BIM (Building Information Modeling) in the construction industry: how can it help?

BIM (Building Information Modeling) is a collaborative working method that involves tracking the evolution of a building on a 3D computer model. This model tracks the building's lifespan, from construction to demolition. In France, the use of BIM increased from 27% to 35% between 2017 and 2018. What are the benefits of BIM in the construction industry?

BIM is a method of project management in which the players work together to complete a digital model of the building with technical information. This 3-D model evolves throughout the life of the building. It is divided into several smaller specialized models for each participant in the construction project architects, partner companies, engineers, etc.. This makes it possible to intervene on the smallest details of the construction, such as the geometry of its elements (walls, doors, windows, etc) or its structural properties.

As a working method in its own right, BIM goes beyond simple 3D modeling. It integrates additional dimensions such as time (4D), costs (5D), sustainability (6D) and operations management (7D). This enables a more complete understanding of the entire life-cycle management of buildings.

Each professional plays a specific role in this collaborative effort.

• The MOA (project owner) is the customer who orders the work. He may be a natural person (private individual, retailer, etc.) or a legal entity (industrial company, local authority, etc.). The MOE (project manager) assists with technical matters such as coordinating professionals on site and ensuring compliance with specifications (source).
• THE AMO (project owner's assistant) assists the client in setting up the BIM process. He draws up BIM specifications specifications to explain the client's needs and objectives.
• The BIM modeler modeler produces the various digital mock-ups for each professional sector. It includes the information required by the client (geometric, documentary, alphanumeric, etc.).
• The BIM coordinator coordinator controls the models generated by the modeler. Each company involved in a construction project has its own coordinator.
• The BIM Manager is responsible for all aspects of project management. He defines the tools, rules and schedules to be respected. He explains the BIM approach to contractors, while checking that models comply with the client's requirements.
• The synthesis manager compiles the various digital models on the general model. He corrects any errors made by the modelers. The BIM Manager can also take on this task..

These roles can vary from project to project. Like the BIM Manager, who can take on the role of synthesis manager, teams need to be flexible to adapt to project requirements.

The advantages of the BIM method are both economic and ecological. According to a McKinsey report in 201675% of companies are satisfied with this investment, thanks to two main arguments:

• Project life cycles are shorter.
• Companies save savings on material and administrative costs.

The BIM method makes it possible to monitorproject progress in real time. Each professional no longer works in his own corner, with his own 2-dimensional plans that need to be converted into 3D. As a result, there is less risk of losing information during conversion.

The 3D BIM model concentrates only the data needed for the job site. Calculations and analyses are faster. Work productivity increases by 75% to 240%, even for a subcontractor (source). By improving communication between professionalserrors are detected more quickly. They no longer risk delaying work, or even forcing the site manager to take emergency decisions to correct them.

BIM makes it possible to buildings to be built with better organization. The costs and costs and deadliness. Environmental standards and construction safety are better respected. You avoid having to finance rework which account for 10% of the total cost of construction projects.

By optimizing site organization, you can reduce the amount of waste it can produce. Using your 3D model, you can select the right insulating materials or install an energy control system (lighting, heating, etc.). As a result, you optimize energy consumption of the propertyin full agreement with the client (source).

The BIM system is a collaborative effort between building professionals on the scale of a single building. Thanks to computer improvements, it is now possible to extend this simulation to the scale of a territory.

Visit GIS (geographic information system) software integrate 3D BIM models into their databases. Those involved in construction projects are no longer limited to the scale of the building itself. They are working to incorporate it into transport networks (road, rail, airport). They take into account environmental risks (e.g. flood zones) to maximize the safety of the future property.

According to the United Nationstwo-thirds two-thirds of the world's population will become urban by 2050. Future construction sites could develop CIM (City Information Modeling), a fusion of BIM and GIS. This method is already used in cities such as Rennes and Angers. Other cities, such as Lyon and Strasbourg, are ready to invest in such projects..

BIM is revolutionizing the construction industry by digitally modeling and monitoring buildings in real time. With Techtimeimprove your project management at every level.