The concept of building information modelling (BIM) was first introduced in the early 1990s. Since then, it has grown to become an important part of many construction projects. There are many benefits associated with BIM, including faster project delivery, cost reduction, better design, flexibility, increased productivity, and reduced waste. This article provides an overview of building information modelling benefits.
Application and Benefits
A building is a complex, integrated system. It involves many different components such as utilities, roofs, heating and ventilation systems, interior finishes, garden facilities, landscaping, and more. As a result, building models are necessary to accurately determine each of these building components at each stage of construction. Building information is captured using high-resolution photographic images and converted into a format that can be used by a building design team to decide what building components will be built, where they will be placed and how they will behave once in the building.
Building information models also play an important role in determining how much a building costs when it is being constructed. In the past, building costs were traditionally determined by manually calculating all the building costs of a proposed building using historical performance data. Modern techniques have made building information modelling a much more effective method of costing building projects. By developing highly accurate building-cost software, building information modellers can now calculate the total building cost of a project more effectively and efficiently. This allows for the construction company to offer competitive prices to clients while also taking into account the factors that may affect the building’s price.
Process
When it comes to maximising the building information provided by a BIM model, the client will have much more control over the final building than in the past. Previously, the model would have been based on the manual calculation of costs. However, this calculation had to be done every time the building was constructed, which prevented the client from changing certain aspects of their building information model such as the height of their building or the placement of certain features. Furthermore, most manual calculations of building costs did not take into consideration future scenarios that could affect the building. For example, building information modelling would not consider the effect that changes to the building’s use would have in the future, such as whether the building would be used as an office building, retail outlet, shopping centre or even a residential building.
Once the model is complete, it is then passed onto the construction company who can then utilise the building information to decide what building components they wish to construct using the BIM model. For example, if two buildings are part of the same project, they can opt to build the structure together or they can choose to build the structure separately. They can also decide to vary the building information in ways that are necessary depending upon the type of building that is being constructed. For instance, if the building is being constructed to accommodate office staff, they may wish to include offices in the building or they might want to ensure that certain features, such as staircases and hallways are included.
Software
With the introduction of computer software, building information modelling has come into its own. These software programs can now incorporate all sorts of building information into one model, which allows the client to see at a glance exactly what building components they will need for the project they are undertaking. This not only helps them make informed choices regarding building their building but also allows them to determine how much money, time and effort will be required to complete the project.
Another great thing about building information modelling is that it can now be utilised in just about any building that needs to be constructed. In the past, there were not a lot of choices available when it came to building information. Things could either be as complex as possible with extremely complicated building information modelling programs or it could be as simple as pencil and paper. Either way, building information was usually very hard to obtain, especially if the building information needed to be customized or changed based upon what the client wanted their building information to look like. Now with building information software programs available, building information can be easily altered or customized depending upon the requirements of the client.
There have been many different benefits to building information modelling. One of the most appreciated benefits is the fact that building information can be instantly accessed by any building information technician simply by pulling up a website on the Internet. If you have a building in mind that you want to be built but don’t know quite what the building information requirements are, building information modelling programs can save you countless hours of research and get you started on your new building quickly and easily.
