What is the intent of BIM’s application in construction?

In a layman’s word Building Information Modeling can be defined as a process which represents

the entire project life cycle in the digital form. BIM is a recent advancement in Architecture,

Engineering and Construction industry wherein the entire information related to construction is

represented in multidiscipline models which are created by design and construction professionals

in the 3D environment of Revit which is popular building design software. In short the entire

building process is effectively represented in digital form by BIM.

BIM is used by design and construction professionals for the systematic structuring of

construction information in 3D, which makes it convenient to optimize it throughout project

lifecycle. For the systematic representation of building information 3D models are constructed

by AEC professionals for each discipline wherein geometry related information is contained in

details. All the geometrical information related to architecture, structure and MEP can be

effectively obtained by architects, engineers and fabricators from 3D BIM models.

The correct time to apply Building Information Modeling in a building project is right after the

development of initial sketches by architects and engineers. Multidiscipline 3D models can also

be developed by BIM modelers on the basis of these sketches. Though it is true that in most of

the cases drafting services are executed for the building projects, but BIM models can also be

developed directly if clear specifications are provided to modelers by clients. That means

experienced BIM modelers can develop highly precise 3D models without even having detailed

technical drawings with them.

When modelers of engineering company end up developing multidiscipline BIM models for

architecture, structure and MEP, they remain the main source of design and construction

information to building stakeholders throughout construction lifecycle. When additional

dimensions are included in BIM models they provide extra information to design and

construction professionals which improves the effectiveness of the entire building process. BIM

models give accurate information about design, scheduling, quantity takeoffs, bill of materials,

entire cost of the project, time required for construction and information related to the future

performance of the building. All this concrete information helps in enhancing the productivity of

design and construction professionals, which allow them to construct high performing buildings.