Common Myths About BIM
Building Information Modelling is becoming an inseparable part of the daily lives of those who belongs to Architectural Engineering Construction and Operation (AECO) industry but remains shrouded in mystery to many stakeholders involved.
Before elaborating the some common myths about BIM and truth let’s find out “What is BIM?” first.
The entire process of creating and managing information for a built object is known as Building Information Modeling (BIM). BIM generates intelligent cloud-based model integrating multi-disciplinary structured data to build a digital visualization of an object throughout its lifecycle from conceptual and designing stage to construction and operations.
The notion of BIM has been around since the 1970s, but it was only in the early 2000s that it became a widely accepted word. In the current scenario, BIM is being adopted by leading countries throughout the world.
The government is making use of BIM mandatory in construction projects since it has been beneficial in streamlining various construction processes and resulting in increased production.
🏠 Debunking or Busted Myths About BIM
It is important for every company that belongs to the AEC industry to be aware of these common myths about BIM implementation. It is reasonable to have some hesitations about any change in the workplace specifically while implementing something new.
BIM offers end numbers of benefits that far exceed its drawbacks. BIM facilitates a very useful procedure that benefits all of the project stakeholders. It enables all AEC professionals to collaborate by providing a comprehensive view of the entire project.
🏠 Most Common Myths About BIM Technology Busted
Despite the advantages, a few common myths have made people cautious to implement and execute BIM in their projects.
Myth 1. BIM Is Just a Type of Software
Truth – One of the biggest misconceptions about BIM is it’s just a software. Whereas BIM is not at all a software package it’s a mindset, a process flow.
For BIM implementation you need to consider people, methodology and technology to re-design traditional work process to utilise the full benefit of digital collaborative construction process.
Myth 2. BIM Is Limited to 3D Modeling
Truth – BIM is not just generating 3 dimensional visual representation of physical and functional elements of a building. It’s far more than that. 3D Modeling is just one of the functionalities of BIM that allows users to visualize the appearance of the building design.
BIM not only produces data-rich 3D models but enables collaborative work processes involving AEC professionals in a building project. The process enables the production of graphical and non-graphical digital datasets.
Myth 3. BIM Implementation – It’s Complicated
Truth – Likewise, in other advanced technologies there exist a misconception “BIM implementation is a too complex process” but it’s actually not. There is a requirement for proper training and knowledge which can be gained through online courses, online tutorial videos and other free available resources.
There are multiple BIM Companies in USA like Tejjy Inc. that provide extensive training and short training along with monthly BIM to break down the understanding issues. Mostly these trainings are fully optimized with the government regulations and industry standards.
Before BIM implementation, we do research on the project specification and industry-standard then plan accordingly. Hence, BIM implementation is not complex but needed learning and research.
Myth 4. BIM (Building Information Modeling) Is Expensive
Truth – Most people are apprehensive about deploying BIM because they believe it will be costly. When we adopt any kind of change in working processes, there will surely be an early expense as adopting every new technology takes, but this will be offset by long-term efficiency and rewards.
The efficiency of BIM is dependent on accurate data representation and the ability to make data-driven decisions. It is important to recognize that process efficiency reduces overall risk and saves a significant amount of money.
Myth 5. BIM Is More Suitable for Big and Complicated Project
Truth – BIM is commonly used in large projects only because it allows better project management as compared to traditional construction methods – This is not completely true. Big projects are obviously more complicated and time-consuming but the issue of every construction project tends to be the same.
BIM improves design cost calculation efficiency and saves time while estimating and analyzing project costs. BIM is beneficial to everyone, irrespective of the size of the project. Whether it’s a public or private project, the team of Tejjy Inc. utilizes the benefits of BIM to execute it efficiently.
Myth 6. BIM Is Beneficial Only to Designers and Constructors
Truth – Many people assume that BIM is only valuable during the design and construction phases, however this is not the case. BIM benefits all project stakeholders involved into the project lifecycle.
The process is efficiently taking care of everything at every stage of the construction process. Hence helping Designers, Constructors, Facility Managers, Estimators, Modelers and other project stakeholders to have complete overview of the project progression and execution collaboratively. It is also helpful for renovations, retrofits, destruction and refurbishment.
Myth 7. BIM Implementation Require a New Team
Truth – Many people assume that BIM deployment requires a new set of skills and a new team. This is not absolutely the case. BIM implementation training can be provided to the existing team.
People are hesitant because they have developed myths about BIM technology in their mind that BIM has numerous benefits but is difficult to execute, which is not the case. BIM Service Provider Companies that have successfully incorporated BIM, trained their existing engineers, team members and project managers to incorporate BIM into their current workflow.
Moreover, BIM aids the project’s workflow by streamlining it but tendency to accept changes in the workplace makes the process difficult. BIM is simple to adopt, and it has resulted in greater project efficiency.
Myth 8. BIM is Just a Trend
Truth – In the construction business, BIM is gaining popularity, globally since the 2000s. BIM has been adopted by many of the top countries worldwide and is now mandatory for all public projects. The global construction industry has recognized the value of BIM and how it is helping in design coordination, work collaboratively, waste elimination, and saving cost consumption.
The notion that BIM is merely a passing fad is a myth. BIM has made a big change in the workflow and proper utilization of technology in the AEC industry as mankind has improved its standards to the digital world. Companies gaining more work efficiency and competitive edge adopting BIM. Hence it is not just a fad but it is a natural evolution of the Architectural, Engineering and Construction industry
Myth 9. BIM is More Time Consuming
Truth – Undoubtedly, any procedure that entails new ways of working will take time to scope, implement, and integrate. Careful and effective planning helps in reducing the impact of picking the proper pilot project and ensuring adequate time and resources to get up to speed.
This helps in building momentum. Longer run, you begin to reap the rewards sooner rather than later, with gains outweighing the initial expenditure. In comparison to more traditional methods of project planning and resourcing, a BIM approach often frontloads the generation of project-related information and assets, which might take some time to get used to.
With a variety of training and accessible tools even the busiest firm manages to get up to speed.
Myth 10. BIM Impacts Productivity
Truth – People who have misconception about BIM consumes more time assumes that BIM has a negative impact on construction productivity. We can’t expect any drastic changes in the process to produce immediate outcomes.
BIM, on the other hand, pays off in the long run when given the proper amount of time, planning and investment resources. It not only pays off the investment, but it also streamlines several procedures, resulting in increased efficiency.
🏠 What is not BIM?
As BIM becomes more important and relevant in the marketplace, activities that may be termed as BIM wash begin to appear. Some BIM-enhanced products are already available on the market.
This is why it’s critical to address a few points that can aid in determining “what is not BIM”.
3D models which is only the 3D graphical visualization of an object or, a building is “not BIM” but data-rich intelligent 3D models are considered as BIM
Solutions that emulate 3-dimensional models by using multiple 2D reference drawings or documents do not allow automatic quantity extraction, updates, or even simulations and analysis, hence it can’t be considered as BIM
3D Models that are developed not using parametric and smart object are considered as “Not BIM”.
Solutions that are incapable of generating automatic updates like Automatic Clash detection, Report generation, etc.
3D tools and process that are not managing integrated database are “Not BIM”.
Use BIM Automation to Automate Modeling and Design Activities
🏠 Why Do People Not Use BIM?
Despite the fact that BIM is a widely established technology in the building construction sector, many small businesses are hesitant to adopt it. They believe it is only relevant for large construction companies, high-end architects, government projects, or environmental organizations.
The biggest issue that this advanced technology faces is a lack of proper understanding and misconceptions about it. According to a survey done by the National Building Specification (NBS), the construction industry faces five major challenges when implementing BIM technologies.
BIM demand from client-side is very less
No or, minimal requirement of BIM in typical projects
Less advantage for companies who are working on only small project
BIM implementation charges more for small companies in AEC industry
Lack of knowledge on BIM
🏠 What Are the Disadvantages of BIM?
BIM, or building information modelling, is a useful tool for conceptualizing, planning, and designing structures of any scale and complexity. Though there are a bunch of advantages we can utilize with BIM, there exists few disadvantages of BIM too in the AEC industry.
Modelling Software packages required to implement BIM
Additional investment required for training old staffs or, to hire new BIM professional
Requirement of initial document upload for further project execution
Incompatibility with other project stakeholders, who are not aware about the BIM process
Lack of usability knowledge of BIM for Facility management after the handover stage
🏠 What Are the 4 Stages of BIM?
BIM (Building Information Modeling) is a collaborative system that facilitates industry experts in the design, model, delivery, and maintenance of assets over their entire existence. BIM is a system for defining the characteristics of a building facility that allows stakeholders to share information from conceptual stage to demolition.
Different levels of participation are guaranteed by the gradual and recognizable milestones, which are characterized as different levels. These levels, which range from 0 to 3 and beyond, are as explained below:
BIM Level 0: Level 0 is the simplest and traditional process which actually means No Collaboration. 2D CAD drafting is only utilized to execute a project and generates Production Information either in electronic form or, on paper.
BIM Level 1: Both 3D CAD and 2D drawing are used in Level 1 BIM. While 3D CAD is utilized for conceptual designs, 2D CAD is used to create statutory approval papers and Production Information.
At this level, data is shared electronically through a common data environment (CDE) managed by contractors. Everyone develops and controls their own data hence, there exists minimal collaboration among the stakeholders at this level.
BIM Level 2: Level 2 BIM is used extensively for public-sector projects. This level encourages collaboration by providing each stakeholder with their own 3D CAD model. This level is distinguished by collaborative functioning, and it necessitates efficient project-related information submission as well as smooth coordination across all stakeholders.
All project members work on their own local 3D CAD models, and data is shared using a standard file format. Organizations can use such a technology to construct a federated BIM model by combining external data with their own model.
BIM Level 3: The scope of Level 3 has not yet fully defined, but it offers broader collaboration between all stakeholders through a work-shared model in a digital common date environment (CDE). It is also known as ‘Open BIM.’
The Level 3 idea allows all participants to work on the same model at the same time, eliminating the possibility of contradictory information. Level 3 suggests using an integrated system based on open standards like as IFC, with all project data stored on a single server.
🏠 What Makes Us an Expert BIM Modeling Service Provider in USA?
Tejjy Inc. being Women-owned Certified Disadvantage/Minority Business Enterprise listed on GSA schedule company providing BIM services to MEP engineering firms, 3D Scanning and Modeling Companies, Product Modeling Companies, Architectural firms and building owners.
Adopting the capabilities of BIM software such as Autodesk Revit, Navisworks, AutoCAD Plant 3D, 3Ds MAX, etc. we provide services to the entire Architectural Engineering Construction and Operation (AECO) industry for the last 15 years now.
From 3D model and parametric families, we facilitate MEP Clash Detection, BIM Coordination (architectural, structural, MEPFP/HVAC), Scan to BIM Modeling, Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) and so on.
We are an ISO Certified (9001-2015) company and successfully delivered quality assured more than 2500 projects in Washington DC, Texas, Maryland, Virginia, Newyork, Baltimore, and across USA. The industry verticals we have served are commercial, residential, mixed-use, medical facilities, infrastructure, and industrial etc. Consult us now to implement BIM in your upcoming projects.
