BUILDING INFORMATION MODELLING (BIM)
The Benefits of Building Information Modelling (BIM) technologies and process’s for Owners and Facility Managers
We use BIM as a verb or an adjective phrase to describe tools, processes and technologies that are facilitated by digital, machine - readable documentation about a building, its performance, its planning, its construction and later its operation. Therefore BIM describes an activity, not an object. To describe the result of the modelling activity, we use the term ‘building information model’, or more simply ‘building model’.
Rafael Sacks (2009)
What is a building information model, model? It’s a digitally constructed prototype of the building where the building elements are put together in a form that matches the construction process that can be observed, measured, changed and tested. These elements are represented in 3d graphics on a computer. It can be said the more information you put into the model the more value you get from it.
Why is BIM coming to the fore in the design construction industry now? Perhaps even 5 years ago the combination of computer hardware, software and the skills required to initiate the process were not in place. They are now. The challenge now is to change the mindset of the AEC (Architecture/Engineering/Construction) industry here in Ireland to open up to BIM technologies and more importantly the processes it promotes. It will require a driving force for BIM to get off the ground in Ireland. This will come from the owner / client who can see past the traditional design construction process and its inherent litigious weaknesses. BIM promotes collaboration, leading to integrated design, leading to integrated project delivery. The result of this process is value for money and a better building for the owner and its users.
What is Integrated Design (ID) and Integrated Project Delivery (IPD)? Integrated Design and Integrated Project Delivery is a collaborative triangle between the owner / client, the design team and the construction team, in which each stakeholder contributes and each benefits from the robust platform that BIM technology delivers. This is happening in the USA, UK, the Far East and Australia. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) have already in place contract documents for IPD. http://www.aia.org/contractdocs/AIAB081436
Government agencies and other procurement bodies can reap enormous benefits from BIM technologies and processes. The Government could follow the lead of the US General Services Administration who since 2007 has made it a requirement to use spatial programme BIM technologies for any project that is to be submitted for funding and be vetted by the Office of Chief Architect. Since then, the State of Wisconsin and Texas Facilities Commission (TFC), the agency within the State of Texas that oversees its real estate development as owners and operators of state facilities have now adopted BIM technologies for design / construction. Maximum benefit can be derived from this process by its inclusion in the brief as the required.
The benefits of BIM technologies and process are:
Increased building value, through energy design and analysis to improve building performance.
Shorten project schedule, by using building models to coordinate and prefabricate design.
Obtain early and reliable cost estimates, through automatic quantity take off from the building model.
Assure programme compliance, through ongoing analysis of the building model.
Produce market ready facilities, by reducing time between procurement and actual construction.
Optimise facility management and maintenance, by using the building model as a decision support system and database for rooms, spaces and equipment.
- Eastman C et al, BIM Handbook (2007)
Using BIM in the design phase allows you to perform predictive analysis. It will enable the owner to reduce energy consumption through energy analysis using the digital model. In these days of environmental awareness and increasing costs of energy the area of predictive analysis will become a highly sought out service.
Further information
http://www.aecbytes.com/buildingthefuture/2009/Sutter_IPDCaseStudy.html
Malachy Mathews (2010) DIT
Malachy has also kindly shared a presentation - Introduction to BIM - he prepared, with IPFMA.
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