In China, the use of BIM technology to guide prefabricated building design is still in its early exploratory phase, resulting in notable variations across different organizations, regions, and projects. Currently, there are three primary BIM application modes in prefabricated building engineering projects: the model-based application mode, the graphic-based application mode, and a combined model and graphic application mode.
1) Graphic-Based BIM Application Mode
This mode starts with traditional two-dimensional drawings, upon which a BIM model is then created. The model’s use is relatively limited, primarily serving for visual analysis and professional coordination. All deliverable drawings are produced using conventional design methods, ensuring high completion quality and adherence to current drafting standards. However, the advantages BIM models offer to engineering projects remain limited in this mode. Many companies currently adopt this approach mainly to comply with local government BIM requirements. As BIM technology evolves, the industry is expected to gradually shift from this graphic-based mode to a more model-centric approach.
2) Combined Model and Graphic Mode
This BIM application mode involves simultaneous modeling throughout the design process, with the BIM model integrated across all building design stages. Depending on specific project needs, some tasks are completed predominantly through models, while others rely mainly on traditional graphics. Drawings are automatically generated from BIM models. However, due to software limitations, special attention must be paid to maintaining consistency between graphics and models to avoid errors such as mismatches. As BIM technology advances, this combined mode is anticipated to progressively evolve towards a fully model-based application.
3) Model-Based Application Mode
This mode becomes universally relevant only once BIM technology reaches a more mature stage. Currently, many domestic construction firms in China are making bold strides toward this approach, gathering valuable experience that contributes to BIM’s development. Achieving this mode requires the localization and secondary development of imported foreign BIM software, upgrading traditional 2D design tools like CAD to incorporate BIM capabilities, and creating new software tailored to the Chinese BIM market based on the current state of domestic BIM technology.
At present, this mode still faces several challenges. Typically, a relatively complete BIM model is established using BIM software, with most drawings generated automatically from the model. However, due to software immaturity, some drawings do not fully align with existing drafting conventions and standards, necessitating supplementary work with traditional drawing software. This mode demands substantial modeling effort, and the quality of drawings depends heavily on software maturity and model accuracy. Despite these limitations, the model-based mode is currently the most widely adopted BIM application approach in many projects, though its overall sophistication is still constrained by historical and technological factors.
Must log in before commenting!
Sign Up