The biggest challenges in the construction industry are probably estimating and controlling the project cost. Changes in the plan can result in a considerable difference in the final cost of the project. An efficient planning system is essential for a successful construction project. One key is, that the project management effort needs to have access to all the required information at the right time. This will help to deliver projects faster, manage resources better, and save money. One straightforward way of achieving this is by implementing effective construction planning techniques like Building Information Modelling (BIM) over the project.

So, what is BIM?

For the veterans who are here just to hear the stories of how cost savings can be achieved, do feel free to skip ahead if this information is not new to you!

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is an intelligent digital representation of all the physical and functional characteristics of a facility. The process involves the generation and management of the 3D model-based representation that allows architects, engineers, and builders the insight to plan, design, manage and build efficiently. They are digital images that help in describing every aspect of the project. Essentially, it’s building virtually before building actually. At its most comprehensive, BIM involves five dimensions to create a holistic plan.

These five dimensions of BIM are:

• Width

• Height

• Depth

• Time

• Cost

The 4th Dimension, Time ties in with how the construction will look in all aspects at specific points in time. Since this helps to identify the raw materials and other resources that will be needed at each stage, this brings in the 5th Dimension, cost. This comprehensive view helps in making precise cost estimations for the project, better estimates of what resources are needed and when, and also allows for better financial planning.

The advantages of BIM technology are aplenty. Some significant benefits of BIM are:

• Acceleration of project completion

• Saving on construction cost through early clash detection

• Better resource planning through construction process simulation

• Reducing unbudgeted changes

• Reducing time to generate estimates for changes

• Better communication and collaboration between teams since everyone is on the same page

All these come together to drive faster project completion and reduced costs of operation. Here are some live examples that we have seen at close range that show how projects have benefitted from BIM:

Nagpur Metro Rail -cost savings

The Nagpur Metro Rail Project is one of the most prominent infrastructure projects in the country today – an elevated metro corridor that spans over 40 km, 36 stations, and two depots.

A huge task at this scale is controlling costs. The project used BIM for eliminating design issues, smoother execution, and better estimation of required raw materials. Mr. Brijesh Dixit – MD, Nagpur Metro Rail Project, during a presentation at a conference in Singapore in 2017 highlighted the specific savings the project achieved:

• Savings in time around 8% has been achieved which is expected to rise up to 11% by the end of the project.

• The end of the project anticipates a reduction of overhead costs from 5% to 3.5%.

• Cost savings of around 8% is expected over the DPR projected costs.

• Cost savings of around 12% have been achieved with respect to logistics travel and man-days. It is expected to grow up to 15% by the end of the completion of the project.

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) Mumbai, Andheri -time saved

The IT giant – TCS was looking to redo a significant portion of their Andheri campus spread over 74,000 sq. ft. The challenge was that the designs they had available to them were from the planning stage, whereas the campus as-built was substantially different. They used BIM to build a model focused on the architectural, structural, and service components. This was designed to be used for Clash Detection and Resolution (CDR) as the new designs and plans took shape. The estimated time frame for the completion of the CDR phase of the project through the conventional method was over three months. By using BIM, this phase was completed in 1 month -a time saving of 66%!

Cost control with a better estimation of material

Calculating inaccurate quantities of construction material is one of the primary reasons contributing to cost and budget overruns. Poor estimates usually lead to over-ordering or ordering too early. That means tying up funds in material for longer than is required. There is also a steep cost associated with storing the materials.

An accurate estimation of the required construction material, how much is needed, and when it is needed, can help in diminishing these costs considerably.

Here are a couple of examples of just such savings.

1. For a residential tower project of 28 floors in Mumbai, the difference between the quantity extracted from the BIM plan, and the consumed quantity of steel was only 2.96% per floor. Better estimation allowed close to just-in-time procurement and limited wastage.

2. The estimated concrete quantity for an IT company in an SEZ, as extracted from the BIM model, is compared with the quantity mentioned in the Tender and the claimed consumed quantity by the contractor. The comparison helped the project management agency accurately validate and certify the actual work done for the contractor. This helped ensure accurate billing and prevented cost overruns.

It’s clear that using BIM can significantly help in controlling project costs through better planning and estimations. Having such accurate estimates of the required construction materials, timeframe, and other required resources could help you save big in your next construction project -and you could have BIM to thank for that.

The construction industry, for long traditional, may well be witnessing the dawn of a new era owing to new technology. From designing, planning, and project execution, there hardly remains an area that is now untouched by technology. Economic growth, greater access, and the ease of use of technology tools and application are some of the drivers of greater technology adoption in our industry.

Engineering and construction companies are embracing construction technology and making them an integral part of their daily work practices to improve efficiencies, reduce costs, and shorten timelines. Statistical evidence also shows a growing trend of construction technology adoption. In 2018, $1.05 billion has been invested in construction technology. This investment volume has increased by 30% over 2017. In light of this, here’s a look at some construction technology trends to watch out for as we await 2019.

1.     Building Information Modelling (BIM) comes into its own

Statistics reveal that the Building Information Modelling  is “prognosticated to grow from USD 3065.5 Mn in 2017 to USD 8123.5 Mn by 2023-end”. Building Information Modelling is assuming its rightful place as a pillar of the construction industry. BIM has evolved from its genesis as an intelligent 3D model-based process that provides a digital representation of the physical and functional characteristics of a facility. It is now a shared knowledge resource for information that gives all the stakeholders such as the engineers, architects, contractors the insights and tools to efficiently plan, design, construct and manage the buildings and the infrastructure. It stands to become the common platform to promote more efficient and effective construction.

The benefits of BIM now span from improving building performance, making better design decisions, and implementing connected workflows to improving predictability and productivity. BIM is helping drive better MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) design, enabling real-time collaboration for timely project delivery, and deeply exploring construction monitoring. Digitizing the construction sites is helping to completely connect project information from design, and construction to handover….BIM has more than proven its value in the construction industry. In fact, its value now goes beyond geometry and covers “spatial relationships, light analysis, geographic information, and quantities and properties of building components” (Eastman, 2009).

2.     The continued rise of Construction Management Software

The Construction Management Software market is expected to reach $1.8 billion by 2020 according to recent market research. The primary drivers for this are the growing need for large-scale project management for efficient product and on-time execution, increased process automation, maximizing resource output, and better resource management.

Construction management software, essentially a construction-specific project management tool, helps construction companies plan, estimate, and manage project schedules, tasks, and costs. It makes communication more transparent, aids better decision-making, and improves resource management and job scheduling. In case of delay’s in execution, it helps with catch up planning and identifying the cascading effect of delays. Along with this, construction management software helps in better documentation, ensures that no paperwork is lost as all documents are stored in a central location, helps in risk assessment and management, and aids efficient service delivery. It helps construction companies plan, control, and coordinate the project proactively from the beginning to the end.

3.     Big Data and Artificial Intelligence makes its presence felt

The construction industry is set to feel the Big Data impact as well. Driven by increased connectivity, internet use, the proliferation of connected devices and wearables, GPS systems, job site sensors, and telematics, construction companies are generating and capturing more data than ever before. With advancements in AI and Machine Learning, big data is giving construction companies access to real-time, data-driven predictive modelling to speed up design processes, eliminate waste, and save time. With big data analytics, construction companies are getting that bird’s eye view of everything they need to simplify tasks, evaluate performance, and identify risks. External data, meteorological reports, for example, can be leveraged to make more accurate assessments on how factors such as weather conditions can impact construction, the project delivery timelines, the risk of errors, and impact the economics.

4.     Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality shows what could happen

Slowly moving from the realm of movies to the real world, Augmented and Virtual Reality are gradually making their impact felt in the construction industry. VR and AR are attractive options here as they can be employed for virtual walkthroughs even before construction begins. Other use-cases include the ability to provide safety training and to prepare workers for certain tools and machines using simulations. These technologies also have immense potential to improve project planning and to test project viability.

5.     Cloud and Mobile technology, as with all other business sectors

The construction industry is also warming up to cloud technology. In fact, in many ways, the Cloud is emerging as the foundation of this industry’s digital revolution. With the cloud, this industry has mission-critical business applications available on demand. The Cloud is also enabling collaboration and providing a high level of transparency and accountability by connecting all project team members on one central, if virtual, platform. The cloud also assists in powerful data-processing by making more computing power available.

Harnessing the power of the cloud, mobile technology is also making an impact here by making the job site more connected. Mobile technologies are being used to gain real-time access to construction documentation and specifications, and to enable real-time data collection and transmission between the job site and project managers. This is helping ensure that things get done right the first time around.

The space is vast and there are so many other trends to watch out for. For eg., we will see the continued growth of green construction technology to build in a resource-efficient and environment-friendly manner, especially since presently this industry accounts for 20% of global emissions.

The construction industry, much like manufacturing, is becoming more technologically enabled. The promise of better outcomes, reduced waste, better resource utilization, lower carbon footprint, and greater profits are clear motivators. It will be interesting to see how these technologies unleash the wave of efficiency in this sector in the years to come – starting in 2019.

All infrastructure projects are, full of challenges: distant goals, complex and expensive resource provisioning, evolving scope, risk management, tough communication, unrealistic expectations, and more. To me, this is why embracing a Building Information Modelling (BIM) platform is so important.

I see this as a single, unified mechanism that can bring together people, ideas, design documents, functional characteristics, and operational details of a large infrastructure project, without spilling out or creating duplicate data. The beauty of BIM in this context is that it not only improves productivity and reduces cost, but also improves coordination and collaboration, brings transparency, reduces rework, helps track progress, and ensures projects are completed within time and budget.

In a developing economy like India, infrastructure projects are a totally different ball game. Common challenges include land acquisition, lack of coordination, and nuanced dispute resolution mechanism between various government bodies, as well as significant shortfalls in planned investments along with large time and cost overruns. For me, the experience of working on Maha Metro Rail Corporation’s Nagpur Metro project, one of the largest infrastructure projects in India, was exceptionally enriching.

The project – an elevated metro corridor with a total length of 40+ km, 36 stations, and 2 depots – was no mean feat. In addition to being a large, complex, time-bound project, it was one that included a massive team of architects, contractors, engineers, consultants, suppliers, and designers; each with a distinct perspective, each offering a solution to every problem faced. There were a lot of challenges faced, but also a lot of learning was achieved. Here are 5 things I learned from working on one of India’s biggest infrastructure projects:

1. Focus on the end objective: Unlike smaller projects where processes are fairly simple and straightforward, managing a large and complex Metro Rail project was like starting on a clean slate. The challenges faced were unique and there was nothing to compare them against. Since the infrastructure project called for a one-of-a-kind 5D BIM platform, we faced several implementation challenges, sometimes with no answers to explain what was being done or why it was to be done. The challenges with respect to the supply chain were always holding us back. Very often, we ended up wondering why something was enforced, or what benefits we would derive from a particular task or process. I had to train myself to focus on my task while looking for small and large points of alignment with the overall vision. In fact, keeping the overall objective in mind -delivering a functioning public transport alternative to the city, helped me focus on my own tasks better.

2. Teamwork wins: One of the most striking characteristics of the Metro Rail project was the presence of people from varied educational backgrounds, different experiences, and multiple locations from across the world; a team of experienced professionals trying to use one common platform was a pioneering effort. All through the project, the team consisting of design consultants, contractors, specialist sub-contractors, bureaucrats, site supervisors, finance/accounting professionals, project planners, suppliers, and more work towards one common goal – the goal of building a world-class Metro Rail project that meets international building and construction standards and Global Best Practices. Teamwork was manifested in the way each member adhered to the best architecture and engineering quality standards and this drove a favorable outcome.

3. Handling process challenges: The implementation process of the Metro Rail project was a complex one. There was so much dynamism as the process to be followed for any action through the project life cycle had to be identified, defined, tested, implemented, monitored, and then enhanced as and when needed. People had to be trained on the process, as well as on the tools that had to be used for a particular task. We had to overcome a lot of hurdles around process management, organizational hierarchy, reporting structure as well as communication protocols. We learned to adapt our internal execution processes and client reporting methods and adapt them to help us achieve our goals.

4. Integrating technology: Multiple software and the need for collaboration between them brought up several interoperability issues. We had to find ways of integration and we also had to find the right people, and train them on the technology while making them comfortable with using the technology. Since most infrastructure projects use a top-down approach, we used the same for the Metro Rail project as well; and even though this led to some resistance from the project team, we were successful in bringing everyone together.

5. Nothing can be perfect; learn to evolve: Considering the size and complexity of the Metro Rail Project, a key learning was to evolve with time. We realized nothing can be perfect; we had to accept the different ways of working of different individuals (even with the flaws) and incorporate that onto our BIM-mandated plans instead of asking everyone to follow a new way or process. To ensure the highest quality output, we always made sure to implement stringent measurements. Peer reviews, customized quality checklists, and automated software-based model checking were some ways by which we ensured we delivered our best at all times.

Persistence is key

For such a large and complex infrastructure project as the Nagpur Metro to be successful, persistence is key. I kept telling myself to be persistent but have a little give and take. In addition to process challenges and technology roadblocks, we also had to find ways to deal with the highly diverse team of expert professionals. Since each team member had a different outlook and different tips and tricks that worked well for his/her job, coming together was hard. I think that relying on plans driven by the BIM models helps us. We could identify issues in time and plan to minimize their impact. This not only helped us in mitigating risks but to my mind, was a key reason for our success on this massive Infrastructure construction project.

(BIM) has had a moderately slow emergence since its existence in the 1970s. In recent years the recession which affected the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, resulted in the slow adoption of BIM. However, a significant rise in the BIM market globally is expected to take place in the coming years due to the introduction of cloud-based BIM technology.

The implementation of BIM has helped construction managers to improve quality control and productivity which is one of the major drivers in the market. This has led to expanding BIM into other management areas. The advantages of this technology have in turn supported the widespread adoption of BIM in the US and UK construction industries.

The use of BIM helps to reduce a significant amount of project cost while meeting time and quality expectations in projects due to effective and efficient information sharing; better coordination in planning among other team members and accurate designing of models which extensively supports lean construction techniques.

Stanford University’s Center for Integrated Facilities Engineering reported the following benefits of BIM after conducting research on 32 major projects –

• Diminishes changes up to 40% by early problem detection.
• Compared to traditional methods of estimation, BIM produces estimates within 3% of accuracy
• Reduces cost estimation time by 80%

BIM emerged as a supporting technology that was developed and used to address the growing and complex challenges of modern-day AEC industries that could not be taken care of with traditional technologies.

BIM or 3D modeling has resulted in an abrupt reshaping of the AEC industry in the areas of technology and process.

As the construction industry focuses on harnessing digital technologies to improve efficiencies and data availability, 5D BIM technologies are becoming more and more pronounced for their use. Maha-Metro Corporation decided to make use of 5D BIM processes to have an integrated environment for all the BIM data along with the project schedules and costs.

Overview of 5D BIM system Architecture:

The Nagpur Metro 5D BIM system had the 3D models and the related data at its core on a common data environment euphemistically called Electronic Data Management System (EDMS). The model data was linked to the project schedules on a Prima Vera server and costs data on the SAP ERP system.

Excelize’s expertise on the BIM models, and various software for BIM resulted in Excelize being trusted with the EDMS part of the 5D BIM system. The EDMS comprised of Bentley system’s Project Wise and Asset Wise software.

Excelize devoted its expertise to formulating modeling guidelines, the configuration of the Bentley software, installation of the client application on user machines, license control, and training on the use of the software.

Excelize had been in consultation with the owner (Maha Metro) and their technical consultants (called General Consultants or GC); formulated the information and workflow processes and configured them on the system. Excelize formed the part of the Owner’s Support Office (OSO) that gave necessary support to the owner to effectively use the system. This included the training of Owner / GC and Contractor personnel, coordination with Bentley, and other 5D BIM vendors, and system administration for the Asset wise and Project wise systems.

The administration part included the user configuration, contract configuration, and creation of the box reports as well as custom dashboards. Excelize helped the GC personnel in the review of models on the system by helping them to ensure that the models meet the necessary guidelines, federate different models from different sources on the Project Wise system, and derive different outputs required by the owner.

Asset Management:

One of the core features of the 5D BIM system is an integrated asset management system. Excelize engineers interacted extensively with the different disciplines of the Metro Rail project such as Stations, Via-ducts, Rolling stocks, Tracks, Signalling, Telecom, OHE, Security systems, etc.

With the deep consultations from Excelize, the asset strategy, asset tagging system, and the workflows for asset management for the life cycle of the assets were formulated. The workflows and asset tag structures were mapped on the system so that the contractors and GC were able to connect the asset tag to the model entity and all the technical documents such as drawings, operation manuals, inspection reports, etc were tied to an asset tag.

Excelize’s core architectural and construction modeling and the industry experience have come in handy for Maha Metro corporation for the Nagpur Metro Rail Project to successfully implement the 5D BIM system’s EDMS. It also resulted in Excelize being further mature in its knowledge of greenfield project implementation as well as exposure to different systems that form a large infrastructure project.

Excelize will build on this to provide the benefit of this combined knowledge of 3D BIM modeling along with EDMS, 5D BIM systems,s, and industry practices in various disciplines. Excelize would attempt to garner more business in this area and supplement its leadership position.

“The #SmartCity vision envisages a balance of heritage with modernism –  we can be #smart while we keep our heritage protected” – Smt. Vasundhara Raje (Chief Minister of Rajasthan)

Excelize’s director Mrs. Sonali Dhopte was invited as an eminent panelist for the Smart and Digital Rajasthan Summit & Expo 2018 scheduled on March 14th and 15th, 2018 at Jaipur. The event was organized jointly by IACC & The Guild to discuss and address the challenges and opportunities in implementing the blueprint of Rajasthan’s Smart Cities vision.

The key leaders at the summit were Mrs. Vasundhara Raje Scindia (Chief Minister of Rajasthan), Shri. Venkaiah Naidu (Vice-President of India), Kenneth Juster (United States Ambassador to India) and Shrichand Kriplani (Hon’ble Minister, UDH & LSG and Chairman, RUDSICO).

This 2-day summit had 50 speakers & over 500 delegates participated in the event. The presentations and the panel discussions were highly inspiring and had a great emphasis on the global perspectives on how to create smart & sustainable cities and showcase best practices & technologies that can help Indian cities and other urban areas become efficient, sustainable and smart by developing more interconnected infrastructure, communications and data systems.

Excelize is honored to have participated in the Summit and embellish the opportunity to share technical knowledge, discuss the challenges and understand the cross-industry opportunities.

Check out the event details: https://www.smartrajasthanexpo.com/

About Excelize:  Excelize is an engineering services firm providing Building Information Modeling (BIM) & CAD solutions to clients in India, Mid-East, UK, Europe, Australia, and the US. These clients include Architects, Engineers, Design-build contractors, General Contractors, Real-Estate developers, building owners and consultants.

About 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 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.

Get to know more about the “Status of BIM adoption and outlook in India” – A Report by RICS School of Built Environment. Download the Free Copy Below:

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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.