Introductory Session to BIM - Know How BIM Fundamentals Help in Design

Introductory Session to BIM - Know How BIM Fundamentals Help in Design

In part 1 of the introductory session to BIM, you will learn the basics of BIM (Building Information Modelling), the core concepts of the software, and what separates BIM from the rest. You will also be able to appreciate BIM and its relevance in the industry, especially in the fields of architecture, engineering, construction, and operation. 

What Is BIM?

BIM can refer to Building Information Modelling/Model/Management. BIM can be divided into the following:

Graphical Data

Graphical data, as the name indicates, has to do with the visual representation of the objects in a coordinate system with dimensions, shape, and size.

Depending on the requirements and activity, the graphical data might require a detailed drawing of every single part of an overview drawing. They address the complexities and details by using a higher level of development for a better finish. The graphical data also brings into accordance the spatial values between various objects in the model design.

Non-Graphical Data

Non-graphical data are mostly the different aspects that are in correlation to the project design, such as the overall costs, the manufacturers of the various assembly products, or time management. They are values related to the product instead of the product itself. They can be measured, recorded, added, assigned, or edited.

Documentation

Documentation of the model is also essential since we can not remember a project right away whenever required. As the company grows, so will the variety in projects, each with their own different models. Hence, we use documentation software to keep a record of our graphical and non-graphical data using Autocad, MATLAB, and more. 

It contains all the data relevant to the project. They may include drawings, estimates, graphs, numerical values, and any information that aids in the project.

In this way, BIM enables a data-rich parametric model with a digital representation of the project and all of its resources.

Uses of BIM

You can use BIM to create documents and infrastructure designs in detail. You can also use it for analyzing how to explore design options and create visualizations that help stakeholders get a glimpse of the finished product.

A BIM Execution Plan (BEP) and Employer's Information Requirements (EIR) outlines the processes like how many employees should be hired, information like project valuation, and the purpose of the project.

Significance of BIM

BIM enables design and construction teams to work more efficiently as well as back up data to benefit operations and maintenance activities. Some advantages of using BIM are as follows:

Improves Productivity and Reduces Cost

BIM improves communication and operational efficiency. It massively cuts down cross-referencing and approval time during the project's construction phase, leading to improvements in productivity and quality of work. Increased productivity reduces the overall project construction time and costs.

Decreases Rework

Unclear information between designers and executioners, lack of updates, or changes in design information may lead to minor or significant reworks that may slowly burn the company's finances. One of the benefits of BIM over traditional processes is that it's centralized. Thus, any updates are instantly reflected, allowing uniformity of information and zero construction errors.

Provides Related Documents

Infrastructural design documents have the design part, but they lack other essential details like bids, costs, manufacturers, and additional relevant information. BIM helps to fill up all the information loopholes so that you can meet the project requirements.

Gives Complete Project Snapshot

Since everyone has complete information on the project, people associated with the project get readily available and reliable information and track project assessment, communication, coordination, cost estimations, and progress.

Improves Coordination

BIM helps everyone to work coherently with the other. It improves coordination and provides a great work environment.

Enhances Customer Satisfaction

The overall quality, speed of work, information transparency, and consistency surely make customers extremely satisfied and happy with your work.

Difference Between Conventional Practices and BIM

In conventional practice, the workflow is based on pen and paper and has to pass multiple layers of approval. In contrast, BIM is a much-advanced process of digitization that eliminates the chances of losing essential documents. 

Instead of just using people and processes, BIM has an added advantage using technology in its approach. It is also more cost-effective. Since BIM data is open, everyone can check any changes to the project model in real-time using a shared data environment. 

BIM Dimensions

Unlike traditional dimensions on paper that are limited to two-dimensions for us to understand, the use of technology helps us to surpass human perception as we can look into other parameters that are also responsible for the project. 

In addition to X, Y, and Z axes, there are four more parameters like time, cost, operation, and life cycle, which increase one dimension each. Hence, using BIM, one can outperform human thresholds using seven different dimensions.

BIM Levels

BIM levels are collaboration levels which help in fostering ideas and creating projects smoothly. 

• At level 0, there is no collaborative action, and the drawings are usually 2D.
• At level 1, they follow CAD standards and use 3D only for concept work while using 2D for the production process, and share electronically with the contractor.
• At level 2, everyone uses 3D CAD models but does not work on the same model. They share information in a similar format, making the process much more comfortable and cost-effective.
• At level 3, everyone works on a single shared project with a layer of protection that prevents clashes, while adding value to the project.

BIM Level of Development and Design

Another aspect of BIM is that it is easier to draw complex structures wherever required using BIM. Unlike traditional processes, you can bring a detailed drawing of the finer aspects needed for the production in a single model in various degrees of design for the development. 

For example, work involving fabrication can require a high degree of detail, whereas it is simpler to work with lesser complexity while assembling parts.

Conclusion

After going through the introductory session to BIM by Skill-Lync, you will have a good idea of BIM and accept its usefulness and necessity in advanced modeling. 

In today's world, collaboration and documentation play a huge role and impact many intangible factors in traditional modeling like cost and time that can be easily assessed through BIM. Visit Skill-Lync to take your knowledge about BIM to the next level.