7 Key Metrics to Understand the Core of BIM

BIM

With rapid advancements, the concept of BIM has sparked various interpretations, often accompanied by lengthy explanations. For beginners, how can we best understand BIM? Here, we break it down using 7 key numbers.

1 Model

A Building Information Model (BIM) is a multidimensional (beyond 3D) structured engineering database — essentially, a digital engineering model.

2 Objects

BIM models contain information describing two types of objects: engineering entities and process-related business activities.

3 Core Competencies

BIM offers three fundamental capabilities:

1. Creating a multidimensional (beyond 3D) structured engineering database;
2. Data granularity down to the component level, or even smaller parts such as steel bars or bricks;
3. Serving as an engineering big data platform that manages massive amounts of engineering and business data. Its multi-dimensional structure enables computational power far beyond traditional engineering management techniques.

4 Major Values

BIM technology provides:

1. Powerful computing capabilities for real-time processing of engineering big data;
2. Real-time collaboration that surpasses traditional project management tools;
3. Virtual construction, closing the gap with manufacturing and enabling the construction industry to develop prototype-like engineering capabilities;
4. Integration of engineering and business information into a cohesive whole.

5 Major Stages

BIM applications span five key stages:

1. Planning and decision-making
2. Planning and design
3. Construction
4. Operation and maintenance management
5. Renovation and demolition

BIM plays a vital role in each of these stages, with hundreds of potential applications emerging throughout the project lifecycle.

Increasingly, roles and tasks will be completed on BIM-based platforms, improving efficiency and quality. Work outputs become storable, retrievable, computable, and shareable collaboratively. Ultimately, BIM will function as the operating system (OS) of the construction industry.

6 Major Applications

During construction, BIM Technology enables hundreds of applications. The six most impactful for project management include:

1. Quantity takeoff, cost analysis, and resource planning;
2. Clash detection and detailed design coordination;
3. Visualization and virtual construction;
4. Collaborative management;
5. Engineering archives and information integration;
6. Enterprise-level project database management.

7 Dimensions

BIM encompasses three major dimensions—space, time, and process—and seven sub-dimensions: 3D entities, 1D time, and 3D processes. These include bidding process (BBS), enterprise quota process (EBS), and project schedule process (WBS).

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