BIM: The Power Of Connected Workflow

In creating awareness on the latest construction and building technology, it is pertinent to discuss the digital representation of a physical and functional characterization of Building Information Modelling otherwise known as BIM. This convenient and user-friendly model of building technology creates a connected construction workflow between the workers involved in a building project; from the engineers, the architect, the cost facility manager down to the maintenance workers in the aftermaths of the construction.

The BIM is a coordinated lifecycle platform for building projects. Exclusively, this cuts across every aspect of a building or construction project; from planning to designing stage and even to the facility maintenance stage. The concept behind BIM is to create a platform to bring collaboration and design coordination between workers involved in a project from the beginning and in the long run.

BIM is essentially brought to life by an installed connection of soft ware packages. BIM as a model for construction, architectural and engineering collection survives by collaboration between people. It all starts with shared knowledge between people, and respect for the people involved in a project.

There are three major stages involved in BIM. These are;

1. The people in BIM,
2. The process in BIM,

• The model delivery process

The model delivery process of BIM involves an ongoing quality control process of building projects. This ensures that there is a link in all the modifiers of all the connected models in BIM. The model delivery process of BIM is able to use clash detection methods to communicate and foretell clashes to disciplines involved in a project. Another interesting aspect of the model delivery process is the model simulation that allows for the convergence of designers and managers involved in 3D. It also allows for generated models through the IFC Formatting (an international format to save all drawings)

Furthermore, there are certain software packages that make the BIM come alive. These software packages are Oracle, Autodesk Revit and a few others to mention. The essence of the BIM is to create simplicity, value and more flexibility in a project.

Conclusively, the building information modelling is a platform capable of connecting software tools that would help professionals in structural designs manage their projects from the conceptual design through, multidiscipline coordination, documentation, structural analysis and detailing. BIM implements by using a collection of certain popular design software tools, including the 3D,4D,5D (for quantification and cost aspect of the building), 6D (for sustainability allowing information) and the evolving 7D that allows for visualizers tools like the use of laser scanners used in designing models.

It is important for professionals, especially young and old engineers to be a part of this latest innovation of architectural and structural design evolution. Thus, training is recommended.