Building Information Modelling

What is it and why is it so important.

WHAT IS BIM?

BIM - Building Information Modelling; is a process and method used within Architectural, Construction, and Engineering (ACE) to create a virtual data rich 3D model, which supports everyone involved through the planning, design, build, and later maintenance and disposal of buildings whilst managing every stage of the project to ensure it comes in on schedule and budget.  

BIM models are linked to data specific information via live models provided by all parties involved within the design and through its supply chain.  When combined together it creates a data rich and highly accurate 3D virtual model of the entire project. Every component of the design is linked back to key data from physical properties through to operation manuals, to support and aid the life cycle of a building from concept to demolition.

BIM creates and promotes a collaborative approach to the design, build and delivery of projects centralising all data ensuring all people have access to up to date information throughout the product life cycle as and when they need it.

As technology becomes more and more integrated into the design process, BIM is going to be a integral part of the CAD service.

Who can? and should! use BIM

BIM is not only a tool that is used by architects, building designers or even the construction industries, but it should be and can be used by everyone involved within the design process from the designer to the manufacturer and throughout the entire supply chain. 

Designer can incorporate key date for their product from its physical properties embedded within the model through to specification and product documentation attached/linked to the model.

Manufactures can supply key information about their products, on one side it could contain the details for tracing its entire manufacturing process and be used to ensure quality control, but it can then expand to also contain data which the customer requires, from cost of the product through to assembly and maintenance instruction. Access to the appropriate information is controlled by the manufactures, so client only see client required information such as price.

BIM is a data rich sharing process which ensures the right people have access to the right information every time, whitest ensuring quality control and project management at every stage.

What are the beneftis of BIM

BIM provides unlimited benefits and advantages for every project that it is incorporated within, and not just for the architectural and construction industry.

• BIM makes it easily incorporate and specify a product within the design.

• BIM Reduce lifecycle costs from design through to maintenance of a building.

• Provides the necessary parties involved within the design, use and maintenance of a product with access to live and accurate data.

• Enables better collaboration between all parties involved throughout building life-cycle.

• Access to the most up to date information and data resulting in reduced errors and increasing productivity.

• BIM helps identify every single component within the building and provide key data specific information. For example; a revolving door component contains data relating to its energy rating, u-values, material finish, manufacturer, cost and maintenance manual, all of which can be easily accessed by the user and used to support in the design, build and maintenance of a building.

• As BIM becomes more of an essential part of the design process, having data rich model providing key data specific information on your product or component, which can be quickly and easily accessed and used by others to incorporate it within their design in turn can mean a return in revenue.

• Incorporating a BIM system within your design process will help give you access to a wider client base, as it is a UK government requirement that all service providers involve within government funded project must have the capacity of BIM systems for the entire supply chain.

SHARING AND PROTECTING MY BIM CONTENTS

Due to intellectual properties, manufacturers and designers don’t want to give away all their product secrets. BIM is not all about supplying a full detailed model showing all the workings of the part, but what is needed is the envelope of the component, its shell; the end user is more concerned with the overall size(s) to ensure its “fit” and the data that a BIM component contains.

A simplified model of the design is created for BIM sharing which masses out the body whilst retaining the critical data the end user needs. Protecting the intellectual properties whiles ensuring the critical details are provided.

For single unit product the designer may choose to upload the final design to a BIM content management system where it can be easily access by end users, such as Revit BIM Exchange; Users of Revit can retrieve and use as needed.

A product which are configurable and come in various sizes and shapes to suit the client need a little more input as they need to be manually created and then supplied to the customer on an individual basis.

A lot of BIM models created by the manufacture are usually stored and controlled by the manufacturer locally on their own servers, the models are then accessible by other customers for downloading via their product page, this not only helps to minimises error by always ensuring a central location where data is updated and retrieved from, but drive custom to the company, increasing business revenue.

BIM and how can I use it

BIM is a tool which can be used widely across all sectors in industry to support the design and ensure it success.

MORE RESOURCES FOR BIM

Michael Sean can support you in the creation and management of your entire BIM model library. Just get in touch if you want to have a quick chat and see how your business can implement BIM systems.