Digital project delivery encompasses project delivery through the use of technology and is now revolutionizing the AECO (Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Owner) industry. Within Digital project delivery, several tools are used to plan, design, and execute projects that fall under the broader category of BIM (Building Information Modelling/Management) and the process of developing the BIM models with the data included is known as VDC (Virtual Design and Construction)
BIM/VDC encompasses different aspects of project delivery such as :
2D [Drawings in 2 dimensions (XY)]
3D [The 3rd dimension added to the 2 dimensions (XYZ)]
4D [Time added to the 3 dimensions (XYZ + Time)]
5D [Cost added to the 3 dimensions (XYZ + Cost)]
6D [Sustainability assessment added to the 3 dimensions (XYZ + efficiency)]
7D [Asset Information added to the 3 dimensions (XYZ + Operational Information)]
8D [Health and Safety added of 3 dimensions (XYZ + Safety)]
9D [Lean and resilient delivery achieved through the use of 3 Dimensional models]
10D [Industrialised development achieved through 3 Dimensional models]
BIM uses
In today's world, BIM is used to manage and deliver projects in a collaborative and integrated way, ensuring information gets shared with all relevant parties from early planning stages to design through to the project's closing. Below are some of the project goals and uses that should be defined from the very beginning of the project to achieve the desired outcome.
Design Authoring
Design Authoring involves creating intelligent, data-rich models within a parametric modeling platform, embedding critical information throughout the design process. This approach enhances the visibility of 3D design intent, streamlines decision-making, and ensures the generation of accurate, reliable drawings. As the initial stage in a range of BIM applications, the quality and accuracy of the model play a crucial role in determining the success of subsequent BIM uses.
Site Planning
Maximizing site potential and utilization through optimized site layouts, capturing existing conditions, and leveraging 3-dimensional models to enhance decision-making and evaluate multiple design options. This approach not only improves site planning but also aids in achieving prerequisites and credits for green building certifications, supporting global goals for sustainability and net-zero development.
Initiating design reviews at earlier project stages significantly reduces risk by enhancing communication and clarity of design intent among all stakeholders. BIM models are also leveraged for comprehensive design and constructability reviews, providing a holistic project overview that minimizes RFIs, reduces changes and eliminate wastages.
Renderings / Visualizations
Utilizing BIM models to generate high-quality renderings, visualizations, and animations directly from the models eliminates the need for separate files. This approach enhances clarity in meeting satisfaction requirements, streamlines the user approval process by providing a realistic preview of the final outcome, and improves project oversight. As a result, it significantly reduces the number of changes throughout the project.
Design / Model Review (3D)
Utilize BIM for proactive clash detection, identifying and resolving design conflicts early in the process. This practical approach allows for precise clash definition, helping to refine the design and minimize rework. By improving coordination between project teams, both internal and external clashes are mitigated, providing a comprehensive project overview. This, in turn, reduces the number of risks, leading to more efficient project delivery.
Clash Detection (3D)
Integrating BIM with Virtual Reality enables 3D representations of elements and rooms following the client's condition of satisfaction (COS), providing them with virtual mock-ups of the design requirements. This also aids in design and constructability reviews, and practicability analysis while enhancing decision-making by allowing stakeholders to virtually experience the space for timely design adjustments.
Virtual Reality
Design Based BIM USES
Utilizing BIM for digital fabrication significantly improves workflow between design and manufacturing/fabrication teams by creating a seamless connection between digital models and fabrication processes. This integration enhances accuracy and speeds up the fabrication process, allowing for precise manufacturing and reducing errors. It also supports the use of prefabrication, modular construction, and off-site fabrication, streamlining assembly and installation while optimizing project timelines and minimizing waste.
Digital Fabrication (9D)
Lighting Analysis (7D)
In BIM, lighting analysis involves simulating the lighting requirements of a space, which is closely linked to daylight calculations that assess how much natural light penetrates the building's interior. This integrated approach helps optimize the design by ensuring sufficient illumination while minimizing energy consumption, ultimately supporting the project's energy efficiency goals.
Energy Analysis (7D)
Structural Analysis (7D)
BIM enhances structural analysis by evaluating the effects of various loads—such as live, dead, point, linear, and area loads—on physical structures and their components, for all kinds of materials such as concrete, steel, and mass timber. Environmental factors, including wind and snow loads, are also considered to ensure the integrity of the envelope design. This approach facilitates visualizations of the analysis results, supporting informed decision-making and effective design modifications.
Leveraging Building Information Modeling (BIM) for energy analysis involves utilizing the model and contextual environmental conditions to simulate energy consumption. By analyzing these simulations, designers can optimize the architectural design, ultimately enhancing sustainability and reducing energy usage throughout the building's lifecycle.
Spatial Programming
Spatial programming or planning through Building Information Modeling (BIM) enhances design accuracy, collaboration, and efficiency by using detailed 3D models to visualize and optimize space programming and utilization. It allows for precise calculations, scenario analysis, and space optimization while ensuring compliance with regulations. Multiple options can be created within a single software environment, that helps the client to make informed decisions.
SITE PLANNING IN REVIT ON WUHAN PROJECT
SPATIAL PROGRAMMING IN REVIT FOR CHAI CHEE NURSING HOME
DESIGN AUTHORING IN REVIT
RENDERING IN LUMION FOR GLOBAL SWITCH PROJECT
MODEL REVIEW IN REVIZTO FOR NEW SAINT PAULS HOSPITAL
VIRTUAL REALITY ON META DATACENTRE PROJECT
CLASH DETECTION IN NAVISWORKS FOR ESQUIMALT COMMUNITY CENTRE
LIGHTING ANALYSIS ON GLOBAL SWITCH DATACENTRE PROJECT
Utilize 4D BIM to visualize and validate construction logistics and temporary services by integrating the design model with the existing and planned site context. This approach enables the identification of conflicts between temporary systems and permanent installations, ensuring a streamlined construction process and effective management of resources on-site.
Quantity Take off / Estimations (5D)
Modeling techniques deliver precise quantity take-offs derived from the elements represented in the 3D space. Throughout both the design and construction phases, quantities are continuously monitored and updated for various elements within the model, ensuring accuracy and consistency. This detailed information plays a crucial role in facilitating comprehensive cost analysis, allowing for informed decision-making and effective budget management throughout the project lifecycle.
Utilizing 360 photography as a reality capture tool, we can effectively gather project conditions for multi-purpose coordination and analysis, creating a comprehensive record of the construction process and critical milestones. This technology not only enhances visualization but also facilitates real-time collaboration among project stakeholders. By integrating 360 images with other processes, we can develop a robust as-built record that accurately reflects the project's progression, ensuring all team members are aligned and informed throughout the construction lifecycle.
360 Photography
4D BIM enhances construction planning and sequencing by improving the management of construction activities, which leads to increased site productivity and a more effective health and safety plan. This approach allows for real-time visualization of the construction schedule, enabling teams to anticipate challenges and streamline workflows for a safer and more efficient construction process.
Construction Planning & Sequencing (4D)
Construction Logistics & Temp Services (4D)
UAS Photogrammetry (Drones)
UAS photogrammetry (drones) enhances BIM by accurately recording site progress, generating topographic data for informed planning and design, and enabling real-time integration for site logistics. They also facilitate precise excavation quantity measurements for cut and fill, ensuring projects stay on track and within budget.
Laser Scanning
Laser scanning is essential in Building Information Modeling (BIM), allowing precise capture of existing assets and context models for effective coordination of new facilities. By utilizing high-resolution point cloud data, teams can visualize existing structures, ensuring accurate alignment and reducing conflicts. Additionally, laser scanning surveys construction progress, providing detailed as-built records that enhance collaboration, streamline workflows, and contribute to successful project delivery.
Building Information Modeling (BIM) enhances construction health and safety by enabling early hazard identification and proactive risk management. It integrates safety protocols into models, improving construction sequence analysis and logistics. By fostering better communication among stakeholders, BIM promotes a safer work environment and reduces accidents.
Health and Safety (8D)
CONSTRUCTION Based BIM USES
Integrated Model Development (3D)
The Integrated, federated, or combined model facilitates the federation of designs and trade models, seamlessly incorporating construction-level details to ensure complete coordination among all elements. This approach leads to an issue-free design process, ultimately resulting in efficient construction and streamlined project delivery
Coordinated Drawings (3D)
Coordinated drawings are meticulously prepared through seamless integration of architectural, structural, and MEP systems, along with all other project scopes, ensuring that no issues remain unresolved. This comprehensive approach involves creating various types of drawings, including CSDs, ISDs, IFCs, and CDs, which facilitate effective site execution and off-site prefabrication.
BIM facilitates the effective layout of services on-site through the use of detailed models and advanced surveying equipment, ensuring that the accuracy maintained in the digital model translates seamlessly to the physical site. Additionally, augmented reality (AR) technology enhances this process by allowing project teams to visualize the models directly on-site, providing an interactive and immersive experience that aids in identifying potential issues, optimizing workflows, and improving overall project coordination.
Site Layout and Augmented Reality
As-built/shop drawings for future additions and alterations.
The record models submitted for project closing phase.
BIM enhances asset management by enabling efficient management of room data and systems. It organizes and categorizes items, systems, and equipment crucial for building operations. By integrating with building systems, BIM facilitates seamless management of property data and classifications, streamlining operations and supporting informed decision-making for improved facility management.
AS-Built model and information
OPERATION Based BIM Goals
Asset and Facility Management (7D)
Building Information Modeling (BIM) enhances as-built and model handover processes by creating accurate models that reflect the final construction state. This provides vital information on systems and materials for facility management, ensuring stakeholders receive essential documentation and training for effective maintenance and future expansions, ultimately improving lifecycle management and reducing operational costs.
Operational Efficiency
BIM (Building Information Modeling) enhances operational efficiency by providing a comprehensive digital twin of a building, which streamlines facilities management, energy optimization, and space utilization. BIM’s integration with Building Management Systems (BMS) enables automation of functions like lighting and temperature control, improving real-time building operations. Additionally, 6D and 8D BIM support energy management and safety planning, optimizing resource use and emergency response. These capabilities lead to reduced operational costs, increased sustainability, and a more efficient building lifecycle.