How to Utilize BIM Technology to Enhance Project Bidding Advantages
Jiangsu Changzhou Wujin Jian’an Eighth Branch Wu Zhongliang
Current Situation of the Construction Industry
In 2012, the macroeconomic downturn led to a sharp decline in new construction projects. As a result, it has become increasingly difficult for construction companies to win bids based on relationships alone. Even when successful, substantial discounts are often required—sometimes up to 25%, which makes guaranteeing project profits challenging. So, how can companies increase their chances of winning bids under such economic conditions? How should they approach bidding, and how can they lay the groundwork to ensure profitability? The answer lies in BIM technology, which plays a critical role in boosting bidding success and understanding potential project profits.
The Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development’s 2011–2015 Outline for the Development of Informatization in the Construction Industry explicitly emphasizes the research and application of BIM technology during the construction phase. This policy has paved the way for widespread adoption of BIMtechnology among construction companies across China. (Building Information Modeling) is a revolutionary technology valued increasingly by designers, owners, and contractors alike. With BIMgaining nationwide traction, property owners such as SOHO, Wanda, Shanghai Center, Shanghai Disney, and the headquarters of Bozhong enterprises now require BIMtechnology as a prerequisite in their bidding contracts. Even when owners do not explicitly request it, BIMhas become a key differentiator in the bidding process.
Based on our company’s extensive experience applying BIM technology across multiple projects, it has proven invaluable for rapid cost estimation, accelerating construction schedules, improving project quality, and ensuring safety. Below, we highlight the role of BIMtechnology in both commercial and technical aspects during the bidding phase.
Commercial Standards
Typically, bidding units allow construction companies only 15-20 days to prepare their bids. Traditionally, this short timeframe makes it difficult to thoroughly review quantity takeoffs, often resulting in pricing based on grouped quantities and offering discounts after receiving the total price. However, with BIM technology, fast and precise calculations are achievable. For example, in one of our bidding projects using Luban BIM collaboration, a team completed the quantity calculations for a 10,000-square-meter project within seven to eight days. The accurately calculated quantities were then compared to the bidding quantities, sorted by percentage difference, and analyzed effectively thanks to the “Article” function.
1. Balanced pricing to external parties while preserving profit margins
2. Detailed data analysis enables internal cost estimation, supporting total price discounts with factual data instead of relying on guesswork or experience.
3. Improved efficiency in preparing commercial standards and proposals.
Below is a comparison table of the bill of quantities:
Technical Specifications
Blindly competing on commercial bids often leads to a lose-lose situation. To secure a win, the technical proposal is equally critical, especially for complex projects where owners have stringent technical requirements that can equate to millions of yuan in commercial value. So, what role does BIM play during the bidding phase? How can technical standards attract interest and gain expert approval?
1) Collision Detection: Minimize Rework, Save Time, and Reduce Construction Costs
The most intuitive feature of BIM is 3D visualization. Utilizing this capability, collision checks can be performed during the early and middle construction phases to optimize design, reduce errors, losses, and rework. This accelerates progress and lowers costs for owners. In one bidding project, our application of Luban BIM for collision detection, along with detailed reports and pipeline optimization layouts presented to the owner, earned high recognition and significantly boosted our technical score.
2) Virtual Construction: Anticipate Challenges and Propose Practical Construction Plans
By combining BIM 3D visualization with the time dimension, optimized pipeline layouts can be simulated and disclosed in advance. This process identifies critical and challenging construction aspects and allows for the development of detailed, site-specific plans that comply with national regulations. Animated models help bid evaluation experts and even non-engineering stakeholders understand potential issues and construction procedures.
3) Optimize Safety and Civilized Construction Plans
With BIM models, safety barriers can be placed at hazardous locations such as openings, edges, and elevator shafts. Before construction begins, safety briefings supported by visual aids help workers better understand hazard locations, significantly reducing the risk of accidents on site.
4) Use of BIM for Regional Material Statistics and Streamlined Logistics
Beyond 3D visualization, BIM incorporates a 6D database that enables precise calculation of material usage per region and component. This facilitates point-to-point material delivery, reduces secondary handling, improves process coordination, and accelerates construction progress.
5) Submission of BIM Models for Operation and Maintenance, Facilitating Owner Management
Upon project completion, the owner receives a BIM data repository, part of the 6D system, enabling quick retrieval of information under various criteria and greatly enhancing property management capabilities.
The implementation of BIM technology significantly strengthens the technical content and competitiveness of bids, increasing the likelihood of success.
In conclusion, BIM technology adds substantial value to both commercial and technical proposals during the bidding phase. However, BIM is not merely a bidding gimmick; owners expect real value from its application. Currently, BIM capabilities offer enormous benefits for refined management throughout the construction process, saving time, improving quality, and significantly enhancing customer value. Winning the bid is only the first step—effectively leveraging BIM throughout construction to save time and costs while improving building quality is a critical consideration for construction companies.
Must log in before commenting!
Sign Up