Building Information Modelling (BIM)
BIM can be defined as a process utilising the creation and management of digital representations of the physical and also functional characteristics of places to support decision making about a place. BIM is a process that provides efficient and effective means for a building project to be conceptualise, constructed and maintained. It involves an integration of the various project participants at various levels; this includes the builders, owners, architects, structural engineers, and MEP systems engineer.
BGV and HBS provides BIM services which enhance engineering design and project management processes with the goal of maximising client value, improve project efficiency, reduce time for project delivery, and to reduce client’s cost through the use of clash detection. We have a team of over 100 professionals who have executed over 50 projects including residential, commercial, institutional, hospitality spaces, and others.
The design stage is the first stage of the BIM process where project identification and assessments is carried out. Meetings will be held with all parties involved in the process to identify the variables of the project which include the functionality of the construct, project location and geotechnical implications, technical and engineering aspects, specification of procurement, preliminary and detailed design, economic and financial appraisals and environmental impact assessment. This will allow the BIM design build team to produce the 3D architectural model of the building, along with the various variables that is integral to the building’s lifecycle management, while also implementing the MEP systems into the design. The design build team takes into account the feasibility of the design, any law and regulations relevant to the construct, as well as budget and time constraint of the project. BIM allows the accurate design and detailing of the structural requirements while taking into account all other trades throughout the design and construction process, allowing for an efficient and effective design.
At this stage, the completed design of the construct will be analysed thoroughly to check for any defects. Coordination and interference checks will be held to provide a comprehensive view of all the potential conflicts using the information obtained from the HVAC, MEP, architectural, and structural inputs. Any “clashes” in the model will be resolved in this phase after consulting the relevant parties, redesigning the model. BIM modelling allows for the detection for any “clashes” in the model before the construction phase, resolving any constructability issues beforehand to effectively save vast sums of money, time and thus produce a better building.
Documentation and Fabrication
After all rectification in the model/design, shop drawings will be created based on client standards. The 2D or 3D drawings can be extracted out of the BIM 3D model used. The drawings generated will be useful for contractors, fabricators, suppliers and manufacturers as it is detailed enough to use for workshop fabrication and on-site installations.
The BIM 3D model will also allow accurate information on the manufacturing and procurement with quantity take-off. The quantity take-off is detailed and tabulated as per client requirement. As it is software generated, any updates will be done automatically based on the latest 3D model.
Once the design has been finalised, the construction of the building can commence. In this stage, the whole construction of the building is simulated using the software. Variables which will affect the construction such as time and cost related information will be linked into the 3D computer aided design to efficiently produce a simulation of the construction of the structure. Any complications which might cause delay to the project will be projected and extra cost such as labour cost can be calculated. Through simulation, the most efficient method of construction will be simulated and the actual construction will commence according to the simulated design.
The logistics of all the materials from the warehouse to the construction site as well as the logistic means required for the building materials to be placed/ elevated to the proper location area in order for the construction to take place will also be calculated and decided upon through simulation. The BIM software will allow for organised and timely logistics of the building material ahead of time which will effectively save time and avoid any extra expenditure due to unforeseen logistic issues. The simulated logistics will be applied in the actual construction process to maximise efficiency.
Operation and Maintenance
In this stage, the software simulates the operation and maintenance after the completion of the building construction. The structure will be tested through the simulation to see if it serves its intended purpose. The detailed look and feel of the intended architecture as well as its functionality will be tested using the simulation. The building operations will be simulated over time and any wear and tear of the construct will be noted. Cost of maintenance of the building can also be estimated in this process.
Demolition and Renovation
Finally, any demolition or renovation of the structure can also be simulated using the BIM 3D model. The demolition or renovation process can be simulated using the computer aided design to allow the involved parties to understand the implication faced in case of any decision to demolish or renovate the construct based on the present design. This includes cost, logistics, and other structural constraints.