As is well known, BIM applications can be integrated into various stages of the building lifecycle. In China, BIM is primarily used during the design and construction phases, with limited application in project evaluation and later operation and maintenance management. Today, the author will briefly introduce the scope of BIM applications throughout the entire building lifecycle.
(1) Feasibility Assessment Stage
Generally, BIM is seldom introduced during the feasibility assessment compared to other stages. Many studies do not mention BIM applications at this phase. However, BIM is highly relevant for scheme development, comparative evaluation, initial cost estimation, economic benefit analysis, and current situation simulation. Key BIM applications during this stage include:
- Scheme comparison and decision-making
- Preliminary cost estimation
- On-site condition modeling (site simulation)
(2) Planning Phase
Based on literature classifications, BIM applications during the planning phase can be organized as follows:
- On-site condition modeling (site simulation)
- Preliminary cost estimation
- Spatial planning
- Site analysis
- Design review
- Process planning and stage analysis
- Design scheme comparison and decision-making (including planning scheme display and conceptual design comparison)
- Design scheme development (structural, mechanical, and electrical design)
- Design evaluation and conceptual design finalization
- Building performance simulation and analysis
- Visual simulation (including 3D visualization and cocoa visualization)
- Quantitative modeling
- Space design, regulatory review, and verification
- Land use and transportation planning (e.g., traffic impact simulation)
(3) Basic Design Stage
While literature often does not distinguish between basic and detailed design stages, practical applications warrant this division. BIM applications during the basic design phase include:
- Basic design tasks such as architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical pipeline, engineering, 3D and geometric modeling, and on-site civil engineering design
- Visual analysis and simulation (visualization, virtual simulation roaming, 3D presentations)
- Communication, coordination, and verification through 3D models
- 4D scheduling and planning
- Detection of spatial conflicts and collisions across architecture, structure, mechanical, electrical pipelines, and interior decoration
- Initial design cost estimation and area breakdown statistics
- Engineering analysis and simulation (including structural, energy, green energy, mechanical, load force, stress, geometric, live load, lighting analyses, etc.)
- Application for and acquisition of construction licenses
- Basic design finalization
- Sustainable Development (EED) assessment
- Regulatory review and verification
(4) Detailed Design Stage
Extending the previous phase, BIM applications in detailed design include:
- Detailed architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical pipeline design; 3D and geometric modeling; on-site civil engineering design; and professional model construction
- Visual analysis and simulation
- 3D model-based communication, coordination, and verification
- 4D schedule planning
- Detection of spatial conflicts and collision among various building systems
- Cost estimation and bill of materials preparation
- Engineering analysis and simulation (structural, energy, mechanical, load, stress, lighting, etc.)
- Design drawing output
- 3D collaborative task integration
- Contract budget development and contract document preparation
- Design finalization, design checks, quality control, and quality assurance
(5) Construction Phase
BIM application during construction is a major focus in China, with many large-scale projects adopting BIM technology at this stage. Key BIM uses during construction include:
- Constructability review (pre-construction review)
- 4D project scheduling and virtual work planning
- Spatial conflict and collision detection among architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and interior systems
- Construction simulation (3D control and planning, 4D progress simulation, virtual vs. actual progress comparison)
- Material estimation (cost estimation, virtual cost reports, 5D cost analysis, quantity takeoffs)
- 3D visualization for construction progress reporting
- Communication, coordination, and verification through 3D models
- Engineering analysis and simulation
- Equipment performance confirmation and delivery acceptance
- Construction modeling and detailed construction drawing output
- On-site design changes
- Obtaining usage licenses
- Project completion and finalization, including completion history model management
- Facility management modeling and record keeping
- On-site utilization planning (space use, safety planning, construction safety analysis)
- Construction system design
- Data-driven manufacturing (prefabrication processing)
- Quantity surveying
- Equipment and material management
- Quality and safety management
- Geospatial problem tracking (monitoring construction progress)
- Product inspection and material testing
(6) Operation and Maintenance Phase
During operation and maintenance, BIM applications include:
- Asset management (facility asset management, GIS tracking, toll and road management)
- Space management (usage tracking and facility space management)
- Energy monitoring
- User services
- Cleaning and preservation
- Facility/building maintenance budgeting
- Establishment of facility history models
- Maintenance planning (equipment maintenance, repair information, water mitigation, operation management)
- Facility/building system analysis
- Disaster prevention and emergency response planning
- Operational system establishment
- Transportation management systems
That concludes the overview of BIM applications throughout the entire building lifecycle. I hope this article has been helpful to everyone!
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