Explore three key ways firms can profit from BIM
With jobsites adopting smart technology and digitisation becoming a prominent feature in construction, it’s no surprise that Building Information Modelling (BIM) has become the industry standard for mid to large-sized projects. But while BIM is often used to plan pipes, ducts and cables, many systems have yet to integrate the mechanical, electrical and plumbing trades into its model – leading to missed opportunities and jobsite challenges.
Professional tool manufacturer Hilti have bridged this gap with their complete BIM offering, enabling end-to-end collaboration through digital optimisation.
Here are the top three ways construction companies can benefit from incorporating BIM systems into their projects.
Productivity
BIM workflows can drive productivity, but this only works if all parties within the project chain collaborate digitally early on. Traditionally, different trades will work in isolation without consulting one another, which can prove detrimental when clashes need to be ironed out on-site instead of during the planning stage. Ordering and logistics also have to be carried out manually, whilst paper-based documentation is time consuming and complex to manage. These factors inevitably slow projects down and require more effort in terms of execution and coordination.
But by investing in a model that includes all stakeholders from the beginning, companies can expect to see up to three times faster installation times and potential labour savings of four to six weeks. Because all installations are planned centrally before construction begins, clashes can be resolved in advance, on-site improvisation can be avoided and timely reworks won’t be necessary. With multi-trade support, the whole process is streamlined and much more efficient.
“As digital optimisation continues to grow, there’s no doubt that BIM systems have the ability to transform working practices for the better. In fact, with adoption growing substantially, it’s hard to imagine a future where it doesn’t play a pivotal role.”
Reduced materials and costs
When clashes aren’t identified until after work has begun, it doesn’t just cost companies time, but significant amounts of money too. Not only can project delays cost businesses up to 20% more than the estimated cost, but they also have to pay for the reworks they make – including the cost implications of additional materials and labour.
But, by investing early in detailed design with BIM, these problems can be ironed out during the planning stage in the office, meaning less revisions on-site and reduced material costs. In fact, with advanced planning, construction companies can cut their material costs by up to 50%. And with potential time savings of up to 7%, there’s the opportunity to reduce labour costs too.
Improved safety
It goes without saying that collaborative planning can help prevent future problems on jobsites, but what about the safety benefits?
When trades work in isolation, support systems aren’t designed as a full application solution, meaning fastening and firestop solutions are often forgotten. In the mechanical, electrical and plumbing trades,
solutions may also be based on past experiences and then improvised on the jobsite, which can sometimes affect safety measures too. This can lead to a lack of documentation, as well as risks and compliance not being properly managed. Processes that threaten the safety of projects should not be taken likely, making a fully optimised design system much more of a necessity than a modern-day perk.
With BIM, every aspect of the application is considered from the beginning, meaning anchors and fire protection are at the heart of every design. Engineering is put back in the driving seat, with holistic decisions being made in the office rather than an improvised approach on-site. Field-to-BIM scanning devices can also be used to import measurements from existing buildings, giving businesses the documentation they need to assess risks and stay compliant. It boils down to simplicity – removing lengthy processes in favour of an organised system that makes managing safety easier.
By enabling multi-trade support, workflow transparency and end-to-end collaboration, Hilti’s BIM offering can generate significant cost savings, enhance productivity and improve safety throughout construction projects. With four main services, including Framework, Design Core and Specifics, Modelling and Drawings and Bill of Materials, they provide expert guidance from beginning to end – allowing the smooth transfer of designs from office to jobsite.
As digital optimisation continues to grow, there’s no doubt that BIM systems have the ability to transform working practices for the better. In fact, with adoption growing substantially, it’s hard to imagine a future where it doesn’t play a pivotal role.
To learn more about Hilti’s BIM equipment and services, visit: https://hilti.to/bim
