From inception times, Building Information Modeling (BIM) had been primarily used for buildings and vertical construction. The U.S Infrastructure in Oil & Gas Energy sector has been focusing on process modeling and P&ID-driven workflows. The traditional design workflow preferred platforms like SmartPlant, AVEVA and AutoPLANT.
With changing times and technology, uncertainty about BIM services in the energy sector oil is changing dramatically. Another question that stakeholders thought can BIM be used in offshore platforms? Apart from answering and supporting the work in harsh environment. The digital modeling encapsulates asset management, plant design, offshore structures, and digital twins.
Difference between BIM vs SmartPlant in Industrial Design?
BIM and SmartPlant from Hexagon both do 3D modeling, data and documentation. Rather breakdown shows the workflow difference. The main goal of BIM is to deliver projects in an integrated way with geometry, data, lifecycle, coordination and asset information. Whereas SmartPlant envisions accurate process and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), equipment data, and document management. This core vision difference from specialized software tools for process plant design and engineering to process & data environment for creating and managing digital representations of physical and functional characteristics of a facility is pulling the attraction.
So, BIM services in oil and gas industry represents a shared and coordinated environment amongst structural and MEP. The process diagram and documentation supports design, construction, operation, and maintenance.
9 Critical Oil & Gas Industry Challenges That BIM Solves
- Complexity of Asset:
Modern U.S. oil and gas industrial projects — from refineries to offshore platforms and terminals assets are getting complexed. Digital integration of civil, structural, mechanical, electical, plumbing are the core expectations.
Solution: Plant owners use 3D Modeling in Oil and Gas can visualize the process piping, structural elements, electrical and instrumentation system.
- Engineering designs and schematics and how equipment will be arranged
- Planning for the routes of pipelines
- The thoughtful design of offshore oil platforms
- Modules known as FPSO (Floating Production Storage & Offloading)
- Having models for the building and creating safety plans
Teams visualize the entire site, make data-driven decisions, and reduce material waste.
2. Clashes in Offshore Systems: Piping, Electrical, Structural, and Mechanical Issues
BIM for energy infrastructure serves several important purposes enabling proactive clash detection, reducing rework by 25% . What is Hard Clash? Clashing construction materials can trigger critical collisions in refinery or offshore models.
Solution: BIM enables 3D coordination and clash detection using tools like Navisworks or Revit. Any mistakes made in the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, structural, fireprotection integration process can be extremely expensive to fix. Hence, Naviswork helps in BIM Clash Detection services Algorithms helps to identify and resolve hard clashes digitally so that:
- Finds and address problems in the design at an early stage
- Keeps in line with the OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) requirements
- Works to avoid costly changes and delays in the construction process
Make your infrastructure project clash-free today
📄 3. Incomplete or Outdated Documentation
Many old US Brownfield plants often lack reliable as-built drawings. Either they are outdated, incomplete or paper-based.
Solution: Scan-to-BIM captures accurate site conditions using LiDAR , drones and cloud processing.
- Capture conditions
- Generate 3D models
- Feed that data into BIM
This enables safe, cost-effective retrofits and is quickly replacing traditional 2D workflows.
⏱️ 4. Schedule Delays and Poor Sequencing
Construction and commissioning phases are frequently delayed due to unclear timelines, subcontractor overlaps, or procurement misalignment.
Solution: 4D BIM adds scheduling to the 3D model, enabling simulation of construction sequences. Teams can visualize work progression, avoid bottlenecks, and optimize installation timing.
💰 5. Cost Overruns
Unforeseen rework, RFIs, and inefficient procurement drive budget overruns in mega projects.
Solution: 5D BIM links cost data with quantities and model elements, helping forecast budget impacts in real time. Facilitates early-stage cost analysis and accurate procurement planning.
♻️ 6. Energy Waste and Poor System Efficiency
Utilities (e.g., boilers, compressors, HVAC) are often oversized or inefficient, increasing OPEX and carbon footprint.
Solution: When combined with energy modeling, BIM helps optimize energy performance, reduce fuel consumption, and identify waste heat recovery opportunities. Supports ESG goals and helps comply with ISO 50001.
🛠️ 7 . Missing Predictive Maintenance
Facilities struggle with inaccessible or undocumented equipment, making preventive maintenance and repairs risky or inefficient.
Solution: 3D models include location, specifications, and maintenance history of every asset. Used in CMMS systems or linked to digital twins for predictive maintenance.
Digital Modeling fills this gap by modeling geometry, relationships, classification systems, and lifecycle data. This makes it a launchpad for real digital twins. Growth of IoT, AI, and Digital Twins, operators in Houston, Midland, and Louisiana need smart refineries and predictive maintenance.
See your site before you build it—Try Scan to BIM now
⚠️ 8. Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) Risks:
Confusing layouts, lack of evacuation routes, and uncoordinated safety systems can pose serious risk to personnel.
Solution: BIM allows simulation of evacuation planning, hazardous zone mapping, and fireproofing scenarios. Supports OSHA and EPA compliance and improves emergency response planning.
📦 9. Fragmented Project Data & Communication
Multiple stakeholders using disconnected tools lead to data silos, miscommunication, and errors.
Solution: A Common Data Environment (CDE) like Autodesk Construction Cloud integrates all project data in one platform. Ensures version control, traceability, and stakeholder alignment.
FAQ's
Q: Can BIM support brownfield refinery upgrades?
A: Yes. We use Scan to BIM to model existing assets accurately.
Q: Does BIM reduce project costs?
A: Yes. With 5D BIM, material and labor forecasts reduce costs by 15%.
Q: How does BIM help with refinery shutdowns?
A: It ensures timely planning and reduces unexpected costs.
Get a Free BIM Proposal for Your Refinery Project
Tejjy’s Industrial Modeling experts are ready to support your plant design, clash resolution, and construction workflows.
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