Building Information Modeling (BIM) - Why Now?

by Donna L. Cahan, eBlueprint

As one of the most dominant trends impacting the Construction Industry, Building Information Modeling (BIM) is frequently discussed and debated among industry professionals.

While most of us clearly understand the potential of BIM — that adoption of the technology could definitively change current processes — there are many who are wondering what it means for us today. Questions like “What percent of the industry is already using BIM?,” “How do I integrate with my back office processes?,” and “How can BIM make a difference?,” abound. After reading a recent post asking, once again, what percent of the industry has adopted BIM, I got to thinking about the subject and reached a few conclusions.

1. No one can state with any authority that a specific percent of the industry has already adopted BIM. The reason for this? The industry has not defined what it means to say “I’ve adopted BIM.” The information that I read included everything from using a 3D design to review façade options, to the use of Revit® MEP, to design with Sketch-Up®, to a Microstation® object requirement from an owner — the list goes on and on and on.

2. No one can state with any authority the cost of integrating BIM within the industry, or within a specific type of business, or the cost if we don’t.

Having reached these conclusions, I then asked myself if BIM is more relevant to the future of construction than the present — and immediately recognized the foolishness of that question.

Essentially, BIM is a tool — not an end result. BIM is a tool that allows us to simulate — for a fraction of the cost — the process of construction. Simulation improves decision making, clarifies communication, defines deliverables and increases coordination. This is true whether a BIM object is applied in a single part of the process or throughout the lifecycle of a construction project.

• For an Architect, BIM can be used to simulate the outcome of their design process — changes in any part of the design, or pieces of the design.
• For a Contractor, BIM can be used to simulate the construction of the project — is the design “constructible” or are there inherent conflicts in the 2D drawings and are trades coordinated as sequenced.
• For the Building Product Manufacturer, BIM can be used to simulate their product in place — is there enough clearance around the product, are the dimensions accurate, where are the pipes, power access, etc.
• For the owner, BIM can provide an accurate 3D model of their facility — where the HVAC units, water valves, fuse boxes, pipes, lights, etc, are located, how many exist and the relevant specs of each element.

The integration of BIM within any aspect of the construction process results in a more efficient and less costly end result. Why? Project participants can avoid all of the mistakes that were revealed by an effective simulation, enjoy increased communication and collaborate more effectively. In other words, BIM should be integrated within the process as soon as possible. The next question: “How can I easily integrate BIM today?”