There are many benefits of visualizing an AEC project as if it were constructed. It provides a glimpse into the future to the clients through BIM Modeling services. Visualization helps review the concept and design objectives. It can act as a communication tool for the contractor and the consultant. Visualization is relevant in a project lifecycle, from the very beginning to the very end. Visualization has a crucial role in BIM, as it is an effective communication tool for various BIM stakeholder groups.

ADVANTAGES OF VISUALIZATION THROUGH BIM MODELING:

At first, the client gets an idea of what he will get for his money. Besides, the client can make a good selection during the project and ensure that the critical path of the project is understood. As a result, the firm can deliver the project on time, within budget and with minimal issues. Therefore, the construction firms try to implement visualization tactics in all phases of a project and to involve all parties in using it. The benefits of BIM are varied for each one in the construction industry. While it is an advanced computer-aided design for someone, the others find it as a series of models for distinct elements of a project. Using BIM, designers explore alternative concepts, optimize their designs and conduct value engineering.

BIM MODELING LEADS TO IMPROVED COORDINATION:

BIM Modeling services enable designers and engineers to work together and so they can identify and solve issues with the help of the model before the construction starts. As traditionally design drawings should be coordinated to ensure that various building systems do not clash, though most of the clashes and issues could have been identified only during the construction phase. Due to late identification of clashes, the decision at the construction site is delayed and ultimately costs in delayed schedule and waste of materials. But if the potential problems can be identified in the design phase during BIM Modeling and resolved prior to construction with the help of BIM technology, huge wastage of resources could be avoided.

HOW DO OWNERS BENEFIT FROM VISUALIZATION?

Using BIM Modeling for project visualization, the contractors can understand how the building will come together. But it is not only beneficial for the construction team. The project visualization is an effective marketing tool. It can show the client or the owner how the building will look like when construction progresses. The owners of the large projects generally demand physical mock-up models because it helps them visualize, understand and make decisions on the functionality and aesthetics part of the project more efficiently. BIM Modeling enables to make virtual mock-ups and to test for fabrication of the cost.

BIM addresses problems beyond the limits of traditional 2D drawings:

BIM enables changes during the early phases of a project and planning of the construction schedule before work starts on-site. As we can understand which material should be required and installed first, we can save time. Moreover, the clashes are identified early in the design stage and so on-site clashes are reduced significantly.

Contractors use BIM model to prepare shops and fabrication drawings as well as to coordinate drawings. The use of BIM Modeling for owners is optimizing building maintenance, renovations, and energy efficiency. They also use it to analyze life-cycle cost. In short, BIM ensures the teamwork of a firm by enabling collaboration among designers, constructions, and owners.

Reduction in time brought about by design changes in BIM Modeling services.

The major problem faced by the construction industry is the inability to complete the construction projects on time and within the budget. There are several factors in the construction field that lead to time and cost overrun. Poor planning and scheduling, as well as unprofessional site management of contractors, cause the delay in construction and it will result in financial loss to the owners. The important factors that lead to wastage of time are inefficient project planning and scheduling, lack of contractor experience, improper site management and supervision, incredible subcontractors, and delayed delivery of materials, which could be avoided through the appropriate implementation of BIM Modeling services.

Change in design by the owner, delay in site delivery, a progress payment, approving design documents and performing inspection and testing, and ineffective communication and coordination with other parties. The problems in planning and scheduling complexity of design and lack of control over the site resource allocations are also some of the top factors that cause time overruns.

ENABLES DESIGN CHANGES

Through BIM Modeling services quick changes in design could be made if any possible problem is found on the construction site.

FACILITATES COST ESTIMATION:

Using this technology, the design intent of a building can be checked both quantitatively and qualitatively, and thus BIM cost estimating process can be made early.

REDUCES REWORK:

Rework is the main fact that leads to wastage of time and money in the construction industry. BIM Modeling services help in updating and synchronizing any design automatically. It will reduce the drawing errors and thus minimize the possibilities of rework. So reducing human errors and avoiding reworking will help the industry to save time and money significantly.

ENHANCES PRODUCTIVITY

Implementation of BIM concept can increase the efficiency and productivity of the delivery process as well as the constructed facility. As the construction issues can be eliminated at an earlier stage, the request for a design change, team conflicts, and rebuilding will be reduced. The designers can make design decisions on the spatial experience of the BIM-based models. It can result in a massive impact on the cost of the construction.

AUTOMATICALLY UPDATE DATA:

The components in a BIM model know how to act and interact with other components. For example, in a BIM model, a room, more than an abstract concept, is a unique space with other building components such as floors, walls, and ceilings. In BIM Modeling services, the model is a complex database with geometric information and non-graphic data and room is a database element. So, if the designers change any model element, the changes in all views are automatically coordinated by BIM software.

BIM MODELING SERVICES PROVIDES DIGITAL VISUALIZATION:

The key benefit of BIM Modeling services is that it helps owners and AEC professionals with digital visualization, design, simulation, and analysis of the physical and functional features of a project before they are constructed. So they get an idea of how the building will come together before the work starts. It reduces the change in design during construction, which will result in time and cost-saving.

While CAD uses software tools to create digital 2D or 3D drawings, BIM Modeling services provide a new way of working with designs and intelligent objects created. Even though the design is changed several times by everybody, the data in the model remains consistent. As all the stakeholders get a clear vision of the project from the BIM model, they can be informed faster.

This July 2015, Construction world released an article focusing on the challenges faced by the Indian Government in implementing the Smart Cities projects.  As the Indian government has planned to launch smart solutions to meet the need of growing urbanization and has approved 100 smart cities project in India.

Many industry experts contributed different solutions to the challenges highlighted in the article. Like,

Mr. Pratap Padode (@pratappadode) says, ¨The Smart Cities mission and AMRUT are likely to infuse a total of Rs 400,000 crore, once integrated with other missions like Digital India, Swachh Bharat, Housing for All, etc.¨

Mr. Kanwaljeet Singh, Business Development, Energy and Smart Cities, Schneider Electric India say’s “At present, only Lavasa near Pune can be classified as a smart city. Other cities (such as Mumbai and Delhi) are still in the process of upgrading their systems and could qualify as smart in the future.¨

¨We have been talking to these cities about the best way to do this, following which they will come up with their procurement procedures,¨ says Aamer Azeemi, Managing Director, Cisco, adding that the company is in discussion with many cities. ¨We have done the complete smart city planning for four cities in the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor,¨ he shares.

Similarly under the “Utility and Solutions” section where there are two components to any smart city: Physical infrastructure and software. Every city, from ancient times to now, has required roads, water, power, parks, security, transportation, shopping, food production, and services of different types for its citizens. What has changed is that all these facilities can now be designed using the analysis of data. Therefore, you get smarter roads where traffic lights are coordinated with the amount of traffic and smarter water by measuring the amount of water being consumed and then planning how much to buy, how much to clean and purify, and how much to store and distribute. While smarter power and the fine granular measurement can improve load factors and reduce electricity cost, smarter grids for electricity distribution improve the resiliency of power networks. Additionally, smarter transportation, agriculture, and services can be possible by backing every decision with data collection and analytics.

This considered, the benefits building information modeling (BIM) offers at the various stage are proven. ¨It can play a significant role to make smart cities a success,¨ affirms Sonali Dhopte, Director, Excelize. She highlights some goals for BIM adoption or implementation in smart cities:

• At the design stage: Visualisation of the project leads to a reduction in coordination time; reduction in time by design changes; accuracy in data used for construction as BIM lets us build virtually before building physically.
• At construction stage: Reduction in rework at site owing to clash detection and resolution; the accuracy of Bill of Quantities (BOQ) and consequently material procurement; delay monitoring through 4D construction simulation; availability of an as-built model for facility management.
• At maintenance stage: Integration of design data with maintenance data; the impact of any updates or renovations can be assessed against the data available in the BIM model.

Read the entire article here: “THE SMART CITIES CHALLENGE”

Brief about Ar. Sonali Dhopte:

Architect and Interior Designer since 1993, Sonali has worked with the top architectural firms in the US and India. As Technical Director at Excelize (www.excelize.com), she oversees and guides the BIM technology team and manages project deliveries as per client requirements. As a leading woman Architect, Sonali is a nationally recognized BIM Expert and has presented and participated in various panel discussions in prestigious conferences and has published various articles on BIM in prestigious journals.

How important is the availability of the As-built model for facility management?

TRADITIONAL WAY OF FACILITY MANAGEMENT

In the traditional method, the facility management team gets a set of documents including as-built drawings, 2D plans, specifications, manuals, and perhaps a 3D building model at completion for facility operation and maintenance. But, many times, the documents are incomplete and so hard to understand. Moreover, they may not be compatible with FM software.

If the information is uninformed into a record model of the as-built facility using the 3D building models for design, analysis, construction planning, 4D coordination, and fabrication, this model can support the day-to-day operations and planning. Thus the facility management team can ensure reliable and efficient operation.

RISE OF NEW GENERATION SYSTEM – BIM

The solution to the common issues in FM is a new generation of systems and processes, which is called Building Information Modeling (BIM). BIM is not a mere drawing and labeling tool like a CAD system. There are many tools, processes, and methodologies in this new system. As it provides a three-dimensional representation of a building with all database storage mechanisms for properties about every element of the building, it is beneficial for everybody in the industry including architecture, engineers, constructors, etc. Even though the migration from CAD to BIM may take time and effort, the benefits are many like tome-savings, cost, and information retention.

EXPLOSIVE GROWTH OF 6D BIM IN FM

BIM facilitates increased teamwork and collaboration during the design and construction stage. It also results in significant cost reduction and dramatic productivity increase. BIM can also influence facility management at a big level. Facility management includes many things like asset management and allocation, facility maintenance and operation, etc. BIM can present a simple centralized facility management data solution in a relational database. It links 3D geometric building data to its function and uses and thus eliminates redundant information.

“As-Built” Modeling

“As-built” BIM model documents the built reality. We can maintain the model updated during construction by incorporating design modifications.

• The “as-built” BIM model is used as a basis for 6D technical facility management, as it helps to include all the necessary data for management tools in the building service model. Since it helps exactly position conducts, pipes, devices, and other elements, it saves time and materials.
• “As-built Modeling helps identify existing construction materials and structural elements as well as the exact positioning of devices like pipes and conducts. So it is also time and resource-saving assisting in project management and alteration works.
• 6D real estate management allows all types of operations and the exact positioning of spaces and their characteristics.

IMPORTANCE OF AS-BUILT MODEL FOR FACILITY MANAGEMENT

The updates “as built” BIM model is a valuable resource for facility managers. It is an efficient tool for controlling operation and maintenance tasks. It provides all important information about building service components including serial numbers, model names, tech sheets, warranties, maintenance manuals, schedules and service logs, etc. BIM models can also be constructed from the existing, as-built models. Even though there is no as-built record, we can easily capture dimensional information using 3D laser scanning devices and convert them from Scan to BIM. Several facility managers use this method to capture as-built information and create a BIM model.

We have been hearing the term Building Information Modeling (BIM) for around 20 years. The concept of digital and spatial representation of buildings has also been around more than that. Over this time, lots of variation and perversion has occurred to the term BIM.

“BIM IN ITSELF IS A REVOLUTION IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY.”

Building information modeling (BIM) is the procedure of generating and managing building data for the entire lifecycle of a facility. The three-dimensional, real-time, dynamic building modeling software used in BIM can decrease the wastage of time and resources in the process of designing and constructing a structure. BIM provides virtual information model that can be handed over from the design team to the contractor and subcontractors and then to the owner and it benefits the overall project schedule. BIM helps build a project virtually prior to the construction starts and it is known as virtual construction.

First of all, virtual construction is not a synonym for building information modeling and they should not be used interchangeably. Virtual construction technologies can deliver projects ahead of schedule and within the budget. It is helpful for planning, coordination, and communication on civil infrastructure, and commercial and heavy industrial building construction projects. It is sure that if a project is designed and constructed in a collaborative environment using BIM, it can really save time and costs on site.

Earlier, the speed of communication was inhibited due to limited forms of media. Fast communication, obviously often seeks to transfer risk from one member to another of the team, instead of addressing it head-on.

As 3D Modeling improves site coordination, this risk is dramatically eliminated altogether. BIM can compile all project information in a universally understandable way. When the clarity and speed are improved, it will automatically reduce estimating time, which will result in higher quality.

Objectives of various BIM stages

1. Constructability analysis: With virtual construction and BIM modeling
2. Coordination of Building Components: with clash detection and virtual coordination
3. Extraction of quantities: with BIM model components
4. Construction sequence simulation: By connecting the construction schedule with model components

The benefits of 3D models by BIM are several. The data contained in each element in the model may appear to be just one small piece. But it is very necessary to complete the larger puzzle of the construction project. Moreover, everybody involved in the project can easily understand the exact quantities and quality of the entire project. That means, the team members do not have to sift through pages upon pages of drawings for several weeks to extract information. It will happen in a few moments.

Difference between Building information modeling BIM and virtual construction:

As per experts BIM is implemented under the entire project life cycle from Planning, Designing, Construction, and Operation but specifically under Architectural Building project types. On the contrary, VDC (Virtual Design & Construction) is implemented under the designing and construction phase under different project types from the architectural building, urban development, infrastructure development, etc.

In short, BIM covers all phases of a building life cycle horizontally. Even though virtual construction covers just two phases, it reaches multiple markets and project types vertically.

How can a real estate organization in India benefit from BIM on their project?

While the real estate sector in India was the domain area of only a handful of players in the 90s, now its growth has reached investors, developers, and global stakeholders in the growing construction industry in the country. The second-largest employment sector in India, after agriculture, is real estate. Besides generating a high level of direct employment, it also increases the demand for ancillary industries like paint, brick, steel, building materials, consumer durables, etc.

NRIs get an exciting opportunity for investment in real estate with the constant depreciation of the Indian rupee. As the Indian rupee is falling, more Gulf-based non-resident Indians (NRIs) start to invest in the real estate market, as it ensures relatively higher returns.

CHALLENGES OF INDIAN REAL ESTATE SECTOR

The main challenges faced by Indian building industry are significant schedule and cost overrun, which is mainly occurring due to wastage of material, poor coordination, significant rework, and lack of information sharing. Let us point out the main issues faced by firms involved in the built environment as follows.

• Changes in design
• Time, and work affect consumption
• Higher possibilities for error and rework
• Increasing input costs
• Deficiency of skilled labor results in high risks for workers
• Construction cost estimations
• Anxieties about the quality and productivity of the project
• Lack of organization in the market
• Rare virtual environment work

INFLUENCE OF TECHNOLOGY IN REAL ESTATE SECTOR

The bigger challenges faced by Real estate sector can be solved up to a limit with the emergence of technologies like BIM models. A lot of different IT-enabled project management tools have been introduced in the real estate market and the industry can ensure more efficient project delivery with the help of these technological tools. Such technologies can act as a catalyst to change the real estate companies in India and redefine their space in the country for both now and in the future. They can make tremendous changes in all areas of construction, project management, business management, marketing, customer service, etc.

How BIM modeling benefits to real estate industry

BETTER OUTPUT THROUGH BIM COLLABORATION

BIM creates a collaborative working relationship among all project partners including various design disciplines, contractors, specialists, suppliers, and customers, using a single shared 3D model. As a result, everybody involved in the project will focus on achieving the best value throughout the project from project inception to eventual decommissioning.

OPTIMIZED PERFORMANCE

As a swift and accurate comparison between various design options is possible with BIM, it can develop more efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions.

ENHANCED SOLUTIONS

The deployment of new generative modeling technologies enabled cost-effective solutions against agreed parameters.

BETTER FORECAST

Using BIM, the project team can build the project in a virtual environment before construction started. This virtual model rehearses complex procedures, optimizes temporary works, and plans the procurement of materials, manpower, and equipment. As BIM can provide the owners and operators with a visual representation of the project at an early stage, they get a clear idea about the design intent. So they can suggest modifications in the design to get the output they really want.

QUICK PROJECT TURNAROUND

As BIM allows changes in design concept in the early stage of the project, last time design changes can be avoided. Similarly, it uses standard design elements and so complex construction details can be solved before the project starts. Moreover, it produces fabrication and construction drawings from the model, uses data to control construction equipment and checks design integrity, and estimates quantities. All these features of BIM will help the construction industry to save time by up to 50%.

ENHANCED SAFETY MEASURES

The designs using BIM can optimize public safety with the help of crowd behaviors and fire modeling capability. Asset managers can enhance operational safety using the 3D model. Contractors can also review complex details or procedures before the project starts and it avoids construction risks.

ELIMINATION OF ERRORS AT EARLY DESIGN STAGE

The single 3D model can integrate multidisciplinary design inputs that enable to identify and resolve interface issues prior to construction. It eliminates chances of redesign and saves time and costs. Using this model we can also integrate existing and new assets seamlessly.

REVOLUTIONARY CHANGE BROUGHT BY BIM IN CONSTRUCTION

The fundamental changes brought by BIM can rapidly transform the real estate and construction industry in India. For centuries our construction industry represents and communicates design intent for client approval, procurement, bidding, fabrication, installation, construction, etc. by using the traditional method of symbols on paper, which includes drawings and specifications. But these abstractions lack native intelligence in them and so they need human interpretation and manipulation to provide meaning and value.

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Building Information Modeling brings a revolutionary change to the construction industry. This process involves the generation and management of digital representation of physical and functional features of places. Nowadays, the private industry widely wants to implement BIM realizing its benefits. Project teams can explore the designs before they are built with the help of BIM. Using the intelligent 3D models and the data derived from them, all critical aspects of projects like communication, coordination, and collaboration can be made easier. As BIM enables better visualization of projects, it speeds up approvals. BIM can also help the team to reduce the environmental impact of projects.

All over the world, many design and construction firms worry that their ability to compete in the industry may be affected, unless they soon adopt BIM. But on the other hand, some firms are afraid of adopting BIM that which may prove difficult and disruptive. It restricts them from their move. Here are discussing eight steps for BIM VDC Modeling.

1. GET MORE INFORMED ABOUT BIM

As the first step, assign the responsibility of learning more about BIM and its effectiveness in the team works to one or two people at the firm. If the details are left to the later stages of the design process in the 2D world, the design details should be worked out much earlier in BIM.

2. DISCUSS THE CHANGE WITH YOUR STAFF

High-level firm leaders should take a leading role in the move to BIM. They have to inform the firm that they are changing to BIM definitely. The leaders should convince the need for this move with a message that it is critical to the future. The anticipated benefits of BIM for the firms and the clients should be clearly communicated to the team members.

3. ARRANGEMENTS FOR SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE NEEDS

BIM, instead of software, is a collaborative process, which depends on intelligent 3D models. However, you require software to create these models. So, you have to explore available software taking enough time. Moreover, you also have to ensure that your current hardware has sufficient processing power. Sometimes you may have to replace the older and less powerful hardware with a new one. You can give the older one to the team members other than the design department.

4. PLAN TO IMPLEMENT A PILOT PROJECT AND TRAIN THE TEAM ACCORDINGLY

Running a BIM pilot makes sense for most firms. If you do some small projects every year, you can consider them as one pilot and capture lessons before running many more pilot projects. If a firm has a few massive multi-year projects, they can prefer to capture lessons from an initial pilot, while also initiating all new projects in BIM.

5. PROCESSES PREFERRED SHOULD BE DOCUMENTED

While your pilot project is in progress, tell your team to document BIM processes. You can document the preferred results and the steps from your team to get maximum output from BIM. It helps you to create standards during or before running a pilot. But your standards will evolve as you use BIM. If you start with standards, it may slow your team down, which will lead to more complications in BIM adoption process unnecessarily.

6. FIND OUT BIM LEADERS FROM THE PILOT TEAM

There may be some people, who are excited about BIM, in every firm. They even have learned about BIM during their education time or while working at another firm. Try to find out such people and consider them as BIM leaders on every pilot project. You can give them additional training and support so that they can help the teammates adopt BIM.

7. COLLABORATE ALL THE MODELS

The most important benefit of BIM is that when we share models with other firms, they will also work in BIM. As BIM models can be integrated into a single, shared model, it can accelerate the coordination process. This will really help collaboration to a new level.

8. EXPAND AND INNOVATE WITH BIM

You can understand the abilities of BIM such as new visualization, coordination, and analysis capabilities when you use BIM. You can communicate these values of BIM to your current and potential clients in your marketing. So they will be convinced that you can meet the requirements of the clients in coming BIM mandates.

Even though you can refer to the above-described steps to get started with BIM, don’t think that they are rigid suggestions. You may have to change the order of the steps depending on the types of projects you do. Sometimes, you may have to skip or alter some. The important things to keep in mind are that you have to start with an adoption plan supported by the firm leaders and you have to focus on your goal even if some modifications are needed in the plan along the way.

Cost estimation in construction using 5D BIM Modeling.

The BIM model that contains objects and assemblies to add cost dimension to it is called 5D BIM. The cost data is incorporated into the BIM model objects themselves or it is linked to estimating software tools. Thus 5D BIM Modeling helps create a relationship between elements and include the properties and specification of each element and object. So, we can extract comprehensive and accurate information from the model used for costing.

A collaborative effort of people is required to get the maximum effect from the models. So, the main aim of 5D BIM is to enhance collaboration on projects. It also facilitates the management of the project overall. But, the designers have to generate appropriate 3D information and the construction team should check for clashes to become the 5D model effectively.  As 5D software is able to check clash detection, it can encourage a collaborative atmosphere throughout the project. BIM, through the use of a centralized model, enables automatic updating of the design changes and coordination among the project team.

SOME BENEFITS OF 5D BIM COST MODELING:

• 5D BIM Modeling can increase the visualization of projects such as construction details.
• It helps the people to work together to make the models effective and thus enhance the collaboration on projects.
• 5D BIM improves the quality level of the finished projects because the users maintain the quality of data in BIM models.
• As the costing of design options can be done during the early design stage with the help of 3D and so 5D BIM Modeling makes project conceptualization easier.
• Using 5D software, design details can be pointed out with more clarity and it facilitates the analysis capability of the model.
• 5D ensures more take-offers during the stage of the budget estimate.
• Its efficiency to generate quantities for cost planning is higher than the traditional software and manually takes off during the detailed cost plan stage.
• As it helps identify potential risks at an earlier stage, the team can improve clash detection in the design stage itself than traditional approaches can.
• It increases the ability to resolve RFI’s in real-time.
• As 5D BIM is able to model project options before and during construction, it improves estimating.

5D – MATERIAL MANAGEMENT

5D included extracting quantities from the BIM model and helping the site team to manage the material resources based on the master project schedule.

The quantities extracted from the BIM model are further used to generate a materials management sheet. This sheet helps to extract exact quantities of the materials based on the master project schedule. The Site team can extract the required material quantity for any given time frame in the project cycle. This greatly helps to minimize the project waste as there would be no material dumping required on-site and an exact quantity of material could be ordered prior to the execution.

BIM makes project conceptualization easier. For example, 3D facilitates the costing of design options during the early stage of design. According to experts, BIM is able to check each part of the project related to each of the project options.

As BIM is involved in the design at an earlier stage than on conventional projects, the design team can produce more design options. Thus BIM gives advice on the cost of each option to the design team and client quickly and efficiently. It enables direct comparison to be made.

The nature of the information contained in 5D models is such a way that the model can be used to print out design details and to generate reports useful to other members of the team. For example, design changes made by architects and changes to the construction programs, etc.

The high level of cost details provided by 5D BIM is useful in the early design stages. Therefore, some software providers are now linking the model to a 5D cost library to develop detailed cost plans. A quantitative study found that 5D is more effective than traditional 2D estimating methods even for relatively inexperienced estimators to produce detailed estimates. It really helps reduce errors and time taken.

The AEC industry has adopted quite a few interesting and innovative technological advancements to enhance its productivity over the years. The important one among them is Scan to BIM. We can see the application of Scan to BIM process extensively in renovation projects. Here data is derived with the help of laser scanning technology and later productive 3D BIM models are developed using these data.

As-built data deprived of 3D laser scanning captured with the help of laser scanning equipment assist in generating accurate 3D BIM models faster as compared to the traditional methods. External and internal laser scanning helps to build accurate 3D surveys further assisting in creating intelligent 3D models.

BENEFITS OF 3D SCAN TO BIM:

• Scan to BIM helps in improved transparency, communication, and collaboration.
• BIM model generated from the scan data allows more reliability & quality assurance
• Reduces the construction cost
• Scan to BIM eases project alterations and assists in faster decision making
• Using BIM throughout the building process leads to better sustainability in the project
• The virtual creation of BIM model from scan data helps eliminate costly mistakes during construction

Building data are extracted during the scanning process using highly effective laser scanners. When laser beams get back the hardware and they were directed towards the structure, in the beginning, points clouds are acquired.

SCAN TO BIM WORKFLOW:

• Modelers should open Revit first to include point cloud data in Revit project
• Once the modelers get accessible to Revit, converting the available scanned data into effective file formats is the next procedure.
• BIM Modelers are generally covert raw scanned data into point cloud files using Autodesk® ReCap.
• Models should transform raw scanned data into appropriate cloud files during the indexing process.
• After the indexing process, the raw scanned data is transformed into .rcp and .rcs file formats.
• So, users can link the point cloud files within a Revit project soon after they get .rcp and .rcs file formats.
• Countless .rcs files (Reality Capture Scan files) are included in an .rcp file (Reality Capture Project File).
• So, cloud files modelers should click ‘Insert tab’ first and then ‘Link Panel’. After that, they can select ‘Point cloud icon within Link panel.
• After selecting Point cloud, the modelers have to identify the files which should be linked to the project.
• BIM modelers are allowed to pick either a .rcp extension file or a .rcs extension file, depending on their requirement.
• BIM Models should use Point Cloud tool in order to insert the file into Revit Project.
• Once the modelers select a suitable file, then they have to focus on how to position a file in the project.
• Modelers can position a file in the project either by selecting Auto-center to center option or by using an option among Auto – Origin to Origin, Auto – Origin to Last Placed, and Auto –By Shared Coordinates.
• Once the modelers choose an effective file positioning option, then they can link the point cloud file in the project by clicking on “open’.

If the modelers follow the above-described steps effectively, they can easily and efficiently link the point cloud files into Revit Project.

With BIM implementation the fundamental techniques of operation in the construction industry are rapidly changing. It is believed that BIM’s feature of openly sharing information would derive substantial benefits in cost and value proposition. Renovation or refurbishment BIM projects could be more accurately and comprehensively completed with the help of Scan to BIM method of capturing 3D survey data.

To know more about Scan to BIM Download our Case Study where Excelize offered its Scan to BIM Services for a more than 60 years old Heritage Building in the USA.

Building Information Modeling (BIM), is nowadays widely used to model and design buildings of all types and sizes. In earlier days, when BIM initially came into use, people had a misconception that it is suitable only for large complex structures, and most of the early adopters of BIM concentrate on applying this technology to large complex projects. However, now BIM is started to apply widely in residential projects, which brings a significant change in the construction industry.

The fact is that BIM for residential design can be adopted effectively for small firms too if we apply it with the right preparation and strategic planning. Selection of the right BIM tool and its implementation through strategic planning of transitioning determines the success of BIM project. This planning is nothing but management.

BIM can be defined as the combination of 3Ps, which are process, product, and practice. Here the process is a sum of building information and management, the product is BIM, which is the authoring tool (Revit, Bentley, etc.), and Practices means management that includes strategic planning of transitioning.

Experts believe that BIM is suitable for all types of projects of any scale and it can successfully solve the unique complications of each building sector with BIM in residential construction and BIM in residential architecture. That is why, several institutional projects around the world, as well as residential developers, began to accept BIM widely, realizing its benefits. Even though BIM was considered a tool to improve the design process on large projects in earlier times, fortunately, that situation is changed now. The residential owners of this period realize that BIM, beyond a tool, is a method, which can be used throughout the practice for all types of projects of any size and design. As a result, BIM is begun to be used in more and more custom green home projects.

THE SEVERAL ADVANTAGEOUS FACTORS OF BIM FOR RESIDENTIAL DESIGN:

• BIM increases productivity with structured information
• It improves collective understanding of design intent
• BIM is capable of analysis and simulation of energy, quantity, and cost
• It enables better project planning and thereby ensures accuracy
• It offers cost estimates for early project certainty
• BIM enhances operations, maintenance, and facility management

EFFECTIVE COLLABORATION TOOL

BIM enhances the collaborative effort of all members in a construction project including owners, architects, contractors, sub-contractors, engineers, suppliers, trade professionals, and building operations/facilities personnel. So, the right information is accessible in the right place at the right time. Therefore, all projects of any type and size -from complex commercial building structures to small residential projects, get the benefit of BIM.

ORGANIZED FLOW OF INFORMATION

The main feature of BIM 3D Modeling has a significant role in improving the business and so residential owners and developers depend on visual 3D than 2D. Most of the clients cannot understand the concept flat 2-D world. But developers can convince them easily using 3D models. In short, using Building Information Modeling, we can view the project even before it is built. This technology also helps to avoid miscommunication, frustration, and waste.

BIM ENERGY MODELING

Increasing energy prices, unpredictable climate change, and occupant health consciousness are matters of high concern around the globe nowadays. the high consumption of energy and carbon emissions worldwide are the threats to our world about which the green evangelists are worried. So, people all over the world are forced to take necessary actions to sustain the society green. As all these phenomena matter to residential, institutional, and commercial building projects, the construction industry is under great pressure for changing the current design and construction approaches.

Here comes the importance of BIM. As this new technology helps to reduce the waste and carbon emissions to the atmosphere, several construction firms in US and Canada start to adopt Revit, a BIM-authoring tool in the construction of residential architecture projects and custom green homes. In Canada, using Revit and ArchiCAD, some prefabricated home plants started working. As well pipes are included in prefabricated floor panels using the MEP suite.

FUTURE OF BIM

As BIM improves the broad-scale project ecosystem and enhances project outputs for all parties, it has growing implications in the construction industry. BIM can satisfy the unique workflow, expectations, and value proposition of each player on a construction project, as it can be applied in every situation.  Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), the result of BIM application, makes a significant change in the world of the construction industry.

We all know that only big enterprises realized the usefulness of computers when it is introduced to the market first. But, now even small children are experts on the computer. Similarly, general contractors and sub-contractors as well as being increasingly using BIM to provide drawings and other disciplines in BIM. Both new projects and renovation projects start to apply BIM for better results.