An open approach to BIM - For better collaboration
Definition of BIM (Building Information Modeling)
"BIM (Building Information Modeling) technology, enables the digital creation of highly accurate virtual building models. These models facilitate design and improve analysis and control compared to manual procedures.
Once completed, these digital models contain precise geometric information and the data required for construction, manufacturing and procurement."
This definition of building information modeling in the Handbook of BIM (Eastman, Teicholz, Sacks & Liston 2011) encompasses many aspects, from technology to the entire construction process.
Construction software for collaboration and information management
Tekla places great importance on the letter "I" (for Information) in the acronym BIM. In the United States, the National Building Information Model Standard _(NBIMS-US™)_project committee sees BIM modeling as a shared knowledge resource that enables information about a structure as well as collaboration between different stakeholders.
Collaboration can prove tricky over the course of a project. According to the NBIMS-US™ project committee,
"Building design, construction and maintenance are too costly and delivery times are too long. We need to improve collaboration between the various players in the construction process."
In the United States, a NIST study revealed that the lack of interoperability generates an additional cost of $15.8 billion per year for prime contractors. The construction industry stands to gain from better communication and optimized information management.
BIM technology
BIM technology automates the use of information, whereas its creation was already automated with CAD. From a software point of view, BIM modeling requires precision and power to process large amounts of information. In practice, compatibility with the other systems used is also essential for the collaborative process to run smoothly. Tekla has chosen the open BIM solution and interoperable models to offer our customers high-performance BIM processes.
The benefits of BIM for the entire construction process
Users see many advantages in BIM modeling. Companies using it, such as Skanska and Barton Malow, cite benefits in the following areas in particular: Planning, estimating and risk analysis, more collaborative processes and better site management. BIM technology also enables alternative solutions to be studied before the structure is erected on site. Stakeholders can understand and control the design more easily, improving precision and productivity. They can also parameterize, visualize and evaluate different options in terms of project cost. Users appreciate the optimized communication between stakeholders and the overall improvement in quality thanks to BIM modeling.
BIM goes beyond 3D visualization
Not all building models rely on BIM technology: those that contain only 3D geometric data, but no object attributes, or those where changes made in one view are not automatically updated in the other views. BIM would enable these models to be enriched with information that could be used for construction, manufacturing and procurement.
Read more :
Constructability: Modeling for construction, not just for plans
