Building Information Modelling (BIM) enhances the decision-making process for healthcare projects, benefiting both the construction process and the lifecycle of the facility. While BIM improves project delivery of any type, it is especially valuable in complex developments such as healthcare. These facilities are not only growing in number but also scale and capacity, increasing the importance and appeal of BIM.
While BIM undoubtedly encourages teamwork among the various disciplines in the construction stage, its benefits aren’t solely limited to the early project stages. If desired, Facility managers can obtain the BIM model when the development is complete and use the system to detect any problems throughout the building lifecycle. For instance, when maintenance or replacements are necessary, the BIM system can notify management before the problem becomes hazardous.
As a visible transition to BIM adoption is growing steadily, we will explore the benefits it can bring to healthcare projects:
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Augmented Reality
BIM transforms visualization into reality. Computers can convert visuals into real life elements to effectively communicate project design specifics. Traditional methods meant that while architects could easily visualize a building, they struggled to effectively convey the design to contractors and relevant stakeholders. The visualised design was often unfeasible for construction, and could rarely be replicated in real life. With BIM, all team members can effectively communicate the practicality, design and constructability of each project feature with each other, making sure the visual design can convert into reality.
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Lean Approach
BIM establishes a process focused on optimizing and measuring project performance. A lean approach to construction ensures that projects are streamlined so that wasted time, money and un-necessary project amendments are reduced. BIM is also advantageous in streamlining the supply chain meaning project managers are able to deliver high value to clients via efficient design and construction.
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Reduced risks
A major benefit of BIM is its role in helping detect possible clashes and highlighting risks early in the project. With all elements of the healthcare development accounted for in one single system, issues can be easily identified before construction begins. Virtual design and construction (VDC) also helps reduce risk with the ability to spot overlapping issues early in the project, making the whole process more efficient.
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Planning and coordination
Healthcare facilities require intricate, detailed planning and organization to complete a successful project. Adopting BIM enables Project Managers to direct and manage all areas of design and construction so that each team is on the same wavelength for the project entirety. Each stage from the initial gathering of the necessary material, to building fabrication and construction benefits from the improved co-ordination BIM provides.
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Faster project delivery
As well as effective identification of clashes in the pre-construction stage, BIM also contributes to greater quality control. Advanced computer software and mobile technology eliminates the need for manual drawings, allowing project members to easily access up to date versions of the relevant documents and 3D models. With increased demand for pre-fabricated healthcare designs, BIM can also help remove wastage and save money.
BIM better manages the sites spatial requirements of a site, reducing the probability of clashes and the rework necessary to rectify them. This, along with improved organisation in construction scheduling ensures a speedy, on time project completion.
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Equipment layout
Healthcare facilities and hospitals house a huge amount of medical equipment. Placing this apparatus into the model using BIM ensures an optimized layout and lets facility managers track equipment positioning when the project is complete and the building is in use. BIM visualization features are important to take testing and treatment processes into account when organizing the location and spatial requirements of equipment. Healthcare facility rooms can also be simulated and the people that occupy the room, such as nurses, doctors, patients etc. are considered when designing the layout and expected movements in the room.
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Changing space requirements
It’s highly probable that the space requirements in a healthcare facility will change over time with the introduction of new technology and necessary renovations. BIM ensures management can adapt and alter space layouts with every detail of the building accurately accounted for in the model.
BIM is a key component in improving efficiency and cost savings in healthcare construction projects. Not only is it a new technology with endless potential in its own right, but it also has capabilities to enhance processes which promote greater communication among project team members.
These improved processes have significant effects on construction; eliminating reworks and delays and ensuring faster project delivery.
Undoubtedly, the benefits of BIM are plentiful, and adopting the software for healthcare construction will improve decision-making processes, communication, planning and co-ordination; producing an on time, in budget and high-quality project.
