Chapter 5 of the BIM Handbook goes into detail regarding the advances in BIM technologies that have been most impactful towards Architects, Engineers, and Construction professionals. These programs include Google Sketchup, Vectorworks, and Revit and many other softwares are beginning to integrate BIM functionalities over time. The most prolific effect of BIM on these industries is the ease with which fully 3d digital models of buildings and their various systems can be used in accordance with paper plans to facilitate deeper understanding and communication between the design team and the construction managers who physically oversee the work being done. These models are, ideally, updated throughout the construction process to reflect any changes in scope or reflect minor changes and allow for any QC issues to be addressed quickly and with minimal conflict between subcontractors. These models, when properly implemented and continuously monitored for progress, also allow for to-the-day schedule estimation.
One other subtle benefit of using BIM modeling in the field is that rather than requiring one to carry paper plans around a job site or to owner meetings, BIM models can be stored and transported on any compatible smart device, such as an iPad. This leads to less cumbersome collaboration between all stakeholders on a project throughout all phases, from design to closeout.
Despite the numerous benefits I have previously described, I can attest to some of the downfalls of these advances from personal experience. I spent my last co-op working as a construction manager for LF Driscoll as they completed work on Phase 1 of the CHOP Schuylkill research tower. Part of my duties were to track and record the progress of various construction tasks, such as curtain wall installation and concrete pours. Due to the fact that BIM technologies are still on their way to wide adoption throughout the industry, this circumstantially led to me having to track these processes both digitally and on paper plans simultaneously; The CM team and some critical subcontractor foremen operated mainly using the BIM plans whereas foremen and workers from smaller subcontractors only had access to paper plans, causing a disconnect in a couple of fringe scenarios in which not all versions of all plans were 100% consistent with one another. All of this is to say that, as with any new and advanced technology, there are bound to be growing pains and inefficiencies as the technology in question is on its way to near-universal adoption. This will only improve over time as more subcontractors and design firms approach wholesale adoption of BIM.
Source:
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://ezproxy2.library.drexel.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=364239&site=ehost-live.
Comments on others' posts:
I have also noticed the lack of access to 3-D models by smaller contractors. I think for BIM to reach its full potential, it is imperative that all parties involved in the creation of a building have access to 3-D models. I also think with the emergence of AI and 3-D printing on construction sites, we will reduce the need for subcontractors, and the subcontractors who do remain will have the technology to allow them to see a real time 3-D model containing addendums and changes to the original design.
ReplyDeleteI like that you used your real life experience to relate to the text that you read. There are some companies that are actually having a more difficult time using BIM because not everyone wants to adopt it. We know as young engineers how beneficial is it compared to traditional construction processes, but there are people who have been doing things the same way for a long time and do not like change. One of the only ways to get them to change is to make BIM technology mandatory for all contractors on your projects which has worked well for some companies that I have heard about.
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