Building Information Modelling or Building Information Management (BIM) refers to a fundamental process revolutionizing the design, construction, and operation of buildings and infrastructure.
According to industry definitions, Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a process that encourages collaborative working between all the disciplines involved in design, construction, maintenance and use of buildings. This goes beyond simple 3D modeling; it's a methodology that facilitates the generation and management of digital representations of physical and functional characteristics of places.
BIM: A Collaborative Process
At its core, BIM promotes a deeply collaborative environment. The definition emphasizes that it encourages working together across the entire lifecycle of a building. This includes:
- Design: Architects, structural engineers, MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) engineers, and other consultants.
- Construction: Contractors, subcontractors, fabricators.
- Maintenance and Use: Building owners, facility managers, operators.
Instead of working in isolation and passing information sequentially, BIM enables these diverse disciplines to work concurrently within a shared digital space. This drastically improves coordination and reduces potential conflicts.
Shared Information in a Unified Format
A critical component of the BIM process is how information is handled. As highlighted in the definition, All parties share the same information simultaneously, in the same format.
This shared information is typically contained within a central model or a series of linked models that represent the building. Key aspects include:
- Single Source of Truth: Everyone works from the same, most up-to-date data set.
- Data-Rich Models: Beyond geometry, the model contains extensive non-graphic information about building elements (e.g., manufacturer details, performance data, maintenance schedules).
- Standardized Formats: Using common data standards (like IFC - Industry Foundation Classes) ensures interoperability between different software platforms used by project participants.
Practical Aspects and Benefits
Implementing Building Information Modelling or Management involves adopting specific technologies (BIM software), processes (collaborative workflows), and policies (information management protocols). The benefits derived from this approach are significant:
- Improved Communication: A central, shared model enhances understanding across teams.
- Early Conflict Detection: Clash detection within the digital model identifies issues before construction begins, saving time and money.
- Enhanced Visualization: 3D models provide better understanding than traditional 2D drawings.
- Better Decision Making: Access to comprehensive data supports informed choices throughout the project lifecycle.
- Greater Efficiency: Streamlined workflows and reduced rework lead to faster project delivery.
- Lifecycle Management: The information within the model can be used for facility management and operations long after construction is complete.
Here's a simple comparison of key differences:
| Feature | Traditional Workflow | BIM Workflow |
|---|---|---|
| Information Flow | Siloed, Document-Centric | Integrated, Model-Centric |
| Collaboration | Linear, Handoffs | Concurrent, Collaborative |
| Data Format | Disparate (Drawings, Docs) | Unified, Structured |
| Clash Detection | Manual, On-site | Automated, Design Stage |
| Data Reusability | Limited | High (Design to Operations) |
In essence, whether referred to as Modelling or Management, BIM represents a digital transformation of the architecture, engineering, construction, and operations (AECO) industry, focused on collaborative information creation and management.
