Sustainability, affordability, delivery and lifecycle. These four key imperatives are driving and challenging the construction industry to not only deliver a solution that satisfies an initial requirement but one that considers environmental impacts and the operational aspects of a facility over its life.
In order to address these imperatives in an industry which is constantly innovating, new processes have been developed utilising three dimensional modelling applications, electronic filing and storage management along with links to internet based applications. Welcome to the world of Building Information Modelling (BIM).
Since 2009, Norman Disney & Young (NDY) has worked to develop a BIM platform and delivery process that addresses the above challenges. To date, NDY has delivered over 15 BIM projects and with each one has worked closely with clients to understand and establish their BIM objectives. We have found the key focus of clients is to reduce exposure to contract risk during construction through the use of visualisation and clash detection tools.
The BIM solution aims to capture all aspects of the design, construction and operation processes and seeks to improve the collaboration and coordination of the design teams to deliver a project. The collation of this information forms the basis for the facilities management platform that can be used for ongoing maintenance and life cycle replacement of plant and equipment.
The key areas for delivering a successful BIM project are:
· The BIM Execution Plan - A successful BIM project relies on the establishment of a BIM Execution Plan which documents the specific requirements and targets of the project in relation to BIM together with project protocols and standards.
· 3D Representation Model - utilising 3D CAD platforms, model information is collated to establish a consolidated 3D representation model of the project. This 3D model is used to gain an understanding of the overall layout of a building and identify any potential coordination issues.
· Clash Detection Reporting - A clash detection process established early in the design stage identifies tolerance criteria to assist with coordination of multiple elements. Clash detection reports are progressively fed back to the design and construction teams.
· Equipment and Data Store - The final and most important element of BIM is the "I" or information management element. There is still a way to go in developing an integrated delivery platform however web project based Vendors such as Aconex and BIW are starting to promote and deliver these requirements.
Images courtesy Norman Disney & Young
