5 Ways BIM Can Mitigate Risk in Construction Projects

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is at the forefront of revolutionizing the world of construction and architecture. However, there are still several challenges that construction companies must deal with. These challenges include site accidents, increased costs, unexpected delays, and inability to meet project requirements; efficient BIM Risk Management can tackle these challenges.

There’s no doubt that BIM has always been helpful when it comes to careful planning of processes and their execution. Nonetheless, there is still a dire need to address the potential challenges and resolve them for smooth project delivery. That can be easily done by utilizing BIM risk management methods during the planning phase.

BIM – A Multifaceted Approach to Construction Management

If we’re to talk about the differences between traditional and modern building methods, it’s safe to say that BIM has started to take the lead. Since BIM allows viewing of physical and functional aspects of places, all stakeholders can easily decide what needs to be done, when, and how it should be done. This not only gives everyone the freedom to create, work on, and manage construction processes but also offers cost-effective solutions for top-notch results.

Oftentimes, BIM is only thought of as a tool that can generate 3D models. Well, there’s more to it. For example, when BIM is incorporated into projects, the stakeholders can work within their set deadlines and budgets. In addition, they won’t have to work with multiple resources all the time but are assigned dedicated Points of Contact to avoid misunderstandings. There are multiple other benefits of BIM implementation, and we are sure you will get familiarized with them sometimes. But right now, it is time for us to formally begin talking about the main topic of today’s blog.

BIM Goes Beyond 3D Model Generation

Okay so, know that BIM doesn’t only generate detailed 3D models but can also mitigate risk; allowing you to keep moving toward project completion. That’s one of the reasons why it has become a preferred choice within the construction and architecture industries. And rightly so; because when you integrate BIM into your projects, you can make informed decisions without having to face costly reworks or delays.

5 Ways BIM Can Mitigate Risk in Construction Projects

In this part of the blog, we will share the 5 ways in which BIM can mitigate risk in your projects. We’re sure that once you are done, you will be able to make wise choices for your ongoing and future projects.

1. Collaborative Working Environment

In conventional building methods, project teams were not able to collaborate and communicate with each other. As a result, they not only faced poor planning but also had to rework many things to get what they hoped for. With the advancement in technology, BIM tools came into play to minimize errors and inaccuracies. Here is how BIM fosters a collaborative working environment – allowing all stakeholders to be on one page.

By working through a centralized platform, everyone can upload, share, and access project data in real time. BIM implementation leads to the effective elimination of errors while also ensuring successful project delivery.

2. Early Clash Detection

It’s important to mention that effective clash detection is crucial for construction projects. By implementing BIM into the projects, the stakeholders can’t only detect potential clashes but can also work towards their elimination. Now, there are multiple types of clashes that can arise during a construction project. These clashes are called hard clash, soft clash, and workflow clash. Solutions are offered depending on the complexities of these clashes to keep the show running.

3. Accurate Cost Estimation and Quantity Takeoffs

Studies show that major risks that can arise during a construction project are due to inaccurate cost estimation. In addition to that, incorrect quantity takeoffs can also become a problem for the stakeholders. BIM can enable the stakeholders to fight this risk efficiently. Allow us to share how:

With the help of BIM, a standardized platform is generated which allows access to accurate data. This data is beneficial for measuring error-free cost estimation and quantity takeoffs. When the stakeholders have access to data that is directly generated from the BIM model, resource allocation becomes easier for them.

4. Improved Visualization Leading to Safety Planning

Traditional building methods were not supported by BIM which could result in creating unsafe working / built environments. However, with the implementation of BIM, the stakeholders are enabled to fully visualize the construction sequences. By doing so, they can also participate in risk mitigation at various phases. This practice overcomes safety hazards, ensures everyone gets to work, and builds safe spaces.

5. Optimized Facility Management

BIM can also mitigate risk in construction projects by offering optimized facility management (FM). We are sure that you know how issues associated with FM can badly impact post-project performance. With the implementation of BIM, that gets sorted in a well-organized manner. Allow us to explain how BIM facilitates FM and its maintenance.

There are chances that stakeholders would tend to ignore FM-related risks. While that’s not intentional, such risks can result in costly rework. And we are sure that no one would want that to happen. So, what BIM does is that it offers a detailed record of the built structures. This data includes all the relevant information covering assets, operating manuals as well as maintenance scheduling. When facility managers get access to this information, they can execute activities concerning maintenance and optimizing asset performance.

Although BIM doesn’t follow a one-fits-all approach for projects, it is extremely beneficial for project management and risk mitigation. This results in ensuring the success of the construction projects. By developing tailored solutions – regardless of the project’s scale, BIM continues to enable stakeholders in every sense of the word. When it is proactively implemented in any project, teams can address potential risks and then resolve them accordingly.

At DDC Solutions, our teams of experts incorporate BIM right when it’s needed so that you can enjoy its maximum potential. So, contact us today to check out how our bespoke BIM solutions can help you get things done your way!