Building Information Modeling(BIM)

Building Information Modeling) is an intelligent 3D model-based process that provides architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) professionals the insight and tools to more effectively plan, design, construct, and manage buildings and infrastructure.

Elements of BIM

Building Information Modeling refers to a collaborative method of working which is based on the generation and exchange of data and information between the various project parties. For effective functioning, BIM requires integration of the following five elements: Processes, Policies, People, Information and Technologies
  • 1
    Processes refer to the specific order of work activities with a beginning, an end, and a clear identification of the inputs and outputs of each stage
  • 2
    Policies refer to the principles and rules to guide the decision-making process. Policies are framed to develop standards and best practices to minimize disputes between the parties involved.
  • 3
    People make the difference and therefore are the most important. Effective management by people can only lead to successful BIM. Important people in Building Information Modeling usually include: BIM director, BIM manager, BIM consultant, BIM technologist.
  • 4
    Information: There are two types of information: models and documents. Models are digital data that are the representation, reproduction, or simplified version of an object, road, bridge, building etc. They are stored in a file format and can be exchanged and shared to support the decision-making process for the construction of the infrastructure, buildings etc. Documents are the digital version of papers, drawings, prints, images and video.
  • 5
    Technologies refer to the software and hardware tools used to manage the various stages of the Building Information Modeling process.

Construction woes take a backseat with Building Information Modeling. It allows more intelligent use of resources, optimization of workflows and leads to productivity and profitability. It allows all interested parties to assess the same information at the same time through the interoperability between different technological platforms. It leads to better outcomes through more effective communication and collaboration.

Be it project management, land surveying, road design, structure design or construction- the role of Building Information Modeling has almost become indispensable for beyond the ordinary results. Using BIM, owners can improve building quality, significantly reduce building lifecycle costs, better understand design projects from beginning to end, optimize operational efficiencies and increase occupancy and use rates.

In construction, Building Information Modeling could be used to monitor the productivity of a construction process. BIM brings the opportunity to try out solutions in advance before building the structure on site: with a constructible model, the structure can be prototyped virtually. Project parties can understand and review the design more easily, which helps guarantee its accuracy and completeness, and visualize and evaluate alternatives in terms of cost and other project parameters. BIM leads to better communication between project parties and better quality.

Building Information Modeling has been part of the construction industry for some time now. It is the process of designing a building collaboratively using one coherent system of computer models rather than as separate sets of drawings. BIM is now getting applied to all types of construction, be it buildings, roads, railways, bridges, tunnels etc. Today, we can even apply it to different stages of construction such as planning, design, construction and maintenance.
BIM does not solely refer to buildings, but to all sectors that have to do with construction including: roads, railways, utilities, bridges, tunnels, structures, architecture, topography etc.
Information is the heart of Building Information Modeling. BIM changes the way information regarding the entire life cycle of a project and its parts is managed and exchanged. Making available both visual and non-visual information related to every aspect of construction, BIM enables designers, engineers, builders, manufacturers and owners gain a thorough understanding of a project much before its actual construction, thus enabling timely refinement, avoiding errors and generating efficiency.
We can easily say that the M in Building Information Modeling stands for Model and Management. Using Building Information Modeling, not only a simplified version of an object, structure, building or construction is modelled, but also the process of construction is organized and controlled more effectively.
Key Features of BIM
  • Uses 3D models to capture, explore, and maintain consistent and coordinated planning, design, construction, and operational data
  • Provides greater project insight for cost, schedule, and constructability
  • Uses and shares consistent data whether you’re at your desk or in the field
  • Enables prompt response to change with processes that are smarter and faster