Even though the construction industry is adopting BIM at a rapid rate, the method is currently most frequently used for coordination and clash detection during the design phase rather than through the project’s lifecycle. The utilization of BIM decreases as the project moves into the construction phase, and 2D static drawings are used instead. When the model is not regularly updated with information as the construction phases on-site approach, the goal of BIM is lost. Comparisons between the on-site use of 2D drawings and BIM might show that the 2D drawings are wasteful, inconsistent, and require several reworks in contrast to BIM.
BIM should be used in all stages of the project to streamline data from building sites and use a single source of information; this application of BIM in its whole is referred to as Total BIM.
In projects that use the Total BIM approach, BIM is used in all the phases of the project right from design to execution as a single source of information. The information is accessed on the construction site from the cloud using mobile devices for extracting construction-related data such as measurements, individual object data and views or sections.
The Total BIM Process
Considerations for the effective adoption of the Total BIM process include the strategies for implementation, technological components and creation of an ecosystem while also educating the workers on-site. The technology is the most important part of the implementation process and consists of the following elements:
Total BIM Design Process
Cloud-based Up-to-date BIM
For the BIM model to be used throughout the lifecycle of the project as a dynamic single source of information, a cloud-based multidisciplinary model needs to be developed by the designers which can be retrieved by the site workers.
Mobile Access to BIM
For the simplification of construction site data for workers, a BIM viewer software is used for mobile access to the model. Using this viewer, the workers can create their own set of drawings on-site as needed.
Interoperability Platform
Since a cloud-based model is used, a platform for interoperability and collaboration should be decided before the design phase. Multiple stakeholders can access the model from this platform which thus makes the process more transparent and effective.
Total BIM On-site Delivery Outcomes
After the development of a highly detailed and up-to-date cloud-based BIM with structured data, this model is used on-site by the workers for the simplification of construction data. The outcomes of this approach are as follows:
On-site Dynamic Construction Data
Using the BIM viewer software, workers on-site can use mobile devices to interact and navigate to their current area of construction. Unlimited dynamic views, high-quality structured data objects, sections and measurements can all be easily viewed on user-friendly mobile devices. Due to the technological advancements in hardware, software and connectivity work can be produced and accessed across all stages of the project cycle.
Customized Data Viewing
It might occasionally be difficult for the employees to manage all the data because of the intricacy of the data items in a project. The filtering layers option is a very useful tool that allows users to view data according to the layer of information they are currently working on. Information can also be filtered according to object properties, which can be useful for getting quantity take-offs.
Simplified Communication
While using the BIM viewer applications on the mobile device, the workers can interact with hardware and software on-site. An integrated communication platform allows for easy communication between the on-site workers, design teams, managers, and other consultants. Due to this dynamic approach, the handling times are reduced and the project teams are also a part of the on-site construction digitally.
Objects linked to checklists
In this process, every BIM object is linked to the checklist which allows for tracking its status and the sub-activities performed by contractors. RFIs and checklists completed by workers can be linked with data visualization software which can allow the management teams to monitor and analyze data remotely.
Advantages of using Total BIM
- Improved Coordination: The use of Total BIM, which is a model-based technique allows for better collaboration by using 3D models during construction rather than static 2D drawings.
- Time Management: Time can be saved by not creating 2D drawings which need rework in case of any changes and the time saved can be used to create high-quality data models.
- Simplified Construction Data: Due to the model-based approach, on-site data is highly structured which simplifies the construction data and ensures efficient project management.
Conclusion
The Total BIM process is a dynamic approach that uses a single source of information throughout the project lifecycle allowing on-site workers to extract and create construction data on-site. This process simplifies the construction site data and provides a unified integrated platform for the site workers and the design teams for real-time monitoring of the project remotely.
