Advantages and disadvantages of BIM for Surveyors
BIM enhances the project outcomes for professionals and companies. Let’s delve into the advantages and disadvantages of BIM for surveyors
The proliferation of BIM is having an extremely positive impact on the workflows of professionals and companies. The advantages are numerous and so evident that they are contributing to the success and development of this methodology in all construction-related disciplines. Surveyors, architects, and structural engineers have the opportunity to collaborate across disciplines without limitations of space, time, or technological resources. In this article, we will primarily focus on the advantages and disadvantages of BIM for surveyors. Specifically, we will explore the benefits of BIM, the tools of BIM management systems to use, and why investing in this new work methodology is so advantageous. Find out now!
The Benefits of BIM | Cost, Time, and Resource Optimization
What are the advantages of using BIM for surveyors?
There are numerous advantages of using BIM for surveyors. Let’s delve into the details.
- Collaboration – BIM promotes collaboration and information exchange among professionals or work teams using different software and working in different locations. Open exchange formats (IFC, BCF, etc.) are used, and everyone works on the same information model, avoiding misunderstandings or misinterpretations, and leveraging the advantages of the cloud and online applications.
- Automatic quantity takeoff – Creating quantity takeoffs is one of the most common tasks for a surveyor. Obtaining an automatic estimated quantity takeoff from the 3D model of the building significantly reduces the time spent on this activity and the risk of errors. To learn more, read Dynamic cost estimating directly from your 3D model.
- Resource optimization – Using BIM software and methodologies allows you to meet planned deadlines and budgets and optimize every resource (raw materials, personnel, etc.). Some studies show a 30% reduction in construction times and a significant reduction in design errors, which, in turn, contributes to meeting construction project deadlines.
- Maintenance – Having an informative and updatable model over time facilitates all asset management and maintenance activities. In Facility Management, all stakeholders collaborate with the design team and contribute to asset planning, providing valuable insights on material selection, space organization, types of equipment to install, and the type of information required for maintenance. All of this results in a significant reduction in the time and cost of managing the work. To learn more, read BIM Facility Management: the importance of BIM in asset management.
- Safety – BIM applied to safety (BIM safety) provides the opportunity to identify and prevent risks to the health and safety of workers from the beginning of the design phase. Thanks to digital site simulation and new technologies that include the use of digital twins, VR, etc., it is possible to limit risks and accidents and improve worker training. To learn more, read BIM Safety: the 10 ways of increasing safety when using BIM based methodologies.
- Verification and control activities – The use of BIM models and BIM clash detection software help visually detect conflicts between models from different disciplines (MEP, architecture, structure, etc.) during the design phase. It is possible to have a report with all geometric interferences, allowing for intervention and resolution before construction begins.
- BIM and GIS – Easy management of GIS maps and georeferenced BIM models for territorial analysis and project framing. To learn more, read OpenBIM and GIS: The Benefits of Integrating These Two Technologies.
- Realistic project visualization – New methods of managing and visualizing the 3D model allow for a realistic approach to the project and all proposed detailed solutions. Real-time rendering, VR, online BIM viewers, help visualize the project as if it were already built and provide a clear view of the choices made. This way, the client is constantly informed about all project details, avoiding misunderstandings that arise during construction. Furthermore, better project understanding increases productivity and helps surveyors and designers rely on more creative and higher-quality workflows, increasing the competitiveness of their professional activities.
To learn more about the advantages of BIM, read:
Like all work methods, in addition to the many benefits, there may also be some disadvantages. Let’s see what are some of the challenges of using BIM for surveyors:
- new work approach – The most obvious disadvantage of introducing BIM into workflows is the high degree of innovation in technologies, operating methods, and tools to use. Work is exclusively done on 3D models, which requires a conversion of workflows used so far. Implementing BIM into your workflow may take time and adequate training.
- still relatively unknown technology – While BIM is becoming mandatory in public contracts, it is not yet widely known in private projects, especially by clients and non-professionals. Consequently, client requests for a BIM approach are unlikely.
- training requirements – To correctly use BIM methods and tools, money and time are required for professional training.
The disadvantages are simply related to the approach of this new methodology and the need for an initial investment in professional training. However, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages, so considering such an investment can only be a good idea!
