GUEST ARTICLE: How Does BIM Enable New Construction Methods and New Architectural Designs

Building information modelling (BIM) is an architectural and engineering technology that’s revolutionising the construction industry. BIM can help streamline your entire process of designing and building new structures in ways that were never possible before. This post examines the many ways BIM can be used to enhance your construction process from A-Z.

A New Dawn for the Construction Industry

The construction and architecture industries are changing. Building Information Modelling is at the heart of this change and is a way of working rather than simply a tool. BIM software has evolved greatly from Archicad in the early days to Autodesk Revit, which covers all design and construction stages through building performance analysis.

BIM Reshaping Architecture BIM is changing architecture and will continue to change it in the future. As more and more people are becoming aware of the benefits of BIM, this technology is becoming more prevalent.

Better Design

BIM allows the architect to design the building more accurately, which helps reduce errors. It makes it easier to achieve the desired outcome and reduces costs in the long term.

How? By allowing you to see how your design will look before actual construction, you can spot any issues early on and change them before spending any money on construction.

Advanced Simulation Capabilities

Another BIM-enabled advantage is the ability to simulate the construction process in advance, which helps reduce costs and errors. For example, it’s common for demolition or new foundations to be done incorrectly on a project, leading to significant delays and additional costs.

However, with BIM software, you can see how these tasks will affect your proposed building design before they occur. You can then make any necessary adjustments beforehand. Similarly, BIM simulation lets you view how changes in materials will impact structural stability before doing them in reality. It saves time and money while keeping the project on schedule.

BIM Reduces Conflicts

The right blueprints, specifications, and plans are the foundation of a successful building project. BIM helps reduce the number of conflicts and errors during the design process. Considering that a single mistake can cost upwards of seven figures, it’s obvious why this is important.

Contractors are now using BIM tools throughout the construction project from start to finish. It helps to facilitate collaboration between all stakeholders throughout the project’s life cycle. It reduces conflict in design and provides greater consistency across multiple disciplines (architecture, engineering, and construction).

Better Visualisation

BIM can also help to ensure a smooth construction process by facilitating the visualisation of 3D models. These models also allow architects and builders to prepare for challenges that may arise during construction.

Common challenges include inclement weather conditions or other factors that can impact the stability of the structure.

BIM Transforming Construction

BIM has already changed the construction industry. The technology continues to become more standardised and widespread in the industry daily – and the benefits are hard to ignore.

Modular Construction

Modular construction is constructing buildings with prefabricated building elements that are transported, assembled, and erected onsite. This method reduces costs, time, and waste. It allows for the production of components within a controlled environment. BIM empowers modular construction for residential homes, commercial buildings, and schools.

Environmental Analysis

BIM can analyse a building’s impact on the environment and surrounding communities. These models can simulate and analyse energy consumption, carbon emissions, water consumption, water runoff, and materials used in a building.

The environmental impact assessment is done through a series of computer simulations that use data from actual conditions such as weather patterns and solar exposure.