There is a lot of talk about BIM, but is this methodology really useful? Does its use bring added value to construction projects?
At BIM&CO, we are convinced that it does.
Whether you are an architect, a design office, a builder or a manufacturer, discover in this article 5 good reasons to implement BIM in your daily work.
1) Improved collaboration
Construction is a complex project that involves a multitude of players. From the design phase, through project management, to the end of the construction site, many actors are necessary. But how to ensure smooth cooperation between all these players, with their different skills? BIM or “Building Information Modeling” makes it possible. Building professionals can work on the same project easily, using a common digital model.
This methodology facilitates communication and coordination between the various players. Thanks to transparent collaboration, the risks of conflicts and delays are significantly reduced.
In addition to reducing the number of errors and potential risks, working with BIM allows information to be transmitted in a clear manner. Also, stakeholders can connect simultaneously and be up to date for each phase. No more misunderstandings and disparities between the information of each party!
2) Superior data management
Data plays an essential role in the BIM methodology. BIM allows for the centralized storage and management of data related to a construction project.
The use of BIM and 3D digital mock-up allows the integration and extraction of information necessary for the proper management of a project, namely its characteristics, inconsistencies, defects and hidden flaws. Thanks to this system, they can be easily detected and corrected before work even begins. Efficiency guaranteed!
This facilitates the management of information and makes it easier to share it with the various parties involved. In addition, the latter can consult the project in question from their favourite device (computer, tablet, smartphone). They can view, modify and improve it as it progresses. With just a few clicks, all this key information is available and, above all, automatically updated.
3) Better precision in planning
By working with BIM, it is possible to create accurate 3D models of buildings, making it easier to plan work and spot potential errors. Faults can be identified earlier, reducing the cost of alterations and repairs. This is key when you consider that rework and conflicts on construction projects cost the US construction industry an estimated $177 billion per year, according to a study by PlanGrid and IMF (2018).
According to the study, construction workers lose nearly two days of work each week searching for project information and resolving avoidable problems.
Each week, survey respondents spend the following time on non-optimal activities:
- 5.5 hours searching for project data
- 5 hours resolving conflicts
- 4 hours on rework
The use of BIM is the solution for accessing centralised project data, saving considerable time. Indeed, conflicts are detected upstream thanks to the precision of the 3D models. This guarantees the quality of the renderings and fewer reworkings to be carried out.
4) Cost reduction
It is well known that budgets for construction projects are often not met. According to Agence du Moulin, this can be as much as 80%. Not to mention that the delay in acceptance can be up to 20 months!
Fortunately, BIM reduces costs and improves the use of resources. In fact, this methodology makes it possible to plan work more efficiently. The secret? Using project information to optimise the use of materials and equipment.
In short, the use of digital mock-up allows you to :
- Check at an advanced stage of the project whether the budget and deadlines can be met,
- Estimate costs in real time, e.g. those related to modifications
- Detect possible faults in the manufacturing process, avoiding the purchase of new materials to modify these errors.
5) Improving the quality of the building
Working with BIM improves the quality of the building by enabling better planning and coordination of the work. This avoids errors and problems during construction, resulting in higher quality buildings.
As a result, digital mock-up ensures quality work for all participants: architects, design offices, engineers, builders, clients and project managers.
Also, BIM enables compliance with European and environmental standards in the construction sector. Thanks to the data present in each quality BIM object and each 3D model, the calculation of the building’s energy consumption can be done more easily.
Find out in this article how to optimise the energy efficiency of buildings with BIM!
How to obtain quality BIM objects?
As you can see, working with BIM makes life easier for all construction professionals.
Using BIM allows the construction industry to obtain a real database for their projects. A complete database means quality rendering, reliable information, avoided errors and reduced costs.
However, in order to build up an optimal BIM object library, it is necessary to have quality BIM objects. At BIM&CO, we create quality and functional BIM objects from manufacturers’ product catalogues. Find out what quality BIM objects are in our dedicated blog post.
Whether you want to transform your product catalogue into BIM objects, or get free access to quality and functional BIM objects, our team at BIM&CO will be happy to assist you in this process.