hitechbim-blog - Tumblr blog

hitechbim-blog · 6 years ago

Text

Virtual construction modeling benefits Architectural firms in design processes

Architectural firms operate as if they are walking on a double-edged sword. They love designing buildings and it is a creative pursuit, but it is certainly more than just following the passion. Architects are compelled to invest in the construction systems and latest technology to support it, hiring, training and retaining junior architects; which obviously is not everyone’s favorite task. And, in spite of doing all these, architects struggle to keep pace with evolving trends in the construction industry with help of latest technology while pursuing building designs.

Building Information modeling or BIM is one such technology that changed the entire game. Also known as virtual construction modeling, BIM provides competitive advantage to architectural firms by enhancing profitability, ROI and increased count of successful construction projects. BIM modeling comes into existence right from conceptual design stage and continues across facility management. Increasing numbers of architectural firms are turning to BIM to attain competitive advantage and improve productivity. There are various studies and surveys which suggest rapid adoption of BIM across the building industry and around the world.

Let’s check out how Virtual construction modeling benefits Architectural firms in design processes.

Ever increasing BIM adoption

BIM (Building Information Modeling) is quickly becoming the standard for construction amongst major countries. The use of digital building models for virtual design, construction and collaboration is picking up pace like anything. To an extent that governments, organizations, and even inhabitants or owners; are inclined towards using BIM on new building projects. Most of these countries have BIM standards mandating that certain BIM levels are achieved on projects. BIM levels refer to levels of BIM maturity, which range from Level 0 to Level 3 and beyond.

· Level 0 - 2D CAD is utilized instead of 3D and hence no collaboration is done.

· Level 1 – 3D Cad for conceptualizing, 2D for drafting and approval documentation, shared data in CDE – common data environment

· Level 2 – Basically for information exchange, where everyone involved in the building construction project uses a 3D CAD model but they don’t collaborate on a single – shared model.

· Level 3 – Full team collaboration amongst all involved in the construction process across disciplines. Using a single and shared project model, they can modify it and also view changes done by others – instantaneously.

LOD - as a Lifecycle BIM tool

LOD helps architecture firms to specify and articulate the content and reliability of Building Information Models at various stages in the design and construction process. The LOD Framework identifies and resolves issues through industry developed standards to describe the state of development of various systems within a BIM. These LOD standards ensure consistency in execution and communication of BIM milestones and deliverables.

Architects with help of enlisted LODs can better serve their clients through information that can be extracted from the models.

· LOD 100 – Conceptual stage – Symbols with attached approximate information. No geometric info in the model elements.

· LOD 200 - Design development stage - Recognizable objects or space allocations for coordination between the disciplines.

· LOD 300 - Documentation stage - Design intent to support costing and bidding. Generate construction documents and shop drawings. Take accurate measurements from the models and drawings and locations.

· LOD 350 - Cross trade coordination stage - Includes connections and interfaces between disciplines

· LOD 400 - Construction stage - Detailing, fabrication and installation/ assembly. Contractor can split construction requirements to assign it further to sub-contractors.

· LOD 500 – Facility management - As-built and field verified geometry and information suitable to assist in building operations and maintenance.

MEP BIM Coordination

Until recent years, engineers/architects struggled to develop better schedules, minimize material and cost losses and maximize production efficiency. The major hurdle was spatial issues between various MEP – Mechanical, electrical and plumbing components. With help of virtual construction modeling avoidance and detection of clash using clash detection software like Revit and Navisworks, changed the game – entirely. Architectural firms can now extract detailed sectional views from coordination & BIM models to provide accurate information to Mechanical, HVAC, Electrical & Plumbing Contractors/ Engineers. Architects can lend comprehensive support to client’s engineering team across submittal, review, coordination, and post-construction processes.

BIM for photorealistic rendering

Architectural BIM modeling takes the 3D rendering process a step further. Models developed for the building information modeling can be used conveniently for photorealistic rendering and the same models then can be transformed into Architectural walkthrough AR/VR. Credit goes to the technical advancements taking place in the architectural fraternity. The 3D modeling process, if in hands of experienced BIM practitioners, is also capable of converting 2D plans or hand drawn sketches into virtual, but realistic, models which can be used for sales and marketing purposes.

Parametric BIM modeling

BIM modeling is synonyms to innovative and automated processes. To start with, the biggest benefit of BIM modeling is any changes made in a 3D environment reflect automatically in 2D view. Every single connected view and element is updated/changed automatically, hence saves a lot of time and efforts done in incorporating the design changes. No changes are required to be done manually ultimately chances of missing out any element is negligible which increases the accuracy quotient.

Designing and developing construction projects, may it be residential, commercial, mix use or even infrastructure projects, with help of Virtual Construction Modeling gives architectural firms the flexibility of managing design changes through multiple options made available by BIM software.

Right from adding attractive visual effect to 3D work created and rendering photorealistic images, extracting 3D floor plans and developing architectural simulations, colored elevations, 3D site view and topography; everything has become so very convenient for architects. Endless communication issues due to frequent design changes resulting in over budgeting, pushed timelines and several other issues across the construction project; all takes you back to the darkest era of building construction industry – prior to BIM.

Collaborative approach of BIM services enables bringing all AEC professionals; Architects, Engineers, Subcontractors, Contractors and owners as well together for design presentation in 3D view to visualize the virtual building and seek amiable feedback.

BIM for maintaining building data

Maintaining building data is a prominent added advantage, apart from improved operational efficiency and profits, of using BIM modeling for construction projects. Virtual 3D building models apart from offering 3D geometry enables AEC professionals and inhabitants with data management of the entire building including quantities & materials used, time schedule, etc. All these information can be rooted in the 3D BIM model when it is constructed – virtually. Data and rich information is used to produce accurate drawings and 3D models both, further reducing onsite errors and enabling on time completion of projects without compromising on quality, while allowing creative juices to flow freely.

Virtual building models for real-time feedback

BIM enables seamless design and communication process. BIM modeling speeds up the feedback, implementation, and suggested amendment process. Architects virtually construct buildings digitally by providing materials, textures, lighting, and photorealism inputs to BIM modelers. Now that the virtual building model is ready; providing and receiving feedback in real- time becomes an interactive activity. Feedback shared by anyone involved in the construction process becomes extremely useful, as required changes are done in the 3D model even before the construction begins. Providing multiple design options and 3D views to represent the design for better acceptance, as an added advantage, and can label you as a progressive architectural firm.

Ø BIM modeling services

Architects and architectural firms are supposed to be good at designing and developing buildings, hence their core forte. Keen at taking advantage of advancements in technology and trends, architects try their level best to keep pace with the trends in overall design process. Architectural BIM services is one such strong player when we talk about advanced technology, but unfortunately not a lot many architectural firms are inclined towards it. It is so because they look at Building Information Modeling as additional investment to be done to get BIM trained architects, upgrade existing systems and much more. However, they are ignoring the benefits of BIM for architectural firms in terms of accurate designs, ROI and successful project completions.

A sure shot solution to this situation is to outsource BIM services and start reaping operational advantages. So now when the ROI will increase and there will be no operational hazards while they focus on their core activity of designing and developing buildings; architectural firms would be ready financially and mentally to invest dollars to have an in-house team for 3D modeling and enjoy the benefits of Virtual Construction Modeling. Like every project outsourcing BIM to third party BIM experts, initially might have some teething issues, but then which construction project does not have one.

Virtual Construction Modeling, architectural firms & design process

Benefits of BIM for architectural firms are numerous. On one hand where CAD creates 2D or 3D drawings which are not capable of distinguishing amongst the elements; BIM has reached as far as incorporating 4D (Time) and 5D (Cost) elements for building construction projects of every size and even with multiple complexities. It helps architects manage the information intelligently across the construction project right from conceptual and detailed designs to analysis & documentation, and from manufacturing to construction logistics, and operation, maintenance and renovation.

source : https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/virtual-construction-modeling-benefits-architectural-firms-hitech-bim/

#BIM article #virtual construction modeling article #bim for architecture firm article

0 notes

hitechbim-blog · 6 years ago

Text

CAD Vs BIM for building construction & infrastructure projects

2D CAD design, the conventional construction methods or BIM; architects, contractors and EPC firms have been debating about in the entire last decade. However, the outlook for adopting BIM is changing dramatically. Conservative construction professionals have started favoring BIM due to coordination, collaboration and various other evident benefits that BIM offers with help of architectural CAD services.

Entire AEC (Architecture, Engineering & Construction) industry has witnessed the layers of BIM benefits getting unveiled; making it one of the most desirable methodologies to increase profits. To know the difference between the traditional approach Vs BIM approach or so called conventional 2D designs and BIM designs; we should understand:

· What is BIM in Construction Industry?

· What is the BIM process?

· What are BIM levels?

· Why architects & contractors were hesitant initially, but now are willing to adopt BIM?

BIM is an intelligent 3D model based process that provides insight and tools to AEC professionals, helping them to efficiently design buildings and infrastructure. The BIM process is an assortment of creating, evaluating and monitoring the digital representations of the physical and functional aspects of the building design. To attain this BIM files with huge amount of data are generated to view, change and communicate details to all those involved across the construction project. Most importantly BIM is not only about 3D models, as it can be used for a variety of tasks across construction phases including:

· 3D BIM - Visualization

· 4D BIM – Construction Scheduling & Simulation

· 5D BIM – Cost Estimating & Quantity takeoffs

· 6D BIM – As-built Operation

· 7D BIM – Facility management

80% of contractors report difficulty finding qualified craft workers to hire, and this makes BIM approach more favored…Autodesk

All these put together make it makes the overall construction and maintenance process really convenient and insightful while designing and managing residential, commercial, multipurpose buildings; and infrastructure projects like dams, roads, bridges, tunnels, etc. So how does BIM approach compare with traditional approach? Here are some of the key areas where BIM approach scores over conventional construction methods:

Building Design Information Sharing & Communication

Traditional approach or the so called 2D CAD design approach; compels different participants to wait for another’s design completion. This leads to a lot of data deliverables stacked up in silos before they are exchanged amongst design teams to be used effectively. More than often such datasets go obsolete and are wasted. However; utilizing Autodesk Revit for BIM facilitates exchange of information amongst stakeholders through sharing and integration of building information models of the teams at any given point in time.

Now the architects, general contractors, surveyors and all other involved in the construction process can thoroughly explore and change the designs as and when required – as the changes automatically get updated for other stakeholders without additional efforts. With real time design adjustments and development, the continuous information flow instead of interrupted batch flow keep the data always up-to-date and the clear design visualization enhances the communication.

Unnecessary delays & Idle Time

BIM based design phases clearly indicate the reduced delays as against the traditional designing approach. One of the most appreciated features of BIM is that it allows significant degree of flexibility across the building design process. The data sharing can be initiated even before the design is completed, resulting in less or minimum idle time for various teams awaiting complete data information from other teams. This results in considerable reduction of time consumed in coordination and manual checking, while allowing other tasks to be completed at speed. Taking the BIM approach eliminates the issue of idle time and unwarranted delays.

2D CAD drawing/design is for Architects, but BIM is for owners

Construction drawings are meant to be understood by architects, contractors, surveyors and AEC professionals alike, but for owners they are a lot of lines running from here to there in the drawings. BIM which was introduced primarily as a design tool has now attained the position of a must-have element for leading contractors and now is becoming the first choice of owners around the world. Owners look at the numerous benefits of BIM not only on their projects, but also want to leverage BIM features in facility operating environments. BIM empowers owners through:

ü Better understand of building design projects right from inception

ü Improve building quality

ü Optimize operational efficiencies

ü Significantly reduce building lifecycle costs

ü Increase occupancy

Traditional 2D CAD services & 3D BIM services; both are mandatory and effective

But the advantages of BIM approach are too many to be ignored. Major advantages of BIM approach, as compared to traditional construction methodology, apart from increased control over the construction project is the relief from tedious work of information production and repetition processes. It also automates construction project management. All these come up as building construction projects of higher quality and lesser deviations and problems across the construction process. With conveniently available outsource BIM services in India to Hi-Tech BIM, procuring 3D BIM design and consultancy proves to be reliable and profitable.

0 notes