Building information modeling is a digital representation of the physical and functional characteristics of a facility. BIM is a shared knowledge resource for information about a facility— forming a reliable basis for decisions during its lifecycle— defined as existing from earliest conception to demolition.
The term BIM originated in the architectural world and generally defines the process of inputting information to, and extracting information from, a 3-D model of a building/facility.
What is a BIM model?
BIM is an intelligent 3-D model-based process for planning, design, construction, and management of buildings and infrastructure. It gives architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) professionals the insight and tools to more efficiently plan, design, construct, and manage buildings or infrastructure.
The three main BIM components
- Building— the building is not a just a stereotypical physical space. It can be virtually anything that involves collaborative construction. Examples include any aspect of architecture, infrastructure, civil engineering and other large-scale projects.
- Information— the layers of Meta data used to make the model smart. The data of all component systems is captured and placed in the model. It is used to show the interaction between systems throughout the life of the building.
- Model— the first construction of the building. The model is built in the virtual world, and can be viewed/displayed in 3-D in virtually every aspect— the complete building, HVAC systems, plumbing systems, steel, envelop, etc. The actual building is then constructed as an exact replica of the modeled building. Changes during real construction are captured in the model, so changes in the model reflect actual construction. The final model can be utilized by the building owner.
What is BIM in construction?
BIM is the next evolutionary step in architecture, construction and engineering project design services. It is a process involving generation and management of a digital model that helps design, build and maintain the building through its whole lifecycle.
BIM is commonly used in:
- Architecture and building design
- Civil and structural engineering
- Energy and utilities
- Highway and road engineering
- Landscape and land surveying
- Offshore and marine architecture
- Rail and metro transportation engineering
- Tunneling and subway architecture
- Urban master planning and smart city design
Benefits of BIM
BIM enhances scheduling, estimation, collaboration, project control, information flow, workflows, accuracy throughout the supply chain and improved quality. It is a technology that is and will continue to disrupt all phases of the commercial construction market.
