What is the BIM tool, What is BIM used for?

Table of Content:

• What is BIM and How is it Used?
• BIM Application
• Advantages/ Benefits of BIM
• Why is BIM Required?
• What is the BIM Analysis Tool?
• Conclusion
• Bonus Points

Have you ever thought about how construction projects are much faster and more accurate in today’s world? This brings us to Building Information Modeling (BIM)  that covers each aspect of a building throughout its life cycle.

From early design to construction and even to deconstruction, BIM equips its professionals with the possibilities of multiple control options which are real-time and way smarter than the traditional ways of building structures.

What is BIM and How is it Used?

BIM stands for Building Information Modeling and it is used to produce blueprint-like representations that contain almost all the information that is required about a building. This includes the different parts of a building such as the walls, the windows, the pipes, and the wiring among others. 

BIM Modeling helps professionals to plan, design, and build effective structures. It helps them have an idea of the project, plan their work, minimize mistakes, and cost and time conservation. It is also applied effectively through the construction phase and can moreover assist with maintenance and future modifications. Taking a Basics of Bim Tools & Process course will help you understand all the intricacies of this field.

BIM Application

The uses of Building Information Modeling (BIM) are versatile in the Construction and Building Management domain. Here are five key applications:

• Design Visualisation: BIM enables architects and designers to develop 3D models hence making it easier to visualise the building at the design development stage.
• Clash Detection: With BIM, one can check for issues in design, such as mistakes in electrical and plumbing systems,  before beginning  construction and this saves a lot of money in the process.
• Construction Planning: With the help of BIM, contractors coordinate construction sequences and timelines, which means that each phase of the construction process is carried out effectively and within the required timeframe.
• Cost Estimation: It also assists in budgeting by offering reliable information on the quantity and cost of materials required for a project apart from minimising wastage.
• Facility Management: It involves the management and renovations of the building since it holds detailed information about the building’s systems and components.

Advantages/ Benefits of BIM

• Increased Collaboration and Coordination 

Real-time collaboration amongst all project participants is made possible by BIM software. It helps to reduce communication errors and delays by enabling a shared digital workplace where all parties can access the same information simultaneously. Construction may be done more efficiently and with greater coordination when all parties involved have access to and control over the design and construction plans.

• Reduced Construction Time and Cost 

Contractors may replicate construction processes and find any issues before work starts by using BIM software. This makes it possible to estimate costs more precisely and lowers the possibility of expensive mistakes being made when building is taking place.  Additionally, it allows the production of building components off-site, which can shorten the time spent on construction and save a substantial amount of money overall.

• Improved Quality and Safety 

Construction processes can be recreated and shown in great detail thanks to the software. This can reduce the chances of accidents during construction and assist in identifying any safety hazards. In addition to providing more precise construction planning and coordination that provides a better-quality end product. BIM models may be used for quality control, guaranteeing that all building systems and components fulfill the requirements.

Why is BIM Required?

BIM plays an important role because it increases accuracy through the use of more informative 3D models, thereby decreasing design and construction mistakes. It enhances communication by ensuring that all the members involved in a project have access to similar information making the team work coherently. Further, Building Information Modeling software minimizes costs because problems are discovered and solved before the construction phase starts, avoiding time and financial losses.

The Mastering BIM Tools & Applications course from UniAthena  is crucial for professionals seeking to leverage these benefits effectively. Furthermore, it helps in the promotion of sustainability since it contributes to developing structures with low energy use. Moreover, BIM enhances building maintenance because it offers construction practitioners detailed information concerning construction systems and elements.

What is the BIM Analysis Tool?

A BIM Analysis tool is a type of software program used in Building Information Modeling (BIM) to analyze certain characteristics of an architectural design. These tools:

• Analyze 3D Models: It involves the assessment of the structure and stability of different designs of buildings and their energy usage, lighting, heating, cooling, and other performances.
• Optimize Designs: Optimise the plans for building designs.
• Ensure Compliance: Ensure that the building complies with specific regulations and codes and is environmentally friendly.
• Support Decision-Making: Give important input that will make it easier to make the right project decisions.
• Reduce Costs: reduce the expenses by avoiding some of the design mistakes and enhancing performance.
• Improve Quality: Increase the general quality of the end product, which is the building or structure being constructed.

Conclusion

BIM is a new way of designing and managing buildings that can offer detailed 3D images and useful information. It enhances precision, fosters teamwork, and increases effectiveness while minimizing costs and time consumption. Through the prediction of the risks and problems that can be faced by several parties, BIM can enhance the quality of construction projects, their sustainability, and efficient management.

For further information on this, you may take up UniAthena’s  Fundamentals of BIM Tools course online. Also, do not forget to go through other courses offered at UniAthena.

Sign up right now and open new opportunities for your further career!

Bonus Points

• Some of the BIM tools are- Revit, Navisworks, BIM 360/Autodesk Construction Cloud, and Civil 3D.
• With an average yearly income of $81,701, the estimated total compensation for a BIM engineer in the US is $1,01,315 per year.