BIM Workflow: Key Stages, Benefits, & Challenges
Do you ever look at a building and wonder how the construction project must have taken place? How do professionals work on complex projects ensuring that the built structures are free of errors? Have you wondered how various disciplines complete the construction with intricate details by achieving seamless coordination?
The answers to all the questions lie in Building Information Modeling (BIM) Workflow. Today’s ever-evolving construction industry majorly depends on BIM Workflow as it offers efficiency, accuracy and seamless collaboration.
Let’s explore how this advanced technology is transforming the construction industry.
BIM Workflow: What is it?
BIM Workflow refers to a digital process that facilitates the teams throughout a project’s lifecycle. By integrating BIM into a project, stakeholders can make the most of it right from the very beginning till its completion. The comprehensive approach of BIM enables teams to generate accurate and detailed 3D models that can be shared and updated; all in real time. This allows for improved collaboration while also enhancing accuracy. As a result, project teams become successful in reducing the chances of costly delays and errors.
BIM Workflow: Key Stages
There are several key stages of the BIM Workflow. And in this part of the article, we will briefly explain what happens during each stage when BIM is integrated into a project.
1. Conceptual Design & Planning
The first stage of a construction project requires conceptualization of design and further planning. At this stage, BIM enables the concerned teams to work on their conceptual models.
These models help in visualizing the project and also allow architects and planners to present the concepts, etc. to stakeholders such as investors. Several tools are used to create highly detailed 3D models such as SketchUp, Rhinoceros, etc. These beginner to complex-level tools are great for modifying 3D models. This allows the planners to ensure that the models and designs align with their client’s demands and requirements.
2. Design & Development
Once the stakeholders have approved a concept, BIM allows project teams to convert it into a detailed design. In the design and development stage, intricate models are created that have information on the structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems (MEP). Eventually, these designs serve as the basis for coordination among project teams.
3. Clash Detection
This is our favorite part of any construction project as it allows for making the designs error-free and accurate. Through effective clash detection, project teams can identify various conflicts and remove them from the systems, avoiding costly delays. Another reason why we like BIM’s clash detection feature is that it allows for seamless coordination among project teams. When all teams are on the same page, they can ensure the success of the project right from its conception.
4. Construction Documentation
The process of construction documentation becomes crucial as the project progresses. BIM technology facilitates this process by generating precise 2D drawings and 3D models. This enables the creation of material lists as well as cost estimates.
Not only are these lists and estimates accurate but BIM also allows teams to generate timelines. In addition to that, BIM also helps in project sequencing, enabling all project teams to schedule various operations efficiently.
Common BIM Tools
There are several tools and software that are used to facilitate BIM Workflow. These tools are tailored to serve a specific project need, ensuring project teams make the most of them. Let’s check out some of the most preferred BIM tools and software in this part of the article!
Revit
Revit is one of the most popular and widely used BIM tools. It allows project teams to generate detailed architectural designs and also work on structural engineering as well as MEP modeling.
AutoCAD Civil 3D
As the name also suggests, AutoCAD Civil 3D software facilitates civil engineers to plan and manage infrastructure projects. It does so by offering design and documentation capabilities to the concerned teams.
Bentley Systems
Bentley Systems is a software known for handling complex infrastructure projects efficiently and accurately. It supports collaboration and streamlines workflows for projects that involve the construction of bridges, roadways, etc.
What are the benefits of BIM Workflow?
Improved Collaboration
No project can be completed without coordination and collaboration. One of the key benefits of BIM Workflow is that it allows for enhanced collaboration among teams. By offering a centralized, cloud-based platform, BIM enables all stakeholders to access, share, modify and manage information in real time. This allows for faster and more informed decision-making, especially when the project starts to progress.
Enhanced Accuracy and Efficiency
The data that BIM models have is highly detailed as it covers each and every component of a building or infrastructure. By integrating BIM into a project, stakeholders can ensure that they are working on error-free and streamlined data, that too, in real time. This benefit of BIM Workflow enables teams to improve work efficiency and minimize the chances of rework which is not possible in conventional building methods.
Cost-Effective & Time-Efficient
One of the advantages of integrating BIM into projects is that it enables teams to make decisions that are cost-effective and time-efficient. That mainly happens because, with BIM, project teams don’t have to manually update the data. This not only reduces rework but also allows stakeholders to visualize the project even before the construction process begins. Then, the concerned teams can view the designs, etc. in detail and remove any clash that can impact the project in any way.
Sustainable Practices
When you integrate BIM into your projects, you ensure that your built structures will be highly sustainable. But that doesn’t only apply to the results as you can make sustainable practices right from the start. For example; all the project teams can assess and analyze the present situation and then make informed decisions in terms of resource management. In addition to that, the environmental impact of the projects can also be assessed and changes can be made to build sustainable buildings and infrastructures.
Challenges in BIM Workflow Integration
It’s a fact that the BIM Workflow has a number of advantages. However, it also comes with a couple of challenges, especially for small companies that don’t have big budgets to invest. And at times, it’s not about the money. For example; teams utilizing conventional building methods might not be too interested in switching to modern methods just like that.
In this part of the article, we will discuss the challenges, small-scale businesses can face while implementing BIM into their projects.
High Costs
One of the biggest challenges, project teams can face while implementing BIM is the high initial costs.
For example; companies are required to invest in BIM software and hardware. In addition to that, they will also have to have their staff trained so that they can make the most of BIM for their projects, etc. This can be quite an obstacle for small-scale businesses as they usually do not have a lot of money to carry out various operations. However, if they weigh the pros and cons of implementing BIM, they will realize that the initial high costs are not a lot when it comes to benefiting from BIM in various aspects.
Resistance to Adopting New Methods
Implementing BIM can mean a lot of things but when it comes to shifting from traditional to modern methods, it is safe to say that it can be a cultural shift for many. Teams working on projects that involve traditional building methods might resist the shift to modern ones. However, we must mention here that once they experience what BIM Workflow offers, they might not want to go back to the traditional building methods.
What is the future of BIM Workflow?
There is no denying the fact that BIM has revolutionized the way buildings are designed and built. And if the stakeholders want to build more sustainable projects, then they must utilize BIM Workflow in their operations to make the most of it. In this part of the article, we will briefly talk about the future of BIM Workflow. Make sure that you continue reading as there’s more to it!
With the passage of time, BIM will keep on evolving – and for good! Integrating BIM with Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already being considered which can improve the project’s accuracy and efficiency and take it to the next level. In addition to that, both Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are utilized to help stakeholders properly visualize what their projects will look like in real life. And we believe that there is more to come which will benefit everyone; from planners to the general masses alike.
Technology has a lot to offer through the implementation of BIM but what we are looking forward to is how BIM will continue to support more sustainable practices. We’re ready to witness more green buildings soon.
So, if you are planning to up your game for your next project, reach out to us today and we will guide you on BIM is the best choice for both simple and complex building projects.
