BIM Modeling: Everything you need to Know

Building Information Modeling (BIM) has been an incredibly beneficial technological advance that has swept the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry! It is an imperative planning process that is now even mandatory in certain places. For example, the UK have made it mandatory to use BIM modeling for every public project. The United States doesn’t have mandatory requirements for BIM at the moment, yet they have taken steps on the local level to increase its use. “In 2010, Wisconsin became the first state to require BIM on publicly-funded projects with a budget over $5 million.”

What is Building Information Modeling (BIM)?

Helping to streamline the planning, design, and construction of projects, BIM helps create a 3D model of a building and/or structure. It is an intelligent model-based process that connects AEC professionals and allows them to collaborate on projects on a more streamline basis. BIM creates 3D models fully equipped with detailed information, including digital and functional characteristics of the project at hand. Additionally, when design elements of a structure are altered by any department, all views of the model are also updated. Therefore, this allows all parties involved on the project to stay up-to-date on current design progress and modifications.

How BIM is Used During Design and Construction

 Building Information Modeling allows AEC professionals to work together and collaborate with one another on 3D models of structures. Thus, also giving everyone involved a more realistic visual, or the project at hand. This in turn can also equate to the increase of sales. For example, being able to present a clear three-dimensional model of a project to a customer is more likely to land the deal, having that additional boost in clarity, enormously enhancing simple verbal ideas. Conveying an idea for a project with such extensive visual clarity helps fill in blanks and may help answer any questions and concerns posed by potential future customers.

 

What are the Applications of BIM?

You can use Building Information Modeling for a variety of applications. For starters, visually. BIM allows for the creation of clear visuals to convey ideas to others. In addition, it enables professionals to have detailed 3D descriptions of projects along with design elements and functions. You can even implement BIM during code-reviews. Furthermore, Fire departments as well as other officials have the ability to use these models for their professional review of building projects.

Additionally, you can use Building Information Modeling to reduce project risk, improve timelines on projects and offer cost savings. Furthermore, BIM can allow for optimal project outcomes having the ability to design a structure so in-depth on a digital scale.

The Benefits of BIM Construction

• AEC Professional Collaborations = work more efficiently
• Helps streamline the design process
• Offers a clearer visual on a 3D scale
• Updates all parties involved of project modifications
• Conveys escalated clarity to potential future clients
• Enhance success on landing deals with potential future clients
• Helps with future operations and maintenance of buildings and structures
• Offers predictive Maintenance
• Asset Tracking
• Facilities Management
• Future renovation or deconstruction

What are BIM Levels?

Building Information Modeling Level of Development (LOD) is an industry standard that defines how the 3D geometry of a building model can achieve different levels of refinement. Additionally, this is used as a measure for the service level required for a project. The Levels of Development include: LOD 100 (Concept Design); LOD 200 (Schematic Design), LOD 300 (Detailed Design); LOD 350 Construction Documentation, LOD 400 (Fabrication & Assembly), and LOD 500 (As-Built). 

 

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