Chapter 4 - BIM for Owners and Facility Managers

This chapter discusses the benefits of using BIM processes for owners and facility managers. BIM is not only used for creating drawings and 3-D models of the building, BIM can also be used to perform analyses such as energy and lighting. These analyses often lead to a more efficient building and improve the overall performance of the building. Another benefit of using BIM is that it helps to shorten the project schedule. BIM coordination in the design phase helps reduce the amount of coordination done in the field by resolving clashes between elements in the design phase. Prior to BIM clashes were resolved on site, in some cases solutions for clashes were not able to be found. This could result in the need for more interstitial space and would ultimately have to shift levels and or have to make the building larger to accommodate all the plumbing, mechanical and electrical elements.

Cost estimates also tend to be more accurate with the use of BIM. BIM makes it easy to create schedule and takeoffs so you are able to obtain quantities of elements as well as estimation of lengths for conduit, ducts and cable tray. Facility manager’s benefit from the use of BIM. Models and drawings tend to be updated throughout construction, therefore as built drawings and models are as accurate as possible. Facility managers also benefit from the data stored in the model and elements. Many devices and equipment contain information regarding specifications and manufacturer information, this information is useful for maintenance being performed of the equipment.

A challenge projects and owners face with BIM is defining the scope. There are many advantages of using BIM, but understanding what is expected of you as a designer or contractor by the owner is important. Although clash detection and energy analysis can be done using BIM processes, the owner may not necessarily want it to be done. Completing these tasks can take time and will add to the design schedule. It is important that owners understand the need to define the scope of the project and to make sure everyone is on the same page. Collaboration is a key factor that contributes to the success of using BIM on a project, therefore it is important that the owner, architect, engineers and contractors are working together throughout each stage of the project.

Source:
Eastman, Charles M. BIM Handbook: A Guide to Building Information Modeling for Owners, Managers, Designers, Engineers and Contractors. Wiley, Hoboken, NJ, 2011.

Responses:

Jacklynn, I agree that the ability to see all components in one model is beneficial. Although each disciplines model is typically separate and linked together, it is easier to manage links in Revit than it was in CAD. I think the use of BIM definitely helps when changes are made on a project. When equipment and devices are hosted correctly to walls it decreases the need for each department to make changes. For example, when an architect moves a wall the devices that were hosted to it will move with it. You also make a great point that having everyone trained who is working in the model is important. Having someone who is not properly trained to use the technology can often lead to many issues later on in the project, this is something I have witnessed many times at work.

Laney, you make a great point about success with BIM on projects using Integrated Project Delivery and Design-Build. For Design-Build projects, with this method the architects, engineers and contractors are all working together. Since construction begins during the design phase, contractors are able to bring up issues that arise and receive answers from the design team. Therefore issues can can be resolved before they lead to delays with the construction schedule.