What is BIM?

BIM has been a revolution in the AEC industry since it became popular. The technology uses a well-organized digital information to design, operate and deliver construction projects. Each sector in the architecture, engineering and construction industry needs BIM for different purposes. The overall advantage of BIM, however, is that it provides a cohesive structure for all parties involved in a building project, from the design phase to the final construction.

What are BIM Dimensions?

BIM dimensions aid the process of linking additional dimensions of data to the building models, and also to aid to get a better understanding of the construction project. BIM dimensions have developed from the necessity to distinguish modelling geometry in two or three dimensions.

The modelling evolution has moved from the initial drawing boards, to the earliest 2D CAD systems, and then to 3D modelling packages. The essence of BIM dimensions is to aid project teams understand the exact information they are to model. It is useful in conversations with the client, to illustrate the various uses of BIM and formulate specific requirements the client requires.

2D BIM

This is a geometric model and the oldest form of construction models. It involves a simple X- and Y-axis associated with further information. The models combines manual processes and the use of CAD drawings. The earliest 2D BIM models made the development of plans and sections more accurate than the manual use of drawing boards. Currently, 2D BIM models have become more advanced to allow for additional parameters, constraints and concepts. However, 2D models are often not considered as BIM models.

3D BIM

This is referred to as the shared information model or the cordinated model, and is the most popular BIM dimension among construction companies. It is a three-dimensional digital geometric model that constitutes of an X-, Y- and Z- axis.

3D BIM involves creating graphical and non-graphical building information in a manner that it can be easily shared in a common data environment (CDE). They are used for design development and documentation, record drawings, schematic designs and construction documentation. This dimension can also generate 2D views of geometric information. It can combine various 3D models to report on any geometric clashes. It also aids in updating project teams on latest trends in design.

Advantages of 3D BIM

It enhances communication among the project teams

It makes the entire process transparent

It provides for full 3-dimensional visualization.

It provides a full scope of the project's impact on the environment.

It detects errors and collision among team members.

4D BIM

4D BIM was introduced with the emergence of new modelling tools.This BIM dimension adds other dimensional information to model construction processes, such as time or data scheduling. Time scheduling aids the project teams to factor in how long the entire construction project will take and how to structure each segment of the project. 4D BIM is most useful for contractors.

4D BIM is simply 3D+ schedule, that is, it begins with 3D BIM and then adds the fourth dimension called the time element.

Advantages of 4D BIM

It aids in scheduling and planning the entire project flow and sequences.

It improves the quality of planning the overall project.

It minimizes disagreements and delays. It aids harmony among all team players.

5D BIM

This is 4D + Estimate/cost. This BIM dimension simply adds information related to the cost of the project to a model. It aids in projecting the overall costs that would be incurred in the project's life cycle, to determine the feasibility of accomplishing the project's end goal. The accuracy of these calculations makes 5D BIM the more preferred to traditional approaches of costing.

When a project's team players are able to sit and analyze the cost of embarking on the project, it eliminates unexpected costs and aids in proper planning. The way this dimension works also tracks any revisions and updates in building costs as soon as it occurs, and implements the changes immediately.

In order to get the best out of 5D BIM, it must be determined initially who is responsible for adding the information to the model, what measurement criteria is applicable, and whether the costs are pre-tender estimates or a record of as-buit costs.

Advantages of 5D BIM

It makes the entire process straightforward and less cumbersome.It aids in early visualization of the overall project's costs.

It reduces misunderstandings related to costs.

It enhances general understanding of the project among the team players.

It makes budgeting easier with the various parameters utilized for its calculations.

It is best for the Design-Build approach to projects.

6D BIM

This is also called integrated BIM or iBIM. It is used to add information related to the management and operation of the facility into the model, so as to forecast the business outcome of the project. With this BIM dimension, a model previously developed could be subsequently updated and modified as the construction project advances. It provides all necessary information about future maintenance of the completed project.

Some of the information associated with 6D BIM includes information on operation and maintenance, manual information and warranty information.

Benefits of 6D BIM

It enhances decision-making procedures It provides detailed information about the maintenance and operation of the project

7D BIM

This dimension comprises of sustainability models. It is similar to 6D BIM in that it is related to the operation and maintenance of the building. However, 7D focuses on ensuring the entire project is aligned to environmental and safety precautions. It is necessary for the specific requirements for the model to be clearly expressed and understood from the initial phase.

Benefits of 7D BIM

It helps align a project with sustainability goals from the onset.

It aids in facilitating and managing the overall project.

It spells out proper maintenance of the building.

Got a project you need professionals for? Let's help you get started on it! You can speak with our professionals at JPC Design Consortium to get you started on your project today. We also give consultation services just in case you need some more information for your project. Contact us right away.