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Infrastructure projects, irrespective of their sizes, have immensely benefitted from the digital revolution in the construction industry that goes by the name of Building Information Modelling (BIM). Using cutting-edge tools and software, BIM integrates people, process, and data and make project delivery more efficient both in terms of cost and time. This revolutionary approach is reshaping how infrastructure is conceived, built, and maintained, offering unprecedented efficiencies and capabilities. 

In this article, we are going to explore how BIM is improving collaboration and risk management of infrastructure projects. So, let’s get straight to the point: 

One of the biggest advantages of BIM is that it has greatly enhanced collaboration and communication among project stakeholders. And it isn’t just another random claim. A study conducted by McGraw-Hill Construction SmartMarket states that 92% believe that it improves their ability to understand and interpret designs.  

This is because of the fact that BIM has successfully resolved issues related with traditional methods such communication breakdown and siloed workflows (often leading to inefficiencies and errors). The question might be popping up in your mind how exactly BIM has resolved this? Well, BIM provides a centralized platform where all stakeholders can access and share information in real-time.  

Similarly, BIM has enabled architects, engineers, contractors, and owners to collaborate more effectively. Thanks to BIM, the centralized digital method act as a single source of truth and reduces the risk of misunderstandings and discrepancies.  

The same study by McGraw-Hill Construction SmartMarket stated that 93% of the BIM users believe that it improves project quality. BIM comes with powerful visualization and design capabilities and the same transform the way you conceive and develop infrastructure projects.

Traditional 2D drawings can be challenging to interpret, often leading to miscommunication and errors. Compared to that, the detailed and accurate representation of the project that you from 3D models helps you with better design and visualization.   

Stakeholders use BIM 3D models to visualize the project in its entirety before the construction process kicks off. This way, they can identify and resolve potential issues as early as in the design phase. Thus, BIM empowers stakeholders with timely adjustments to keep project timelines intact.  

For a detailed overview on how design and visualization in BIM has evolved, click here.  

The biggest advantage you get from BIM integration is that it makes your project more cost-efficient. A report shared by McKinsey states that that BIM can reduce project costs by up to 20%. Well, traditional methods often results in significant reworks due to design errors, miscommunication, and unforeseen issues. On the other hand, BIM slashes these risks significantly by enabling detailed planning and accurate modeling.  

With BIM, you can identify clashes as early as in design phase. This proactive approach to clash detection means you avoid costly reworks and delays during the project lifecycle. Thus, by addressing issues before they arise on-site, BIM helps maintain project timelines and budgets. 

Want to learn more about BIM clash detection, click here.  

Likewise, you can use BIM to have more accurate cost estimations. This occurs by harnessing the power of 5D BIM. The integrated 5D modeling allows for real-time cost analysis, enabling better budgeting and financial planning. This leads to more predictable project costs and minimizes the risk of budget overruns. 

When you add the dimension of time to 3D models, you get 4D BIM and the same enables you to revolutionize the aspects of efficient project management and scheduling. Through 4D BIM, you get detailed view of the project timeline and resource allocation. Likewise, 4D enables you to simulate the construction sequences.  

The integration of time dimension enables your projects managers to visualize the construction process whereas bottlenecks and delays are identified as well. By having a clear understanding of the project schedule, managers can make informed decisions to optimize resource allocation and minimize disruptions. This results in more efficient project execution and timely delivery. 

Sustainability is a growing concern in infrastructure development. How bigger? Well, you can gauge the seriousness of the situation from the fact that construction industry alone accounts for 25-40% of global carbon emissions

Owing to these sorry state of affairs, calls are growing to make this industry more sustainable. And BIM supports sustainable design and construction practices by providing detailed information about the building’s materials, energy performance, and environmental impact. Likewise, as you use BIM to optimize resource allocation, reduce delays, errors, and reworks, you reduce the carbon footprints.  

Challenges and Future Prospects

The sad truth is construction industry is too slow to embrace technology. As a matter of fact, a report by World Economic Forum states that construction industry is one of the least digitized sector in the world.  

The reason is the barrier of cultural shift in the organization. Embracing BIM requires a change in mindset and workflows, which can be met with resistance from traditional practices. 

Additionally, some firms get intimidated by the initial cost of implementing BIM. These firms are unable to see that long-term benefits outweigh the initial investment by a wider margin. The stakeholders in these firms can hold free consultation with BIM consultants.  

While challenges remain, the future of BIM in infrastructure projects look promising. With the rapid evolution in artificial intelligence and machine learning, BIM will only get more better and efficient. 

If you want to make your next infrastructure project cost efficient and are looking for the best BIM consulting services, feel free to reach out to us. We offer free consultation with our founders and believe in establishing lasting relationships through unrivalled services.