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BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING (BIM)

The concept of Building Information Modeling (BIM) is rapidly gaining popularity throughout the design and construction industry. BIM is essentially a data-rich database that can be expressed as a virtual model of a facility and the infrastructure within it. It is developed as a part of the design process but can represent a significant value beyond the design of a project.

At DLB, our BIM capabilities are at the forefront of the industry; it is a position attained by focusing on having the OPTIMAL combination of resources (human, hardware, software, training, etc.) to support it.

In our BIM experience, what we have found is that although the implementation of BIM is not yet fully mature, there are already several opportunities and benefits with this approach. These include:

  • A Virtual Simulation

  • Lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

  • BIM & AIA Integrated Project Delivery (IPD)


Project Visualization

One of the more recognizable manifestations of the use of BIM is in the incredibly stunning three-dimensional images and virtual animations that really bring the virtual building to life. The software and techniques involved in creating these renderings have evolved to where it is possible to produce an incredibly sophisticated and realistic output.

At DLB, we have seasoned professionals who are experts at using the various software packages that allow for the most complex rendering, lighting, daylighting and virtual walkthroughs to be created.

Some details of the specific visualization techniques that we have produced on other projects include:

  • Photo-Realistic Rendering

  • Virtual Walkthroughs

  • Lighting

  • Daylighting


Project Coordination

Traditionally, effective project coordination was overly dependent on individual heroics and those people with exceptional skillsets who could not only visually translate a number of disparate two-dimensional drawings from multiple trades / disciplines into a three-dimensional model in their heads, but to then also identify where potential conflicts could occur.

BIM allows us to collate all of that same information from multiple sources; it also provides us with the added benefit of a three-dimensional understanding and integral intelligence, such as automated collision detection.

Some highlights include:

  • Single Data Source Concept

  • Collision Detection / Risk Mitigation

  • Design >> Construction >> Commissioning >> Operations

  • BIM & DLB's Holistic Approach


BIM / 4-D Scheduling

The next evolution in construction scheduling is here, thanks to BIM's ability to incorporate scheduling data and display it graphically over time as a FOUR-DIMENSIONAL visualization of exactly how the construction progress will occur. This data opens up the possibilities of early recognition of potential challenges, as well as the ability to optimize the sequencing.

With an output that can only be described as a dynamic moving time lapse video, 4-D scheduling represents an incredible tool to better plan and understand the construction sequence / process and this function, in turn, can lead to less blindsiding in the field and, therefore, mitigating risk to project, cost, schedule and overall performance. Some of the highlights behind 4-D scheduling using BIM include:

  • Microsoft Project

  • Practical & Tangible Value

  • Construction Sequencing Possibilities

  • Adaptive Scheduling

  • Mitigating Potential Risk


BIM & Cost Control

There are many direct and indirect ways that BIM increases the ability to control costs on a project. Everything from automatically and dynamically generating material and equipment takeoffs, to a better visualization and understanding of the scope of the construction, can all result in a more accurate cost estimation and tracking process.

In addition, the model itself can be used to streamline the effort associated in translation from design to construction by having the same model generate the information necessary to provide to all project participants. This concept is the premise behind the AIA Integrated Project Delivery system, with all participants actively involved from the very beginning to the very end and evolving / sharing the same model along the way.

Some of the direct and indirect ways that BIM can help with cost control include:

  • Accurate Quantity Takeoff

  • Better Visualization / Understanding = More Accurate Cost

  • Streamlined / Optimized Processes

With BIM, the model itself can be depicted to any level of detail imaginable and is, therefore, the single source for the design document and the shop drawing level of detail. This detail completely eliminates the cost and time associated with an iterative shop drawing process and, yet, it improves the accuracy of the translation.


Beyond Construction

The use of a BIM-centric process for the design and construction of a project has many advantages. However, the return on the investment extends beyond the completion of the construction phase and becomes an integral part of the intelligent data-driven ongoing operation of the built facility.

With integrated management tools, energy analysis, maintenance, documentation management, and data storage all in a centralized, secure, easy-to-access manner, the benefit of a BIM-centric process can result in a world-class operation of a facility across its lifecycle; it is something that can result in significant operational cost savings.

Without an accurate record of the case history, any assessment and planning effectiveness is significantly lowered, which threatens the operation and overall health of the project.

With BIM, the project is captured and maintained with a living, "breathing" model that saves time, effort, and cost, with valuable savings applied across all aspects of lifecycle management.

Some elements include:

  • Lifetime Virtual Building Model

  • Adds / Moves / Changes Facilitator

  • Efficient Operation / Energy Savings


DLB BIM Training Program

Having the right hardware and software is meaningless without the human resources who can effectively maximize that environment. At DLB, we have always encouraged employees to become technology power users and lifetime learners.

DLB has never had a drafting department, and we have always had our engineers design draft using the latest software in a true marriage of design and production. BIM represents a natural extension of that career path strategy.

This cultural mindset was the foundation behind the development of the DLB BIM Training Program.

The DLB BIM Training Program is based on a customized curriculum developed in-house by our own expert Revit instructors and it covers the entire scope of learning: the basics of the program, all the way through to the advanced techniques and processes that are unique to the way we utilize BIM on our projects.