Last term, I took a contracts and specifications class, and
in that class, we often talked about the flaws in the traditional
design-bid-build approach to projects.
In traditional design-bid-builds, contractors are left out of the design
process, meaning their general knowledge and knowledge of project feasibility
is lost. Because of this, it is becoming
increasingly popular to create BIM models and involve contractors and
subcontractors in the design process.
The use of BIM technology is very beneficial in the
detailing process of the work. On a 2D
CAD model, a designer may draw utilities in their proper place, but a 2D model
does not show bends and pipe intersections; the use of BIM technology illustrates
a project in 3D, allowing contractors and subcontractors to identity potential
conflicts before construction begins.
This can save time and money in the future, and this process may also
help avoid potential conflicts. The use
of BIM can also help contractors and subcontractors estimate a project earlier
in the design process, which constitutes earlier coordination, planning, and
other tasks. However, these estimates
and quantities are parametric, meaning they are based on the early design
parameters which may change frequently in the design phase.
When the design phase is completed and the project is ready
for construction, the BIM model can be used on site for verification, guidance,
and tracking of activities. Project
managers can easily identify discrepancies from the design to what was
constructed. Some software is capable of
identifying discrepancies through laser scanning, GPS tracking, or RFID
tags.
Since BIM technology is still relatively new in the
construction processes, there is a learning curve that needs to be understood. If contractors or subcontractors are still
learning the software, the modeling process (which is meant to save time) may
end up taking more time that originally planned for. Once a firm has enough individuals and
designers that understand and properly know how to model, the modeling and
design processes should decrease in time.
Personally, I believe the collaboration aspect is what makes BIM
technology so appealing. The idea of
working with all contractors and subcontractors early in the project allows for
the identification of problems before they are found in the field. Because of this, stoppages of work may be
avoided, meaning the project stays on schedule and budget.
Response 1: Chris Thach
In my post, I did not go into detail about the schedule
component of BIM modeling, but I think it is an important aspect of BIM to
address. The idea of putting many
aspects of modeling into one software further simplifies the process and allows
for designers to easily locate what item they are looking for. Like you, I also wrote about the class
detection aspect of BIM. I agree that it
is best to find problems before they happen, and BIM allows for exactly that. Everyone works together and the project is
streamlined, and hopefully everyone is on the same page.
Response 2: Lucy Tangari
I find it interesting to think about project owners and
facility managers using BIM technology.
Usually, these individuals are not involved in the specifics of the
design process, rather owners and managers usually state what they want in a
building and the design and construction teams must implement those components. However, I completely agree that it is
beneficial for those individuals to be involved in the BIM process. The rapid spatial analysis that you mentioned
in your post can help owners see the space before it is constructed, and if the
owner is unhappy with the look of a space, it can (hopefully) be changed with
minimal impact towards the rest of the project.
If the individuals who own and operate the building have input in the
early design stages, they will better be able to run and operate the building
after completion.
Response 3: Cody Johnson
I was surprised that you said the book did not heavily
emphasize the coordination aspect between architects and engineers while using
BIM modeling. I find that aspect of BIM
technology the most beneficial, but also the most logical. When all parties are on the same page,
conflicts can be resolved before they are even formed. I really liked your point stating that
professionals cannot just dive right into BIM modeling and design. There are vast amounts of planning that go
into all projects, and projects cannot be rushed. I also enjoyed the aspect of your post
talking about walking through a project with a VR headset. 5 years ago, the use of VR and drones in the
workplace would seem crazy, but today these are common practices. Being able to physically “walk” and “see” a
site before a model is built would be beneficial to the designer and
contractor, for you can see special situations that may call for a special
design.
Lauren, in my post for chapter 6 i didn't emphasize how the learning curve would impact not only the contracting company but also the project in general. I thought it was good point that enough individuals on a site would need to know how to use the model in order for it to be efficient. This could pose problems when trying to explain with all the subcontractors the BIM model in order for a location-based schedule to function.
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