MAY - 2020CONSTRUCTIONTECHREVIEW.COM9Designing Technical Systems that can be BuiltBIM can create value for even the smallest jobs, right down to moving a doorway. For a job this small, designing in BIM may seem like overkill, but it affords a level of accuracy that helps avoid errors. This accuracy translates into speed and certainty. Firstly, there is no chance that the new doorway position will unexpectedly interfere with other services in the building, because the BIM model will have shown this. The process of pricing the job is also expedited, because the estimator can see exactly what materials are needed. As a result, the work can be delivered in the time frame and in the cost that's expected, without any delays or complications, freeing up time for engineers to work on other projects.Customer ExpectationsRegardless of the size or value of the job, more and more clients are now becoming aware that BIM is beneficial for their projects. Whilst this was kick started by the government's initiative to meet its targets, once customers recognise the value they can get from the BIM process, it is possible that they will want access to those benefits at a regular basis.Planning Ahead BIM can also deliver incredible value when it comes to sites that continue to be in use whilst work is carried out or are potentially dangerous. By using BIM technology, work can be planned exactingly, with the upmost safety, as well as facilitating prefabrication. The result is that the need for shutdowns during the working day is significantly reduced.SPIE leveraged BIM in the similar way when asked to replace systems critical to the running of the School of Life Sciences at the University of Dundee. The plant that needed replacing was in a rooftop plant room of a seven-story building, presenting a significant engineering and logistical challenge. By using 5D BIM practices, the team was able to plan every stage of the works from start to finish. The client was assured downtime would be kept to a minimum whilst also ensuring a smoother delivery of works on-site.It's important that the built environment continues to adopt and innovate with BIM. Promoting BIM Level 2 is the first step for many and then the industry needs to set its sights on Level 3. BIM should not be thought of exclusively as a design tool, its value to those in the built environment is far greater. Through better collaboration and coordination of stakeholders, more competitive pricing and by giving people the tools they need to design systems which can be built efficiently, BIM can help businesses drive growth. By using BIM technology, work can be planned exactingly, with the upmost safety, as well as facilitating prefabrication
< Page 8 | Page 10 >