Balance of speed and quality: advantages of BIM modeling in engineering
The current stage of development of economic relations requires from all market participants an optimal process management model: be it the extraction of raw materials, their transportation, processing, production of goods or the provision of services, including design ones. The need for a competent approach to the production process is especially noticeable in knowledge-intensive industries. For example, in full-cycle engineering. In this material we will consider the most universal, in our opinion, tool for improving the quality and speed of design and survey work - BIM modeling.
There are two main approaches to organizing work on the design of buildings, premises and infrastructure.
The first is traditional. Traditional design is two-dimensional - these are plans, sections and components of the building with the necessary elements, specifications. This is a package of sections from which the project is assembled. Identification and elimination of errors in the relationship of sections falls on the chief project engineer (PI) of the design company. When you make changes to the project or need to extract missing information, you have to redo the required section, and all the related ones.
The second is progressive. BIM modeling is the design of a three-dimensional model, which takes into account all sections: general plan, architecture, design solutions, utility networks and even technological equipment. We can say that TIM design is a virtual assembly of a digital model of a construction project, which takes into account all real conditions - external loads, materials, weight of elements, power and other characteristics. This model is also called parametric, since each building object is not only an image, but also a number of parameters and characteristics assigned to it.
The TIM model is a three-dimensional model with dozens of parameters for each component of the project - this is the main difference from the “old type” project documentation
It is important to clarify terminology: what is the difference between BIM and TIM modeling?
The fact is that there is no significant difference between the approaches. BIM stands for “building information model”. This term is widely used in Western practice. TIM is a domestic analogue, a term introduced into the professional lexicon back in 2019, used as an official analogue in the regulatory documentation of Russian jurisdiction.
A modern approach to organizing interaction between project team members is a key point of growth for Energia Plus LLC. Since engineering implies flexibility in staffing, involving freelancers, contractors, and co-executors in the work, it is necessary not only to assemble the optimal composition of professionals, but also to organize their effective interaction and communication throughout the entire duration of the work.
TIM approach to design allows you to solve the problem of effective communication between project team members
The classic approach to carrying out design and survey work includes the progressive implementation of a roadmap and work execution plan. Until the previous stage is completed, it is impossible to move on to the next one. Consequently, there is a possibility of delays that lead to missed deadlines and, as a consequence, an increase in the cost of the entire investment project. TIM modeling allows you to perform different stages of design and survey work “in parallel,” which makes the process more dynamic and flexible. The risks of missing deadlines are reduced.
Information modeling allows you to carry out different stages of design work in parallel, which saves time, reduces risks, and increases the final profitability of the investment project
Do you think that these advantages of BIM modeling are not enough? We offer 5 reasons to study this tool in more detail ####
VISIBILITY OF THE PROJECT In this regard, everyone wins. During the modeling process, the designer understands how the building will be laid out, how sections of the project will interact, and how the building will ultimately “work.” It is much easier for the customer to present the final result during the design process and, if necessary, make adjustments to the project, as well as supervise the construction process. For a builder, having a complete picture of the building’s external appearance, it is easier to coordinate the actions of workers, and in case of a lack of information, the latter can be obtained from the TIM model.
SINGLE DATABASE A TIM project is not only a 3D model of a building, but also a huge database. All information on the future object (loads, characteristics of building elements, initial data, estimates) is in one file.
OPPORTUNITY TO EDIT THE PROJECT As a rule, during the design and construction process there is a need to change the project of various scales, both at the initiative of the customer and forced ones. Digitalization reduces this process by tens of times, and changes automatically affect all related sections, right down to estimate documentation. Also, before starting to produce design documentation, the customer has the opportunity to consider several model options and choose the most optimal one.
REDUCING ERRORS AND ERRORS IN DESIGN DOCUMENTATION In addition to the fact that the project is a single 3D model assembled by different specialists and clearly demonstrating the interaction of sections of the design documentation, the software package automatically checks the connection between sections and elements of the building for inconsistencies.
CONTROL OF THE SIMULATION PROCESS During the modeling process, the Customer may be given access to remote viewing of a 3D model of the building. This means that online you can observe the degree of readiness of the model as a whole and sections of the project in particular, and also make adjustments if necessary.
In addition to the undoubted advantages, the transition to TIM modeling also has a number of disadvantages, the work on which is undertaken by design organizations.
First drawback. Working in the modern “digital universe” requires a high level of qualifications from employees. It is sometimes difficult for “old school” engineers to switch to new software and transform their usual work processes. To reduce “personnel risks,” engineering companies (such as Energy Plus), striving to meet the requirements of the modern market for engineering services, firstly, cooperate with universities in terms of recruiting personnel for the future; secondly, they are actively investing in improving the skills of the existing engineering staff.
Second drawback. Proper software is not cheap. In addition, in conditions of technological isolation from the West, it is necessary to select similar Russian-made digital tools, which today do not meet the advanced requirements of TIM modeling in all respects. Our company, for example, works in REVIT.
Advantages are advantages, disadvantages are disadvantages. And the investor wants to save...
These same factors of economic efficiency are the reason for the mandatory use of BIM technology in the construction of facilities for budgetary funds in most developed countries. The use of the BIM model should not end after the issuance of design documentation and completion of construction work.
The model can and should be used in the following cases:
— operation of the building (transfer of the model to operating organizations for a complete representation of the placement of networks and communications, including hidden ones);
— repair work (including to determine the cost);
— redevelopment or reconstruction of a building (construction of an attached building, we remind you, also falls under reconstruction);
— dismantling of building elements, equipment or complete demolition.
Full cycle engineering is an extremely complex area of knowledge/activity that requires competent, balanced management of a product at all stages of its life cycle. Consequently, optimization of design and survey work is one of the main goals of companies providing engineering support for investment projects. The speed and quality of work execution is the key to high final profitability of your investment.