-Aug-16-2023-12-30-41-3641-PM.png?width=75&name=MicrosoftTeams-image%20(3)-Aug-16-2023-12-30-41-3641-PM.png)
.jpg?width=75&name=sigvardsson_220628_0008_small_webb%20(1).jpg)
.jpg?width=75&name=magnus%20andersson_550x550%20(1).jpg)
-4.png?width=75&name=MicrosoftTeams-image%20(3)-4.png)
The digital revolution in construction is much more than a buzz-phrase, it has connected technology such as Internet of Things (IOT), robotics and automation, prefabrication and off-site construction, Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) into the heart of what often seems to be a traditional and slow moving industry.
BIM (Building Information Modelling) stands out among other technology as a key enabler of all the above developments and is applicable across all stages of construction and a building’s lifespan. For manufacturers of building products, BIM is not a trend, it is a necessity.
There are many recent developments in construction, but the powerful transformation that digital technologies have brought to design, implementation and use of buildings has never been more visible and pressing than now.
What is BIM?
At one level, BIM is a 3D model of a construction project or building. The 3D model has the properties of the real life building, and is built from components which are also separate 3D models, each having the attributes of the object or item it represents. For example, a BIM model of an air handling unit (AHU) has its precise dimensional drawing in 3D form, but it also defines access space and weight, as well as the location and dimensions of duct connections. The attributes of the model include the performance data of the AHU, its energy usage and details of it connects to services such as cooling and heating.
The AHU model can be placed within the building model and be connected to services and ductwork, just like in the real world. Access and space allowances within the plant space can be checked, along with any clashes with other parts of the design.
How does BIM enhance construction?
The real level-up that BIM brings to construction, is in the collaboration between teams within the design stage. All design teams can work within the shared BIM model simultaneously and in parallel which speeds up decision making and avoids delays and waste of time during the construction phase.
Many countries have now made BIM mandatory for government projects as well as for large value or high risk developments due to its ability to reduce delays and issues in construction. This has been pivotal in the acceleration and spread of BIM usage.
The cost and time savings made with BIM is also the reason it is increasingly being used in smaller, more mainstream projects, around the world.
BIM and sustainability
BIM provides detailed visualisations and simulations that help communicate sustainability strategies to stakeholders, including clients, builders and regulatory bodies. This improves understanding and buy-in for sustainable practices. BIM software can also simulate energy usage and performance of building designs. Tools like Autodesk Revit and Green Building Studio allow designers to evaluate different energy systems and optimise for energy efficiency. The early-stage energy modelling helps in making informed decisions about building orientation, materials and systems to minimise energy consumption.
The future of BIM
The core strength of BIM is the data that each component, family or model includes. This enables it to be treated like its real world twin when designed into systems and projects. When this digital strength is matched to other elements of digital construction, the possibilities multiply fast.
We are seeing very interesting developments in adding environmental data into BIM product files. With Environmental Product Declarations (EPD’s) and life cycle data embedded in BIM files, and made visible within the building model, it will make fast and flexible LCA calculations possible. Ensuring that the building component BIM files are furnished with the correct data will streamline the process of achieving green building certifications such as LEED and BREAM*.
Developments within machine learning and AI are also bringing possibilities to streamline BIM design and system selection, with simple design steps being automated leaving designers more time to focus on higher level system selection and optimisation.
Swegon BIM
At Swegon, we develop and manufacture products that allows for an indoor climate where people can feel, think and perform at their best. These products need to be installed into projects physically, but just as importantly for great design, “installed” digitally within BIM project models.
We aim to make sure that the BIM files for our products are easily available and that they are at the forefront of the industry. Our BIM website is a great place to explore the different routes to different filetypes and to find guidance to get exactly the right BIM file or family for your project. Do not hesitate to contact us from the BIM website if you have any questions about BIM.
*Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design(LEED) and Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM).
