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 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.