Building Information Modelling – or BIM – is a very broad term for the use of digital modelling used in the construction industry. It’s an intelligent, 3D based modelling process that equips architecture, engineering and construction professionals with the data and tools to better plan, design, construct, and manage buildings and infrastructure.
To better understand BIM, consider this: it’s not a single piece of software or model, but a new form of information processing and collaboration, with data embedded within the model. Each discipline or organisation creates its own model, and these are subsequently amalgamated to provide a combined view of the entire project. Data is added directly to the model, dictating materials, functions, size and associated information. As documentation remains part of the information set, data can be linked to the elements of the model that it pertains to. (Source: https://www.computerweekly.com/)
Pretty amazing, right? And it’s happening right now.
BIM has the potential to achieve enormous impact across the construction industry here in Australia, as it already is across the globe.
Why is that? Well, in years past, the design process for construction projects was delivered in multiple stages, relying on the issuing of drawings and specs to contractors at each stage. And this covered all aspects of a project: from the original project design concept to the final construction and post-project analysis. In today’s world of BIM, this is brought together as a single set of data with a multitude of components which forms an orderly, one-stop access to a contained, well-managed set of project information. Pretty amazing stuff.
In summary, BIM’s impact on the construction industry includes:
- Way more efficiencies at every stage of the construction project lifecycle
- Reduce errors and complete project modelling faster and more efficiently
- More consistent, accurate and time-efficient project documentation & reporting
- Better collaboration and coordination among the various parties to a construction project
- A coordinated project model isn’t always stand-alone, or solus. BIM provides a coordinated set of data to each party to a construction project, and the very best time for that party
- It’s driven by a desire to improve efficiency within the industry and provide a universal modelling system that improves both construction and the management of buildings.
And like any project coordination or collaboration tool, the success of BIM is heavily dependent upon the participation of every party to a project, and their willingness to embrace and engage with BIM’s transparent project delivery advantages.
