B2-Chapter 4: BIM for Owner and Facility Manager

BIM handbook’s Chapter 4 discussed the changes of architectural and construction industry which could take many conveniences to the owners and facility managers. There are some main benefits for owners: firstly, the performing of building; secondly, shorten the building schedules; and then reduce the finical risks.

With developing of BIM software, now the buildings can be performed perfectly with all different models, like the 2-D plans and 3-D models with all details, like lightings, floor materials, and the facades, via Revit. Moreover, the BIM model can have a great cooperation with mechanical, electrical, and plumbing system. And all the system can successfully be combined or separate to show structure of the buildings. Therefore, the owner can check the models to ensure the designs can meet his requirements, and the owner can see where his investment is.

Then, BIM can shorten the project schedules. In BIM software, all the details of building can be performed and scheduled with accurate time and amount. Therefore, when making a construction schedule, it will be much easier.

And, BIM can help with reduce the risk of finical problems. Because when you finished the modeling of buildings, all the materials and energy consumption can be demonstrated roughly. Therefore, compare with old method of measuring the cost of construction, BIM is better with some details of material and energy usage which will help the owner to save money. For example, if the energy consumption was 10,000 dollars for 1,000 square feet per month. But after using BIM methods, the designer can change some plans to reduce like ten percent of energy use which will help owner to save 1000 dollars per month.

Moreover, the facility managers are involved in the design and construction process. Therefore, they will know what kind of equipment will fit this building. And where is the best place to install equipment which will ensure higher efficiency and less wasted materials. Also, they will be aware which place need to pay more attention.

Last but the least, the BIM can be much more convenient than the old technology when the owners want to do the remodel. Because the BIM file will always be there, and you can edit, modify, and re-design based on what you have. And the small elements, like lightings, HVAC systems, or the material of wall or glass can be re-design at any time and any place.

Reference:
Eastman, Charles M. BIM Handbook: A Guide to Building Information Modeling for Owners, Managers, Designers, Engineers and Contractors. Vol. 2nd, 3rd ed, Wiley, 2011. EBSCOhost, http://web.b.ebscohost.com.ezproxy2.library.drexel.edu/ehost/ebookviewer/ebook/bmxlYmtfXzM2NDIzOV9fQU41?sid=bc728db5-ac2a-463a-be02-b1d1edcfc78a@pdc-v-sessmgr02&vid=0&format=EB&lpid=lp_71&rid=0

Comments:
Hanyan Chen, I really like your post. From your post, you discussed a lot about the benefits for the owners. And I really like your point which the owner can install some voice control or some control system they like to enable their life more convenient. Moreover, for the facility managers, they will be easily to learn which place is best for different equipment because they know all the designs and construction process.

Kyle Breiman, I looked your post, and I found you mentioned about the construction process. The BIM will help the owner to simulate, therefore it will help the construction becoming more efficiency, knowing the details of maintenance, and estimating the energy consumption of the building.

Jenny Fretta, I totally agree with your point. You discussed three points which BIM can take for the owner and manager. Reduce the time and cost, and production efficiency. In your post, your quotation is about when the owner looked at the designs and the owner will know where his money is. Therefore, the whole project team will feel what they are doing, and which part is expensive. And from showing the investment, the owner also can decide to re-design the part he think is not valuable.