BIM, or Building Information Modelling, is a technology that is transforming the construction industry. It is a three-dimensional, digital model of a building that contains all the information about the building, including its structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. BIM is changing how construction projects are planned, designed, and built. It allows for better coordination between all the different disciplines involved in a construction project and provides a more accurate picture of what the finished project will look like.

BIM is also changing the way that construction companies operate. It is making it easier for construction companies to manage their projects and helping them save money and time. The use of BIM is growing rapidly in the construction industry. In the United States, BIM software is expected to grow, and a few years from today, we expect to see more of this life-changing technology. There are many reasons why BIM is growing so rapidly in the construction industry. Here are the major ways in which BIM is shaping the construction industry.

5 Ways in Which BIM Is Transforming the Construction Industry

Below are 5 major ways BIM is transforming the construction industry for the better.

1. Increased Accuracy and Efficiency

BIM provides everything that is required to make a job successful. By providing a complete picture of a project, BIM can help reduce errors and omissions. The increased accuracy leads to high-quality work that every manager and stakeholder dreams of. In addition, BIM can help streamline the construction process by providing a more efficient way to coordinate and manage construction projects. According to National BIM Report, construction professionals recommend BIM due to its cost efficiencies. It helps to save money and time, leading to an extremely efficient workflow.

Before the onset of the construction project, project managers may verify the validity of every phase of the process. Furthermore, cloud-based BIM keeps all project information coordinated and up to date for all parties involved, ensuring that everyone receives accurate information.

2. More Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Construction

Green real estate is getting more popular. Regarding resource depletion and energy waste, commercial and residential buildings are the primary culprits. According to research, they account for a significant portion of CO2 emissions in the western world. The figures are 40% in the US and 36% in the EU. BIM tools and functionalities help construction professionals to reduce waste. This is through assessing the number of materials required to reduce waste disposal to the environment. The analysis and evaluation tools help professionals choose better and more sustainable materials. These evaluation tools allow the use of materials with less carbon impact.

Additionally, data from life cycle assessments, daylighting and shadow analyses, and energy simulation modeling can all be used to create structures that use less energy. These structures can offer a range of advantages, such as lower energy use and improved air quality.

3. Quicker Construction Timelines

To ensure things run smoothly, construction needs to be on time. BIM software features tools and functionalities that improve project delivery times. Constructions are sensitive, and a tiny error can delay a project for months. BIM technology allows project managers and stakeholders to detect and optimize every part of the construction, ensuring minimal errors and things run according to the set schedule.

BIM handles the tiresome work in modeling and planning, which helps speed up the entire process. Projects are prone to mistakes and errors during the design phase; failure to recognize these issues is costly. BIM software uses automated clash detection, and it is the norm and helps save time and reduce human error.

4. Improved Client Satisfaction

BIM can be used with other technologies, such as virtual or augmented reality. These innovations enable thorough testing of a structure’s design. This can aid various tasks, including confirming emergency routes, indoor lighting design, and space planning. As a result, BIM represents an additional layer of verification that allows stakeholders to assure the quality of a project. Furthermore, VR is an effective method for increasing customer happiness. It enables clients to go through designs for themselves. Additionally, it provides next-generation client presentations with adjustable interactive virtual attributes. Imagine how such a transformation could transform the industry, opening up many new opportunities for incorporating VR and AR.

5. Lower Expenses and Reduced Risks

According to the NBS report, 60% of construction professionals experience cost savings due to BIM. Cost quantification can take a long time and is subject to human error. This procedure is optimized using model-based cost estimates provided by BIM technologies. Changes in design or price changes are instantly updated in a project’s budget, thanks to BIM. Furthermore, stakeholders can reduce costs early on by determining the exact amount of supplies or equipment required. This not only saves money but also reduces waste generated on construction sites.

BIM-enabled project delivery is quicker and results in cheaper costs. According to a US poll, building delays can cost a business up to 20% more than originally projected. Before any actual work is done, being able to identify every potential problem with a project is a useful tool for cutting costs.

Construction projects can reduce risks by ensuring everyone has easy access to correct and up-to-date information. Extensive cross-checking is no longer required because everyone is using the same data. If a design element is changed, everyone involved will access that information.

Conclusion

It’s important to remember that various obstacles may reduce the rate of BIM adoption. Implementing the technology is hampered by a lack of internal expertise, inadequate training, and the associated costs of BIM.

Nevertheless, BIM adoption is becoming an increasing requirement from clients and contractors. Additionally, several governments have adopted a stern position on the subject. In some countries, BIM is mandatory for those partaking in government projects. A recent study by the National Bureau of Standards showed that 55% of construction professionals preferred implementing BIM as part of their construction technology to keep up with the market trends. This is a significant boost for the technology and the industry.