What Is BIM And Its Challenges
Posted on : Mar 27, 2019
With the invention of CAD, computer designing software revolutionise the way architects used to draw physical 2D architectural drawings all surrounded with drafting pencils, T-squares and apprentices. With the ability to quickly draw, copy and edit 2D geometry most of the CAD software not only increase the precision and speed but also had a profound effect on the quality of production. With implementation and adoption of CAD software we entered a very dynamic and fast changing technology platform where trending standards are set on periodic basis, one such trend much accepted by majority of construction industry players globally is the BIM techniques or better BIM standards.
So let’s start with understanding what is Building Information modeling or BIM. As stated BIM is primarily is combination of Building (B), Information (I) and Modeling (M). Ironically most people associated B component with only the physical building while we are looking at BIM with entire architectural perspective, as an industry expert with more than a decade of industry experience we shall be discussing each component with a macro perspective of architecture. One of the expert David Butt during 2014 Autodesk University presentation on Managing BIM Projects states that “BIM can be used on a multitude of projects including natural gas, utilities and even waste water facility design. Therefore, the building in case of BIM is the act of building something, as opposed to limiting it to only a physical building”.
Moving to the next component of BIM i.e. Information, we consider Information to be the most important component of BIM. One would be left with simply 3D geometric model in absence of information element like physical properties, manufacturing information or even the ability to run cloud-based testes and simulations. As a whole the information factor of BIM is not the part of CAD Model in fact Information is something which ideally distinguishes BIM from CAD.
Finally it’s M in BIM representing the Modeling component of BIM. Finally the component of 3D modeling or the 3D Model to pre-check and rectify any calculation or measurement issues even before the foundation is initiated. This component is also refer to as clash detection and can potentially reduce waste, save time and other budgetary resources as it also provides clients and designers with the ability to visualize the result, ensuring the project stays in line with the design intent.
When we talk about Architecture and Architectural drawings we indirectly refer to a proud and passionate industry and despite of high potential in improvement of quality, time saving and waste reducing process, it’s still quite challenging for BIM to be accepted & adopted in the industry as a whole. Just as CAD once had today BIM is facing resistance for unwillingness to change. One of the prime concerns adopting BIM is the very tradition itself. Set of industry best practices to follow comes from the traditional techniques and with implementation of new technique one has to develop entirely new set of best practices with the new approach. Yet one of the key issues for introduction of new technology in this industry face is all about the availability of trained & skilled workforce.
