On the fast track of BIM

Williams: Many governments around the world are engaging BIM with mandates and setting industry goals. Countries such as the US, and UK are leading the way with others in the APAC region such as Singapore, Japan and Australia following suit. Major contractors all have BIM teams to encompass and help sub-contractors with their deliverables and working methodology. For contractors, the benefits are many:

• Complete access to original project data from the BIM model
• The ability to visualise what will be built through a digital model
• Information from the model can be used in your control system
• The ability to create multiple "what if " scenarios
• Fewer on-site errors and changes due to BIM being used from the early phase

Hayes: In the past, digital models created in the office have typically been converted to 2D paper drawings for use in the field. This leads to guesswork and manual layout processes, which can cause errors that might not become evident until later in the construction process. Additionally, on renovation or retrofit projects, the models themselves might contain errors since many models are developed from outdated and inaccurate as-built paper drawings. These inaccuracies also lead to problems in the field during construction, which drive up project costs, increase risks and even derail entire projects.

In an ideal BIM workflow, the data remains digital all the way through the process. First, the project team captures reality and informs the 3D model with highly accurate as-built point clouds. New design models are then created around the accurate as-built data, and construction layout points are added to the model. These points are then replicated on the jobsite using tools, such as robotic total stations, to bring 3D models to reality. During construction, as-built information is captured with high-accuracy robotic total stations and high definition scanners. The accurate discrete measurement points and point clouds are compared against the as-designed model to immediately identify deviations and head off expensive downstream coordination issues in the field. The result is a lifecycle process that brings reality into BIM and BIM into reality for a holistic building construction approach that minimises rework and maximises efficiency, predictability and profitability.

Explore Chapter 2: How is the BIM adoption rate in your specific region?

Story: On the fast track of BIM
Chapter 1: Why is BIM becoming so popular throughout the industry? - Part 1
Chapter 1: Why is BIM becoming so popular throughout the industry? - Part 2
Chapter 2: How is the BIM adoption rate in your specific region?
Chapter 3: What advice would you give professionals looking to start a BIM program? - Part 1
Chapter 3: What advice would you give professionals looking to start a BIM program? - Part 2