Digital Future of Construction and Building Information Modelling (BIM)

One key aspect of any construction project is the creation and management of information. Hence, the future of construction is digital. 

Building Information Modelling is a process that provides construction professionals with the necessary technology to manage information throughout the life-cycle of a project. Information is assembled collaboratively and updated at specific milestones/stages of a project. In other words, it allows your team members to work at the same standard.

Why is Building Information Modelling  Important?

BIM makes it easy for all members of a construction team to access information about a project. It brings together the efforts of technology (the tools), process (of creating and managing information) and people ( team members and others involved in the project).

It is, therefore, easier for team members to communicate about the different aspects of the design. The risk of making mistakes becomes reduced while costs incurred on discrepancies are minimised. Furthermore, it ensures communication of feedbacks and updates in a straightforward and timely manner.

The BIM can analyse the entire life-cycle of a building project which begins from the inception stage, to design and then use of materials. 

Benefits of BIM to Construction Professionals

Generally, with a purposefully and well-constructed BIM model, construction professionals should be able to try out different options of alternative scenarios to be able to envisage the sequence of events for the project. This is essential to aid quick decision making. 

The BIM seamlessly integrates project information and acts as a digital description of the construction site.

Specifically, to these construction professionals;

Architects: 

With the use of the BIM, visual architectural representation of the entire project will be projected properly, thereby aiding better design decisions, increasing building performance and communicating effectively for the project duration.

Civil & Structural Engineers: 

Their workflows and structural design representation will be more detailed, become more intelligent and better connected for enhanced productivity.

Project Managers: 

The adoption of BIM for project managers will allow for the application of realistic situations on the models. This will allow the stakeholders effortlessly to see if the ongoing project meets the required specification and standards.

Also, project managers will be able to detect the possible clash/ setbacks associated with a project as BIM allows for easy visualisation of building components and determine areas of setbacks to the building functionality so that these situations can be resolved quickly.

General Impact of BIM in the construction Industry

Building Information Modelling is steadily easing out the phases of existing models such as the 2D and 3D CAD technology. The use of this process has enabled construction professionals to master the design process faster and understand seemingly complex designs when compared to earlier technologies. 

Furthermore, Mckinsey reported that an average of 75% of companies who adopted BIM have experienced shorter project lifecycles, savings on paperwork and cost incurred in the purchase of materials and generally, a return on their investment positively. 

At The Building Estimator, we have bits of BIM tools but wholistically, we are excited that we will be introducing a comprehensive BIM product to the market soon.