Implement BIM brings a number of advantages

Adopting Building Information Modeling (BIM) also brings a number of advantages to each party involved in the process. However, the process of transitioning to a new working method can seem daunting, particularly at the beginning. Here’s what you need to consider and how to prepare for a successful BIM implementation.

the different dimensions used in CAD and BIM

The different dimensions of CAD – and, by extension, Building Information Modeling (BIM) – are something that many architects, engineers, and contractors are familiar with, at least to a certain extent.

When dimensions go beyond 2D CAD or 3D modeling, what does it mean? What do the other dimensions refer to, and what are the benefits of incorporating more dimensions? Here is a brief overview of the different dimensions used in CAD and BIM.

2D CAD

Everyone within the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry knows what 2D CAD is – the main deliverables of every project are made up of two-dimensional drawings that depict the proposed project from different angles and at in different levels of detail.

The designer uses CAD as a digital, 2D drawing board and the viewer of the drawings has to interpret how the drawings relate to each other to imagine the building.

Limitations of 2D CAD:

Complicates Checking Processes: 2D drawings aren’t able to capture the complexities of product design. They don’t take into account assembly and fit.
2D Design Requires Prototypes: 3D models communicate a lot of information regarding fit and potential issues.
Design Changes are Difficult: Making changes in designs is a time-consuming process, and it’s even more tedious for 2D designs.

3D Modeling

With 3D modeling, a third dimension is introduced. 3D geometry helps to describe the building explicitly and does not leave room for misinterpretation.

When creating a detailed 3D model, there is no longer a need to individually draw sections or elevations as there is with 2D CAD, because these views can be extracted directly from the model. Working in 3D is the first step towards the benefits that BIM offers.

3D BIM

BIM is a model-based working method. With BIM, 3D models are made into a precise building component by assigning a meaning to each object, such as object type (“wall”).

The objects can further be described with additional information like the type of material or performance requirements.BIM also enables reporting and analysis based on the information contained within the model, such as quantities or object parameters.

The Benefits of BIM

The benefits that can be achieved by using BIM as the leading design and working method may vary for each trade involved in the design process/construction work. Therefore it is highly important to consider individual aspects when planing the switch towards BIM. Only then all measures and steps can be adjusted and synchronized.

Around the world, Building Information Modeling (BIM) is being requested by more and more clients, with many public clients mandating its use on their projects.

To avoid being disqualified from working on an increasing number of projects, architects, engineers, and contractors need to implement BIM into their current working practices.

Adopting BIM also brings a number of advantages to each party involved in the process. However, the process of transitioning to a new working method can seem daunting, particularly at the beginning.

Define and Communicate the Benefits

BIM works best when it is adopted as a mindset and method of delivering projects, rather than an instruction from the management that must be followed. Involving all employees with the new process will help them understand the advantages of BIM and how they personally will benefit from the new approach. Not only will this help overcome any potential reservations that staff may have, it will also help change the culture within the office.

Develop a BIM Implementation Strategy

Developing a BIM implementation strategy can help ensure that all actions that are required are identified, managed, and executed successfully.

Like any project, setting clearly defined goals and milestones and assigning responsibilities, budgets, and time constraints will give your organization the best chance of making the transition to BIM a smooth one.

A documented strategy also provides employees with a visual roadmap of the implementation and encourages free and open communication about the process, so that it can be adjusted if needed.

Recording the outcome of each step of the implementation is another useful way of ensuring that the plan is discussed and evaluated so that best practice can be shared amongst the team.

Successful case BIM-based cooperation

The Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen is being expanded. This affects several buildings. The entire project has a total construction cost of 587 million Swiss francs. The expansion will be realized in two different planning and construction phases.

The company aspires to hand over to its customers high-quality building objects that offer them a lasting good experience. The engineers do not want to be involved in projects as specialists, but rather they wish to be able to incorporate their expertise into the overall project: from the strategic considerations to the execution.

Digitization plays an important role here. This is exactly why the engineering office worked with the cloud-based BIM solution Allplan Bimplus for a current project, the “Haus 10” at the Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen.

Choosing the Right BIM Software

Getting the right features for your needs is another important aspect of a successful BIM implementation. Whether you need to create organized data structures for quick access to project information, design user-defined objects that can contain geometric and alphanumeric information, or share information easily with other parties, pinpointing what is critical to your workflow is an essential exercise before choosing a BIM software package.

Invest in BIM - the benefit is yours

The switch towards BIM is worth it and a rewarding investment, not only becaue of current and upcoming laws but considering the future in general. BIM enables a wide range of benefits, not only with respect to competition and legislation. The advantages are also not restricted to BIM projects, but can also affect the whole company.

Source: allplan.com, waltgalmarini