Building information modeling (BIM) has long been considered one of the most promising developments in forward-looking industries such as architecture, engineering, and construction. What is new, however, is the fact that a “BIM mandate” has been in force in Germany since December 31, 2020 for publicly tendered infrastructure projects.
What exactly is BIM all about?
What sets this working method apart is that it combines 3D modeling approaches with information database technology and interoperable software. Dynamic real-time BIM software manages and maximizes productivity in building design and construction, an aspect that is particularly relevant in large-scale plant engineering. Members of a project team can use it to create a virtual model of a structure and all of its systems and share this information with each other. Drawings, specifications, and design details form the basis for the model, which contains additional attributes such as building geometry, spatial relationships, properties of quantity for building components, and geographic information.
These kinds of details mean that design and construction problems can be identified faster and resolved in a virtual environment – long before the actual construction phase begins. Efficient planning also translates into fewer delays. If a delay does occur during the course of the project, the software can immediately evaluate the additional costs incurred and adjust the budget planning. BIM is thus primarily a process by which building data is generated and managed during the life cycle of a project.
Efficient collaboration in BIM projects thanks to a cloud solution
For BIM projects, the best way to guarantee rapid data exchange is to define standard procedures across different disciplines (such as architecture, structural design, and electrical engineering). It is important that these standards provide guidelines for collecting, managing, and exchanging information, as well as for managing different model variants in a file-based workflow.
Professional, cloud-based solutions are ideal for interdisciplinary and location-independent work, as well as for exchanging data securely and flexibly. When choosing the right provider, companies should pay attention to factors like high-level security and transparency. Besides providing rapid and secure data exchange, cloud solutions make the individual planning steps visible and transparent to everyone involved in the project, in line with their specific roles. This also improves communication across disciplines, and allows all of the specialists to work jointly on the data stored in the BIM project.
Cloud-based BIM projects in large-scale plant construction
Implementing complex projects under challenging conditions in an internationally competitive environment is becoming a growing challenge, especially in the field of large-scale plant construction. By facilitating detailed project and building planning while managing potential emerging risks, building information modeling can secure a company’s competitive advantage in this respect.
The ability to simulate a range of data options in real time throughout the entire design, construction, and operations phases boosts the effectiveness of building designs while also trimming material costs. Combined with a professional, cloud-based solution for technical data and documentation management such as Approve on Fabasoft PROCECO, BIM projects optimize communication, which in turn leads to significantly shorter construction times. Even when large-scale plant construction requires building and integrating multiple buildings, this offers a tremendous advantage. The mechanical and plant engineering sector in particular stands to reap lasting benefits as a result of cloud-based BIM projects.
