Application Guide
Today, the cost-effective and efficient application of BIM (Building Information Modeling) has become a critical focus for many enterprises. To ensure the safety of engineering projects and boost construction profit margins, BIM must be strategically integrated across multiple project phases, powering the seamless management of design and construction.
Phase One: Design
1. Deepening the Design
BIM technology is used to create detailed 3D models including building structures, pipelines, and equipment. For example, in pipeline modeling, BIM 3D design requirements guide the input of unified parameter data to build comprehensive 3D models that encompass all information from 2D design drawings.
Collision detection features help identify conflicts in pipeline layouts, allowing for detailed design adjustments. In electromechanical systems, various specialties such as electrical engineering are integrated on a single model platform. Collision detection generates inspection reports that resolve issues early on. Combined with civil engineering BIM models, reserved installation holes for mechanical and electrical equipment are designed. After verification, installation drawings and reserved hole plans are finalized. This process identified tens of thousands of mechanical and electrical installation conflicts, which were resolved during design, thereby shortening construction time and saving materials.
Phase Two: Bidding
2. Bid Management
Bidding falls within the pre-planning stage and leverages BIM’s 3D reporting capabilities. BIM enables intuitive simulation of construction processes and site conditions, enhancing project visualization and rendering quality. A 3D model based on construction drawings visually presents the site layout, including office areas.
Given the owner’s focus on progress, the project team develops a milestone-based schedule linked to BIM components. Through schedule simulation, the entire construction process is visualized, providing the owner with a comprehensive understanding and strengthening bidding quality.
Procurement Cost Budgeting at Early Design Stage
When adopting new technologies or products that exceed conventional standards, it’s essential to research market conditions early to optimize cost-effectiveness. Using prefabricated building BIM technology reduces costs from the design stage and facilitates communication among suppliers, owners, and designers. BIM also enables accurate budgeting based on drawings and progress, aiding cash flow control.
Procurement Cost Budgeting During Construction Drawing Stage
After construction drawings are finalized, pre-selection of materials and equipment requires expertise from bidding and procurement teams. BIM significantly enhances project management by determining bills of materials during this stage rather than later, ensuring progress adherence and cost control.
Phase Three: Construction
3. Parametric Modeling
Parametric modeling is crucial early in construction as it influences all subsequent work. It’s important to develop BIM family libraries to avoid simulation discrepancies later.
Development of Parameterized Component Family Libraries
Before creating a BIM model, a parameterized component family library must be developed. Many projects have numerous similar component types and parameters. To avoid rework from drawing changes and improve efficiency, a special family library supporting real-time modifications is established. Changes to family parameters apply to all elements of that type, enabling quick adjustments and a dynamic link between databases and models.
Family libraries include parameters like size, material, density, and cost and cover system, standard, and internal building components. The benefits include:
- Importing families into performance analysis software to reduce analysis cycles and boost design efficiency.
- Using family files for 3D collision tests to reduce change orders, cost increases, and delays.
- Linking family data to construction processes and lifecycle information, aiding property management and future renovations while minimizing risks.
Overall Model Establishment
Traditional 2D CAD modeling requires manually creating components without embedded parameters, demanding high imagination and expertise from construction teams, which can impact progress and quality.
BIM-based parametric modeling follows this process:
- Create a parameterized component family library.
- Generate an axis diagram in CAD and import it into Revit Structure.
- Import families into the project to link the library.
- Parameterize modeling in Revit based on component dimensions.
- Complete model construction.
- Conduct detailed design and construction simulations.
4. Construction Plan Optimization
BIM models facilitate 3D site layout simulations covering safe and efficient construction practices, equipment placement, scaffolding design, and office and living area arrangements. This visual approach ensures effective early-stage planning.
BIM is also used to compare construction methods. For example, in this project, the high-altitude sliding method and segmented lifting method were evaluated for large-span grid installation. By simulating crane layouts and grid models, it was clear that the sliding method was preferable due to site constraints and safety considerations. This method uses a sliding operation frame to avoid secondary deflection during installation, with ground-level sliding tracks and crane-assisted lifting to ensure progress and safety.
5. Construction Site Layout
Complex construction structures require thoughtful material stacking and equipment placement before work begins. BIM’s 3D visualization supports optimized site planning, minimizing space usage, ensuring smooth traffic flow, and creating tidy, well-organized sites.
Warehouse, processing, and living areas are arranged logically to solve zoning issues. Visual coordination with owners helps optimize the site layout, select optimal routes, and meet fire safety and civilized construction standards.
6. Visual Construction Progress Simulation
BIM addresses challenges from complex environments and varying workforce experience by enabling 4D visual simulations linking the construction schedule, 3D models, and dynamic simulation software like Navisworks. This integration provides intuitive and accurate visualization of the entire construction process, supporting pre-construction guidance, process control, verification, and refined management.
7. Comprehensive Pipeline Collision Detection and Deepening
Large public buildings often include numerous pipeline types—water, air ducts, electrical trays, fire protection pipes, medical gases, and more. Given the size and complexity, collisions during installation can cause significant difficulties.
BIM technology models and integrates various systems for internal collision detection. It generates detailed reports that classify and filter issues. Visual 3D BIM models assist in identifying and resolving conflicts within mechanical and electrical systems.
This optimization guides on-site construction, improves quality, reduces material waste, and minimizes costly change orders.
8. Construction Period Simulation
During construction planning, BIM simulates 4D schedules, comparing different plans and analyzing factors such as processes and resource availability. Weekly progress meetings use BIM simulations to identify discrepancies and enable timely adjustments. This approach optimizes scheduling, improves efficiency, and ensures project milestones are met.
9. Integrated Cloud Platform
Quality objectives in construction rely on effective cross-department communication. BIM’s integrated cloud platform overcomes traditional quality management shortcomings by combining BIM with cloud technology. This platform enhances communication, accelerates progress, and improves construction quality through centralized management.
Article source: Architectural Technology Magazine
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