BIM DIMENSIONS: AN OVERVIEW
October 22, 2022, By: Revit BIM Services

BIM DIMENSIONS: AN OVERVIEW

What is BIM?

BIM (Building Information Modelling) refers to the integrated process of building design, support, operation, and management from the preconstruction to the post-construction phase and even beyond till the complete lifecycle of the project. It is a revolutionary process that has transformed the AEC industry for the better. It has eliminated many issues like delays, risks, inconsistencies, wastage, additional costs, etc.

Three of the most significant features of the BIM process are increased efficiency through collaboration, clash detection and 3D visualization. The BIM process is based on the concept of a collaborative design process. BIM Services allows professionals from all disciplines to unite their efforts on one 3D model. Any and all changes, additions and obliterations made by say, the architects will be registered and adapted into the final 3D model that even the MEP engineers would be working on. The clash detection features allow users to spot and correct overlaps when structural, architectural and MEP models are put together. It rectifies human errors and ensures that there is no incompatibility issues or mistakes on site. For e.g. Software like Revit, when used for creating an architectural design, enables users to visualize the entire structure as it would look post-construction with intricate details like furnishings and fixtures even before any money or resources are committed to starting the actual construction process.

What are the dimensions of BIM?

BIM Dimensions can be seen as levels for depths of information type and quantity contained within various components of the building model. These dimensions are crucial to understanding and scheduling the requirements of the building project for the actual construction phase. These requirements are extremely specific and complex which has led to the establishment of several different levels or dimensions of BIM implementation, namely 3D, 4D, 5D, 6D, and even 7D BIM..!

3D BIM

3D BIM is, by far, the most popular dimension that all construction professionals and even laymen are familiar with. As the name suggests, it adds a third coordinate i.e. z-axis in form of height or depth to the pre-existing X and Y-axis of the 2D plans. It enables users to view the drawings as simple 3-dimensional geographical structures even before the project is started.

3D BIM models allow all stakeholders to effectively collaborate and solve structural inconsistencies before any physical resources and materials are committed to their building project by combining multiple 3D models. This ensures that there isn’t any risk of errors on site.

4D BIM

The 4th dimension in a BIM model is the element of ‘Time’ a.k.a. ‘Scheduling’. It constitutes Time-related information in addition to the 3D CAD model. It not only optimizes the planning process but also aids in improved site coordination, fabrication and logistics.

4D BIM enables project managers and contractors to be better prepared for next steps in the construction process as it allows them to visualize the sequence of events. It also keeps track of project phasing simulations from the investment of time and resources till the completion of the building’s construction. Additionally, it estimates the time taken to deliver and install the materials on-site so that the contractors can easily transition to the next phase on time.

5D BIM

The 5D level of BIM includes ‘cost’ information built into the model. It is helpful for budget analysis, cost estimation, and expenditure tracking purposes from the beginning of the project. It is helpful to managers to make budget forecasts and calculate design costs in real time. It is also different from the traditional approach because of the increased rate at which project costs can be updated and modified at any time. 

Furthermore, 5D BIM can allow construction professionals and managers to foresee the effects of possible revisions in the project design and execution in terms of cost within the project limits. 5D BIM also allows users to simplify cost and budgetary analysis with predicted and actual spending. It allows users to make risk-free informed decisions with impressive precision and aids stakeholders and investors in visualizing the end product and getting an accurate budget estimate with a detailed cost breakdown.

6D BIM

The 6th dimension of BIM is associated with addressing sustainability issues faced by the construction industry. It allows for accurate energy calculations in order to make the building structure self-sustainable and energy efficient. It also allows construction professionals to gather data in favour of efficient support to facility management and operations in hopes to direct their efforts toward a more sustainable structure. Architects can adopt more sustainable designing methods and even adjust service positioning in a manner that is the most efficient in terms of energy conversation and waste minimization.

Today, due to the rapidly degrading quality of the environment 6D BIM has become a necessity to be implemented in all BIM projects to keep track of and minimize the carbon footprint of buildings in the hope to build a better and cleaner future for generations to come.

7D BIM

The last and the most in-depth informative dimension of BIM is the 7th one. It is a comprehensive dimension comprising data related to facility management of the building structure. Builders, as well as project managers, make extensive use of this dimension to get a wholesome idea for the maintenance and operation of a building project throughout its life cycle.

7D BIM helps monitor facility management from the start of the design stage till the end of the demolition stage. Information about building components, technical specs, equipment manuals, warranty details, etc. can easily be stored and accessed by authorized personnel at any time which simplifies the repair and renovation process all throughout the life of the building. This helps in increasing the lifespan of the building structure and ensuring that the building stays in its best possible shape till its demolition stage.

Conclusion

Revit BIM Services is crucial to developing, updating, recording, and storing important data about the building project. Such data is useful to stakeholders, contractors and project managers to track the entire process of the project development from pre-construction to mid-construction to post-construction till its demolition stage. Making the maximum use of these dimensions enables professionals and managers to ensure that project execution is accurate, cost and time-efficient, sustainable as well as easy to understand and access. It also aids in facility management and operations, all of which guarantee building preservation till its demolition stage.

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