What is BIM and Why Should You Care?
By definition, Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a process by which a team works collaboratively to design and build a virtual model with intelligent data reflecting the real world. This allows the team to analyze and make design decisions before costly field work has begun.
3D models with intelligent data are being mandated on more projects as the benefits beyond 2D drawings are recognized. Different industries and jurisdictions are at different places in their BIM journey, but it is clear that BIM has a place in all projects and industries going forward.
More than “CAD with Smarts”
The concept of a single source of truth for all project information is important to understand. Information models and data are structured so that every data element is stored exactly once. The primary advantage is to prevent outdated duplicate information which, in turn, creates a more efficient workflow with a significant reduction in errors. The project team will always know where to get the latest information and, by doing this, project stakeholders will quickly realize how important it is that everyone can view and audit a living model. Every contributor remains accountable to this source of information, which provides a self-checking mechanism for consistent data. From construction to operation, this same data can be accessed and reviewed.
In the past, a select few had to visualize a finished product, then create blueprints with symbols and conventions to convey this vision to others so it could be constructed. With BIM, the visualization is not only a realistic model with all disciplines simultaneously being presented but data can be accessed by engineers, the accounting department, the purchasing department and contractors. Since there is earlier collaboration with multiple disciplines, better design decisions can be made at each stage. Progress and costs can be evaluated from reports generated from the model. These are multiple examples of a BIM Objective and are what a company should be defining before a full-scale BIM system is implement – this is The Why.
BIM Innovation
Public and private projects of every type including power generation, urban infrastructure, and process plants are benefiting from being designed using BIM.
To illustrate the concept of BIM and how it has been applied elsewhere, consider the 2018 CanBIM Best in Innovation Award for the application of BIM in the rehabilitation and conservation of the Canadian Parliament Buildings Historic Site. The creation of this BIM model involved many data sources including laser scans, photogrammetry, existing manual or CAD drawings, archived documents and photos. Since there was such a variety of inputs, the BIM model was the ideal location to store where each element was sourced from and provide a trail for validation. This same model data source can evolve with additional information as repairs and maintenance proceed over time.
Choosing BIM
There are BIM systems to suit any size of project. Some of the largest plant systems may have huge costs in term of licencing, staffing and additional training. Since implementation is costly, the functionality of each module must be evaluated to determine if the cost of implementation is worthwhile.
With affordable computing power easily available, user-friendly software utilizing proven modelling and data storage tools has become feasible for more projects. Cloud storage options can make this data accessible to larger teams located in multiple locations. With the right tools and proper planning, an affordable BIM system can be created without compromise.
Making BIM Successful
A thorough understanding and a good deployment plan are the keys to introducing a productive system. BIM systems should integrate into current project delivery workflows as much as possible, but make no mistake, it will affect almost everyone in a company. Management and staff need to have a clear understanding of the strategic goals and desired result. By educating personnel on the process first, then supporting and monitoring throughout, the BIM model can provide significant benefit to all parties.
If an established CAD system is in place, an enhanced BIM deployment plan can augment, rather than replace, current work practices. Although collaboration is easier, it is very much required. This means that companies will need to identify individuals, its BIM Leaders, from various departments who can champion the vision, understand the process, and communicate the process to the team. These individuals will also have increased responsibility to ensure that stored information is accurate and proper procedures are followed.
Staying Ahead to Keep Up
Depending on where a company is in their “BIM journey”, one thing is clear: it is going to take significant energy to keep up with the technology. However, if the BIM Objectives are always kept in the forefront and the right BIM Leaders are in place, companies will be well-poised to deliver great projects and information-rich models.
This article was co-authored by Wayne Gerein and Nick Wright.
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Great article Wayne & Nick! Thank you for sharing!
Wayne Gerein, thanks again for teaming up for this!