The many benefits of BIM include:

• Simplifying estimating tasks
• Enhancing value engineering
• Identifying conflicts
• Facilitating communications between team members and scheduling tasks
• Reducing change orders and number of questions raised on site

These result in:

• Increased efficiencies
• Reductions in delays
• Decreased waste

Which ultimately results in

• Greater profit for contractors and sub-contractors

BIM Is No Longer The Future…It Is The Standard

“This Government’s four-year strategy for BIM implementation will change the dynamics and behaviours of the construction supply chain, unlocking new, more efficient and collaborative ways of working. This whole sector adoption of BIM will put us at the vanguard of a new digital construction era and position the UK to become the world leaders in BIM”. Francis Maude, Minister for the Cabinet Office

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On 31 May 2011 the Cabinet Office published a report announcing the Government’s intention to require collaborative 3D BIM (with all project and asset information, documentation and data being electronic) on its projects by 2016. The objective of this four-year programme for sector modernisation is to reduce capital cost and the carbon burden from the construction and operation of the built environment by 20%. Central to these ambitions is the adoption of information rich Building Information Modelling (BIM) technologies, process and collaborative behaviours that will unlock new more efficient ways of working at all stages of the project life-cycle.

BIM Masterclass

This master class shows contractors how they can benefit from the data embedded in a 3D BIM model, and interrogate the model onsite to speed up construction.

We’ll show you how we used BIM to design, prototype and construct, in Archicad, three projects – a contemporary swimming pool building in the grounds of a Grade 2 listed house, a split level, sustainable home on a sloping site in greenbelt and a residential development in an important Conservation Areaand – and illustrate how BIM can be used in the conceptual stages to drive benefits into later stages.

Specifically, we will show you how we:

• use simple 3D elements and objects, to create a building as a concept model which we then develop in more detail as the project progresses

• create a 3D file for clients and contractors to explore on their own pc/tablet in their own time, at home or on the move

• extract quantity data to help with cost planning

• extract energy performance data

• create detailed information to present and explain the scheme in the best possible light to planning authorities

• add further detail to the same 3D model to build the project virtually using accurate elements and objects for ground works, superstructure, external cladding and finishes, internal finishes, mechanical services and electrical installations

• check that all the elements fit together and that there are no clashes – ‘if you draw it correctly in 3D you can’t fake it’.

• use the model to create schedules and lists of elements, such as windows, doors, staircases and structural members, to be supplied by manufacturers.

Initial BIM Consultation

• Meet with you to discuss your experience of and aspirations for BIM, and to identify how we might be able to help

BIM Education

• Explain the BIM concept and clarify its benefits to the people in your organisation most likely to be involved in, and affected by, the introduction and implementation of BIM

BIM Brief

• Identify the key projects most likely to benefit from BIM, and the discuss potential savings to be made

• Work with HR and other professionals to consider the impact of BIM on the way people work, the change management issues to be addressed and who will address them

• Produce a written brief and quotation for the BIM services required

BIM Implementation

• Produce the BIM models required

• Provide the software, computers and training required for one or more people to work with the models

‘Train the trainer’

• Provide ongoing BIM consultancy and support as required to ensure best use is made of the model’s content and the data it produces

BIM Review

• Review what is working and what needs improvement

• What has been learnt and how this can be shared with the rest of the organisation

• Agree next steps

Ideally we would get involved at the very early stages of an organisation’s BIM journey, however, we can intervene at any of the above stages.

We use the full 3D capabilities right through the design and construction process, including making extensive use of the ability to create schedules of materials and components to aid contractors pricing the work. Contractors we work closely with have also been able to access the fully detailed models on site using the BIMX application running on iPad to clarify how the design intent shown of the conventional printed drawings is achieved in 3D.