The BIM revolution for small construction projects

The impact of a BIM approach for small construction projects: discover how this methodology not only optimizes time and resources but also ensures high standards of quality and precision for small-scale construction projects.

The BIM (Building Information Modeling) approach is revolutionizing the construction industry worldwide. But how does this innovation apply to small construction projects? In this article, we will explore how BIM is changing the landscape of small-scale construction and how it can offer significant advantages for these endeavors.

BIM approach for small construction projects

There has been extensive discussion about how implementing the BIM approach for engineering and architectural design is more challenging for small buildings compared to large construction sites and more complex structures. In a small design studio, it can be costly, if not excessive, to implement methods and software that can expedite project creation and management phases, especially for a private client seeking an affordable home with swift approval of project documentation from relevant technical offices.

However, the time required for design and project organization, including subsequent revisions and modifications, plays a crucial role in determining the compensation for designers. Each project revision represents a time implication that requires careful optimization. Therefore, the designer’s role should not be limited to the initial design phase but should also extend to the project’s control and management to maximize efficiency and consistency in the process.

The adoption of a BIM process has the potential to revolutionize this mode of operation, allowing designers to dedicate more time to the creative phase and shape control/calculations. A well-defined BIM model, in compliance with appropriate simplification criteria, can provide support in various ways. Let’s see how.

Creation of Technical Drawings

For presenting the project to local control offices, it is possible to create an endless series of floor plans, elevations, sections, and essential construction details without additional time expenditure. Creating these technical drawings in a BIM (Building Information Modeling) approach context, is a key feature for visualizing layouts and sections through a construction model. These representations help communicate the design, verify compliance with regulations, save time in creating detailed documents and keep all team members updated on project changes. In summary, they improve understanding, communication and accuracy in construction projects.

Graphic table with plans, elevations, sections, rendering obtained with Edificius

Using Edificius and BIM modeling in 2D/3D architectural design, you can automatically generate and maintain all architectural drawings and project documentation, including plans, floor plans, sections, elevations, axonometric views, exploded axonometrics, perspectives, architectural reports, tables, diagrams, and elevation profile.

Real-Time Updates

During the design phase, any changes to the model are instantly reflected in all automatically generated drawings done by the model itself (floor plans, sections, tables, 3D views, video presentations, etc.). This allows for immediate verification of errors and non-compliance, keeping the project aligned across all its components.

This means that any changes made to the model are immediately visible to all team members collaborating on it, facilitating effective communication, ensuring data consistency, saving time and enabling more informed decision-making. In essence, real-time updates greatly enhance efficiency and precision in construction projects, contributing to a more efficient workflow among team members thus providing continuous change verification thanks to an instant information sharing process.

Direct Client Engagement

A client, even without expertise in the field, can be directly engaged through the BIM model and connected tools. Direct client engagement within the BIM approach (Building Information Modeling) is a process that makes the construction project more accessible and understandable to clients. This is achieved through three-dimensional visualization of projects, direct interaction with the model and the ability to provide timely feedback.

Clearer communication reduces misunderstandings, enhances client involvement and promotes more informed decisions.

You can verify the quality of your design choices in real time and present the project to your client as it will be built; while trying out different solutions together in real time, using the real-time rendering environment of 3D architectural design software.

Realistic Representation

The BIM software rendering environments allows for a realistic project’s representation during the presentation phase. These representations offer an immersive view of the finished project, showcasing details such as finishes, materials and lighting. They are useful for checking designs, engaging clients and presenting projects effectively; identifying potential issues and photorealistically documenting the project.

Parallel Views Visualization

Specific views can be produced for demolition and reconstruction operations, updating information directly from site reports and documents. This tool is useful for a detailed project analysis, error checking, effective communication with clients and on-site progress monitoring. In short, it enhances accuracy and efficiency in construction projects, providing a detailed view from various perspectives.

Cloud Collaboration

The team of professionals can share architectural, structural as well as systems and operational aspects in the cloud; with the ability to make real-time edits and updates. Cloud collaboration is a fundamental aspect of the BIM approach; it allows all project team members, including architects, engineers, designers, systems engineers and other construction professionals, to work together synchronously on a single shared BIM model from a cloud platform.

usBIM: collaborate remotely on the same digital models and documents to keep the team always in sync

Here’s how it works and why it’s so crucial:

1. Universal Access: When the BIM model is hosted on a cloud platform, it can be accessed from anywhere and on any device with an internet connection. This means that team members are not limited to a single physical location and can collaborate from the office, home, or even on-site.
2. Real-Time Changes: With cloud collaboration, any changes made to the BIM model by one team member are immediately visible to others. This allows for real-time collaboration and reduces the need to send documents or files via email, avoiding duplications or outdated versions.
3. Version Control: BIM cloud platforms automatically track models’ changes and versions. This ensures that all team members work on the most up-to-date version and can revert to previous versions if necessary.
4. Secure Sharing: BIM cloud platforms offer advanced security solutions to protect the project’s sensitive data. Authorized users can access the model, while access settings ensure data protection from unauthorized access.
5. Multi-Device Collaboration: Cloud collaboration facilitates the use of different devices. For example, an architect can make changes to the BIM model using a desktop computer, while an engineer can do the same using a tablet or even a smartphone.
6. Reduces Conflicts and Errors: Cloud collaboration allows various professionals to verify their information and changes in real-time, minimizing design conflicts and errors. This improves project quality and reduces costs related to construction corrections.

Discover all the benefits of BIM collaboration for yourself. Try usBIM for free forever; see how you can optimize BIM design and effectively collaborate with various teams through specialized communication tools for AEC professionals.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the BIM approach offers significant advantages for small construction projects. While it may initially seem expensive its implementation can save time and energy. Therefore improving the quality and precision of the design and construction process. As the construction industry evolves, embracing BIM can be the key to remaining competitive and meeting customer needs more efficiently.