Building Information Modeling as Perspective the Engineering Tool - Research Paper Example

Building Information Modeling (BIM) al Affiliation: Building Information Modeling (BIM) Can BIM be the Engineering Tool Leading to the Future of Construction? The BIM technology has come a long way in ensuring not only worker safety, but also residential owner safety as well. The construction industry, in terms of labor safety laws, rules, regulations and requirements, has evolved over time, giving rise to new methodology, standards and measures. BIM, as a process, involves both the management and generation of digital representations; with regard to the functional and physical characteristics of given places. This enhances the overall capacity of the construction industry concerning efficient and effective construction works. Introduction Created models (BIMs), are usually files, which can be either networked or exchanged by professionals, with the aim of enhancing decision-making processes. These files are not necessarily in proprietary formats, nor do they contain proprietary data, but are visual representations of developed ideals and conceptions of a given place. Thus, utility is wide-ranging, from individuals and firm-entities, to government agencies; BIM softwares are vital in the planning, design, construction, and the eventual operation and maintenance of varying infrastructure. Essentially, it has and continues being utilized in diverse infrastructure such as roads, ports, bridges, communication utilities, waste disposal facilities to housing, warehouses and prison construction amongst others (American Institute of Architects, 2006). Historically, the BIM concept traces its roots to the 1970s with the first mentioning being in a 1992 paper by Tolman F. P and G. A. van Nederveen. The eventual popular use of the concept was only realized after the release of a white paper by Autodesk, entitled – Building Information Modeling. Afterwards, it was through Laiserin’s aid, which helped standardize and popularize the term; with regard to facilitating both the inter-operability and exchange of digitized data formats. As a digital representation of contemporary building processes, it was akin to: - the Integrated Project Models of Bentley Systems; Vectorworks/ Autodesk’s BIM, or Graphisoft’s Virtual Building concepts. Definitions do vary, with the National Building Information Model Standard Project Committee (NBIMSPC) providing the best description. Pertinently, BIM regards a representation, digitally formatted; of the functional and physical characteristics of a given utility space or place. As a concept, it pertains to the collective knowledge source of specific information/data about an existing facility. It further provides a reliable basis on which decisions are made; with regard to the facility’s life-cycle i.e. from the earliest conception period to the final end result of demolition (Eastman, Teicholz, Sacks, & Liston, 2011). Influence of BIM on Traditional Building Design Traditionally, building designs were largely reliant on drawings i.e. plans, sections and elevations, which were majorly 2D (two-dimensional) in nature. there was the presence of height and width; with initial 3D adding depth/ substance to such drawings. Building construction was thereby reliant on a phase-by-phase process, streamlined through utility of such processes. However, with the advent of BIM, not only did such procedures experience the advantages of 3D drawings, but also those of computer graphics. Through computation time, as the 4D (fourth dimension) was achievable, in addition to cost as the 5D (fifth dimension). Therefore, not only does the concept involve geometry, but also a host of other factors. It covers amongst others: various spatial relationships, existing geographical information, and light analysis; in addition to the proven properties and quantities of building materials. The process involves the representation of a design; as an end-product pertaining to combinations of various objects, in terms of their attributes, relations and overall geometry (Szymberski, 1997). These combinations may be generic, solid shapes, product-specific, vague and undefined, or void-space oriented in nature. Through existing tools, which allow the extraction of various views concerning a specific building model, for other uses aside from drawing production, BIM provides a platform for consistent production. This is usually based on a sole definition of a given object, with the software present also defining objects parametrically. Here, the objects are defined in terms of their relations and parameters, to other surrounding objects, thereby showcasing the overall effect of a given scenario. Thus, a related object or surrounding if amended, does automatically effect change on the dependent aspects in the overall picture. Such platforms are also able to provide model elements which can carry specific attributes crucial in their automatic selection and ordering. In addition to this, is the presence of material tracking and ordering, as well as the provision of cost estimates (Smith, 2007). Professional Application and Use For any professional involved in a given project, the presence and utility of BIM enables the efficient handling in of a virtual information model, from the design team to the contracting team present. The design team is inclusive of amongst others, surveyors and architects; as well as structural, building services and civil engineers. The eventual recipient of such a model, from the contractors, is the operator or owner present. This system of procedure enables the addition of discipline-specific data, from each professional present; thereby enriching the eventual single shared model. There is thus the reduction of information loss, which traditionally would occur during project transfers; from one team to another. Ultimately, there is provision of more extensive information, regarding complex building structures, to the owners and stakeholders present. As a collection of different data, pertinent to a building/ structure’s database, it is utilized towards easy querying; both in a numerical and visual manner. The process entails different phases, starting with the production of the building’s 3D digital model. to be noted is that this mode is more than just pure geometry; complimented by nice textures cast over, for visual effects (Azhar, Khalfan & Maqsood, 2012). Rather, a trued BIM model entails the presence of virtual equivalents, with regard to the actual building segments, pieces and parts; all put into place perfectly under normal environmental conditions. These representations do possess all the essential characteristics i.e. logical and physical, in regard to their counterparts in reality. It is these intelligent elements, digital prototypes of the buildings under focus, which are representative of such aspects as building walls, doors, windows, and stairs amongst other amenities. They enable professionals to better simulate the actual building, in order to understand the overall behavioral effects. When this is done in a virtual context, it is easier to detect various errors and omissions; in advance, thereby saving resources, time, money and even lives. The advent of the technological era has enabled others outside the construction industry profession, gain access to varying models via mobile devices and other assorted technologies. This has thus propelled the concept further into the market, necessitating its inclusion in any building and construction professional present (Rajendran & Clarke, 2011). Concept Viability: The 5 Fundamentals Various firm entities, utilizing the concept and available BIM software, have witnessed remarkable growth and potential; in terms of strong investment returns and gained benefits. BIM, as aforementioned, is more than a 3D model; through further importance in the overall improvement of construction and design, through increased efficiency, as well as reduced risk occurrence. Through the 5 fundamentals present, the concept leads to the construction of better and more valuable properties. The first is the effect of Visualization, where the concept provides a virtual 3D project model; thereby enabling owners to not only visually understand how a building is to be constructed, but also the product. Through enhanced visual capacity, owners are able to gain better feedback, as well as make recommendations pertinent to the building. This further allows not only the owners, but also other core stakeholders involved, to conceptualize in its entirety, a potential building construction, prior to its commencement. This allows for the minimization of change orders during the actual construction process, thereby saving both resources and money (Fortner, 2010). The third factor is the aspect of Quantification, where the software does generate real time values, with regard to any design changes to be made. Through analysis of information, there is early detection of cost overruns, as well the considerable reduction of wasted efforts. This results in more efficient projects, which are able to be undertaken on the present budgets, as well as on timely schedule. Thirdly, is the aspect of Simulation, where the BIM software enables the creation of 4D simulation; with regard to the construction schedule. This allows all involved stakeholders to have a greater understanding of the proposed construction process visually. In addition, it enhances the determination of schedule logistics, as well as adequate preparation for the project’s construction phase. The fourth factor is the aspect of Coordination, as provided by one of BIM’s most valuable aspects. Here, the aspect of resolution and clash detection ability; in addition to its enhanced system integration capacity, enables BIM software analyze information from various arenas. Multiple systems i.e. electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems, provide much needed information, enabling the early detection of potential issues or clashes (Ku & Taiebat, 2011). This is essential to a given project team, as it enables the saving of money, as a result of costly change orders; which may occur later on. Through detection of such issues, prior to the construction phase, enables keep the project on schedule, through prevention of potential setbacks. The last factor is the factor of Communication, which in tandem with collaboration amongst all stakeholders involved in a given project, enables better utility of the software. All players are able to participate through sharing and updating of information, within the real time-frame. This is through the streamlining of information, as well as the integration of existing workflow. BIM enables the increase of communication, as well as the understanding by potential and existing stakeholders. This is through utility of high quality, mock-ups of a digital nature, which provide a vivid picture of the project. This is in terms of actual project portrayal, in addition to its impacts on surrounding areas (Gudgel, 2008). Differentiation from an AutoCAD 3D Model The BIM concept, in addition to the software component, is different from an AutoCAD 3D model. however, the difference is not in the manner or methodology utilized with regard to the conceptualization of both terms; but rather on the purpose of design. The AutoCAD 3D model, just like other CAD programs, is designed for the purpose of technical assistance. This is majorly so with regard to architecture and mechanical design, as well as astronautics and aerospace engineering. Focus is more on drafting utility and technical design; through either computer-aided drafting or design. Fundamentally, this is better utilized in more complex endeavors especially of a mechanical nature. This is as opposed to commercial buildings, which require lesser standards and measures (Behm, 2005). Conclusion The BIM concept is more commonplace within the contemporary building arena. this is fundamentally influenced by its overall enhancement of worker safety, as well as the enhancement of work schedule timing and cost saving measures. Pre-task planning does offer a majority of opportunities, with regard to BIM utility, thereby enhancing construction safety. This is in addition to its capacity with regard to accident investigation, where the software can be utilized in recreating the sequence of events prior. Overall, safety is the core issue, in addition to other benefits such as cost effectiveness, efficiency and time management. References American Institute of Architects (AIA). (2006). AIA firm survey: The business of architecture. Washington, DC: Author. Azhar, S., Khalfan, M. & Maqsood, T. (2012). Building Information Modeling (BIM): Now and Beyond. Australasian Journal of Construction Economics and Building, 12(4): 15-28. Behm, M. (2005). Linking construction fatalities to the design for construction safety concept. Safety Science, 43: 589-611. Eastman, C, Teicholz, P., Sacks, R. & Liston, K. (2011). BIM Handbook: A Guide to Building Information Modeling for Owners, Managers, Designers, Engineers and Contractors, (2nd Ed.). NY: John Wiley and Sons. Fortner, B. (2010). Are you ready for BIM? Civil Engineering, 4: 534-76. Gudgel, J. (2008). Building information modeling: Transforming design and construction to achieve greater industry productivity, (Ed.). Bedford, MA: McGraw-Hill Construction Research and Analytics. Ku, K. & Taiebat, M. (2011). BIM Experiences and Expectations: The Constructor’s Perspective. International Journal of Construction Education and Research, 7 (3): 175-197. Rajendran, S. & Clarke, B. (2011). Building Information Modeling: Safety Benefits & Opportunities. Professional Safety: 44-51. Smith, D. (2007). An introduction to building information modeling. Journal of Building Information Modeling, 12-14. Szymberski, R. (1997). Construction project safety planning. TAPPI Journal, 80(11): 69-74. Read More