Building information modeling for hospitals
Building Information Modeling or Virtual Construction Design is a process that involves spatial and physical representation of building data. Most of the industries today are in awe of BIM processes and health care industry is one of them. According to some sources, the health care industry is leading the BIM troupe currently compared to other industry. Though there is not much confirmation coming from industry in itself, it is safe to assume that the application is certainly on the higher side in the hospital and health care industry.
Hospitals are the most complex of all building types. Since the building type falls under the emergency category and not luxury, they have to be designed with a great deal of efficacy from the planning and utilization perspective. Having a great design is critical for the successful construction process. By integrating Building Information Modeling strategy with the design and development stage hospital designing can be streamlined in terms of quick delivery and accuracy. BIM Services also ensure operation support post construction in form of facility management, As-built modeling etc.
Let us discuss how BIM Modeling or Virtual Design Construction helps in designing and development of Hospitals.
1. Collection of a multitude of Building information (Geometry and Process – both) Ever since the digitization wave has engulfed the Construction industry, Architectural domain is undergoing rapid changes in the way the projects are being executed. Adopting these changes is definitely bringing in a lot of value additions to the table. Earlier it was just digitization of 2D drawings, today it is much more than that. Today, the digital platform has a lot more to offer than just simple CAD conversion. Virtual Construction Modeling has enabled the industry to virtually develop the building structure through the digital medium much before the actual building is constructed. The model gives a real-time feel by using the same size, shape, and materials that will actually be used during construction. Apart from simple 3d geometry, complete building data can be extracted through BIM Modeling. For complex structures like Hospital, BIM is extremely useful as it eliminates the risk of errors during construction.
By using Virtual construction modeling, we can create 3D Modeling and extract all supporting data accordingly. Clash detection and BIM Coordination Services are the most important part of the pre-construction process. Construction of hospitals cannot afford to have any glitches during construction or post-construction.
2. Design validation through BIM: Building Information Modeling is not just a technology; it is also a process that plays a very important and critical role in validating and correcting building designs. Architectural and Engineering firms can evaluate the accuracy and utility of designs. It is imperative that the Hospital designs are absolutely error free and are acceptable in terms of the building codes and standards. It is easy to produce drawings and proceed to construction post validation of the designs. This will help in controlling maintenance issues arising post construction, issues like interferences between disciplines can be curtailed and most importantly we can prevent loss of time and money during construction.
3. Ability to utilize project data in the most optimum way
Building Information Modeling is not just about 3d geometry it is also about building data. This data is more important than the 3D geometry. BIM Modeling helps Architects and Engineers use the available project data in a better manner. This project data is used in multiple ways to post the intervention of BIM Modeling. Data can be used to extract quantities, develop building components with manufacturer information, develop construction sequencing and create 5D Models too.
For Hospital, the more data we are able to use the better output we will get. Hospital building has more complex detailing though the rooms may be less than residential and commercial. This building basically has more service outlets, MEP modeling in such cases may be more complex. Oxygen cylinders, machines, telecom utilities, lighting locations etc. are complex in nature and needs extensive modeling to be done with data integration. Hence BIM Modeling becomes extremely viable for health care and hospital buildings.
Building Information Modeling offers us different ways to get through with the building data.
4. BIM a complete process
By now we have realized that BIM Modeling Services are much more than just 3D geometry or data. Building Information Modeling makes it possible for everyone involved in a project completely that too at the same time. This is an absolutely collaborative approach that helps everyone involved in the project to share their inputs and viewpoints efficiently. Building Information Modeling operates with the collaborative approach which gives all the stakeholders an access to the 3D Model and all other relevant data that helps in achieving great results in terms of construction.
Advanced BIM processes like Clash Detection Services and BIM Coordination helps in detecting clashes between multiple disciplines, design changes and other issues arising via virtual construction. The virtual representation of the hospital helps Architects, Engineers and end client in making all relevant changes. Even post-construction asset tagging can help in managing the hospital facility effectively.
5. BIM helps in streamlining the project delivery
Building Information Modeling helps in streamlining and improvising the overall project deliveries and overall life cycle. Virtual Design Construction helps in adding value through collaborative process, clash detection, and BIM Coordination which in turn speeds up the construction process and thus creates a consistent project delivery process. Saving and retaining additional information in databases help in managing the building maintenance at a later stage. This again gives a room for a complete 360 degree delivery to clients including facility management, as built modeling etc.
Conclusion: Hospitals today are using BIM Modeling to take advantage of the points highlighted above. There are more reasons of virtual construction modeling utilization however these are the primary motive of BIM being used for Hospitals.
Bhagwati Pathak
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