BIM Should it be mandated in Australia (Part 2)

BIM Should it be mandated in Australia (Part 2)

Read BIM: Should it be mandated in Australia? (Part 1)

This blog is the concluding part of this series. In the previous blog, we had discussed the current BIM scenario in Australia and learnings from the already executed projects. We had given a brief of the Perth Children’s Hospital project which is continued in this blog.

Once the detailed scope for BIM Modeling in the project was established, a step-wise plan was chalked out to meet the objectives. The below-mentioned table lists out the project objectives and how they were accomplished.

Sr. No.ObjectiveHow the objectives were accomplished
1To have a 3D representation of the actual space utilization for better space planning3D Modeling and Virtual Walkthroughs were created.
2To create a collaborative environment that facilitates coordinationRegular BIM review meetings were conducted with all the managers.
3To enable precise and effective construction scheduling and cost analysisPrinciples of 4D BIM (Scheduling) and 5D BIM (cost) were used.
4To detect and resolve all interferences between building elements in the pre-construction phaseClash Detection and BIM Coordination were used to remove all the clashes and develop coordinated Architectural, Structural, and MEP BIM models
5To monitor and regulate construction scheduleRelevant cross-referencing and information were added to BIM models with the construction sequence.
6To  preserve the accuracy and consistency of all data related to Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment during the complete life-cycle of the assetFF&E systems were aligned with BIM so as to use a common shared database throughout the life-span of the asset.
7To develop an as-built model for Facility ManagementBIM models of all the disciplines were regularly updated all through the construction process with the maintenance data keyed-in to each of the model elements based on the coordinated model. Additionally, the as-built models also included shop drawings that were that the sub-contractors had created.

Since all the project-related information for the entire life-cycle of an asset was added to the models, it was easier for the clients and the end-users to access it. Moreover, the same models were used for the entire construction process and the as-built information was added so that these models can be used during the maintenance and operation of the asset. This helped in maintaining the data integrity and eliminating re-work. Thus, key advantages of BIM Modeling such as improved efficiency, better cost control, improved asset management, etc. were realized during different stages of the project.

Closing

Building Information Modeling has been widely used across the globe for the various benefits it offers to its users. With its initiative to implement BIM on government projects which costs more than 50 million dollars or more in Queensland, Australia officially joins several countries that have achieved this landmark. Following the footsteps of UK can be a great learning experience for Australia as a mandate provides the required push to the sector. However, unlike the UK, the Australian infrastructure is governed largely by the state government, and any mandate on BIM implementation has to come from the state governments. Policies adopted toward BIM implementation by these governments will dictate the success of BIM Modeling in Australia.

Author