Benefits of BIM: Residential and Commercial Projects
The utilization of Building Information Modeling (BIM) has seen a marked increase in recent years as more and more construction companies, contractors, and governments have adopted the novel process. BIM allows for a 3D representation of the project to be constructed, enabling the concerned people to view the building prior to its construction. As a result, the uses of VDC are manifold and BIM Service Providers are proliferating in the market.
Digital modeling can be used for all types of constructions and should not be restricted only to mega projects such as roads, bridges, commercial complexes etc. Residential projects can also utilize digital information modeling for assistance in the preconstruction phase. BIM software such as Revit, Navisworks, Archicad etc. have seen widespread usage and have revolutionized the planning and execution of construction projects worldwide.
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The usage of BIM offers several benefits that can expedite construction and save costs. Some of the benefits of utilizing BIM in residential and commercial projects are as follows:
Design and engineering:
Residential projects can range from a single house to multi-apartment housing colonies, all of which would involve design and engineering. Commercial projects are often larger in scale, involving multiple units and assets. BIM gives a detailed view of the design of the project, including the Architectural, structural and MEP components. It also assists in the process of designing and enables different teams involved in the project to get an overall idea of the construction to be completed. An idea of the impact of different design choices can also be availed which facilitates the adoption of the most suitable design.
Clash detection and coordination:
Residential and commercial projects have an intricate MEP system involving plumbing, HVAC, electrical components. Often, there are clashes between these components during the design phase. VDC detects and allows for the resolution of clashes between the different elements. As a result, considerable time and money is saved with the clashes being resolved beforehand. Construction teams can avoid delays and corrections in designs can be made prior to the commencement of construction.
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Improved collaboration:
Different teams involved in the project, from architects to structural and MEP engineers have access to the BIM models, thereby allowing improved collaboration. Any changes made by a team can be easily communicated to the other stakeholders, thereby reducing the possibility of clashes and delays. Commercial and residential projects often include landscaping elements such as gardens, parks etc. and thus, there are additional stakeholders requiring greater collaboration.
Effective Cost and time management:
Due to the aforementioned advantages, Digital Modeling saves costs and time. Residential and Commercial projects often have a strict delivery time, failing which the construction company may have to pay the clients and in mega projects such as large malls, educational institutions, hospitals etc. the possibility of cost overruns looms large, and therefore digital modeling becomes an invaluable asset.
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Maintenance and renovation:
VDC allows for keeping accurate records, and thus, assists in maintenance and renovation operations. Residential and commercial projects require regular, frequent maintenance. It assists in compliance with regulations, and with residential properties having particularly strict regulations, BIM allows for swift and easy maintenance.
Accurate Visualization:
With 3D modeling and rendering provisions, BIM allows for an accurate visualization of the project prior to the commencement of construction. Clients without much of an idea pertaining to construction design can avail a precise idea of how project would look like once it’s completed. For clients buying apartments and residential complexes, this becomes particularly helpful.
Thus, BIM has the potential to be an integral part of the construction process for any type and scale of the project. There are several companies already offering different services such as Revit Modeling Services, Scan to BIM, BIM coordination and clash detection services etc. With an expanding population, the construction business is set to grow exponentially, and BIM will surely be a beneficial tool to assist this growth.
