The Magic of BIM
Building Information Modeling (BIM) is the foundation of digital transformation in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. It is a highly collaborative process that allows architects, engineers, contractors, manufacturers, and other construction professionals to plan, design, and construct systems, structures, or buildings.
As an integrated A/E firm, GLHN incorporates a BIM process to further strengthen our project coordination skills. This three-dimensional process is an entire project lifecycle from design development through construction while utilizing more dynamic means of collaboration to coordinate and communicate between documentation, field, project teams and their components. BIM confirms relationships between equipment, components, materials, connections, and detailing, resulting in fewer unknown conditions and greater documentation accuracy. As the model is assembled, it provides a greater amount of detailed information earlier in the design process — this results in more complete cost budgeting at each phase of the design. BIM tools enable teams to coordinate various building systems including structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical. Clash detection tools helps our teams identify conflicts prior to construction.
Led by Tim Shivanonda, our BIM expert, GLHN is proficient in applying 3D modeling techniques through the design and construction document development process. Conceptual plans address access and adjacency issues, site and building circulation, and incorporate the latest national trends in design. As design progresses, we can develop photo-realistic renderings for use in finalizing the exterior elevation aesthetics and communicating the project to a broader public. During the construction documents phase, the modeling process facilitates close dimensional coordination between the equipment, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and structural systems. This is useful not only in assuring constructability but also — and perhaps, more importantly — in validating long-term maintenance access to the many systems, components, and elements.
After construction is completed, the electronic model(s) in the BIM process can be updated to represent actual project equipment sizes and products installed along with product data sheets and O&M information. Utilizing a third-party software, we can use this information to schedule and track periodic replacement of consumables, equipment maintenance, and warranties. This process of BIM can be of great benefit to the client for long-term maintenance. Revisions and construction-related changes can be updated in the model to provide for more accurate records of the construction.
Each step of the BIM process ensures that your project goals and objectives are met by the most cost-effective means, within the time parameters of the schedule, and in the least disruptive manner mitigating the possibility of potential problems as the design advances.
The future of BIM is unlimited. With the ability to incorporate scheduling, cost information, facility management, sustainability information, and health and safety information into the modeling, BIM has the potential to grow beyond being just AEC and prove to be invaluable in other industries.
For more information about GLHN’s BIM services, contact Tim Shivanonda at (520) 881-4546 or tshivanonda@glhn.com.