A relatively less talked about benefit of BIM modelling is in the area of shop drawings. 2D shop drawings are quintessential for contractors (civil, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, etc) who review them for constructability in mind, conduct value engineering and optimization and then generate shop (fabrication) drawings. The shop drawings are typically made for execution of services illustrating details like size of pipe, slope, type of joints, bending angle, length of uninterrupted pipe based on availability in the market, information about hangers and distance, among others.

This blueprint shows a clear picture of the entire construction process, specifies measurements, production standards, and fabrication specifications for prefabricated components, details of construction supplies and other necessities. Ranging from steel beams, trusses, and concrete slabs to elevators, appliances, cabinets, ducting, and electrical layout, shop drawings show a wide range of modular components.

Let’s look at the role of BIM in assisting the process of generating accurate shop drawings. BIM helps identify potential clashes at the design stage and minimizes constructability issues on site.

This process of coordinating and integrating all the services and civil components in a 3D environment before generating the shop drawings strengthens the process of drawing generation and minimizes possibilities of co-ordination issues or human errors as compared to hand drawings.

Typically, MEP (mechanical, engineering, plumbing) contractors face challenges like – inaccurate component installation due to insufficient details in the drawings, inaccurate cost estimates, poor co-ordination between project stakeholders, inability to standardize fabrication parameters and lack of visualization leading to not-so-informed decisions.

Drawings generated from the BIM model are consistent so the challenges of version management are quite avoidable. A large amount of time is otherwise spent in incorporating changes at a micro level, which is saved when the generation of drawing is supported by BIM.

Let us look at two of our Excelize projects to understand this better:

Case 1:

For a mechanical contractor in USA, we were asked to produce shop drawings for HVAC (Heat, Ventilation & Air Conditioning) from the existing design issued for construction drawings. The team produced the CAD output: a series of shop drawings showing HVAC installations.

This was achieved by building a LOD 400, 3D BIM model from the design data provided. Clash detection was performed thereafter and critical clashes were addressed through a preliminary report. Once these conflicts were resolved, a sample sheet was generated to align with the sheet standards set by the customer.

Had we taken the traditional approach, the coordination effort would have been tedious as everyone would have work in the 2D environment in isolation. While using a BIM model, each contractor could see the design of the other contractors at work and liaise suitably. This saved significant amount of time and effort. Also, with the details captured in the BIM model, the duplication of creating the details in 2D was eliminated.

Case 2:

Architects for state-of-the-art international school located in Alipore, Kolkata appointed Excelize to develop an interior 2D Shop drawings package for a built up area of 200,000 sq.ft. The details were developed for classroom, laboratories, libraries, activity areas, dining areas, auditorium, play areas and the entrance lobby.

2D interior shop drawings were generated from the general arrangement drawings (GA drawings), reflected ceiling plans (RCP), elevations and others shared by the customer’s team. Various packages were developed for interiors in coordination with the structure and MEP services. Flooring plans with pattern and details, casework drawings, ceiling pans and details, lighting layouts, specialized furniture details for activity rooms, classroom furniture and other such details were illustrated in the shop drawings.

All CAD & design standards were maintained throughout the project with the help of checklists and a stringent QC process.

Shop drawings drive accurate fabrication and installation through precise and detailed information and advanced visualization to clearly communicate design intent. Extraction of detailed drawings from Revit, for interiors and each MEP component, ramps up project speed and streamlines construction significantly.

Digital Twins has shown rapid acceptance in the past two years. An US based report stated that the market for digital twins was pegged at around 4 billion USD in revenue in 2019 and is expected to reach 36 billion USD by 2025. Initially introduced to the aerospace industry in the 1960s, this emerging technology has now found takers in the manufacturing sector, smart city development projects, infrastructure and retail sectors.

What is Digital Twin?

Digital Twin in construction refers to a 3D virtual representation of a physical building with accurate data on each asset collected from IoT (Internet of Things)-enabled devices like sensors attached to the building and equipment. The 3D model stores accurate real-time data of the asset right from the design and planning through post-construction. This data enables monitoring and maintenance of the asset in real time with clarity at all stages of the project. It also lends valuable insights into the building’s impact on climate change and incorporates other valuable information about the performance and lifecycle of the asset. Designers, engineers, architects, and project managers can use this data to design and build a robust and resilient asset. This data can even aid decision-making for similar buildings being constructed in identical environments.

Considering around 90% of human lives are spent in buildings, it’s imperative to construct assets that ensure the occupant’s comfort, safety and well-being. An unforeseeable event like the pandemic challenged public spaces and infrastructure at many levels to offer more. Workspaces had to deal with challenges such as managing operational capacities, space vacancies, stringent hygiene measures, and health screenings of building entrants. In such circumstances, the adoption of Digital Twin paired with IoT devices could have helped develop a smart building system that adapts to the occupant’s needs and the environment. A Digital Twin-enabled smart building helps asset managers smoothly manage the new protocols and ensure the safety and comfort of the building occupants.

Here are a few ways in which Digital Twin and its IoT devices can help meet the stringent needs of infrastructure and spaces in terms of public health and safety:

1. Enhances the indoor environment

The Digital Twin paired with IoT devices can help improve the air quality and regulate the temperature, humidity, and ventilation to create a comfortable and healthy indoor environment for the building occupants. For instance, air quality sensors can detect high levels of carbon dioxide and alert the ventilation system. Similarly, real-time humidity updates from the sensors can notify the Digital Twin to adapt the HVAC (Heat, Ventilation & Air Conditioning) building systems as per the ambience.

2. Monitors building entrants
   One of the primary protocols of buildings in the new normal is to identify sick entrants by monitoring their body temperature. The body temperature detection integrated with access control can ensure a contactless and secure solution. Similarly, sensor lights and automated doors can help in creating contactless interfaces.
3. Minimizes infection spread
   HVAC systems are potential carriers of infected droplets which can rapidly spread infections. With the real-time data from sensors, the Digital Twin can help circulate fresh air at regular intervals and reduce recirculation of impure air. This improves indoor air quality and minimizes the risks of getting infected.
4. Ensures optimum space utilization

With employees returning to work, measures such as space utilization and vacancy monitoring, have been a priority for office facility managers. IoT technologies can help monitor all these aspects and ensure effective facility management. For instance, IoT devices can track vacancy and occupant traffic patterns to plan the space and manage social distancing, if required. IoT sensors can also detect two occupants near each other and alert the Digital Twin model for necessary action.

5. Conserves energy and saves costs

Asset managers can access the real-time data of HVAC systems anytime, anywhere. They can monitor and analyze the building spaces that may require higher energy consumption. This works best in the current hybrid working model wherein staggered employee entries are allowed on fixed working days. On days when the spaces are vacant, the building managers can lower the consumption of the heating, cooling, and electricity systems. Such measures not only save the asset maintenance costs but also optimize the utilization of energy and lower carbon emissions.

In many ways beyond this list, Digital Twin along with the IoT devices can automate building systems to adapt to the external environment and create a healthy and comfortable living space for the occupants. While enriching the human experience, Digital Twin and IoT technologies also save energy, minimize carbon footprint and get us a step closer to sustainable living.

The AEC industry has been known to be a slow adopter of technology over the past decade. COVID-19 pandemic accelerated adoption across the value chain. Contractors, architects, project co-ordinators and other onsite professionals are now looking at ways to improve efficiencies, optimize costs, reduce time to build, enhance safety standards and improve sustainability metrics. Technology is the answer to their quest.

Take a look at some construction Technology Trends that are transforming the AECO industry:

Building Information Modeling (BIM)

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a process that helps us build 3D models, which are a digital representation of the physical and functional characteristics of a building/structure. It is the stepping stone to turning around the performance of any project. Real-time visualization of the project through BIM models allows for concurrent updates by the stakeholders and saves a significant amount of time and resources. The cloud-based model makes access to project information location and time agnostic. This information transparency of design and project management fosters better collaboration and conflict resolution between project teams, and faster project completion. If the full potential of 3D to 8D BIM is leveraged, construction projects will move notches above their current efficiency level in terms of time, cost, materials, safety, and sustainability.

Digital Reality Capture

Countries across the world are grappling with aging infrastructure. A majority of these old structures only have 2D physical documents as the information source for planning renovation. Manually modifying these blueprints is tedious and time-consuming. That’s when technology like Digital Reality Capture comes as a boon. Digital Reality Capture refers to the process of scanning the physical asset to create a 3D digital representation of the building. Laser scanning or photogrammetry is used to measure various surface points and other building elements to produce an accurate 3D model. The data captured through this process provides information about the location of existing – assets. This makes it easier for architects and engineers to plan the renovation, detect clashes early, and make smarter decisions in design and usage of resources. Digital Reality Capture is an accurate survey technology for small and large infrastructures including in accident-prone areas. It reduces labor, saves time, and assures safety of workers.

Automation

Many construction companies are embracing automation technologies for labor-intensive, time-consuming, and risk-prone tasks. Automation of tasks across the entire construction lifecycle from planning stage to on-site construction to post-construction asset management is now possible. For example, automated or self-driving trucks and forklifts can help transport construction material across the construction site, thus saving time and effort.

Another effective tool is the drone which can be used for pre-construction surveys. It can also be used for monitoring the site during the construction phase to identify possible risks. Similarly, there are IoT (Internet of Things) – based sensors that collect real-time data such as location, pressure, temperature, and other aspects for the various equipment’s from a building during operations phase. Machines can be automated based on this data. For example, fabrication and welding machines can be automated with a particular action based on the signals received from the sensors.

Virtual reality and augmented reality are some more powerful examples of automation in the AECO industry. In virtual reality, 3D scanned images are used to create a simulated environment of the building. It facilitates site walkthrough that helps architects and other project stakeholders to plan construction. It can also simulate dangerous situations like fire or natural disasters to assist project members in preventive maintenance. Augmented reality provides real-time information on the construction site. For example, a person installing an electrical cable tray can see the plumbing pipes that are yet to be installed. He will then install the trays to avoid clashes with the cable tray.. Both augmented reality and virtual reality can foresee and overcome design or on-site construction problems.

Robotics

Labor shortage remains a persistent challenge for construction companies. Construction robotics is a great solution to overcome this challenge and build faster and error free. Labor-intensive tasks such as bricklaying, welding, painting, rebar tying, loading materials, etc. can be easily achieved by construction robotics. This technology helps reduces human effort and minimizes probability of errors, improves productivity, reduces construction time, and guarantees site safety.

These collaborative technologies and smart tools help improve accuracy and efficiency, reduce manual labor, save time and money. The most important aspect of these technologies is that they enable connectivity which is time and location independent. These technologies help construction companies adapt to the ‘new normal’ and other unforeseen challenges that can impact the construction lifecycle.

A report jointly published by International Energy Agency (IEA) – United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) states that the buildings and construction sector accounted for 36% of final energy use and 39% of energy and process-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in 2018. This indicates the urgency for adoption of sustainable architecture, principles of environmentally friendly constructure, aka construction of ‘Green Buildings’. Architects and urban planners are, therefore, more inclined, towards looking for sustainable design solutions. There’s a rise in consciousness about greener residential buildings and workspaces among urban dwellers too.

What, then, is a Green Building? According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “Green building is the practice of creating structures and using processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building’s lifecycle from siting to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and demolition.” Green buildings Technology are also referred to as high-performance or sustainable buildings as they fully cover the crucial aspects of building design: functionality, durability, economy, and comfort.

While the impact of Green Buildings could be far more expansive, there are a few environmental, social and economic advantages that form the most compelling case in its favour:

Optimization of Resource Efficiency

Green structures can directly impact the reduction of carbon footprint and conservation of energy and water. Improved choice of building materials, design elements that consider light, temperature, water management and evaluation of environmental impact at all stages of the project lifecycle can make a cognizable difference. A study published in 2010 Re?Assessing Green Building Performance: A Post Occupancy Evaluation of 22 GSA Buildings, was conducted on 22 LEED-certified buildings managed by the General Services Administration (GSA), USA. As per this study, these buildings had recorded 34% lower CO2 emissions, 25% less energy consumption, 11% less water consumption and 80 million tons of waste diverted from landfills.

Minimizing Wastage

According to the EPA, the U.S. generated over 600 million tons of construction-related waste in 2018. Efficient construction waste management by minimizing material usage and recycling or reusing construction materials is therefore key to reducing impact.

LEED-certified projects can avoid more than 80 million tons of waste from landfills. With upcycling, use of recycled material, repurposing old structures, this is expected to rise to 450 million tons by 2030

Reduced Operational and Maintenance costs

The construction costs of a green building may be on the higher side compared to traditional buildings. But the asset owners and residents reap the cost benefits post-construction. The sustainable design ensures cost savings on water and energy bills. LEED-certified buildings have nearly 20% lower maintenance costs than typical commercial buildings, and green building retrofits typically decrease operation costs by almost 10% in just one year. The asset value of a green building also increases over time.

Improved Quality of life and Durability for dwellers

Green building design considers comfort along with the functionality, durability, and economic aspects of building design. It has a positive impact on the health and mental well-being of their residents. According to the EPA, heating, and cooling are responsible for around 43% of energy consumption, leading to an increase in greenhouse gases and escalation of air pollution. Green buildings Technology, which use eco-friendly materials, are known to lower air pollutants and improve air quality, thus alleviating potential for allergies & respiratory ailments. Moreover, they are built to withstand the test of time and involve much lower maintenance than traditional buildings.

Offers Opportunities for Design Innovation

Green or sustainable construction invite architects, designers and urban planners to constantly innovate and discover measures which can optimise usage of natural resources like energy and water, reduce wastage of construction materials, reduce carbon emissions & toxic fumes, yet save costs and enhance durability and living experience.

It’s about ensuring sustainable solutions that cover the entire asset lifecycle right from the design phase through construction, post-construction asset operation and maintenance. When it comes to using innovative solutions for green buildings, Building Information Model (BIM) can bring in unexplored benefits. The construction industry across the world is aware of BIM’s role in the design and Virtual Design Construction (VDC). However, BIM’s 3D shared model is highly effective in the construction of LEED-certified green buildings that require the implementation of sustainable measures right from the design stage.

Let’s take a look at how green BIM can aid in designing green buildings.

Real-time Information Accessibility

With BIM’s 3D shared model, design information is accessible to architects, designers, engineers, and other project stakeholders. The data transparency enables the stakeholders to discuss the sustainability of the materials used in the construction or to explore environment-conscious alternatives. Besides, design teams can gauge the energy efficiency of the asset and its impact on the environment during and post-construction.

Efficient Project Planning

The BIM model can also enable workflows to make sure the project meets environmental standards and compliances. Digital construction of the asset helps in understanding the shape of the building and the solar inputs. In the later phases of construction, architects and engineers can enhance energy efficiency, water management, and natural lighting. BIM implementation plan also includes optimum resource management and only required materials are procured thus avoiding on-site wastage.

Improved Asset Management

On the completion of the project, the BIM data can be transferred to asset owners and facility managers. The building data right from the design stage to project completion is available to asset owners for building operation and maintenance. This makes it easier to examine the performance and efficiency of the asset throughout its lifecycle.

Knowing the clear and substantive socio-economic and environmental impact of construction, it is prerogative to co-create a future that is safer, cleaner and economically viable for humanity to thrive on this planet. BIM’s innovative model with its data transferability and improved architectural quality can help us achieve our sustainability goals better and faster.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported that 145 million tons of construction and demolition waste were dumped in the US landfills in 2018. Besides, the construction industry is responsible for 39% of global carbon emissions. By 2025, the annual construction waste is expected to reach 2.2 billion tons globally. So how do we tackle this inevitable crisis that stems from unmanaged construction waste?

A possible measure is to use innovative solutions like Building Information Model (BIM), and prefabrication and modular construction across small-and-large scale projects. Modular prefabricated construction means constructing components of the building structure off-site and later transporting these components to the construction site for assembly. For example, the floors, walls and panels are constructed off-site and later installed together at the construction site.

Prefabrication and modular construction have been a great boon to the US AEC industry. The COVID crisis has pushed the industry to adopt technology that can help us overcome manpower shortage, construction costs and supply-chain issues in construction. Together with 3D BIM models, modular construction can ensure shorter project duration, enhanced resource management, better product quality and more importantly reduced construction waste. Let’s find out how:

?      When it comes to prefabrication, the off-site construction and the use of technologies such as 3D printing require fewer materials and yet deliver better quality. The left-over material, if any, is reused in-house thus avoiding construction waste dumped in landfills.

?      Building Information Modeling or BIM helps designers and other construction stakeholders visualize and gauge the dimensions and location of prefabricated components. The digital construction allows the project team members to estimate the quantity and location of the components and help them decide elements that require prefabrication.

?      The design stage becomes easier with precise calculations of building elements and area measurements. Besides, this detailed information assists project stakeholders in identifying the number of resources required for the project. This, in turn, decreases construction waste.

For example, structural steel, metal studs and electrical panel with pre-cut wires as per required length, roofing with panels, ceiling light with the prewired metal jacket are some of the building elements that can be prefabricated off-site as per the design requirement.

Here’s a case study of an apartment building built using BIM and modular construction that will help us see this in application. Can we mention the case study as a reference?

The apartment building has a combination of metal and brick panel facades. It has five levels of apartments with wooden frames and two levels of concrete retail/office/common spaces and one-level underground parking. The entire project spans across an area of 2,41,070 square feet including the underground parking.

The BIM implementation plan was for the architectural design. Vertical framing had standard dimensions (8 feet). Frames around the windows had standardized dimensions as well. As a result, the studs were ordered as per the required length and even the dry wall had a standard size.

With the help of BIM, the electrical contractor retrieved information on wire length for each outlet. The electrical break panels, could therefore be, delivered directly on-site with connected wires. On-site, the contractor had to simply use the wire to the outlet. Also, the electrical metal cladding was pre-cut off-site. This avoided the use of excess wiring and metal cladding.

Similarly, in the case of plumbing, elbows fitting, spools cutting and other waste line PVC related jobs were prefabricated at the plumbing contractor’s shop. The plumbing parts were later fixed together on-site. With this off-site prefabrication, it was possible to cut most spools out of the same 20-feet piping material, thus saving piping materials.

The BIM coordination, construction planning, use of prefabricated framings, electrical and plumbing works helped in reducing on-site construction waste. Besides, the use of standardized dimensions and cutting construction materials at the shop lowered the number of packing materials that were brought to the construction site. Prefabrication jobs also led to less waste at the construction site and thus required fewer laborers to remove the waste and fewer dump trucks to dispose of the waste.

To sum it up, we cannot avoid construction waste. However, we can reduce construction waste by the efficient use of innovative technologies. BIM and modular construction technologies not only speed up the building process, help save time and costs, but also lower the environmental impact. This only makes it a win-win situation for all of us in the construction industry!

The AEC industry in the USA has gradually bounced back post the COVID pandemic. What’s interesting is the rising trend of renovation projects! The nation is expecting up to USD 510 billion in the home improvement sector alone.

Renovation projects face challenges different from those seen in new construction projects; challenges that have a huge impact on the renovation completion. These may include the uncertain existing building conditions and the limited work area or space constraints due to these existing conditions. For a successful renovation, these aspects need to be identified in the initial design phase. Renovation projects also require the assessment of time and schedule constraints.

Building information is valuable for renovation activities. However, many renovation projects are hindered by the lack of adequate project management, project delays, and heavy financial losses due to insufficient or outdated building information. Building Information Modelling (BIM) can come to the rescue in such scenarios.

Using BIM in new construction projects is now widely accepted. However, application of BIM in renovation projects is yet at a nascent stage of adoption. The accurate information management of the entire asset can be used to refurbish existing buildings. Let us look at the advantages of BIM in renovation projects:

Enhanced visualization and data management

BIM is a 3D representation of the asset and all its components that are difficult and time consuming to capture in the CAD format. This repository includes information on structural elements like the location of foundations, beams, rooves, and columns that are needed for visualization of the existing structure and space constraints. With this data, potential design challenges can be identified in the initial design phase of the renovation project. Besides, the model that is updated throughout the renovation life cycle can also help plan project execution and performance accurately. However, acquiring existing building information can be difficult in the case of older buildings as documentation is not always available. In such cases, As-Built Cloud Point model can be generated using laser scanning technologies.

Increased energy efficiency

BIM implementation in renovation projects can aid in increasing the energy efficiency of the asset. For example, natural lighting and shading aspects can be simulated with the help of a BIM model. What-if analysis will help design and simulate the energy consumption for the renovated structure more accurately. This can also be done for the existing structure to make it more energy efficient. BIM models can also be useful in calculating the carbon footprint getting a carbon credit report on the asset.

Resource, cost, and time optimization

Accurate building material quantification and other asset data through the BIM model can help project managers optimise construction materials and resources. Besides, project stakeholders can perform budget estimation and cost planning based on the potential risks very early in the design phase. Integrating the project schedule with BIM model also ensures there are no project delays and timeline extensions. BIM models have real-time information, and this information exchange reduces chances of conflict and miscommunication between project stakeholders. Thus, BIM adoption can help achieve resource, cost, and time optimization in renovation projects with relative ease.

To conclude, renovation projects come with risks and uncertainties of the aging building. BIM can bridge the gap between the challenges of renovation and the possibilities of high-quality construction. A clear visualization of the outcome, optimum data and resource management, time and cost efficiency, and enhanced energy management are a few things that BIM can support on renovation projects.

As industry professionals, we actively encourage BIM adoption in the AEC industry for both new construction and renovation projects.

The role of Building Information Modelling (BIM) is being recognized beyond design and 3D representation for its benefits across the construction lifecycle of a project. At the same time, facility managers are also getting acquainted with how BIM implementation is not limited to the construction phase. In fact, after project completion, the data repository containing asset history, operation and maintenance related information is valuable for asset management. The role of BIM in disaster management and recovery based on the asset information is notable.

Construction technology is advancing rapidly and helping us build better. However, natural disasters like floods, earthquakes and tornadoes are beyond our control. The disaster may be inevitable, but the damage to the asset and subsequent financial losses can be minimized greatly. What-if scenarios can be simulated using BIM models from the planning stage itself for building and infrastructure utilities. We have also witnessed cases of ill-management in fire accidents. In such scenarios, lack of asset information and delayed evacuation has resulted in higher injuries and death tolls. Having access to the BIM model for the building/ property and using the information to recover from the disaster can be truly beneficial.

Today, BIM’s information storehouse can be used by facility managers for disaster planning and management. Facility managers and emergency response teams can make quick decisions with the help of BIM data on floor plans, the MEP systems and real-time asset information.

The accurate building information and timely communication can help facility managers tackle fire accidents and other emergencies. For example, the geometric and topological information of the building through BIM can give a clearer perspective to the emergency response team in case of fire accidents. When firefighters have a detailed layout and other asset information such as functional doors and elevators, they can navigate the building easily and prepare for evacuation and safety measures effectively.

BIM’s real-time information can also help in post-disaster recovery. For example, the emergency response team can use asset information from BIM such as damage to walls and electrical wires due to flooding. With this information, the team can take necessary action to avoid further losses and plan rapid asset recovery.

To conclude, state-of-the-art technology helps us achieve robust construction. But we need to build sustainable assets for a better future. BIM for construction, if used effectively, can help us construct disaster-resilient buildings, enhance consumer protection and ensure a safer environment for the community also BIM is an effective tool for renovation projects.

A decade ago Building Information Modeling (BIM) may have been a foreign term in the construction industry. But not anymore. BIM’s popularity has increased exponentially across the world and the US is not behind in this league. More and more architects, engineers, and contractors are looking at BIM beyond its 3D modeling capability.

BIM for construction is being considered as a collaborative tool that impacts the entire construction lifecycle. In the past decade, stakeholders in the US construction industry have realised these top 5 benefits of BIM adoption and implementation:

• Seamless communication among project stakeholders
• Efficient project management
• Time, cost, and resource savings
• Use of prefabrication and modular construction
• Improved site safety

Here are a few examples from the US construction industry that clearly demonstrate the benefits of BIM application beyond the 3D model.

• Seamless communication among project stakeholders

Boarding Area B of Harvey Milk Terminal 1, San Francisco is a great example of improved communication and team collaboration with the help of BIM. This project involved a virtual design team from different geographic locations including New York, New Delhi, Melbourne, and Dubai. The cloud platform of BIM ensured collaborative project discussions and coordination of design changes and other project alterations were accommodated within the project timelines. For a geographically diverse team working on a large-scale project, this streamlined information exchange made sure all stakeholders had the same project vision and thus avoiding discrepancies and delays in deliverables.

• Efficient project management

Project management through BIM is reflected in the construction of the Super Bowl LII Stadium in Minneapolis. This project incorporated over 500 unique models from designers, architects, and engineers. Through BIM, all construction stakeholders were involved in design, documentation, and workflow management. Besides, modeling and animation of major construction components helped stakeholders foresee possible risks. This efficient project management mitigated budget overruns due to delays. In fact, the project was completed six weeks ahead of the scheduled completion date.

• Use of prefabrication and modular construction

When it comes to the use of prefabrication with the help of BIM, the McHenry Row redevelopment project in Baltimore serves as a good example. In this project, the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems for the wall panels were identified through BIM modeling. The wall panels were fabricated off-site with pre-cut openings for the pipes, ducts, and electrical work. These panels were later transported to the construction site. BIM for construction along with prefabrication increased efficiency and avoided possibilities of hard clashes during this project.

• Improved site safety

Apart from planning and designing, BIM as technology also helps mitigate on-site injuries and accidents. For example, with the help of BIM modeling, pre-manufactured, shared racksystems for plumbing, heating, and cooling were built for a large hospital project. These were built on the ground and later transported to the job site, thus requiring fewer labourers on ladders. The pre-manufactured units saved time and also reduced injuries of labourers or other construction hazards.

• Time, cost, and resource savings

One of the largest community college districts in the US, the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) had procured funding for enhancing the campus facilities. Launched as  BuildLACCD, this massive project used BIM for construction and remodeling campus buildings. The collaborative 3D process ensured real-time information management and better conflict resolution. This, in turn, reduced rework and saved time resulting in $12 million cost savings and 12% labor savings.

Such applications of BIM reflect the change in outlook for planning, designing, and construction and BIM mandates in the construction industry could add momentum to BIM adoption in the USA and the world.

Think BIM, think advanced information management, and seamless coordination throughout the lifecycle of the construction project. But how do we make that work for us?

BIM execution plans can be set up for a project or for an organization. A BIM Execution Plan (BEP) establishes the BIM implementation and adoption strategy, BIM goals, its workflow, information management between stakeholders, scope of the project, and many other aspects. This structured layout helps navigate through the BIM adoption process, mitigate information gaps, coordination issues, remote work-led challenges, and more. Thus, the plan plays a vital role in construction projects of any scale. In fact, larger construction projects with multiple stakeholders involved will see the greatest benefit from a well-laid out BEP.

Here’s a quick guide to the creation of a BIM Execution Plan and how it adds value to BIM implementation and the entire construction lifecycle.

Creating a BIM Execution Plan

The process begins with assessing the client’s BIM goals and capabilities and setting up a roadmap for BIM adoption. This is then translated into an abstracted BEP wherein clients mention their project requirements referred to as Employer’s Information Requirements (EIR). The BEP is, thereafter, framed outlining how BIM implementation will cater to the EIR.

Once the basic goals, processes, tools, etc are defined, the specifics and finer contours of the BEP are sketched out. A BEP is a living document and receives inputs throughout the project lifecycle. Some of the items that are detailed out in the BEP are:

• Outlining the goals for BIM implementation for the project/organization
• Creating a detailed map on the various BIM processes such as 3D modeling, Clash detection, 2D extraction, 4D linking and simulation, etc at different project phases
• Defining information exchange between project members
• Stating roles and responsibilities of each project member
• Identifying the technology, the quality of information model, and the Level of Development (LOD) required for the project
• Mentioning the delivery strategy such as design-build or design-bid-build based on which project implementation takes place.

Benefits of the BIM Execution Plan

The BIM Execution Plan reinforces benefits such as enhanced communication and collaboration, and effective time utilization. Here are some of the benefits that a good BEP sets you up for:

• The BIM Execution Plan enables better communication between team/project members. There is transparency in information received and ease of communication flow from the beginning to the completion of the project.
• Organizational silos and conflicts are minimized with a well-laid-out plan as each member’s role is defined from project inception.
• The plan could also include training to minimize risks due to wrong BIM implementation by untrained staff.
• Project members are better prepared for emergencies or unexpected delays as the BIM Execution Plan ensures information transparency at every project phase. This transparency helps save time due to project delays.
• Participants entering the project at a later stage benefit from the streamlined workflow set at the initial stage of the project.

BIM is a highly collaborative tool for the construction industry. However, we need a BIM Execution Plan to leverage 100% of the potential BIM has. We would urge project owners or contractors to have a well-designed BEP for every stage of a construction project, regardless of the scale.

May BIM help you see you through several splendid projects in the coming months!

Our construction industry has been witnessing the vast benefits of Building Information Modeling (BIM). There’s an increase in awareness about how 3D BIM models enable better collaboration, enhanced visualization, better asset planning, and effective time and cost management for new construction and renovation/ upgradation projects alike. However, after any project completion, the primary concern is the operation and maintenance of the building and its in-built assets. This makes asset management a crucial practice in the construction industry.

Asset management is the administration of daily operation, maintenance, and repair of each asset in a building. In the construction industry, we may perceive BIM and asset management as independent practices. Yet they have a direct correlation. The synergy between the two can help with streamlined maintenance and reduced financial costs.

Let us look at how BIM can support asset management.

Role of BIM in asset management

BIM offers structured information management for all phases of the construction lifecycle. Its shared model can collate data around planning, designing, installation, commissioning, and related aspects of an asset. Upon project completion, the digital handover of BIM information models to asset management systems can empower asset owners with information about asset performance, maintenance, and safety.

Advantages of integrating BIM and asset management

When BIM and asset management databases are linked, information management becomes seamless. BIM renders itself for the creation of the ‘digital twin’ of the physical asset thus, making asset location simpler. It also provides accurate real-time information across asset categories.

In addition, BIM acts as an information storehouse for asset data that includes asset history, its operation, its size, dependencies, and disaster recovery. This easily accessible asset data supports better planning of maintenance, repair, and replacement and reduced time in asset maintenance. For instance, a problem in an AC duct can be easily identified through the BIM model. This can help the maintenance staff fix the problem in a few hours or in a single visit rather than what may have taken longer with traditional asset management.

The 3D model can help identify point and linear assets in the building structure. The asset data also provides information about interconnected point assets and linear assets. For example, point assets such as faucet, basin, sprinkler linked with the linear assets such as water supply, drainage pipes, and others.

Challenges of asset management without BIM

Without BIM, there will be no structured data for asset management. Asset data from the construction phase cannot be extracted. This also hampers the identification and location of hidden assets.

For example, BIM is not integrated with asset management for a construction project. If a false ceiling is constructed later, asset owners and facility managers will find it difficult to identify the electrical cables and pipe routes without digital asset data. In such cases where no asset data is available, the false ceiling will have to be broken for any repair work, thus adding to the maintenance cost and time.

Integration of asset management with BIM: An example from Excelize portfolio

We, at Excelize, have witnessed asset management integration through BIM in multiple projects. The construction of SIDRA – super specialty hospital in Qatar is one such example. It is a 600-bed hospital for women and children built on a plot area of 77 acres and a built-up area of 430,000 square meters. Integration of BIM and asset management is useful in projects like hospitals where asset maintenance needs to be well-planned to avoid hindrances in surgeries and medical treatments. For example, shutting the hospital power supply to service one hospital room or equipment can affect the functioning of other rooms. However, the integration of BIM and asset management has made it possible to identify the hospital areas or, rooms that will be affected if the power supply is cut off during repair and maintenance.

To maximize the potential of BIM, we need to use it in the post-construction phase when the asset is handed over to the owners. BIM’s support in asset management not only ensures improved building management but also optimum utilization of time and costs.

Let us look at BIM beyond the design and construction phases.