BIM is a critical tool for improving project efficiencies in the construction industry, with the market set to triple in value over the next 5 years. The significant role BIM has played in digitization of the construction industry can be attributed to the following key benefits it provides for the client.
Visual Representation
As the old proverb goes “…measure twice, cut once…”. By using BIM, all involved parties can visualise and experience what the space will look like in a 3D environment at the early stages of the project. Having such a high level of visibility over the real-life model at the beginning of the process gives the client the opportunity to make any required changes before construction begins. This improves efficiency in the approval process, minimising the likelihood of expensive and time-consuming change requests cropping later in the project.
Project Coordination
BIM allows all involved parties to collaborate by working off one live Revit model that combines each aspect of the construction together. By centralising the project object clashes can be automatically detected prior to construction. This avoids any unforeseen issues on site and gives engineers time to re-plan certain aspects of the project, without the need to put the project on hold mid construction. The less setbacks incurred, the shorter the project delivery time will be.
The level of accuracy achieved through BIM also helps to diminish waste and allows for more accurate model-based costing that can be easily amended in line with the model. This eliminates the likelihood of any surprise costs for the client.
Future planning
Revit Models are more than just single use prototypes, in fact they remain an important point of reference throughout the entire life cycle of a facility. As a Revit model holds all relevant information about a building or facility, it can be used by building managers to facilitate expansions or maintenance. For instance, if a leak was to materialise, a building manager can use the Revit model to explore the area and identify the source or electrical hazards. This will allow maintenance personnel to pre plan their approach to conduct safe and efficient repairs.
Generic Vs Manufacturer Specific Revit Models
Although using generic Revit objects as placeholders is sometimes preferred by designers in the initial stages, this method ultimately slows down the project process. Whilst all Revit models must undergo a level of checking, generic Revit models must be completely reconstructed using manufacturer specific Revit objects in order to accurately assess project feasibility.
The reality is that each product will differ depending on the manufacturers, possessing different weights, sizes and placement capabilities. Therefore, it is likely that issues will arise due to the specification of the generic Revit objects used to model the project not matching the manufacturers actual product properties. In such cases, a significant amount of time must be spent reconfiguring the proposed model before the new Revit model can be signed off, ultimately setting project delivery times back. However, if manufacturer specific Revit objects are used in the initial model, the manufacturer can be presented with an as-built model constructed to exact product specifications. This would reduce the need for model adjustments, creating a smoother project process resulting in a more favourable project delivery timeline.
E+I Engineering’s Revit Content
Our intelligent Revit libraries provide high quality digitised data and are maintained and updated to reflect the latest product changes. E+I Engineering are committed to supporting our clients by providing direct access to our comprehensive busbar Revit models. You can directly place specific items into a 3D BIM environment to produce accurate and efficient plans, containment drawings and bills of quantities to form a fully integrated project.
Upon accessing E+I Engineering’s exclusive Revit content you will have access to support from our BIM Division throughout your project.
Register online at bim.e-i-eng.com/ to gain access to our new Revit content portal and receive the customised support you need to begin your BIM Journey with E+I engineering
