With the rapid advancement of technologies such as “Internet Plus” and big data in China, BIM technology has also been extensively integrated and expanded through “BIM+”. Several practical applications have emerged, highlighting the main trends in BIM technology adoption:
1) Integration of BIM Technology with Cloud Computing
Cloud computing, a data processing and computing model based on shared internet resources, enables hardware, software terminals, and data to be distributed and accessed by users’ intelligent devices as needed. As a cutting-edge computing approach, cloud computing offers new tools and methods for extending BIM applications.
Integrating BIM with cloud computing leverages cloud capabilities in large-scale computation and data storage. By transforming BIM applications into cloud services, complex and time-consuming model calculations can be offloaded to the cloud. This approach maximizes the use of idle devices and significantly enhances data processing efficiency. Additionally, cloud storage and computing power allow users to synchronize and update BIM project models and work data in real-time, enabling review and collaboration without constraints of time or location.
In China, BIM-cloud integration is still in its early stages. In 2013, Shanghai Center and Huawei introduced the concept of “BIM Cloud.” In 2014, Guanglian Da launched its BIM Cloud solution, which includes the Guanglian Da Cloud platform (a public cloud BIM collaboration platform leased per project), BIM5D software, BIMSD mobile terminals, and BIMSD Web modules. This solution has since been successfully implemented in multiple large and medium-sized projects, such as Tianjin 117, Suzhou Zhongnan Center, and Wuhan Greenland Center.
2) Integration of BIM Technology with the Internet of Things (IoT)
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network system that connects objects using sensing devices like RFID, infrared sensors, GIS (Global Positioning System), and laser scanners. Through data transmission and sharing, IoT facilitates the identification, comparison, analysis, control, and management of project models.
Combining BIM with IoT integrates and consolidates information throughout the entire project lifecycle — from design and construction to operation and maintenance. IoT plays a crucial role in capturing, transmitting, and controlling physical entity information modeled digitally. Together, BIM and IoT establish a “closed loop” of information flow across the project lifecycle, effectively merging virtual, dynamic, and real-time information management with physical hardware in the environment.
3) Integration of BIM Technology with Intelligent Total Stations
Intelligent total stations have evolved from traditional manual, multi-operator total stations commonly used in construction. These units support full automation and single-person operation, extending their use across entire construction sites.
In recent years, as building functions, structural complexity, and professional collaboration have increased, traditional surveying and layout methods have faced challenges. Issues such as rework and design changes caused by onsite errors, insufficient accuracy and efficiency from conventional triangulation and steel ruler methods, and incomplete inspection and approval processes have become prevalent. Construction units responsible for building, civil engineering, MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing), curtain walls, and other disciplines require extensive layout, positioning, and measurement verification. Mistakes in these stages lead to significant costs and project delays.
To address these challenges, some surveying instrument manufacturers introduced a solution in 2013 that integrates BIM with intelligent total stations. This approach uses BIM models for layout and positioning, collects real construction data to update the model, and compares actual data against BIM models for construction acceptance. Currently, such integrations are limited to a few projects in major cities like Shenzhen Urban Rail Transit Line 9, Shenzhen Ping An Financial Center, and Beijing Wangjing SOHO.
4) Integration of BIM Technology with Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are information management platforms designed to store, browse, and manage spatial geographic data. The integration of BIM and GIS is gaining traction, with practical applications across urban planning, traffic management, municipal engineering, residential area development, intelligent disaster prevention, and old city renovation and demolition.
BIM and GIS are virtual information models developed independently in architecture and geospatial fields, respectively. They share similarities such as digital modeling, support for information standards, and comparable model content, but differ in application focus and specifics:
- Scale: BIM focuses on micro-level model details, while GIS addresses macro-level spatial information.
- Information richness: BIM models contain detailed building properties, while GIS emphasizes rich topological information, expressing spatial relationships from small streets to continental routes.
- Purpose: BIM is mainly used for virtual construction processes, encompassing design, virtual building, and management. GIS typically applies to existing physical environments like terrain, roads, bridges, and buildings.
- Presentation: Besides geometric primitives, GIS stores and displays spatial topological relationships and supports multi-scale model visualization to enhance display and analysis efficiency.
5) Integration of BIM Technology with 3D Printing
3D printing, an intelligent, standardized, and rapid manufacturing technology, has found longstanding applications in construction. Beyond full-scale building printing, it is used for producing complex components, design presentations, wind tunnel simulation models, and physical site models.
This technology is a key driver for construction industrialization and digitalization. Particularly for large-scale and repetitive projects, 3D printing accelerates construction timelines, enhances project quality, and reduces costs — maximizing management benefits.
During the design phase, BIM models are often scaled down and printed using 3D printers to support design visualization, review, and functional simulation. In construction, 3D printing is increasingly used to directly fabricate parts of the BIM model on-site, partially replacing traditional construction techniques.
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