
Construction Snags and BIM
Introduction
Architectural Designs and their specifications are presented through 2D Drawings, however with the advent of modern technologies like BIM Modeling, CAD Drafting etc. the presentation of conceptual designs, detailed working drawings etc. have come on a digital platform. These technical drawings are extremely critical for onsite construction and other process leading to construction. In 1990, digitization of these drawings came into existence where Computer Aided Design and Drafting gained precedence. The conceptual designs were drawn in 2D with tools like layering, dimensioning etc. which gave excellent clarity of specifications, instructions etc. to the contractor. This was just the beginning. After a decade of simple digitization came in Virtual Design Construction Services or Building Information Modeling came into existence. What started off as a simple technology presenting Architectural designs in 3D format, grew leaps and bounds offering high-end services like 4D construction Sequencing, 5D BIM, Energy Analysis, BIM Coordination etc. Architectural BIM Modeling is a great and popular medium to present Architectural designs. The same model is now used for advanced VDC functions. With such an efficient construction process in place, any construction company would want to be in a comfort zone. Though Building Information Modeling has penetrated deep within the construction industry, companies are struggling to keep up with the accuracy and achieve a seamless dispute free process
Before getting on to the construction rows and issues arising in spite of so many efficient processes, let us understand Building Information Modeling a bit more in detail. BIM Modeling precisely is a process which is 3 – dimensional in nature with width, depth and height. With the help of detailed 3D geometry, BIM further enhances the pre-construction process with 4D Construction Sequencing and 5D Costing further giving better information and building data. Once the Architectural BIM Modeling is done we can add in structural and MEP details to create complete comprehensive 3D coordination Modeling and shop drawing extraction further.
As we understand, Building Information Modeling is much more than plain 3D Modeling. It is a complete database of all building related information that can be helpful in analyzing building performance, attributes that can be used for manufacturing and installation of materials. We can track the utilization of the materials and further track them during the maintenance stage after the construction is completed.
Architectural BIM Modeling is utilized Architects to create virtual buildings that can be used for presentation purposes. Conceptual designs can be transformed into realistic 3d models and images that can further be displayed to prospective bidders and clients. Virtual Design Construction has the capacity to enhance and accelerate the construction process. Better coordinated 2D drawings can potentially now be extracted from Virtual Construction Models. Construction interruptions, delays, change in designs etc. can be managed well with the help of Building Information Modeling.
Since BIM Models functions in a parametric manner, any changes that are updated in the 3D model automatically reflects in the 2D drawing views. This feature is extremely helpful when there are last minute changes. Since the details get automatically updated, there is no need to check intricately. Manual checking can be eliminated. Previously, last minute changes would prove to be extremely critical as quality checkers would spend lot of time to check the accuracy of the drawings as there are all chances of errors when you update a model. Software like Revit, Navisworks etc. have excellent features which helps in interference checks and proper report extractions. These clashes can later be corrected through collaborative meetings with Architects, BIM Engineers, Contractors and Owners. Clash detection when done perfectly can keep project within budget without delaying turnaround time subsequently reducing change orders.
We now know the capabilities of Building Information Modeling, however what can be the reason for all the disputes arising during construction inspite of having such a strong process that the design goes through prior to construction. Regardless of construction, issues continue to rock the construction industry as no process or tool is full proof. Ultimately the users can be experts or mediocre depending on the skill sets they possess. This affects the overall process.
BIM as a process initiates design validation, extraction of Architectural Construction Drawings and MEP shop drawings with the help of collaboration between multiple agencies. Utilization of other advanced technologies help in analysis previous design and correction of existing design. All these advantages fructify only when the Architects, Engineers and BIM Technicians are experts and use it to the best of abilities. Also it is important to use these technologies based on the actual requirements than using it where it is not required. Such concerns lead to large-scale construction issues which in turn puts a blotch on the Building Information Modeling and diminishes its prospects.
It is very important for the design to build process to be structured else it can be extremely misleading and lead to major construction disaster. Design team, Contractors and manufacturers are all using BIM Modeling however it is important to make each agency accountable for their own roles. Manufacturing components according to design specification is the contractor’s and BIM Modeler’s job however determining the accuracy and the standards of the details is a Design Engineer or Architect’s job. If the detail is not as per building standards and codes, it is the Engineers or Architects fault and not the BIM process’s fault. When such discrepancies arise, the construction dispute gets in way of the construction especially when no one owns up to the errors.
Design changes should be reviewed carefully. Also strong construction contracts should be in place and duties or responsibilities should be outlined clearly. All the BIM models and extracted drawings should be evaluated and checked against the design codes to ensure less issues on site. Collaborative meetings should be an exercise that is done frequently with proper clash detection reports and appropriate solutions to resolve them.
With the advent of Virtual Design construction, Clash detection and BIM Coordination Services and other pre construction services the Architects and Contractors have a strong delivery platform. Re-iterating the fact that if the process is not managed in a constructive way can back fire causing another event of disputes and investigation.
Conclusion: BIM Solutions today is the key for construction disputes however tackling the disputes arising after using Virtual construction Modeling is tricky. It is very important to hire experts or outsource these services to experienced BIM companies in India or other outsourcing destinations.