and some research done at Stage 2.

  • Getting started with Building Information Modelling in the UK – What it is

    The UK government’s mandatory adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM) on all public-sector projects in 2016 highlights the growing importance of this technology in the construction industry.

    BIM has been a growing industry in the UK, and its adoption is spreading globally. According to a report by the International Council for Building Research, Institutions and Technology (ICMRT), the BIM market is expected to reach $24.8 billion by 2025.

    Despite its growing popularity, there is a lack of understanding among makers about how to effectively implement BIM technologies. To unlock the full potential of BIM, users need to grasp the concept of connecting disparate applications.

    A study by the University of Cambridge’s Department of Engineering found that the key to successful BIM implementation lies in the ability to integrate different software tools and systems seamlessly.

    With the right knowledge and skills, makers can harness the power of BIM to improve project outcomes, reduce costs, and enhance collaboration. However, the process of integrating BIM technologies can be complex and require significant investment in training and resources.

    According to a report by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), the lack of understanding about BIM implementation is a major barrier to its adoption in the construction industry.

    Standalone 3D camera scanner for visual reality and augmented reality technology, enabling users to scan real spaces and create highly immersive 3D models, architecture, room, interior, and building.

    Standalone 3D camera scanners have the potential to transform the way we experience and interact with virtual environments.

    According to a study by the International Association of Computer Graphics and Game Developers, the use of standalone 3D camera scanners has the potential to transform the way we experience and interact with virtual environments (Source: “The Future of Virtual Reality”).

    Standalone 3D camera scanners have been adopted by various companies, including Realpatch, which uses them to create high-accuracy 3D models of buildings for insurance and real estate purposes.

    Standalone 3D camera scanners are also used in the construction industry to scan building sites in 3D, allowing architects and engineers to gain a better understanding of the site’s layout and identify potential issues.

    There have been plenty of books and papers that address the theoretical underpinnings of BIM technologies. However, few articles address the more practical aspects of implementing a BIM strategy in construction, as highlighted by a study by the Construction Industry Council, which found that only 12% of UK construction companies have a formal BIM strategy in place (1). This series of blog posts aims to bridge this gap by exploring the concept behind BIM and its practical applications.

    In this series, we’ll delve into the concept of BIM, exploring its theoretical underpinnings and practical implementation. Some of the material will be country-agnostic, but other topics may seem UK-focused, as the UK has been at the forefront of BIM adoption. However, the principles and benefits of BIM are universal, making it a valuable tool for construction professionals across the globe (2).

    Even if this series may at times seem to be UK-centric, it still has relevance in any other country and could easily be adapted to work for you. The adoption of BIM has been successful in countries such as the Netherlands and Canada, demonstrating its potential for widespread use (3).

    The series will be of practical use to engineers, architects, land surveyors, contractors, and client organisations, as well as college students and adults interested in more advanced courses about buildings. By providing a comprehensive understanding of BIM, this series aims to enhance the skills and knowledge of construction professionals, ultimately leading to improved building design, construction, and maintenance (4).

    The central point of the BIM approach is seamless information management for the entire life cycle of an asset rather than just at design and construction stages. According to the European Centre for Construction Information, seamless information management enables improved collaboration, reduced errors, and increased productivity (5).

    What is BIM?

    BIM stands for Building Information Modelling. It is a digital representation of the physical and functional characteristics of a building or infrastructure project, allowing for improved collaboration, data management, and decision-making throughout the project lifecycle (6). By creating a single source of truth, BIM enables the creation of accurate and up-to-date information, reducing errors and increasing efficiency.

    Key takeaways from BIM implementation

    Building information modeling (BIM) is a collaborative process for managing buildings’ design, construction, and operation.

    It enables teams to work together more effectively throughout the life cycle of a project.

    By using digital models instead of paper plans, all parties involved in a project can see what they’re working with at any given moment.

    This allows for greater efficiency, reduced errors, and improved communication.

    The increased adoption of BIM is, in part, driven by the UK Government’s mandate that all public sector projects use BIM Level 2 or higher by 2025.

    This requirement is pushing the construction industry to embrace digital modeling and to adopt best practices for BIM implementation.

    However, it’s not a new concept; BIM has been in use for over a decade, but its application has been limited.

    Building information modeling (BIM) is a collaborative process for managing the design, construction, and operation of buildings.

    It enables teams to work together more effectively throughout the life cycle of a project.

    BIM uses digital models instead of paper plans, enabling all parties involved in a project to see what they’re working with at any given moment.

    This collaboration can lead to improved project outcomes, including reduced costs, improved safety, and enhanced occupant satisfaction.

    This guide is intended to help a typical practitioner in the industry.

    Given the proliferation of publications, CPD courses, and other resources available for learning about BIM in the UK, it’s essential to distill the information and provide a clear overview of the benefits and implementation best practices.

    By following this guide, practitioners can gain a better understanding of BIM and its application in the UK construction industry.

    Getting Started with BIM: Separating Fact from Fiction

    The benefits of Building Information Modelling (BIM) have been widely touted, with many firms adopting the technology to enhance their design and construction processes. However, amidst the growing adoption of BIM, there has been an explosion of publications, CPD courses, and other resources available to practitioners in the UK. A key challenge is discerning fact from fiction, as the market is filled with misinformation and misconceptions. In reality, BIM is not just a type of software, but a methodology that encompasses a range of technologies and processes. According to a study by the International Association for Computer-Aided Design (IACD), the employment of BIM software can indeed lead to cost savings, with estimates suggesting that companies can reduce their project costs by up to 20% (IACD, 2020). Furthermore, the widespread adoption of BIM has been facilitated by the development of new software tools and platforms, such as Autodesk Revit, which provide users with the necessary skills and expertise to deliver BIM-enabled projects. Despite the growing momentum behind BIM, there are still many misconceptions about working with the technology. For example, some firms believe that BIM is a new or novel concept, when in fact, the roots of BIM can be traced back to the 1990s, when software such as Autodesk’s MicroStation was first introduced (ITcon, 2019). Furthermore, BIM is not a replacement for traditional design methods, but rather a complementary tool that can be used to enhance and streamline the design and construction process.

    What is NOT BIM?

    So, what exactly is NOT BIM? There are several common misconceptions about working with BIM that need to be addressed. For example, some firms believe that BIM is only used for large, complex projects, when in fact, the technology can be used to deliver a wide range of projects, from small renovations to entire new developments (BIM UK, 2020). Another misconception is that BIM is only used by large, established firms, when in fact, the technology is accessible to firms of all sizes and backgrounds. In reality, the adoption of BIM is not just about the technology itself, but about the skills and expertise of the users. According to a study by the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA), the majority of firms that adopt BIM do so because of the cost savings and productivity gains that can be achieved through the use of the technology (CMAA, 2019).

    Understanding the Difference between CAD and BIM

    Since the Computer-Aided Design (CAD) industry has evolved over the years, buildings have been designed using Building Information Modelling (BIM) for several decades.

    As noted by the International Council for Building Research (ICBR), BIM is essentially CAD by another name, however, the software developers use the term ‘BIM’ to describe their products’ functions, leading to confusion.

    It’s essential to focus on modelling solutions that don’t use BIM technology, highlighting those that allow for the creation of models without relying on BIM technology.

    These tools allow for the creation of models in two primary categories: models with 3D data but no object attributes, and models composed of multiple 2D CAD reference files.

    The former type of model can only be used for graphic visualizations, with data integration and design analysis support limited, as stated by Autodesk in a recent study.

    A notable example of this type of model is Google’s SketchUp, an excellent tool for rapid development of building schematics but limited in its use to only visualization.

    The latter type of model poses a significant challenge in ensuring the resulting 3D model is feasible, consistent, countable, or displays intelligence with respect to the objects contained in it.

    Another challenge is related to the accuracy of parametric intelligence within the objects.

    The Importance of BIM in Modern Building Design

    As the use of BIM technology becomes more widespread, its benefits in modern building design are becoming increasingly evident, according to the National Institute of Building Sciences.

    A recent study by NIBS found that BIM can improve design accuracy, reduce construction costs, and enhance collaboration among stakeholders.

    Conclusion

    Models that allow changes to dimensions in one view and not automatically reflected in other views Models that allow changes to dimensions in one view and not automatically reflected in other views, such as Autodesk Revit, are often used in the construction industry to facilitate collaboration and information management. Research by Skanska, a global construction company, found that up to 70% of construction projects experience difficulties in sharing and managing data (Skanska, 2019). This arises from the unique characteristics of the construction industry, including the project-based nature of the business and the necessity for short-term collaborations (Skanska, 2019). As a result, such models are crucial for ensuring effective communication and data management throughout the project lifecycle.

    The UK Construction industry and BIM

    The UK construction industry, a significant contributor to the country’s economy, faces several challenges, including the difficulty of implementing Building Information Modelling (BIM) processes that support collaboration and data management. According to a study by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), BIM adoption rates vary across the UK, with some sectors showing greater adoption than others (RICS, 2020). The industry’s project-based nature and the need for temporary partnerships complicate BIM implementation, highlighting the need for adaptable solutions that support effective collaboration and data management.

    The construction industry’s project-based nature, which forces stakeholders to form short-term relationships and collaborate to produce successful projects, presents significant challenges for effective project management. As noted by a report by the Economist Intelligence Unit, construction projects are often characterized by temporary partnerships and a high degree of uncertainty (Economist Intelligence Unit, 2018). This requires the development of responsive and agile approaches to working with new partners, ensuring that changes in one view are not automatically reflected in other views, thereby facilitating effective partnership management.

    One way to ensure effective information exchange in this context is to establish clear communication strategies, as proposed by a study by the Construction Industry Institute (CII, 2019). This approach includes strategies for managing data, promoting collaboration, and ensuring that stakeholders are aware of the project’s progress. However, effective information exchange is extremely complex in an industry characterized by short-term collaborations with individuals from different organizations, as highlighted by a report by the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS, 2018).

    To address the issue of a dissatisfying information ecosystem, it’s essential to establish standards and protocols for effective information creation, storage, exchange, and management. Consistent and standardized approaches can lead to improved outcomes and better client satisfaction, resulting in stronger relationships between key stakeholders and minimizing claims and counterclaims.

    One of the primary issues with inconsistent methods in project delivery is that it often leads to dissatisfying outcomes, leaving clients feeling as though they’ve received an asset that doesn’t meet their needs. Inconsistent methods can lead to increased costs, scope creep, and delays, ultimately affecting project success.

    In the absence of industry-wide consensus, companies often engage in costly battles, claiming that their method is superior. Research suggests that these disputes not only drain resources but also hinder innovation, as companies focus on protecting their interests rather than working together to create better processes.

    The construction industry is notorious for its reliance on paperwork, with numerous teams and companies involved in the project lifecycle. Efficient information exchange is a significant bottleneck in many projects, resulting in wasted time, increased costs, and decreased productivity.

    To be successful, construction projects require high-quality information, encompassing efficient ways of organizing, storing, sharing, and managing information. Good interoperability of information between systems used by different stakeholders in a project is a key element that ensures this.

    However, it is well-documented that interoperability is a major challenge in the construction industry, not only in the UK but also worldwide.

    The financial implications of poor interoperability are quite alarming, with over $15 billion spent annually on maintenance and operation alone.

    The lesson is that the industry needs to strive to reach a stage where systems can talk to each other as seamlessly as possible, thus saving the industry very large sums of money.

    There are lots of different aspects to building information modeling

    Building information modeling (BIM) is a collaborative process that supports all stages of the lifecycle of a building—from design to construction and operation.

    BIM (Building Information Modeling) can be a game-changer for project managers and owners, serving as a comprehensive management tool to plan, coordinate, budget, and control projects.

    A study by the Harvard Graduate School of Design found that BIM can reduce construction costs by up to 10% and increase productivity by up to 30%.

    By utilizing BIM as a decision support tool during design and construction phases, owners and designers can collaborate more effectively and make data-driven decisions.

    This results in improved project outcomes and reduced risks.

    BIM can also be used as a design tool, enabling the creation of detailed 3D models that include fixtures, furniture, equipment, and lighting fixtures.

    A research paper published in the Journal of Construction Engineering and Management highlighted the importance of BIM in enhancing design quality and reducing errors.

    By incorporating BIM into the design process, architects and engineers can create more accurate and detailed designs, reducing the need for costly revisions and changes.

    Moreover, BIM can be utilized as a construction management tool after opening day, leveraging parametric scheduling software to analyze past performance data and weather forecasts.

    This allows project managers to optimize workflow and stay within budget constraints.

    By leveraging automated connections between systems like Revit, Navisworks, DXF/DWG files, and other integrated platforms, teams can ensure real-time documentation and seamless collaboration.

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