B2 - BIM for Contractors

B2

Chapter six covers the different aspects of incorporating BIM into the workflow of a contractor. The chapter begins by discussing the different types of contractors and firms that exist. Sixty three percent of construction firms are small, specialty trades. Only thirty one percent are large building contractors which would probably benefit most from BIM. Many contractors currently do not participate in the design process. They simply will review drawings in order to bid and then build the project. Contractors being late to the party brings issues such as the design lacking potentially crucial knowledge that only a contractor would know. This also leaves room for potential clashes during construction when the design is already completed.

Incorporating BIM into work for a contractor has many benefits in addition to removing clashes. BIM software can also export data into estimating software in order to get more precise estimates of materials and costs. Not only can they estimate materials, but they can turn the materials into direct costs and man-hours which is huge. Scheduling is also a crucial aspect of the bid and therefore the cost of the project. Gantt charts have been used, but lack the detail and explanation behind why certain tasks take certain lengths. Using BIM, schedules can be improved by using three dimensional models. For example, block masons may stack block near a wall they are building, however framers may need to access that area to transport materials. A seasoned construction manager/contractor can now view the space in 3D and will be able to better schedule operations in order to minimize conflicts.

All of this is easier said than done and is only the case if a contractor uses BIM to its fullest potential. BIM is still changing and will eventually become more streamlined and easier to use. For now though, BIM is still a new computer software which is not easy to learn for even practicing engineers or architects. Contractors sometimes do not even use computer software beyond simple calculations, let alone modeling software. The learning curve for a contractor will definitely be steep and will probably discourage many from using the tools. BIM for contractors is more of a hopeful dream and not a real possibility. The only contractors that will actually use the software are the very large ones who need to collaborate with many other parties.

Eastman, Teicholz, et al. BIM Handbook: A Guide to Building Information Modeling for Owners, Managers, Designers, Engineers and Contractors. Second Edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2011.http://web.b.ebscohost.com.ezproxy2.library.drexel.edu/ehost/ebookviewer/ebook/bmxlYmtfXzM2NDIzOV9fQU41?sid=4df32a3e-004b-43f0-a14c-f6fb56fe0cea@pdc-v-sessmgr01&vid=0&format=EB&rid=1

Jenny:

BIM for owners is probably the most important possibility in the field of construction. If the owner decides to make all construction parties use BIM, all of the advantages you outlined will be achieved in full and make the project more successful and profitable.

Christian:

I never considered that aspect of BIM. I always assumed that BIM was near perfect and would magically mesh all parties together. It makes me think of my old co op where we would produce structural drawings in AutoCad LT, but some architects wanted to use Revit. This put us in a bind because we were not using Revit at the time, so we had to learn and do many things from scratch on Revit where as AutoCad would have been much quicker.

Gabriel:

It is interesting how you have used Revit and still have questions about how to use it to its full potential. I have never used it and reading your post excites me about what it can do but also raises questions of my own.