Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Drafting: Crucial Aspects of Modern Construction

Building Information Modeling, commonly known as BIM, has revolutionised the construction industry and become an essential tool for architects, engineers, and construction professionals worldwide, offering numerous benefits that streamline the construction process and enhance project outcomes.

BIM is a process that involves generating and managing digital information about a building project throughout its lifecycle. The information improves coordination, accuracy, efficiency and decision-making in construction projects and is especially useful in complex builds.

With its many benefits, BIM has become an essential part of modern construction practices, and as technology advances, the possibilities offered by BIM will become increasingly diverse and impressive.

What is Building Information Modeling (BIM)?

BIM is a collaborative process for designing and constructing buildings digitally. The digital generation of a facility’s physical and functional characteristics means information can be extracted and analysed to make informed decisions regarding a building project.

Bringing together all project stakeholders on a single platform where they can share information seamlessly with BIM leads to better coordination and management. BIM models are information-rich and include details such as geometry, spatial relationships, materials, properties and quantities.

With BIM software, a virtual model of a building is digitally constructed. This model contains precise geometry and relevant specifications that can be used to support the design, procurement, fabrication and construction activities involved in creating and maintaining that building.

The undeniable importance of BIM in construction

The significance of BIM in the construction industry cannot be overstated. By integrating all aspects of a project into a single model, BIM improves collaboration, reduces errors, and enhances efficiency at every stage of construction. Here are just some of the key benefits of using it:

• Improved visualisation – BIM creates a digital twin of the building design, allowing stakeholders to visualise the building in 3D before construction begins. This enhances communication and enables early identification of errors.
• Better collaboration – All project members, such as architects, engineers, contractors etc. can integrate their work into a single model leading to better project coordination.
• Cost efficiency – Accurate material quantities and estimates can be created from the model, which reduces wastage. Clash detections also minimise the potential for costly on-site errors.
• Faster project delivery – With reduced errors and delays, project timelines shrink significantly. Prefabrication and modular construction enabled by BIM also speed up construction.
• Sustainability – BIM allows simulation of factors like sunlight, ventilation etc., at the design stage itself to maximize energy efficiency. The model also contains detailed material information for lifecycle analysis.
• Facility management – As the model is handed over to the owner, it is a valuable asset and point of reference during building operation and maintenance.

What are the components of BIM?

A complete BIM model comprises multiple elements that provide the complete set of data required for the design, construction and operation of a building. The critical components of a BIM model are:

• 3D Model – The digital model of the physical building containing accurate geometry.
• Information – Details like material properties, costs, manufacturer data etc. are embedded within model objects.
• Coordination – The model enables clash detection between building elements to resolve errors before construction.
• Drawings – 2D drawings like plans, sections, and elevations can be automatically extracted from the model.
• Specifications – Technical specifications for construction, materials, finishes etc. are incorporated.
• Timeline – Project timelines and construction sequencing can be integrated.
• Costs – Quantities, pricing and cost estimates are included.

Project teams can collaborate more effectively when all this information is in a single BIM model.

Understanding the BIM process

Developing a building with BIM involves these key steps:

1. Planning – Project requirements, goals, deliverables and workflows are defined. Protocols for model management and information sharing are established.
2. modeling – Architects create the architectural model with precise geometry. Engineers add structural detail and other systems to the model.
3. Coordination – The design models from all disciplines are integrated, and clash detection is carried out to resolve errors digitally.
4. Simulation – The model simulates and analyses factors like energy efficiency, lighting, acoustics, etc.
5. Collaboration – Model access is given to all stakeholders who review it add more data, and exchange feedback leading to a more refined design.
6. Construction – The model guides fabrication and construction. Progress is documented, and the model is updated as the building progresses.
7. Handover – The model is handed over to the owner for operations, maintenance and asset management.

Regular coordination meetings are held at each stage to ensure the model remains accurate and up-to-date.

The many benefits of BIM

Adopting BIM provides many advantages at all phases of a construction project:

Design Phase

• Better visualisations for client presentations
• Accurate documentation like drawings, quantities, specifications etc. can be readily generated from the model
• Design validation through clash detections and model review
• Analysis of factors like cost, sustainability, constructability etc.

Construction Phase

• Highly accurate cost estimates can be made from the model
• Minimised errors through clash detections
• Better coordination between trades
• Progress tracking for construction management
• Integration with tools like planning software, laser scanning etc.

Post-Construction Phase

• The model becomes valuable as a handover deliverable for facility management
• Data-rich model serves as a digital asset for operations and maintenance
• Provides a basis for monitoring, space management, renovations etc. during the building’s lifespan

With data accumulated over the entire project lifecycle, BIM offers great value beyond just the design and construction phase.

Drafting in BIM

In traditional CAD drafting, 2D drawings were created separately from 3D models. With BIM, the model itself serves as the sole source of information for generating coordinated 2D drawings, 3D views, renderings, quantities, specifications and more.

Some key ways drafting is linked to the BIM process:

• Parametric Objects – Doors, walls, windows and other model components are intelligently linked to parameters like dimensions, properties, quantities etc. Any changes refresh across the model automatically.
• Automated Documentation – Drawings and schedules update instantly with model changes.
• Model Delivery – Contractors and fabricators get access to subsets of the model (like architectural, structural, MEP) relevant for construction.
• Shop Drawings – Detailed fabrication and installation drawings can be directly derived from the model, with limited manual drafting needed.
• As-Built Model – Construction progress is captured in the model, which serves as a record at project handover.

BIM integrates drafting fully within the design process with coordinated model views replacing independent drawings.

Drafting Standards

Clear drafting standards and protocols must be established for the model to maintain consistency across disciplines and remain usable for essential applications. Some key drafting standards include:

• File Naming Conventions – Standardised naming format for model files, sheets, views etc.
• Drawing Organization – Logical organisation of sheets into drawing sets with index sheets.
• Sheet Templates – Template files with title blocks, borders, viewports etc. set up for each drawing type.
• Annotation – Text styles, dimensions, leaders, and symbols must follow set standards.
• Model Structure – Standard naming and layering for model objects like walls, grids etc.
• Level of Detail – modeling standard defining extents, geometry, and information to be included for each element.
• Units and Tolerances – Should match local codes and regulations.
• Coordination – Clear protocols for model access, clash resolution and updates.

Setting up these standards upfront ensures the BIM model develops correctly for a smooth workflow across teams.

Software and Tools

The right software and tools play a significant role in implementing BIM and enable the creation, manipulation, and sharing of data, enhancing collaboration and efficiency.

Building information modeling software has evolved considerably in recent years, with solutions available for every building project’s discipline, phase and application. Two of the leading BIM software tools used by Draftech are:

Revit

A BIM software for designing, modeling, and documenting buildings and structures in a collaborative and parametric environment. Revit enables the creation of 3D models with intelligent elements, facilitating accurate design visualisation, analysis, and coordination throughout the project lifecycle.

dRofus

A planning, data management, and BIM collaboration tool that provides all stakeholders access to the building information throughout the building lifecycle.

Future BIM trends

Here are some key trends shaping the direction of BIM and influencing the construction industry:

• Cloud Collaboration – Web-based model hosting services enabling real-time cloud collaboration across global teams.
• Artificial Intelligence – AI can analyse designs, automate workflows like drawing creations, provide expert input to users etc.
• AR/VR – Immersive interactions with BIM models on-site using augmented and virtual reality for design reviews, construction coordination etc.
• Machine Learning – Systems that can learn from data to improve workflows, predict outcomes, optimise designs etc.
• Mobile & Field BIM – Full model access on mobile devices on and off-site to drive efficiency across teams.

BIM is poised to become even more interconnected, intelligent and valuable as technology progresses.

Conclusion

Implementing BIM has far-reaching benefits across the entire building lifecycle. With powerful BIM software now available, integrated workflows connecting design, simulation, collaboration and construction are a reality. This is driving greater productivity and reliability in the AEC industry. Companies should be ready to invest in advanced tools, training personnel, and setting up appropriate information standards and protocols to leverage BIM effectively. With a robust BIM implementation, architecture, engineering and construction firms can gain a competitive edge and provide higher value to their clients. BIM has already established itself as a vital pillar of modern construction and will grow further as technology evolves.