Why is BIM hailed as the future of Construction (Part 4)?

Posted on: February 19, 2019, By: Dhvani Badheka

Click here to read: Why is BIM hailed as the future of Construction (Part 1)…

Click here to read: Why is BIM hailed as the future of Construction (Part 2)…

Click here to read: Why is BIM hailed as the future of Construction (Part 3)…

In the previous articles of this series, we had discussed BIM Modeling Services & its different Maturity Levels (BIM Maturity Level 0-3), and Levels of Detailing. This article aims to understand the different dimensions associated with BIM and the future of Building Information Modeling in the AEC industry.

What are BIM Dimensions?

BIM dimensions are not the same as BIM Maturity Levels. While Maturity Levels have been defined based on the level of collaboration, dimensions determine the type of data that is available based on the geometrical representation. The dimensions are explained in a nutshell below:

• 3D – It refers to the three-dimensional information model.
• 4D – It is a combination of the 3D model plus the time-schedule added to it.
• 5D – Addition of cost information is 5D BIM.
• 6D –Optimizing energy consumption by performing energy analysis for sustainability is 6D BIM.
• 7D – It is the as-built model that is delivered after the construction is completed. It is used in the maintenance of the asset during its life cycle.

The Future of BIM

Many countries today have already adopted BIM Level 1 or Level 2 as their preferred method of executing building and construction projects. Implementing Level 3 in the work process can provide significant benefits such as:

• Increased productivity

One of the greatest benefits that VDC brings is collaboration. It is easier to share information within the team as well as across cross-functional teams. Hence, it saves time which is spent on making corrections, thereby increasing team productivity.

• Efficient management of large data

Construction of buildings involves a large amount of data across various disciplines. The better the management of data, the better the work.

• Better quality buildings

With better control of information, it is easier to execute complex construction projects. Moreover, BIM helps in creating sustainable and green buildings.

• Improved asset-management

The information-rich models aid in the maintenance of the asset during its lifecycle and also serve as the base for any future renovation and refurbishing projects.

• Error-free drawings

With the wide-spread acceptance of BIM methodology, MEP BIM Coordination Services and Clash Detection have been easier than before.

• Waste Reduction in the construction process

As the drawings generated are free of any errors, all on-site corrections are minimized; thereby reducing waste.

Closing:

BIM has come a long way since it came to existence in the 1980s. Though Vectorworks (1985), RUCAPs (1986) and ArchiCAD (1987) were some of the early software capable of virtual construction, it was only in 1992 that the term “BIM” was coined. Since then, there is no looking back. With the introduction of cloud computing and virtual reality, BIM is here to stay.

Written By:
Dhvani Badheka

Dhvani is an irreverent writer who has over 4 years of experience under her belt. She is a life-long learner and a quick study which provides her articles a unique insight. She is always reading, researching new materials and trying to expand her knowledge of the AEC industry so that she can create interesting and valuable content.