We read something this week about BIM that really caught our attention: “why is something so simple so complicated?” It’s a very good question, so we’ve decided to explore the challenges of BIM, and more importantly, how we can overcome them.
We think the benefits of BIM outweigh its obstacles. And, it’s not just us; nearly 64% of a recent survey of people using BIM models said they have seen: “Positive signs and good results.” (BIM+ 2017 Survey).
Using the BIM model makes life easier for everyone involved. It allows us to bring the clients vision into reality, it aids collaboration, saves time and money, and offers accountability and transparency across the full project. With all this good stuff, why isn’t every project kicked off on the BIM train? Well, BIM doesn’t come without his challenges…
1. Capable contractor shortage
Setting off a new project using the BIM mythology will mean finding a network of contractors and subcontractors that can contribute in the right way for BIM – sounds easy right? Not so much…
Many well-established manufacturers and contractors still rely on 2D design software to produce drawings for customer approval, as well as internal design development, scheduling and procurement. This method of working is well engrained in company practices as well as the high-level staff members running design office operations from day to day, who have spent most of their careers perfecting these methods.
In the long-term making BIM work efficiently across the AEC industry requires an overhaul in how project design is approached. We need to start training the next generation of designers so that they are as comfortable navigating and interrogating large-scale models, and the metadata behind them, as the current generation are co-ordinating GA’s and datasheets.
To overcome this obstacle in the short-term and get the ball rolling, there should be clear, concise criteria detailing what information (and in what format) is expected from all contributors across any BIM project.
2. Keeping master BIM file up-to-date
Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing worse than fishing through 30 drawings to find a nugget of information but having just one file does have its challenges too. The concept of having one central model containing ‘as built’ information from all sub-contractors is fantastic and there are obvious benefits. However, keeping this model up to date will take careful coordination both throughout initial design development and during construction on site.
In an ideal world each sub-contractor would contribute their information to the master model and the building would be constructed as an exact replica, but we all know it is not this simple and there will inevitably be changes made during construction. For this reason, maintaining a ‘live’ master model will be a collaborative effort between all parties.
One person would need to be the owner of the live master model and it would have to be determined right from the get-go.
3. The file format fluster
Currently, not all software being used to design will fit into the software needed for BIM modelling. This causes a headache because if one contractor can’t contribute then it’s back to the drawing board. And 30 sets of drawings.
Organisations of different specialities such as architecture, groundwork, steelwork, façades and specialist product manufacturer’s etc use different design software which, often produce various file formats that aren’t always compatible with one another.
While these can sometimes be forced together, for example, placing a .ifc file into a Revit project. The .ifc (or other exported file type) will act differently within the project to a native family, which could cause complications when it comes to design revisions, extraction of technical data and BOM from the project.
If the main contractor, or whoever is ultimately responsible for the implementation of BIM within a project, were to specify the file type(s) required for compliance it would remove any ambiguity and allow the smaller sub-contractors to invest their resources wisely in these specific areas.
4. Size of files
These files are big. A BIM model for an average size building will be at least 100mb. Whilst most modern IT setups can handle files of this size they are still potentially awkward to work with and share.
Firstly, there are few things more frustrating for a designer than working on a file that lags, jumps and can’t keep up. Secondly, the common method of e-mailing drawings between parties is no longer possible with such large files so third-party file hosting services are required to facilitate collaboration. These services have been around for years and there’s nothing difficult in using them however this workflow does throw up potential problems… Who becomes responsible for their administration? And, how can the transfer of data be controlled so that we don’t end up with numerous versions of the model at varying levels of development?
As BIM grows in prominence it may be that large models become manageable to work with as technology advances. We think these models could be administered through online data management portals such as 4Projects or Conject, where all activity is date stamped and traceable giving accountability and transparency. Alternatively, files could be locked once opened and downloaded to avoid multiple versions being created.
5. It’s not quite there yet
The BIM model needs to be complete with all accurate as-built information like bracketry fasteners and wiring systems.
From our point of view, a major downside of BIM at this moment in time is the fact that many architectural models show generic or typical design details to illustrate a product or structure. These often differ greatly from the final product, it could be something as minor as a frame section being different profile geometry, a wall of different material construction or fixing bracketry not being shown but the implications are significant.
An extension of this is accurate interface detailing is complicated within a BIM model as bracketry, fasteners etc are generally not shown. This is partly because architectural design software such as Revit doesn’t lend itself to modelling products to this level of detail. If every bolt were included, the file would increase dramatically in size too.
Where currently interface details are often developed between sub-contractors by sharing 2D CAD information, a similar method would be required in a 3D environment to ensure clash detection works correctly.
The industry needs to reach the level of knowledge and experience needed to use the model. Client’s needs to innovate along with the contractors to make BIM a model that promotes collaboration saves time and has a positive effect on our bottom line.
Our BIM viewpoint
We love BIM and the model is a huge step in the right direction for planning, designing, building and managing buildings. We think BIM should be looked at from the value-added viewpoint. Yes, it has its challenges, however, the long-term benefits are hard to ignore.
The team over here at Solinear are BIM ready and have contributed to lots of BIM Level 2 projects.
We’ve developed an easy to download and valuable BIM resource portal available for you to explore with our large range of brise soleil BIM models, solar shading BIM models and Louvres BIM models, including timber louvres BIM Models.
We can also give you further advice and recommendations on types of materials to use and answer any questions you may have about the use of our BIM models here.
And, if you can’t find what you’re looking for, just get in touch, we’ll be more than happy to design bespoke BIM drawing for you too! Great eh?!
