Introduction to BIM and its benefits for construction projects
12 September 2024 — Solution
Used to manage and digitally represent the physical and functional characteristics of buildings, BIM is transforming the way construction projects are designed, executed and managed. Let’s explore the BIM project concept, its origins, its key components, and the many benefits it offers to the various stakeholders in the construction sector.
1. BIM definition
What is BIM ?
BIM (Building Information Modeling) is a revolutionary approach to construction. It involves the creation and management of digital representations of physical and functional characteristics of buildings. A BIM project integrates multi-dimensional data into a digital model, enabling optimum visualisation and management of information throughout a building’s lifecycle.
Origins et development of BIM
The first ideas for digital modelling emerged in the 1970s with the evolution of computer-aided design (CAD). However, the concept of BIM really took shape in the early 2000s, thanks to technological advances and a growing demand for more efficient construction processes. Since then, BIM has gone from strength to strength, becoming a central pillar in the management of complex construction projects.
Key BIM components
BIM is based on several key components:
- 3D modelling: the precise geometric representation of structures.
- Integrated data: detailed information on materials, costs, schedules, etc.
- Collaboration: platforms enabling interaction between all project stakeholders.
- Analysis et simulation: energy performance forecasts, structural analyses, etc..
- Lifecycle management: monitoring and updating information from design to operation.
BIM lifecycle
A BIM project covers the entire life cycle of a building:
- Design: creation of detailed digital models.
- Construction: coordination and site supervision using digital model.
- Operations: managing operations and maintenance with up-to-date data.
- Demolition or renovation: planning future work using stored information.
BIM standards and regulations
Standardisation is crucial to ensuring the interoperability of BIM tools. In France, the NF EN ISO 19650 standard specifies the principles and requirements for managing information on construction projects using BIM. These standards facilitate collaboration and ensure that all stakeholders work with standardised protocols.
2. The main benefits of BIM for the various parties involved in a project
BIM Benefits for architects and architectural practices
For architects, BIM represents a powerful design and visualisation tool. Thanks to 3D modelling, they can explore and refine ideas with unprecedented precision. Digital models also make it easier to detect design errors at the earliest stages of a project, reducing costs and rectification times. The ability to simulate different scenarios offers unrivalled flexibility in the creative and technical approach.
BIM benefits for design offices and engineers
Design offices and engineers benefit from BIM thanks to the precision of the information available. Digital modelling makes it possible to carry out detailed analyses and simulations, such as thermal and acoustic studies and structural calculations. This wealth of information leads to better decision-making and more robust, sustainable designs. BIM also facilitates coordination between different disciplines, ensuring that data is perfectly consistent.
BIM benefits for project managers
For project managers, BIM is an incomparable project management tool. It enables work to be planned precisely, resources to be managed rigorously and progress on the site to be monitored in real time. Digital models provide a clear, detailed view of each stage, making it easier to coordinate teams and communicate with the other parties involved in the project. This transparency helps to reduce the risk of misunderstandings and errors, guaranteeing better quality construction.
BIM benefits for project owners
Project owners benefit greatly from BIM in terms of cost, quality and time management. Through better planning and integrated information management, BIM helps to reduce construction and operational costs. Owners can access accurate data to manage and maintain the building throughout its lifecycle. Furthermore, the transparency and traceability provided by BIM increase confidence and facilitate informed decision-making.
BIM benefits for construction companies
For companies, BIM is a strategic tool that improves efficiency and accuracy. Companies can plan and sequence tasks more consistently thanks to clear visualization of digital models. This reduces contingencies and optimises the use of resources. For manufacturers, BIM enables product specifications to be integrated directly into the digital model, ensuring greater compatibility and facilitating supply management.
3. Concrete examples of projects that have benefited from BIM by type of project
Restoration of the Grand Palais
The restoration of the Grand Palais in Paris, one of the capital’s most ambitious cultural projects, has been awarded the Golden BIM 2022 prize. As early as 2016, Chatillon Architectes adopted a BIM approach to manage the technical complexity of this renovation project. The consortium made up of Chatillon Architectes, Ingérop, Cicad and Arcora worked in close collaboration around the BIM model, enabling total coordination between the architects and engineers.
The use of BIM made it possible to model the Grand Palais as it was in 1900, thus facilitating the restoration work. This approach also made it possible to overcome major interoperability challenges, requiring the use of fifteen different software packages for various tasks such as spatial coordination, simulations, costing and planning. In this way, the project has avoided the time and errors associated with remodelling buildings and entering information over and over again.
A notable innovation in the project was the creation of an holographic animation of the model, presented to the project owner via a device developed by Holusion. This presentation highlighted the architectural ambition of the project without the need for 3D glasses. In addition, the Mezzoteam CDE played a crucial role in enabling documents and models to be shared and exchanged between all those involved in the project, thereby ensuring traceability and reducing the need for e-mail exchanges.
The assets of Eau de Paris
The Eau de Paris project, which won the Silver BIM 2022 award, aims to create digital twins of its existing assets to optimise team performance through virtual visits and document searches. This colossal project includes 2,050 km of networks, 470 km of main aqueducts, 7 treatment plants, 11 reservoirs and 61 buildings. Two major projects began in 2018: the construction of a non-potable water booster at the Passy reservoir and the modernisation of the Orly drinking water treatment plant.
The Eau de Paris project, which won the Silver BIM 2022 award, aims to create digital twins of its existing assets to optimise team performance through virtual visits and document searches. This colossal project includes 2,050 km of networks, 470 km of main aqueducts, 7 treatment plants, 11 reservoirs and 61 buildings. Two major projects began in 2018: the construction of a non-potable water booster at the Passy reservoir and the modernisation of the Orly drinking water treatment plant.
These projects required intensive collaboration between a large number of participants, facilitated by the BIM process. For the first time, Eau de Paris has experimented with designing and building large-scale projects by bringing together various trades around a single database and digital model. The implementation of a solid organisation, including a BIM strategy and approach, design and construction processes, as well as the parameterisation of models and IT tools, has made it possible to secure future projects.
Mezzoteam CDE was essential for managing the BIM process during the design and construction phases. It has enabled us to optimise the management of approvals, the checking and summarising of models, and the electronic management of documents. By progressively building a digital BIM site work file, Mezzoteam has facilitated the creation of a digital twin of the installations, which is now available to operators.
The Cayenne BHNS
Cayenne’s BHNS project, which also won the Silver BIM 2022 award, includes two lines, 21 stations and 10 km of roadway. This project required in-depth studies of green spaces and flood expansion zones, and provides for 25 years of maintenance facilitated by BIM. The introduction of BIM took place after the contracts had been signed, when the project had already begun and the engineering team was in place
Implementing BIM processes without disrupting the existing organisation was therefore a major challenge. However, designing in BIM meant that all the road and utility networks could be carried out in 3D, providing significant benefits such as automatic detection of areas where gradients exceeded the requirements for people with reduced mobility.
The use of Mezzoteam platform brought essential rigour to the project. Mezzoteam ensured clear organisation, with strict document coding and enhanced traceability. This rigour enabled the project to improve in efficiency and quality, by simplifying the management of processes and document exchanges.
BIM represents a revolution in construction project management. By offering a collaborative and integrated platform, it improves coordination among the various stakeholders, optimises resource management and reduces costs and deadlines. Whether for architects, engineers, project managers, project owners or companies, BIM provides significant advantages at every stage of the building lifecycle. Transitioning to BIM is no longer optional but a necessity if we are to remain competitive in a constantly evolving sector.
About Mezzoteam
Mezzoteam is a Common Data Environment (CDE) that enables thousands of stakeholders in the construction industry to manage their models, documents and validation processes in complete security. Used from the design phase through to operation, the collaborative BIM platform is available in Cloud or On-premises, depending on project requirements.
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