Digital construction is the result of the full development of engineering informatization, with Building Information Modeling (BIM) serving as a key technology to realize it. Digital construction acts as a digital counterpart to physical engineering construction—a virtual mapping of the physical process. BIM is the essential technology and methodology that enables this digital twin or mapping.
In this article, BIM is understood as a broad, systematic concept beyond just one or several modeling or supporting software tools. It encompasses engineering data modeling, information sharing, collaboration among all stakeholders, and integration throughout the entire engineering management process. With features like simulated visualization, coordinated sharing, and comprehensive integration, BIM plays a critical role in modern engineering management.
Its value can be best understood by examining the four stages of engineering project management:
1.1 Project Decision Stage
During engineering planning, integrating BIM with geographic information systems allows for comprehensive analysis of terrain and environmental data around the project site. By creating on-site environmental simulation models, teams gain a scientific foundation to support informed project decision-making.
1.2 Project Design Phase
BIM’s parametric, detailed, and visual modeling technologies facilitate collaborative workflows, enhance communication efficiency, optimize design solutions, and improve their feasibility. For example, BIM’s collision detection capabilities help avoid delays, idle time, and costly rework during construction—problems often caused by the lack of precision in traditional designs.
This not only reduces design expenses but also lowers overall construction costs, ultimately decreasing the lifecycle costs of the project. According to statistical data from Lott & Barber in the United States, applying BIM technology can save up to 38% of total time costs compared to traditional design methods.
1.3 Project Construction Phase
BIM technology enables the simulation of on-site construction processes, allowing for effective control over project timelines. By incorporating dimensions such as time and cost into 3D models, BIM forms 4D and 5D simulation systems.
For instance, the International Convention and Exhibition Center project in Qingdao adopted a BIM-integrated prefabricated construction method from the design stage. The BIM system provided precise scheduling for ordering, manufacturing, transporting, installing, and inspecting components. The entire production, procurement, construction, and decoration processes were completed within six months, achieving high quality at low cost.
This rapid, efficient, and cost-effective outcome demonstrates the significant advantages of fully applying BIM technology during project construction.
1.4 Project Operation Phase
During operation and maintenance, BIM technology allows maintenance personnel to bypass the tedious task of reviewing hundreds or thousands of design and construction drawings. Instead, they can directly locate specific positions within the virtual building, greatly improving both efficiency and quality.
Moreover, combining BIM with IoT technologies enables real-time on-site monitoring. Unlike traditional manual inspections that often detect issues only after they occur, this integrated approach allows proactive prevention of failures and timely intervention to minimize losses.
The value of BIM technology extends beyond individual stages. It supports comprehensive data collection, storage, processing, analysis, management, and application throughout the entire engineering process. In summary, BIM facilitates resource sharing, synchronous information updates, effective coordination among stakeholders, visual simulation of construction, and early identification of potential conflicts through inspections and maintenance.
Given the increasing scale, complexity, and multi-disciplinary nature of today’s construction projects, fully leveraging BIM’s unique advantages—such as visualization, parameterization, and refinement—is essential to achieving goals related to time, cost, schedule, quality, and safety in project management.
Wei Li / Hebei University of Economics and Business
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