The acronym BIM stands for Building Information Modeling and is translated from English as "building information modeling." Given the name, it is easy to guess that BIM technology is used in construction. However, each person differently perceives this term.
What kind of technology is BIM?
Many believe that the name of the software is hidden behind the letters BIM. Others think that the painted building is BIM. But such a simple definition cannot be given. BIM technologies in design are based on the creation of a three-dimensional model of a building, but in this case, the model is not just a set of geometric elements and textures. In fact, such a model consists of virtual elements that exist in reality and at the same time have specific physical properties. BIM technology allows you to design a building and even before the start of construction completely calculate and determine all the processes that will take place in it.
Today this technology has received an impetus in development, and if earlier it was necessary to install special complex and professional applications for working with it, today there are "stripped down" and simple applications for smartphones and tablets. This allows customers and developers to quickly and conveniently access the BIM-model. This takes technology to a new level.
Benefits of implementing BIM technology
The very first and obvious advantage is 3D visualization. It is visualization that is the most common way to use BIM technology. This not only allows you to beautifully present the project to the customer, but also to find the best design solutions to replace the old ones.
The second advantage is the centralized storage of data in the model, which allows you to efficiently and easily manage changes. When you make a certain change to the project, it is immediately displayed in all views: on floor plans, facade or sections. It also greatly increases the speed of creating project documentation and reduces the likelihood of errors.
Data management is another plus. Indeed, not all information that is in the BIM model can be represented graphically. Therefore, the model also contains specification catalogs, with the help of which the labor costs for creating a project are determined. Financial indicators are also available in the model. So, the estimated cost of the project is determined immediately after making changes to it.
Well, you should not forget about saving money. The introduction of BIM-technology in the design will reduce financial costs and significantly reduce the commissioning time of the object. For this reason, most construction companies try to use modern information modeling techniques in their practice.
What solutions are based on BIM technology?
The most popular solution based on it is the ARCHICAD program for architects. A little less popular, but no less useful is the BIMcloud software, with which it is possible to organize collaborative design online.
EcoDesigner is a solution for calculating the energy efficiency of buildings and energy modeling. Well, one should not forget about demonstrations and presentations - for this a mobile application is implemented. However, there are many programs created on the basis of BIM technology; it can take a long time to list them.
Conclusion
BIM is a technology that allows you to create a multidimensional model of a construction project, which will contain all the information about it. Moreover, this model is used not only for construction, but also for the operation of the facility. Therefore, it is completely wrong to think that BIM is just a 3D graphic projection. The range of technology capabilities is very wide. Information modeling assumes a completely new approach to the creation and management of a building in which absolutely everything will be taken into account.
All this allows you to avoid possible alterations in the design, reduce construction costs, and most importantly - save time. The introduction of BIM allowed us to make the right decisions at the stages of the life cycle - from investment to operation and even demolition.
However, this technology also requires financial costs. In particular, it is necessary to buy special software and equipment for training. But these costs are offset in the future by reducing the costs of designing and organizing the construction of the building.