B2 Contractors and BIM - Alkiviadis Tsitsios

Chapter six focuses on how BIM affects contractors in the world today. It is a known fact that contractors play a very pivotal role in construction. As the world expands, the demands for contractors increases. Contractors are constantly fighting against deadlines, strict specifications and intricate calculations. The large construction firms that exist would greatly benefit from the implementation of BIM software. The adoption of BIM software would cause them to make leaps in the market ahead of their competitors, since so much of the market is comprised of specialized small contracting firms. If the smaller firms adopted BIM, it would help them make large strides as well.

If contractors incorporated BIM into their work, it would finally place them into the design phase of a construction project. Normally, contractors are not involved in the design process. They usually just bid on drawings. With BIM, they can use 3D visual representations to plan, design, and work with others during the project. In a design build project, BIM would be especially beneficial. A successful construction project must have the ability to manage large amounts of information. BIM allows for a common data platform. Cost estimates and budgeting becomes more accurate when using BIM because BIM gives the ability to plan ahead. For example, change orders are common in the construction industry, but it can severely affect a budget. Before the change order is implemented, it is possible to test the implementation using BIM, detecting potential errors early in the process, allowing for a better budget. BIM allows for a collaborative environment, so if an architect makes a change to a drawing, the contractor can see that change be made live as it is done so. This allows direct communication between subcontractors, architects, and owners. During preconstruction, subcontractors can work hand in hand with designers to create a model. The communication line is much shorter. In turn, the same can be said about the construction process.

Contractors would benefit greatly by implementing BIM. While it is a new concept, it is quickly spreading throughout the industry. All aspects of the field are utilizing BIM, it is time for contractors to do the same.

References
Eastman, Charles M. BIM Handbook : A Guide to Building Information Modeling for Owners, Managers, Designers, Engineers and Contractors. 2011. http://web.b.ebscohost.com.ezproxy2.library.drexel.edu/ehost/ebookviewer/ebook/bmxlYmtfXzM2NDIzOV9fQU41?sid=2e33ff9c-0e60-47bb-98e7-5d58d37dc7a6@pdc-v-sessmgr02&vid=0&format=EB&lpid=lp_263&rid=0

Weiyi Tang
In relation to BIM, itegrated project delivery would be a very efficient process. Because BIM allows for an information sharing platform, it directly coincides with the goal of IPD. That is, to come together and form a cooperative unit. All parties can cooperate through BIM, they can see when changes are made to the drawings, and implement their own changes as well. There is a direct line of communication.

Harvin Bhandal
Good analysis of how BIM softwares have predifined objects and rules that coincide with design standard. This is another way BIM is so useful in the industry, these points clearly show how BIM can speed the process. Nice way to tie in how the 3D models allow all parties to be involved and allows them to undersatand components based off of a 3D model vs a 2D one.


Jenny Fretta
Through BIMs information sharing platform, Owners have the ability to access any and all information that is impacting their project. The collaborative aspect that you mentioned allows the owner to monitor progress and step in in lieu of clashes and collisions, like you said. If an owner wants to make a change, he can do so, and all parties should be able to address the changes without any confusion, due to the information sharing.