A Building Information Model (BIM) is a digital representation of physical and functional characteristics of a facility; a systematic quality control process that ensures that all building systems are coordinated according to the design intent and the Owner’s operational needs. This is achieved by documenting the design intent and verifying the functionality of building systems as intended.
When properly implemented, BIM can provide many benefits to a project. The value of BIM has been illustrated through well planned projects which yield increased design quality through effective analysis. Synergy’s team of BIM Engineers capture and analyze early concepts and then better maintain design coordination between disciplines through documentation and construction. At the end of the construction phase, data and information links of the major building systems can provide valuable information for asset management, space planning, maintenance scheduling and much more to improve the overall performance of the facility or a portfolio of facilities. From the building owners who implement BIM, many will tell you a model is worth a thousand drawings.
BIM drives more efficient sustainable design analysis, clash detection, construction planning, material and systems fabrication resulting in consistent positive ROI (return on investment); BIM has proven an effective tool with documented positive return on investment (ROI) from over 70% of users/building owners. The value of BIM does not end with the completion of construction, but it must begin in the schematic design phase of the project to achieve maximum results.
BIM starts early in the schematic design phase, during this stage, the owners intent and requirements are collected and documented. The information is typically formalized in the Owners Project Requirements (OPR) document. The information collected here is used to begin developing the building model. This model is typically three dimensional and is carried through to construction contract (bid) documents. The model must include all disciplines, including structural, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and fire suppression systems. This building model typically does not constitute complete coordination of all disciplines, but provides significantly improved construction documents over the traditional delivery method.
The next phase of BIM encompasses three dimensional construction coordination. This is typically performed by the trade contractors, with the construction manager or a BIM Consultant facilitating the BIM process. Each Building System Trade Contractor either leverages “in-house” three dimensional modeling software and personnel or hires an outside BIM Consultant to create a 3D model of their associated systems. As the systems are developed, each contractor submits a progress update (typically weekly) to the BIM facilitator. The systems are merged a common model for coordination. Clash detection software is used to highlight the coordination problem areas. The trade contractors work through the conflicts until the model is “clash free.” The building systems models are then deployed to the fabrication shops so the construction process can begin.
The final phase of BIM enhances the information in the model so that it can be used through the life cycle of building. The information added to the model during this phase can include any of the following: equipment submittals, testing, adjusting, & balancing reports, maintenance manuals, control diagrams, equipment part ordering information, valve schedules, equipment bar coding, preventative maintenance schedules, equipment startup procedures, and owner training videos. Although this phase of the BIM process is often overlooked, it is the most important phase, as it carries through the life cycle of the building. The key to the success of this phase is leveraging cutting edge technology and equipping the owner with the necessary training to fully utilize the building information that is in the model.