It’s easy to think that Building Information Modeling (or BIM) is all about the design of projects. But if you haven’t started using BIM for your construction projects, you are missing out - it is also beneficial for construction planning as well. Here are our five top tips for using BIM for construction.
1. Collaborate Openly
Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) is an essential part of any successful project, as it brings together the ideas of the design team with the practical buildability analysis that an experienced contractor can offer. But sharing the information required for this collaboration can sometimes prove difficult and become a hindrance to working together.
That’s why openBIM was developed. It allows project team members to work with the tools that benefit them the most while enabling them to share information between programs without losing important information. With openBIM, there’s no worrying about finding a program that can open the latest survey results from the designer, as the information can be read by an openBIM program.
2. Work More Efficiently
With BIM in place, working methods become more streamlined. Activities that used to be necessary are either automated or no longer required. For example, in a fully collaborative openBIM environment, there’s no need to email comments back to the designer, annotated on marked-up scans of drawings.
Instead, notes can be made within the BIM model itself, using the most current information. Or quantity take-offs can be generated from the BIM model at the click of a button. Take the time to understand what your BIM program is capable of, as it is likely a very advanced piece of software that can save you plenty of time and effort.
3. Use BIM-Compatible Software
The difference between BIM and 3D CAD is that BIM builds an intelligent building model that contains information – in effect, it is like having a database of all the project information attached to the 3D model. Being able to import information from other programs and use it within the BIM model makes work more efficient, keeps all the pertinent information in one place, and ensures everyone has the latest project decisions.
Imagine being able to import your timesheet entries into the BIM model and being able to quickly and accurately calculate the cost of work performed to date against progress. With the right BIM setup, this is possible. Getting your software talking to each other is just the first step – something referred to as little BIM or closed BIM, where the information sharing stays within one network or business. As the industry moves towards BIM Level 3, you’ll want to be using a big BIM (or open BIM) setup, sharing and accessing real-time data for better informed decisions.
4. Use Specialist Tools
The key to efficient working is using the right tool for the right job. Niche applications can save considerable time – and therefore money as well. Being able to quickly create a cost estimate or take off to import into tendering software, for example, can be an easy way to expedite your working methods. Ideally, they will be BIM compatible programs that allow you to then export that information back into the BIM model where it can be used and analyzed.
5. Embrace Cloud-Based Working
The cloud is coming to construction, with BIM models and documentation able to be hosted in the cloud for easy, real-time access for the entire project team. Embracing this early not only prepares your business for future client BIM mandates, but also enables more advanced collaboration options. Being easy to work with in the digital age is a sure-fire way to make your company a contractor of choice for clients and designers.
Beyond Design
BIM is not just for design, it’s for everyone in construction. Harnessing the information in projects to work more efficiently and collaboratively is where contractors can add value to a build, make more money, and keep their clients happy. Wherever you are in your BIM implementation, you can use these tips to help guide your next move and keep your business current, relevant, and profitable.
