What is BIM? Why is it Important?

What is BIM?

Building Information Modelling is an advanced technology that assists architects, engineers, and construction professions in planning, designing, constructing, and managing the development and building of infrastructure.

This technology integrates the five main aspects of a project in a manner that enforces effectiveness throughout.

The main elements of BIM are Information, Technology, People, Processes, and Policies. The combination of these elements forms intelligent modelling, and these are the very five pillars of BIM.

It may sound like BIM is an application that helps build 3-D Models of infrastructure, but now, this high tech Artificial Beauty can produce 4-D, 5-D, and even 6-D models that not only tell you the conventional 3-D height, width, and depth, but also time, costs, and operations.

Various Levels of BIM

Level 0

Level 0 is defined as unmanaged CAD. At Level 0 there is no collaboration between parties collating information about a built asset. This is likely to be 2D, with information being shared by traditional paper drawings. Level 0 represents a lack of it.

Level 1

Level 1 is a mix of 2D and 3D information using a collaboration tool providing a Common Data Environment. When data has assumed a form of structure, BIM Level 1 is reached.

Level 2

At Level 2, collaboration is introduced between teams and the process of Building Information Modeling is being followed. There is still a lack of a single source of data, but any data collected about a built asset is shared.

Level 3

The jump from Level 2 to Level 3 is a big step. At this level, complete and total collaboration in planning, construction and operational life cycle of a built asset is achieved. The data is shared, collected and stored using a single source of data. The Level 3 strategy is very much an aspirational and visionary document, with the exact detail to be developed in due course.

This technology is widely used in a variety of fields including but not limited to Civil, Plant Management, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing Systems, and Structural Design.

It helps build multidimensional models that also contain data about the functional characteristics and not just the physical aspects.

This data defines the elements and establishes behaviour and relationships between model components and objects. If one “object” is edited or improved, the BIM automatically changes the object with respect to different views and ranges- making it easier to make improvements.

Now, these objects may be defined or undefined, vague or specific, and sometimes they may even be solid shapes or hollow shapes (like an empty room).

Benefits of BIM

This technology allows professionals to get multiple views of the same construction and infrastructure from a model of production. These views are consistent with the “objects” such defined. This means the view remains the same, in relation to the placement of such objects.

It is a powerful technology that allows architects, engineers, and contractors to understand how their work fits best in the big picture- making transitions smooth and effective.

It can be defined as a shared knowledge resource for information and reliable data for decision making regarding various aspects. All members of a project can share systematic information throughout channels and remain on the same page.

Why is BIM important?

BIM is more than just geometric study; it involves analyzing spatial relationships, geographic information, and even light analysis.

It helps to identify the quantities, components, and structure of the required materials that plan a key role in development. Not only this, it can be used in facility management, predictive maintenance, and even asset management.

Globalization has resulted in infrastructure to become more complex, dynamic, and technologically advanced. This technology helps connect AEC professionals to help design and build better infrastructure by improving efficiency and effectiveness and simplifying workflows.

It helps increase productivity, minimizes wastage, and helps with optimum utilization of resources.

The importance of BIM can be seen in its very application. It helps coordinate, plan, design and construct with data that is precise and accurate. It helps project costs, feasibility, and schedules. It also helps in the standardization of data that flows through the project- whether at a desk or on the field.

Diving into the history of BIM we find that it was initially proposed as a concept in the 70s when it was called the Building Description System (BDS). The term grew and after heavy research in the field- the early 2000s brought into the picture what we know today as BIM.

It is also important to know this technology is synonymous with “Virtual Building” and “Integrated Project Models”.

This technology has impacted the industry-wide and is being used in all areas that require development. A report suggested that 75% of the companies that adopted BIM saw positive returns on their investment.

BIM integrated with AI is the future of development for generations to come.

This smart, sophisticated technology that runs the world of architecture and development- BIM is the backbone of advancement and civilization; its impact can be felt globally.