BUSINESS AND TRAINING 21
How building information modelling can help your commercial jobs
By Kim Bliss ( first published in www . plumbermag . com , August 26 , 2021 )
Greater efficiencies and productivity can be gained on the actual job by studying high-quality 3D models of the work site in advance .
Building information modelling ( BIM ) is continuing to grow and evolve in commercial construction . It helps manage projects more efficiently with greater productivity and less waste .
In fact , it ’ s growing so much that many large contracting firms that already have their own in-house BIM departments are now outsourcing work because of resource constraints . Some pipe manufacturers are even offering BIM services to meet this growing demand .
What is BIM ? BIM is a collaborative process supported by teams , technologies , and tools to generate and manage digital assets that represent the physical space of a building to be constructed . Contractors are then able to gain greater efficiencies and productivity during the installation process , based on higher-quality 3D models generated from the BIM process .
What do BIM departments do ? BIM departments are typically led by a lead engineer or director and include project managers and business development managers who work one-on-one with clients to provide modelling and coordination , laser scanning , BIM coordination management , BIM training , on-site collaboration , template development , and workflow optimisation .
For modelling and coordination , they can provide hanger layouts and structural supports , in addition to spooling and fabrication detailing along with shop , install , and as-built drawings .
Their laser-scanning services can include everything from scanning of existing buildings for renovation , scanning completed projects for documentation , and scan-to-BIM services .
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November 2021 Volume 27 I Number 9 www . plumbingafrica . co . za