Electrical Contracting News (ECN) August 2017 | Page 46

SPECIAL
FEATURE
SOFTWARE & APPS
BIM systems not
only improve
planning, they also
support streamlined
installation.
COLLABORATION IS THE KEY
Alan Darlow, commercial director of Pemsa UK, highlights the benefits
of building information modelling and explains how the company’s cable
management systems are supported in the BIM work environment.
W
hen a building
project gets
underway there
are a host
of different
contractors
that need to
work together
in an integrated way. Building information
modelling technology allows them to begin
that collaborative process from the outset,
during the design of a facility. By bringing
together all the technical data related to
the various building elements, BIM systems
not only improve planning, they also
support streamlined installation, as well as
supporting the subsequent maintenance
and occupation of the building in the future.
BIM in the UK
The importance of BIM technology in
the UK has been consolidated by the
implementation of mandatory levels for
the development and execution of projects
and works. Level two was implemented in
46 | August 2017
‘Adopting a
BIM work
environment
can provide
predictive
solutions to
problems
and incom-
patibilities
on site.’
the UK from April 2016, determining that
mandatory public works projects were to be
presented in BIM format.
This strategy focuses on reducing the
cost of project assets within the public-
sector construction industry. It also aims to
drive the adoption of BIM processes across
the public sector and private partnerships
to promote benefits such as cost reduction,
predictable planning, performance
improvement and risk reduction.
Collaborative environment
BIM systems can have major advantages
during the design of a facility. The
philosophy works through various
software applications such as REVIT,
ArchiCAD, Sketchup and AllPlan. It
facilitates the integration of architectural
and engineering solutions including
architectural design, structures, facades,
HVAC installations and electrical
installations, to develop the project in
an integrated way. Within the same
work environment, these disciplines can
combine their knowledge, making all the
facilities compatible and thus reducing
project design errors, time and costs.
Not only this, adopting a BIM work
environment can also provide predictive
solutions to problems and incompatibilities
on site. The 3D model of the building or
infrastructure, together with technical
detail of the equipment and facilities,
can reduce conflicts between different
installations. This avoids problems during
installation work that result in changes
having to be made in situ.
Knowledge sharing
Users of BIM systems have several
platforms or communities at their
disposal, such as Autodesk Seek, now
integrated in Bimobject, NBS, the
National BIM Library and Bimstore. Along
with sharing knowledge, these platforms
also expose work dynamics and, above
all, collect and organise a wide catalogue
of BIM objects, products and systems
from various manufacturers. Users can