Building information modeling BIM and

virtual construction | Excelize

We have been hearing the term Building information Modeling (BIM) for around 20
years. The concept of digital and spatial representation of buildings has also been
around more than that. Over this time, lots of variation and perversion has been
occurred to the term BIM.

BIM IN ITSELF IS A REVOLUTION IN THE CONSTRUCTION

INDUSTRY.
Building information modeling (BIM) is the procedure of generating and managing
building data for the entire lifecycle of a facility. The three-dimensional, real-time,
dynamic building modeling software used in BIM can decrease the wastage of time and
resources in the process of designing and constructing a structure. BIM provides virtual
information model that can be handed over from design team to contractor and
subcontractors and then to the owner and it benefits the overall project schedule. BIM
helps build a project virtually prior the construction starts and it is known as virtual
construction.

First of all, virtual construction is not a synonym of building information modeling and
they should not be used interchangeably. Virtual construction technologies can deliver
projects ahead of schedule and within the budget. It is helpful for planning, coordination
and communication on civil infrastructure, commercial and heavy industrial buildings
construction projects. It is sure that if a project is designed and constructed in a
collaborative environment using BIM, it can really save time and costs on site.

Earlier, the speed of communication was inhibited due to limited forms of media. Fast
communication, obviously often seeks to transfer risk from one member to another of
the team, instead of addressing it head-on.

As 3D Modeling improves site coordination, this risk is dramatically eliminated

altogether. BIM can compile all project information in a universally understandable way.
When the clarity and speed is improved, it will automatically reduce estimating time,
which will result in higher quality.

Objectives of various BIM stages :

1. Constructability analysis: With virtual construction and BIM modeling
2. Coordination of Building Components: with clash detection and virtual coordination
3. Extraction of quantities: with BIM model components
4. Construction sequence simulation: By connecting construction schedule with model
components
The benefits of 3D models by BIM are several. The data contained in each element in
the model may appear to be just one small piece. But it is very necessary to complete
the larger puzzle of the construction project. Moreover, everybody involved in the
project can easily understand the exact quantities and quality of the entire project. That
means, the team members do not have to sift through pages upon pages of drawings
for several weeks to extract information. It will happen in a few moments.
Difference between Building information modeling BIM and virtual
construction:
As per experts BIM is implemented under the entire project life cycle from Planning,
Designing, Construction and Operation but specifically under Architectural Building
project types. On the contrary, VDC (Virtual Design & Construction) is implemented
under designing and construction phase under different project types from architectural
building, urban development, infrastructure development, etc.

In short, BIM covers all phases of a building life cycle horizontally. Even though virtual
construction covers just two phases, it reaches multiple markets and project types
vertically.