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Breaking Down BIM: How It Can Affect Your Business

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What Is BIM?

Building Information Modeling, also known as BIM, is a method of viewing construction projects before they are built. This process uses 3D renderings to manage and create development data for the building project. This helps the construction industry plan their projects before investing time and money into them. There are numerous software programs used in the BIM environment, such as Autodesk® Revit® and ArchiCAD®.

At its core, BIM is an intelligent 3D model-based process that gives architects, engineers and construction professionals (AEC) the insight and tools to more effectively plan, design, construct and manage building & infrastructure. One of the main functions that Revit and similar models provide is the ability to detect clashes/collisions/conflicts within a 3D model before the building is actually constructed. Thus minimizing the waste of time and materials during the actual construction of a building. It is most useful for massive, large-scale projects. For example, architects used BIM when building the Shanghai Tower, an enormous building that reaches over 2,000 feet in height. Without BIM, the Shanghai Tower would have been exponentially more difficult to complete.

As a contractor, you have probably come across BIM technology during your career. Through BIM, you can gain insight into the structure of your projects. You can also determine how much your projects might cost and what materials you should use. Whatever the case may be, it is clear that BIM can potentially have positive impacts on the construction industry at large.

BIM Components

BIM contains a solid process and environment for design and development. Contractors and designers develop BIM projects through these steps:

  1. Programming and sketching building types, preferred size, and other necessary elements
  2. Conceptual design
  3. Detailed design
  4. Analysis of the design
  5. Documentation of costs, materials, and other factors
  6. Fabrication
  7. 4D/5D construction
  8. Construction logistics
  9. Operation and maintenance
  10. Demolition (end of the BIM process) or renovation (restart the BIM cycle)
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Benefits of BIM

BIM provides multiple benefits to construction workers, architects, and other contractors, including:

  • Greater coordination and collaboration between designers, owners, and contractors
  • Fast, high-quality, and low-cost drafting
  • Cost and schedule optimization
  • Easier risk detection and mitigation
  • Simple maintenance of a building throughout its life
  • Greater flexibility and building customization

BIM in the Construction Industry

Many industry professionals associate BIM with architects and other designers. However, this is not the case. BIM offers benefits to everyone involved in the building process, from building owners to construction workers.

Using BIM can bring great benefits to construction projects – not just building-based projects, either. Contractors can use BIM technology for multiple project types, including:

  • Railway and transit system engineering
  • Land surveying
  • Energy and utility installations

BIM provides numerous sources of metadata that can be useful for contractors. In addition, a study found that the use of BIM technology in construction projects led to lower building costs. According to the 2012 McGraw-Hill Construction report:

  • 65% of contractors felt that BIM reduced conflicts and changes during the construction project
  • 50% experienced improved overall project quality
  • 46% said that BIM helped with the prefabrication of complex project parts
  • 43% experienced lower risk and better predictions with BIM
  • 32% said that BIM led to better review and approval cycles
  • 34% saw a better-performing infrastructure, thanks to BIM
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HoldRite Products With BIM Capability

We’ve joined forces with Thomas for Industry, to provide engineers, architects, and MEP (Mechanical Electrical and Plumbing) contractors with real-world manufacturing content for BIM (Building Information Modeling).

In just a few clicks, you can have access to accurate, data-rich content in Autodesk® Revit® and Autodesk® Fabrication® formats, thanks to our extensive online library of BIM content.

For best results when using BIM, choose HoldRite products with BIM capabilities, such as:

Visit HoldRite today to download Revit or CADmep files for your next project!

HoldRite is a leading manufacturer of innovative products and has been established as the recognized brand leader or category expert in such product and service categories as secondary pipe supports, acoustic noise and vibration plumbing solutions, sleeving and firestopping systems, equipment support and water heater accessories, and Drain Waste and Vent (DWV) solutions. Have questions, need additional product information or a price quote? Contact us today! Our dedicated Customer Support Team is ready to help.