Building Information Modelling (BIM) is becoming an ever more established process throughout the construction industry. Research conducted by the NBS as part of their 2020 Annual BIM report found that 73% of professionals in the building industry are using BIM. As the rate of BIM adoption is set to increase further post-pandemic, it has never been more important to work with a forward-thinking construction consultancy that utilises BIM as part of its project delivery.
In this article, we explore what building information modelling is, how it works, its key benefits, how we use BIM while also looking forward to the future of BIM and how the technology is likely to develop.
What Is Building Information Modelling (BIM)?
Building information modelling (BIM) is a process for creating and managing information on construction projects though the project life cycle. The BIM process delivers the building information model, which is a digital description of each aspect of a built asset. It is unique in that it uses information that is gathered collaboratively by the various building professionals that are engaged in a project.
How Does BIM Work?
The BIM process creates a model of all the information that is relevant to an asset or facility. The model is created in digital form using specialist software. The model, which is the key output of the process, helps to promote standardisation and ensure that all members of the construction team are adhering to the same standards.
By bringing together all the information about each component that makes up a building/asset into one place, the information can be easily accessed by all members of your construction team. The model is used at every stage of a construction project right from its initial inception through to its demolition.
Key Benefits Of Building Information Modelling (BIM)
The benefits of choosing a construction consultancy that utilises BIM for a client are significant and can help to ensure the successful delivery of construction projects across almost all sectors. The creation of the building information itself provides the consultancy team including the quantity surveyors, project managers and technicians with an invaluable tool that has a positive impact across multiple areas of a construction project.
Identify Construction Issues Early To Reduce Risk And Rework
Identifying issues as early as possible is critical to successful construction projects. If an issue is identified earlier, an appropriate resolution can be sought before it starts to impact later stages/phases of the project, which helps to save valuable project time and preserve project timelines. As BIM also provides a convenient platform for a building to be reviewed and for comments to be exchanged between all members of your project team, building rework can often be avoided or minimised. The resulting improvements in the overall efficiency of a project will help the project to stay on track and ensure that it has the best possible chance to meet key deadlines.
Deliver Significant Resource And Cost Savings
Delivering resource and cost savings is a key aspect of every project and with BIM you have a key tool at your disposal that is able to support and accelerate its impact. The construction cost estimates that result from the BIM process, providing a clear overview of opportunities that can be taken to reduce a range of different costs from materials to personnel costs.
It is common for BIM to highlight opportunities for more cost-effective materials. Optimal material buying times to secure the best possible prices while also streamlining project workflows which reduces the personnel costs incurred by the client. The resulting cost savings from using resources in an optimal way can be significant and helps clients to achieve the best possible return on their project investment.
Improve Communication And Collaboration
Communication and collaboration between all the parties involved with a project helps to ensure that the client has a successful project outcome. All building projects involve multiple parties from quantity surveyors and project managers to architects and building contractors. Communication between these various parties can be difficult and disjointed, which is to the detriment of the project.
BIM facilitates clear communication and collaboration based on a ‘single source of truth’ system. In practical terms, this means that all the relevant information including models and notes are stored in a single place. As the information can be easily accessed, information silos are eliminated, and key information is always at hand for every construction team member that needs to access it.
BIM software is also used by contractors on-site so they can access information on-the-go and carry out their construction tasks based on the most up-to-date plans. This helps to reduce issues on the ground that have already been addressed by another part of the construction team.
How Does JB Associates Use BIM?
JB Associates is a forward-thinking construction consultancy that strives to be at the forefront of new and emerging technology, including BIM. It is our overall aim to provide a complete cradle to grave construction consultancy solution to clients across a range of sectors.
We have recently used BIM as part of a project for one of our major infrastructure clients. In this project, we helped to manage and implement a BIM execution plan, which ensured that the project could proceed with the key risks controlled while the infrastructure was operational.
What Is The Future For Building Information Modelling (BIM) And How Is The Technology Likely To Develop?
Building information modelling (BIM) technology is very much here to stay in construction. The rate of BIM adoption is continuing to grow as research from the NBS has highlighted, with almost universal awareness and use of BIM reported in their 2020 BIM report. We are likely to see further bolt-ons and integrations into full building management as this will allow clients to benefit from a one stop shop IE BIM for the full management of their facilities.
Looking For Building Information Modelling (BIM) Consultancy Services?
At JB Associates we deliver professional building information modelling (BIM) consultancy services using Autodesk Revit. Our BIM services assist with building services design & coordination, modelling and clash detection. Our team has over 30 years’ industry experience, which we draw on for each project that we deliver. We are ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certified and RICS registered.
JB Associates are trusted by clients including Telefonica, Kier, Balfour Beatty, Interserve, SSE and CBRE. Why not contact us and find out how we can help with your construction project? Email us at enquiries@jbassociates.co.uk or call: 01590 688 928.
