Building information modelling (BIM) is an architectural design and structural engineering process. BIM helps provide accurate information management capabilities and boosts collaborative potential across teams during the construction process, for a faster and more efficient result.
BIM design is a process that incorporates many aspects of a construction project. The ‘BIMs’ themselves are digital files, which are accessible through many types of planning and modelling software. These models provide standardised formats for all aspects of the design and construction of a building.
The software a person uses to interact with BIMs can vary depending on their role in the project. The specific information someone requires from BIMs also varies. Using BIM construction models in the design process has the following benefits:
BIM design offers an intelligent, data-led approach to the construction industry and can dramatically increase the efficiency of a construction project.
Details on the benefits of BIM and using the BIM construction model can be hard to understand. However, as leading providers of cubicle systems that use BIM design principles across the UK, we can help explain more clearly. You can take advantage of our BIM models for washrooms by using our design and installation services, please get in touch for more detail.
Here we will explain the main benefits of BIM models for washrooms, other areas or even entire buildings.
As a client, speed and efficiency in your contractor are essential. By using modelling software with standardised 3D models, architects and design or construction departments can work better together – and ultimately help lower costs.
The access to the standardised specifications provides a template for all departments to operate with, meaning that everyone has the same information and is working from it – which can help to increase efficiency.
For example, if an engineer has the same information as an electrician they can ensure there will be no clashes in measurements, design, formats or compatibility – which makes the construction process much smoother and cost-effective.
The ultimate cost benefits of using BIM models for washrooms, or any other type of project, are the key source of the appeal.
The design and preconstruction of many elements of the project is a primary reason that this is possible, but other aspects of BIM also help save on costs.
Below are some details on how the cost advantages of BIM design are possible:
Coordination: Essentially, if you can get teams to work better with each other you can build a better building faster. BIM helps with this. Imagine a window frame not fitting or a point for wiring being unsuitable in terms of safety, the superior communication and collaboration of BIM eliminate this.
Safety: So much of the construction process in a building relies on safety. By using BIM you can plan for the safest practices in advance and quickly implement safety standards as construction progresses, this can help avoid any accidents, material breakages and other costly time delays.
Scheduling: If you have ever done a home renovation you have likely faced unexpected setbacks in construction, which then increases the project’s timeframe. BIM allows for an optimised construction schedule, so delays are foreseeable and can be planned ahead of time.
Prefabrication: Constructing as many elements off-site as possible can help decrease waste, and therefore save on costs. By prefabricating, you can be sure you make the most efficient use of your materials. You also reduce labour costs on the project as significantly less time is necessary to install prefabricated construction materials.
Precision: The amazing thing about the BIM design process is that it is so impeccably precise, even on a large scale. Imagine knowing exactly how many roof tiles you require for a small roof. Using BIM models, this is possible on an industrial scale – with an extremely high degree of accuracy.
The key to the BIM design process is the fact that it is scalable, which is how it relates to our services. By using standardised BIM models for washrooms we can plan and install washrooms over an area of any size with the greatest efficiency.
BIM design is useful for large infrastructure projects, which is why the UK government and other nations use it in big projects relating to oil, gas, water, communication and other utilities.
The simplicity and accuracy of BIM mean that we can deliver the same level of quality when installing washrooms, at any scale. So you can fit a single office or an entire building full of bathrooms and washrooms to a reliable standard.
While using BIM means that buildings can be erected with greater speed and efficiency, there is an appeal of BIM design that extends beyond the construction project itself. BIM reaches into the facility management and ongoing operation of the completed building.
For example, let’s say you manage a large building in central London. Many electrical, structural, plumbing and communication utilities will require access for maintenance or repair.
By using the specialised BIM 3D models from the construction of the building, you can access detailed information on every valve, outlet or circuit – and almost anything else for that matter.
From here you can send in a team for targeted repair in the exact area that needs attention. This drastically decreases management time when an issue arises in a specific location.
When replacing an item like a fuse or valve you will have the information at hand, so there is full assurance that everything will function in line with the same standards – as set out in the building’s planning stages.
Another perk of BIM that arises from the extra efficiency is a lesser impact on the environment, reducing the carbon footprint of a construction project.
There are a few disadvantages to using BIM, which can make it unrealistic for certain projects. Drawbacks of BIM construction include the following:
Costs: Modeling software and collaboration tools can take a lot of processing power, which requires substantial computing equipment to create, store and access. This can add a significant cost to BIM.
Skills: BIM requires full training of all staff for it to be effective. Getting teams to grips with new technologies and computer software can take some time to complete, and can also contribute to costs.
Divergent ideas: BIM design requires strong leadership and agreement among all departments. If one element has a different vision than the other it can decrease efficiency and reduce the effectiveness of BIM.
While there are a great many advantages to using BIM the process must be carried out under the right conditions.
Using BIM it is possible to hand over a project in the fastest possible time, with the best possible accuracy and to the highest possible standards. This intelligent, data-led approach results in better washrooms at a lower price.
You can maintain manageable costs throughout a construction project by using BIM design. It is an optimised process that reliably leads to the best outcome. Get in touch with us for more information and to start your washroom design project.
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Altrincham Business Park,
Stuart Road, Altrincham, Manchester, WA14 5GJ
