With a little more than 20 years of international coverage of BIM; we present a recap of what BIM is, and its impact on the construction industry.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a digital representation of the physical and functional characteristics of a building or facility. It is a process of creating and using a computer model to design, construct and manage a building or infrastructure. The construction industry has embraced BIM as a tool to improve productivity, reduce errors, and increase the efficiency of the construction process. In this article we will analyze the impact of BIM in the construction industry and how it has changed the way projects are planned, designed and executed.

The advantages of BIM

Collaboration

Cost Reduction

Efficiency

Quality & Precision

Sustainability

One of the main advantages of BIM is its ability to improve collaboration and communication among project stakeholders. By creating a digital model that can be accessed by everyone involved in the project, BIM helps reduce confusion and errors that can arise from miscommunication. This is especially important on large, complex projects involving many different teams and disciplines. With BIM, everyone has access to the same information and can work together more effectively to ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget.

In addition to improving collaboration and communication, BIM also helps reduce costs and increase the efficiency of the construction process. By creating a digital model of the project, it´s possible to detect and solve problems even before construction begins. This can save time and money by reducing the need for changes and iterations during the construction phase. BIM also allows for more accurate cost estimates, as the model can be used to generate exact quantities of materials and labor required for the project.

Another important advantage of BIM is its ability to improve the accuracy and quality of the construction process. With BIM, its possible to create detailed and accurate project models that can be used to ensure that all aspects of the construction process are carried out correctly. This includes ensuring that all components fit together correctly, that all materials are of the right quality and quantity, and that the final product meets all relevant standards and regulations.

One of the most significant effects of BIM in the construction industry is that it has updated the way projects are planned and executed. With BIM, it is possible to plan a project from start to finish. This allows for more effective project management, as it is possible to identify potential issues and resolve them before they become problems. It also allows for more reliable scheduling, as the model can be used to identify the most efficient sequence of activities.

In addition to improving project planning and execution, BIM can transform the way buildings are designed and built. With BIM it is possible to create highly detailed and accurate models of buildings that can be used to optimize their performance. This includes analysis of the building’s energy efficiency, structural integrity of the design, and overall building functionality. By optimizing these aspects of the building, it is possible to create more sustainable, efficient and cost-effective structures.

The challenges of BIM

Training

Protocols

Infrastructure

Databases

Despite the many advantages of BIM, there are also some challenges to overcome in order to take full advantage of its potential. One of the main challenges is the need for a high level of coordination and collaboration among all parties involved in the project. This requires significant investment in training and education, as well as the development of effective processes and protocols for using BIM. In addition, there is also a need to standardize the use of BIM, as different organizations may use different software and approaches, which can make it difficult to share information and collaborate effectively.

Another challenge is the need for a high level of IT infrastructure and support to effectively use BIM. This includes investing in powerful computers and software, as well as ensuring that there is sufficient bandwidth and connectivity to support the use of BIM. This can be a significant investment.

With regard to IT support, the need for structured databases becomes essential to work effectively in BIM. It is true that several databases already exist across each stakeholder group involved in a project, but they do not have a structure that is easy to adapt to the different high-level BIM requirements.

However, every day new tools and services appear that help our digitization process and make the implementation more homogeneous in the industry. The road to working in BIM is being paved by professionals dedicated to disseminating best practices in BIM.

We continue to move towards a more efficient construction industry and building!

Want to learn more on working on a BIM environment? Join us at BIM GYM

Link of interest: buildingSMART International