Introduction to

Building
Information
Modeling (BIM)
Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a process that uses intelligent
3D models to represent a building. It's more than just a 3D model; it's a
digital representation that includes detailed information about a
building's structure, systems, and components. BIM has changed the
construction industry by offering improved collaboration and enhanced
communication.

K Anojan CES
BSc (Hons) in Quantity Surveying
Higher Diploma (Civil Eng) – OUSL
PhD Student ( UOM , UWE , Northumbria University )
 OVERVIEW

• Construction industry and Its

current challenges
• What is BIM ?
• Purpose for the BIM application
• BIM maturity Levels
• BIM Dimensions
• Level of Development (LOD) and
evaluation of LOD
• BIM & Collaboration
Construction
Industry
The construction industry plays a vital role
in shaping our world, from building homes
and infrastructure to creating iconic
landmarks. Its impact extends beyond
physical structures, influencing economic
growth, social development, and the
environment.
 CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

The construction industry is a backbone of economic and social

development. Its contributions extend beyond mere building activities,
influencing various facets of society and the economy. By fostering growth,
innovation, and sustainability, the construction sector remains a pivotal
element in shaping the future

Economic Growth and Employment - The construction industry is worth

more than $10 trillion a year, equivalent to 13% of the world’s GDP.

Infrastructure Development - Construction is essential for developing

public infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, and airports.
These projects are fundamental for the functioning and advancement of
societies.

Support for Other Industries - The construction industry supports various

sectors, such as manufacturing, real estate, finance, and professional
services. It creates a multiplier effect, generating additional economic
Social Impact- Improved infrastructure and buildings enhance the quality of
life for communities by providing better living conditions, healthcare,
education, and transportation.

Risk Mitigation and Resilience- The construction industry plays a crucial

role in rebuilding and recovery efforts following natural disasters,
contributing to community resilience and disaster preparedness.

Technological Advancement and Innovation- Technological advancement

and innovation are closely linked to the construction industry. The sector
often adopts and drives the use of new technologies like Building
Information Modeling (BIM), sustainable building materials, and
construction automation. There's a growing emphasis on sustainable
practices, including green buildings and energy-efficient designs, which
contribute significantly to environmental protection
Typical Challenges
The construction industry faces a multitude of challenges, including project
delays, budget overruns, labor shortages, and unpredictable weather
conditions.

1 Project Delays 2 Budget Overruns

Unforeseen circumstances Cost increases due to
can disrupt timelines, materials, labor, or
impacting project unforeseen events can strain
completion and client project budgets, leading to
satisfaction. financial difficulties.

3 Labor Shortages 4 Weather Conditions

Attracting and retaining Unpredictable weather can
skilled workers is a constant halt construction, leading to
challenge, impacting project delays and additional costs.
productivity and quality.
Challenges in Detail
Specific challenges include regulatory compliance, environmental
concerns, and technological advancements, all impacting project
success.

Regulatory Compliance Coordination Technological

Advancements
Navigating complex building Poor communication in
codes, safety regulations, and construction is the primary Adapting to emerging
permits can be time- reason why projects fail. It can technologies and their
consuming and costly. lead to a range of negative integration into construction
outcomes, including processes is essential.
misunderstandings, errors,
and rework, which in turn
increase costs and cause
delays.
 Traditional Data

Exchange Methods in

Construction-

Common Data

Environment
Coordination Failures in 2D Data
Exchange
Challenges and Opportunities
The construction industry faces ongoing challenges, but also presents significant opportunities for growth and innovat

Digital Transformation Sustainability Workforce Development

Embracing technology and Adopting green building Investing in workforce
digitalization to enhance practices and sustainable development programs to attract
efficiency, productivity, and technologies to reduce and retain a skilled labor pool.
collaboration. environmental impact.
WHAT IS BIM
BIM & Collaboration
 Building Information Modeling
It is a digital representation of the physical and
(BIM)
functional characteristics of a building or
infrastructure. BIM is a technology and process
used in Architecture, Engineering, and
Construction (AEC) industry to create, manage,
and exchange information about a project
throughout its entire lifecycle, from design and
construction to operation and maintenance.
([Link]

BIM has become an industry standard worldwide

because it helps to improve project efficiency,
reduce errors and changes during construction,
enhance collaboration, and ultimately save time
and money. This concept is not limited only to
buildings but can be applied to various
infrastructure projects as well, i.e. roads, bridges,
and utilities (Tan et al., 2011).
BIM ; HOW DOES IT DIFFER FROM 3D MODELING
BIM ; HOW DOES IT DIFFER FROM 3D MODELING
 The most important part of BIM is
the ‘I’ in the middle. In formation of
BIM, information is collected,
modelled, manipulated and
managed always with an
understanding of the central model
to which the data relates.

‘I’ In BIM

Without ‘I’, its just Building Model

What is BIM?
BIM is a digital representation of a building project that allows architects, engineers, and contractors to work together in a centralized
environment. It provides a single source of truth for all project information, enabling better communication and coordination.

Centralized Data 3D Modeling Collaboration

It brings together all project data, BIM uses 3D models to visualize and It fosters collaboration among project
creating a single source of truth that analyze building design, construction, stakeholders, allowing for seamless
everyone can access. and operations. communication and efficient
workflows.
Haier global research Shanghai tower Nanjing International
centre Youth Cultural Centre

Some Projects that would not have been possible without

BIM
Benefits of BIM
BIM offers numerous advantages, from enhanced project planning to reduced
costs and improved sustainability.

1 Reduced Costs 2 Improved Collaboration

BIM helps avoid costly errors It facilitates better
and rework by providing early communication and
detection of issues. coordination among all
stakeholders involved in a
project.

3 Enhanced Design 4 Sustainability

BIM allows for more realistic BIM helps optimize building
visualizations, enabling performance, promoting
architects and engineers to energy efficiency and
explore different design sustainable practices.
options.
BIM in the CONCEPT DESIGN
Visualization technologies for collaboration and communication in the design pr
 HISTORIC DEVELOPMENT OF BIM

2D and 3D manual drawings Computer-Aided Design 3D Geometric

modelling
 The dimensions of BIM
Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a multifaceted approach to construction and
design, often described in terms of "dimensions" that represent different layers of
information and functionality. These dimensions extend BIM beyond simple 3D
modeling, incorporating data that supports various aspects of a building's lifecycle,
from design to demolition.

3D – Three-dimensional graphical information

4D – Duration, Timeline & Scheduling information

5D – Cost information and analysis

6D – Sustainability and energy efficiency assessment

7D – Facilities management information (BIM facility Management).

8D – Safety during design and construction

9D – Lean construction

10D – Industrialization of construction.

BIM Dimensions (3D, 4D, 5D, 6D, 7D)
BIM offers a comprehensive view of a project, encompassing various dimensions that go beyond the traditional 3D model.
Each dimension adds a layer of information and functionality to the BIM process.

3D 4D 5D

The foundational dimension of BIM, This dimension introduces the Focuses on cost analysis, enabling
providing a visual representation of element of time, allowing for accurate cost estimation and budget
the building's physical structure. construction scheduling and tracking throughout the project
visualization of project progress. lifecycle.
 3D: Graphical and
Geometric Information
(2D and 3D)
• Parametric modelling
• Automatic generation of plans,
sections and elevations
• Fast generation of schedules
• Link information within the
model and with external sources.
• Realistic representation:
Renderings, Walkthroughs,
Virtual reality, Augmented reality,
etc.
4D: Time and Programme
information
3D TIME 4D

Evaluation of design changes

Construction planning and coordination

Project tracking: Visual comparison of planning against

construction on-site

Increased Health and safety and reduction of risks on site.

Test construction methods

Improved communication
Importing MS Project and Primavera schedules;
01

Linking model elements with imported construction schedule

02

Editing and exporting schedule in Bexel Manager

03

Updating of edited MS project/Primavera schedules and update

options
04

Basic BEXEL Manager Scheduling options and settings

5D: Cost information
3D COST 5D

• “Automated” Quantity Take-Off(QTO)

and cost estimations
• Measurements directly from a BIM
Model-Accuracy
• Livingcostsplans:“livelink”betweentheq
uantitiesgeneratedbytheBIMmodelandt
hecostplans
• Analysis's(speciallywhencombinedwith4
Dcapabilities)
• Lifecycle
Costing(LCC)CAPEX+OPEX=TOTEX
 6D: Facilities management information
Maintenanc
e and
3D lifespan 6D
information

Data-rich model with information to

manage maintainable assets
Informed decisions at the design
stage
Remove the manual process
Easy queries through the BIM
model.
Pre-plan maintenance
- Provide training and support to suppliers.
- Appoint a centralized BIM coordinator.
Model based performance analyses
BIM Workflow and Collaboration
The BIM workflow involves a coordinated process of design, construction, and operation,
with seamless collaboration among different stakeholders.

Planning & Design

The BIM model is created and iteratively developed based on design
requirements and specifications.

Construction
The BIM model is used to guide construction activities, ensuring accuracy
and efficiency.

Operations & Maintenance

The BIM model is leveraged for managing the building's lifecycle,
including maintenance, repairs, and upgrades.
federated 3D Models
BIM Software and Tools
• Revit
• ArchiCAD
• Bentley Systems (AEC
Building Designer)
• Trimble
• SketchUp
• Autodesk Navisworks
• Vectorworks Architect
• Allplan
• Tekla Structures
• Autodesk BIM 360
• MicroStation
• Rhinoceros (Rhino)
with Grasshopper
• Edificius
• Solibri Model Checker
• Dynamo (Autodesk)
BIM Standards and Protocols
Industry-specific standards and protocols are crucial for ensuring
interoperability and consistency across different software
platforms and projects.

National BIM Standard (NBIMS)

Provides a framework for implementing BIM in the United States.

BuildingSMART International
Promotes the adoption of open standards for BIM data exchange.

IFC (Industry Foundation Classes)

A neutral data format for sharing BIM data between different software ap
Challenges and Limitations
of BIM
Despite its benefits, BIM adoption has faced certain challenges and
limitations, primarily related to implementation, data management, and
user adoption.

1 Data Management 2 Interoperability

Managing large amounts of Ensuring seamless data
BIM data efficiently can be exchange between different
challenging, requiring BIM software platforms
robust data management remains a key challenge.
systems.

3 User Adoption
Effective training and support are crucial for successful BIM
implementation, as users need to adapt to new workflows.
Challe Descri Solutio
nge ption n
Securit Militar -
y y Imple
Concer project ment
ns s robust
involv cybers
e ecurity
sensiti protoc
ve ols.
data - Limit
that access
requir to
e author
robust ized
securit person
y nel.
measu -
res. Ensure
compli
ance
with
militar
y
standa
rds.
Resista Person -

Challenges and Solutions in BIM Implementation for

nce to nel Secure
Chang may leader
e be ship
relucta suppor
nt to t.
adopt -
new Provid
techno e
logies, compr
preferr ehensi
ing ve
traditi trainin
onal g.
metho -
ds. Imple
ment
BIM
gradua
lly
throug
h pilot
project
s.
Integr Existin - Focus
ation g on
with system intero
Existin s may perabil
g not be ity.
Syste fully -
ms compa Develo
tible p
with custom
new integr
BIM ation
techno solutio

the Army
logies. ns.
-
Imple
ment
phased
integr
ation.
Compl Militar -
ex y Develo
Project project p
Requir s often tailore
ement have d BIM
s unique protoc
and ols.
comple -
x Foster
needs collabo
that ration
can throug
compli h
cate commu
BIM nicatio
imple n.
menta -
tion. Design
with
flexibili
ty.
High The -
Initial upfron Conduc
Costs t costs t a
of BIM cost-
imple benefit
menta analysi
tion s.
can be -

Challenge Description Solution

signific Spread
ant. costs
over
multipl
e
phases
.
-
Utilize
govern
ment
contra
cts for
better
pricing
.
Lack of Inconsi -
Standa stent Develo
rdizati BIM p
on proces militar
ses y-
across specific
differe BIM
nt standa
depart rds.
ments -
can Encour
lead to age
ineffici cross-
encies. depart
ment
collabo
ration.
-

Security Concerns Military projects involve sensitive data - Implement robust cybersecurity
Regula
rly
update
standa
rds.
Data Manag -
Manag ing Establi
ement and sh a
and mainta data
Maint ining govern
enance large ance
volum frame
es of work.
data -
can be Conduc
challen t
ging regula
over r data
the audits.
asset -
lifecycl Provid
e. e
trainin
g for
data
manag
ement.
Supply Divers -

that require robust security measures. protocols.

Chain e Include
Coordi supply BIM
nation chain requir
partne ement
rs may s in
have contra
varyin cts.
g -
levels Provid
of BIM e
experti trainin
se. g and
suppor
t to
supplie
rs.
-
Appoin
ta
central
ized
BIM
coordi
nator.
Legal Ensuri -
and ng Conduc
Regula compli t legal
tory ance review
Compli with s of

- Limit access to authorized personnel.

ance legal BIM
and proces
regula ses.
tory -
requir Develo
ement p
s is standa
essenti rdized
al but docum
can be entatio
comple n.
x. -
Collab
orate
with
legal
expert
s.
Sustai Ensuri - Build
nabilit ng strong
y and long- vendor
Long- term relatio
Term suppor nships.
Suppor t for -
t BIM Develo
system p in-
s amid house
evolvi BIM

- Ensure compliance with Army

ng experti
techno se.
logy is -
crucial. Imple
ment
continu
ous
trainin
g
progra
ms.

network.
Resistance to Change Personnel may be reluctant to adopt - Secure leadership support.
new technologies, preferring traditional - Provide comprehensive training.
methods. - Implement BIM gradually through
pilot projects.
Integration with Existing Systems Existing systems may not be fully - Focus on interoperability.
compatible with new BIM technologies. - Develop custom integration solutions.
- Implement phased integration.
Lack of Knowledge Professionals and the staffs don’t have - Provide training and support to
the sufficient knowledge on BIM officers and staffs
- Appoint a centralized BIM
coordinator.
The Future of BIM
The future of BIM holds immense potential for revolutionizing the construction industry, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence, cloud
computing, and digital twin technologies.

Immersive Visualization Digital Twins

BIM will enable more immersive visualization experiences, providing Digital twins will provide real-time insights into building
stakeholders with a deeper understanding of project details. performance, enabling better decision-making and optimization.
TIONS
THANK YOU