BIM’s Importance
Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a significant advancement in modern design and construction, and Hoyle Tanner is a leader in this design for wastewater facilities in New England. BIM is not just about creating drawings; it’s about managing information. Unlike traditional CAD, BIM integrates detailed information about every element in a model, making it a powerful tool for accuracy and efficiency. Not only does this software help clients visualize their spaces, it helps with cost estimation, and helps with construction.
Key Features of BIM
The strength of BIM lies in its ability to associate information with every element in a model. For example, a wall in a BIM model includes not only data about its materials and dimensions, but can also include information such as the wall’s cost, or coefficient of thermal expansion. Similarly, for a pipe, the BIM model contains properties like friction head loss. Therefore, the quantities and database of information maintained in a BIM model can be used to prepare cost estimates, life cycle analysis, hydraulic profile modeling, specification development, etc. as well as drawing production.
BIM streamlines the design process by combining what traditionally required two separate steps – a CAD drawing tool and a calculation spreadsheet – into a single integrated platform which recalculates automatically with design updates. As a result, construction teams experience improved accuracy, better project coordination, and efficient workflows—reducing errors, saving time, and facilitating seamless collaboration from planning through execution.
Practical Applications & Examples
Several practical construction examples of BIM in action highlight its potential. One notable project was the Forest City Trail bridge, where each steel connection plate and each wood component was modeled in detail. This level of precision resulted in a highly accurate parts lists, which was used to pre-cut the framing members off site which reduced the volume of material carried up the trail and less time in the field measuring and cutting parts. Less labor on site resulted in lower labor cost and lower impact to the natural surrounding (debris and sound) and reduced the overall duration of the effort. This level of BIM implementation facilitated a very accurate cost estimate and construction sequence. Every step of the construction process was improved as a result of the extra time spent accurately modeling the structure.
BIM also enhances collaboration among design disciplines involved in building projects. In the Bartlett Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant project, BIM was used not only to model the structural and architectural building components, but also to represent the extensive wastewater process equipment. It is the difference between distinct and isolated 2D, black and white drawing sets from each design discipline versus one unified and integrated, full color, 3D model. Inevitably, using BIM helps reduce conflicts during construction between structural, architectural, wastewater, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing systems by allowing for better coordination and clash detection during design. Using BIM allows for a more efficient use of space and assists in Code compliance.
Using BIM on your Project
BIM has transformative potential in the design and construction industry. By providing a comprehensive and accurate model including all disciplines and all components in the project, BIM increases efficiency in terms of physical space and overall lifecycle costs, and reduces errors and conflicts by way of 3D visualization. Our team is eager to help your next project with effective and efficient BIM modeling. Reach out to me today to talk about what that might look like for your project.
