Get Smart: Why Construction Professionals Use Building Information Modeling

Building Information Modeling, or BIM, is a relatively recent digital technology that promises to dramatically reduce project costs, slash waste, improve scheduling, and allow construction professionals to accomplish their goals in less time.

Here is a brief introduction to the use of building information in the construction industry:

Building Information Overload

construction worker
Source: iStock.com/gpointstudio

Construction projects are governed by vast amounts of information, from the dimensions of walls and rooms to the cost of materials used. In the past, the majority of this information was kept on paper–in architectural drawings, price and materials lists, and even on notes kept in the foreman’s pocket. This resulted in situations in which much important data did not get shared, and in which many of the separate construction segments involved in the project were not able to communicate with each other.

Without this communication, conflicts were almost always inevitable; a proposed route for a plumbing system might not work in reality, for example, which would require costly and time-consuming redesign and revision in the field.

How BIM Improves Projects

  • Building Information Modeling dramatically improves processes on the construction site by transferring vital data and building information to a digital format.
  • The BIM software allows all participants in the process–architects, engineers, plumbers, electricians, and others–to aggregate all of their relevant material in one place that can be accessed and evaluated by other colleagues.
  • It can generate real-time models of the construction project, or any section of it, that shows how the project will look. These models allow for easier identification of conflicts or problems before any work is done in the field, reducing waste, eliminating costly mistakes that can throw projects off schedule.
  • BIM can also automatically recalculate costs and expenses based on changes to the design made in the software, allowing managers to keep close track of ongoing costs.

Construction Monitor provides regular reports and detailed insight into construction trends and developments, including building permit issuances and housing starts. Contact us today for more information on building information in the construction industry and how this digital visualization process can improve all aspects of a construction project.

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