The Opportunity of Using BIM in the AEC Industry
Introduction of BIM processes to the Architect, Engineer and Contractor or AEC industry presents a unique opportunity, in particular to the BIM users, to fundamentally alter the traditional approach to project delivery. Although the implementation of BIM processes can significantly improve the practice of building architecture and engineering, and the management of facilities' maintenance, we believe it is the construction manager who, as the manager or conductor of a project from "conception to operation," is in the best position to leverage this process and optimize the benefits for the owner. Although the notion of a "conception to operation" BIM where all parties participate and collaborate in the development of the master model may be the ideal, it represents such a departure from our current business models that we question how many years before it becomes the industry reality.
The construction management profession in a position to deliver many of BIM's benefits through implementation of the virtual construction techniques without significant modifications to the current business models. There are many central information hubs for the project and as such is in the best position to manage the high value BIM process, defined as an information integration and process simulation tool. Building Information Modeling in its current role must coordinate information related to design intent, building components and functions, budget and time of completion and develop strategies for procurement, fabrication, means and methods and sequence of work to deliver the completed facility contracted by the owner.
Large savings can result from employing the predictive capabilities of BIM through:
• Using cost attributing features of the model to assess alternative design and construction schemes.
• Virtually coordinating contract documents and shop drawings to identify and resolve geometric conflicts in advance of construction.
• Creating a 4D schedule to optimize sequence of construction, manage project logistics and communicate the project plan to subcontractors in coordination meetings and proactively make adjustments based on their feedback.
• Use the 3D and 4D models to demonstrate the scope of work to subcontractors during the bidding process, eliminate ambiguities, and reduce cost contingency in sub bids through increased clarity.
• Quickly assess and quantify the impact of scope changes on all trades and overall project plan.
All of the tasks outlined above are within the customary responsibility of Revit Services except they are enhanced and optimized through process simulation. Revit Services have the responsibility to recommend best practices to their clients and deliver the highest possible value for their services. Owners should also encourage the project architect and engineers to adopt 3D modeling, even if current practice favors retaining traditional drawings and specifications as Contract Documents.
The construction management profession in a position to deliver many of BIM's benefits through implementation of the virtual construction techniques without significant modifications to the current business models. There are many central information hubs for the project and as such is in the best position to manage the high value BIM process, defined as an information integration and process simulation tool. Building Information Modeling in its current role must coordinate information related to design intent, building components and functions, budget and time of completion and develop strategies for procurement, fabrication, means and methods and sequence of work to deliver the completed facility contracted by the owner.
Large savings can result from employing the predictive capabilities of BIM through:
• Using cost attributing features of the model to assess alternative design and construction schemes.
• Virtually coordinating contract documents and shop drawings to identify and resolve geometric conflicts in advance of construction.
• Creating a 4D schedule to optimize sequence of construction, manage project logistics and communicate the project plan to subcontractors in coordination meetings and proactively make adjustments based on their feedback.
• Use the 3D and 4D models to demonstrate the scope of work to subcontractors during the bidding process, eliminate ambiguities, and reduce cost contingency in sub bids through increased clarity.
• Quickly assess and quantify the impact of scope changes on all trades and overall project plan.
All of the tasks outlined above are within the customary responsibility of Revit Services except they are enhanced and optimized through process simulation. Revit Services have the responsibility to recommend best practices to their clients and deliver the highest possible value for their services. Owners should also encourage the project architect and engineers to adopt 3D modeling, even if current practice favors retaining traditional drawings and specifications as Contract Documents.