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.

The global economy has been hit with an unprecedented situation as the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19 situation continues to unfold. In a bid to contain the spread of the virus, governors across American states have issued “shelter at home” orders. People are being advised to stay at home and only people performing essential services are advised to be out. While some states, like Massachusetts, have exempted an array of construction activities from the provisions of the lockdown, it’s not business as usual for even those construction companies.

Companies are facing delays on many projects as social distancing norms and employees staying away are impacting the available human resources on site. In addition, supply chains are also being impacted by lockdowns and travel restrictions.

At this stage, companies are worried about how to get these projects back on track even as parts of the economy open up. As has been said, every crisis hides an opportunity. This crisis too has opened up the minds of construction companies to explore ways to innovate and accept technology as a way to propel their projects forward when the time comes.

Even as projects are stalled or progressing slowly, construction companies are taking the time to look for ways to make better schedules, correct designs, align the efforts of teams, and plan for resources and material requirements better. They’re looking to create a situation that will allow them to hit the ground running when a semblance of normalcy returns. And they’re looking towards technology like Building Information Modeling to do so.

Turning to technology like BIM at this time can prove fruitful for the construction industry. BIM allows easy collaboration and sharing of data in real-time among team members and provides easy access to up-to-date project information at all times, anywhere. The collection of data about on-going, but stalled, projects in BIM makes it easier to create better plans. This enables accurate decision-making that could positively impact the rest of the project lifecycle when work restarts. By incorporating integrated BIM, the carried over design clashes and constructability issues can be resolved, thereby averting costly rework or compromises as construction resumes.

How can BIM help to contribute towards saving time?

• The contractors are looking for innovative alternatives to reduce the embedded delays that inevitably creep into the project lifecycle. The building project managers are taking advantage of the lull to focus more on the preconstruction stages of the lifecycle, such as planning and designing during this quarantine phase. BIM can help designers to identify gaps and improve the design so that inefficiencies can be identified and removed to save time.

• BIM can help to encourage working and design collaboration between design consultants, engineers, and architects, along with streamlined and coordinated communication. This can help identify (and predict) possible problems in constructability or in converting the architected design into a functioning structure. This will allow the company to design well-considered workarounds for mitigation. As construction picks up again, these solutions will help reduce or eliminate the impact of the problems to save effort.

• Of course, with BIM, designers can create a comprehensive 3D model of the structure. It is well known that this allows for the detection of potential clashes that could emerge during the construction phase. Detecting these clashes early can help each team prepare their response and work better to avoid on-the-fly rework and improvisations. These take time. Better plans help to save that time and improve productivity. This will, in turn, help to speed up the process of project development.

• There are other inherent advantages of BIM that can positively impact acceleration of schedules as work picks up. For one, consider the ordering of materials. BIM models give a very accurate picture of what materials will be needed when and in exactly what quantity. This means the materials can be provisioned for use at exactly the right time for maximum efficiency. Another advantage of working with the BIM model is the collaboration due to the arrangement and updating of all documents in a single location. This single frame of reference ensures that everyone is working from the same source, preventing communication gaps and delays.

COVID-19 is testing the resilience of the American construction industry. But there’s always a new day. And when that new day dawns, technology solutions like BIM can contribute to the efforts of the construction companies that want to make up for a lost time.

An AGC survey found that 80% of all construction companies were unable to fill positions and 70% believed the situation would become worse as 2020 wears on. There’s no debate that this is a full-blown emergency.

The construction industry is unable to deliver projects on time. This holds up resources, drains cash flows, and hurts profitability. This also affects their ability to bid for other projects and hurts their reputation.

The AGC survey referred earlier revealed that many construction companies are looking towards innovative technology to tackle the shortage of skilled laborers. Technology like Building Information Modeling helps these companies become more efficient and effective -a valuable competitive advantage.

So, it’s apparent that construction companies need access to quality tech talent. But are these resources easy to find? Are they easy to keep engaged and to retain?

Truth be told, in centers away from Silicon Valley or New York, it’s hard for mid-sized construction companies to find technically-inclined people. Even the few that are there aren’t necessarily interested in building a career in construction. They want to work with peers who are equally tech-driven. They want access to the latest tools and to use their tech skills to make an impact. They seek opportunities to perform.

Organizations need to use powerful tactics to win the war for talent. Retention is driven by an understanding of what drives such top talent, such as:

• Providing opportunities for personal and professional growth.
• Leadership training programs.
• Providing opportunities and tools to enable them to perform up to their potential.
• Invest in diversity.
• Hands-on experience on up to date and cutting-edge technology.

Here’s how an organization can build a tech team, even in the face of such challenges:

1. Getting connected with tech-specialized partners: Technology is a network that extends far beyond the company or organization. Partnering with a skilled partner organization that has the experience will enable the construction company to gain insights into how technology works in their context. This will also give the tech staff within the company the opportunity to learn from industry experts. The staff of the partner firm can associate with the existing employees, including architects, designers, and project managers, and provide them hands-on exposure. This can contribute to improved methods and the opportunity for contextual learning. Allowing their tech staff to interface with the partner will help provide them opportunities to expand their high-performance horizons and allow them to feel associated with the latest technology.

2. Hiring a BIM partner: Turning to specific project delivery, hiring an expert BIM partner will offer the organization the opportunity to launch their own BIM initiative, even as they see an immediate impact from the power of BIM in live projects. The ideal BIM partner will be able to work on the BIM models and then handhold the internal team as the model gets rolled out, adopted, and modified on an ongoing basis. This high-touch engagement will allow the internal tech resources the opportunity to experience real-world issues and solutions. They can start building out the processes and workflows that would become necessary to adopt once the organization embraces BIM on a larger scale. The BIM partner’s experience of having “been there, done that” will help make that a bit easier. Of course, it becomes essential to consider the experience of the BIM partner. Also, if they can provide advice, technical knowledge, and standards documentation?

3. Foster continuous learning and career development: Organizations need to foster the aspects that matter to the tech generation like learning, training, and career development opportunities. Constant learning and development opportunities are essential in a radically changing work environment. Construction organizations should integrate continuous learning and development through academics, training sessions or workshops. Offering incentives and support to learning will attract more tech-focused people to the organization and induce the folks already there to stay on.

4. Company culture: The organization’s culture is one of the key “must-haves” for tech talent. Creating a fantastic company culture will help retain as well as attract people. Projecting vibrancy and positivity in the workplace is extremely critical to overcoming the perception that construction companies are hide-bound, boring, traditional, and backward-looking. By setting out a strong vision and creating a fearless culture, even construction organizations can appear modern and relevant.

The construction industry needs to implement a corporate culture that challenges its employees and embraces innovation. It is now incumbent on this industry to break down traditional methods and introduce new ways to resonate with young tech talents. It is also essential for these organizations to offer employees development opportunities and the room to experiment. This will enable the employee to realize their full potential and will, in turn, contribute towards the company’s growth. A potential employee should see the opportunity to boost their career and deliver up to their own expectations.

Organizations need to focus on the need to provide employees with new and exciting opportunities to learn and master their craft. Organizing and delivering practical training sessions will help the employees stay updated but they only go so far. In that context, aligning with an expert technology partner organization over the initial phases of kicking off the organization will help provide such a training context. Employees can learn while working. They can see the impact of the technology that is being rolled out. As that impact gets recognized by the rest of the organization, it also helps create the sense that the organization is willing to give tech a chance. This assures the newbie techie of the possibility of a meaningful future within the organization. That’s a powerful incentive to stay on.

Construction organizations could employ these practices to create empowering and enabling environments for their tech employees. That will help them grow a tech cadre that can drive their projects to faster and more profitable completion.

BIM or Building Information Modeling is rapidly becoming the “must-have” process for planning, designing, coordinating, constructing, and maintaining infrastructure around the world. As most here would know, BIM is an intelligent 3D modeling process that provides architects, designers and construction and development professionals with a tool to efficiently plan, design, and construct infrastructure.

Benefits of using BIM:

· Easy coordination and collaboration.

· Better choices are made earlier in the process.

· Projects progress can be tracked more comprehensively.

·Reduces construction site clashes and risks that may lead to delays during construction.

BIM or Building Information Modeling framework not only contains the design or structure of a building but also the information related to the properties of various components, its construction, and maintenance. Construction companies expect that BIM will transform how project teams work and it does just that. BIM works on the principles of – implement, enable, and execute:

1. Implement:

• Standards and procedures

• Technology

• Modeling content

2. Team enablement:

• Training and education

• Define and share objectives

3. Project execution:

• Program coordination

• Model administration

• Knowledge transfer

Steps to follow while building your  BIM infrastructure:

Step 1: Start at the ground level:

Get all the equipment in order. It is important to ensure that all the infrastructure and software are up to date and can support BIM. This includes the workflows and processes for gathering information on an ongoing basis and for disseminating insights regularly. The following questions could be taken into consideration:

• Can the systems handle the amount of data required to make the BIM software impactful?

• Is the computing infrastructure ready and available?

• Are the processes, workflows, and systems created keeping in mind the time it would take to capture data, process it, build the model, and distribute the information?

There are some practical considerations to factor in too. For instance, data storage for large projects could become a significant consideration. As BIM utilizes a large amount of information, it is important to ensure that all the information stays secure yet easy to access.

Step 2: Get to know BIM:

Assign a team of employees to learn and understand more about BIM. The focus should be, not only, on how BIM works but also on how it influences how a team works? It is essential to gain a contextual understanding of BIM, its methodologies, and its implementation.

Step 3: Assemble the right team:

Like most initiatives, it’s good to start the BIM journey with a limited scope pilot. And, like most initiatives, the success of the project depends on the right talent available. It is important to pick the right set of individuals to drive the pilot project. Here are a few qualities to look for in a candidate for the pilot BIM project:

• Experience in 3D design or has BIM exposure.

• Understands the traditional structural plan and construction management process.

• Acknowledges data and modeling techniques.

• Willing to learn new software and systems quickly.

• Able to coach other team members.

Step 4: Develop a management plan:

Adopting BIM calls for changes across various parts of the organization. Adopting a BIM strategy introduces complexity into areas beyond just the engineering drawing department. This has been called a cultural change by many. The new way of working is more transparent and well-documented. This calls for accountability and collaboration. So, the management plan to roll out BIM across the construction enterprise would have to consider several crucial questions like:

• How do the impacted teams envision BIM changing the established workflows?

• Who will require training, and when will the training be provided?

• How will the questions and issues of the employees be solved? What will be the hand-holding process? Who will be the BIM champion who inspires everyone else to come on board?

As you can see, ongoing support is the most significant item. Organizational change will happen faster and be all the more effective when the employees will adopt new approaches for working.

In that context, a significant challenge is, how to get the employees on-site to use the data and insights provided from the BIM models?  Management strategies to drive up adoption may become crucial to ensuring success.

Step 5: Document the progress:

Once the initial setup is over and processes defined, it’s crucial to capture the learnings and keep track of ongoing progress. Here are a couple of ideas to note down:

• Project data, including key contacts.

• Processes that develop to manage file exchanges, kick-off meetings, and quality control.

• The impact of BIM in defining the vision for site design and analysis.

• The impact of BIM on improving cost estimation for materials and operations.

Step 6: Get your team to speed:

The next step in the BIM transformation is leveraging the foundation already prepared. The most significant instrument of change will be the employees who have seen the magic. These BIM champions can advocate for adoption across the organization. Motivate them to provide support to the rest of the team. On-the-job training for the team members is crucial as they make the transition easy for the employees as they learn the new tool and collaboration techniques.

Step 7: Expand and innovate with BIM:

Then comes the continuous improvement phase. The aim here is to get more from the BIM strategy. Ask yourself how you can:

• Detect issues in construction and structure early and fix them beforehand.

• Demonstrate and optimize construction schedules with less material waste.

• Deliver projects on schedule and under budget.

• Control and streamline communication between all partners with one model.

• Manage and maintain facilities post-construction.

Each of these advantages will help you construct a better structure and increase profitability.

As BIM technology continues to advance and become more dominant, construction organizations know that they must prepare their teams to adapt to these changes. Change is never easy, and a step-by-step guid is the most likely approach to achieve success.