Offering access to up-to-date, technically relevant data, BIM is a highly important aspect of the planning and implementation of construction projects that is set to transform the industry.
WHAT IS BIM?
Using BIM technology each professional involved in the creation of a project can seamlessly communicate and work with each other, accessing and updating the designs and core information of the project as and when needed. BIM produces a comprehensive digital 3D prototype of the building prior to construction, allowing professionals to create and test a building project before any physical work begins. Intelligently presenting all project information, BIM will flag any faults in the design or products used and will allow workers to determine the most efficient and cost effective products and methods to use during construction.
Going beyond a 3D model or CAD design, BIM assesses the intricate specifications of each element involved in the project from the installation stage to day-to-day functioning. BIM objects are high quality 3D images that contain the precise specification of a product that can be added into the virtual structure. With all data stored inside the BIM model, production costs can be reduced, errors during construction are minimised and work efficiency is increased.
Information and data collection is at the centre of BIM and makes it an invaluable model to a wide range of professionals in the construction industry. BIM stores a monumental range of data including products, product conditions, utility records, additional detailed drawings, model-based renderings and animations, results of energy, structural, airflow, water drainage, cost analyses and so much more.
The improvement of work efficiency and productivity, occurred by adopting BIM on each project, ultimately depends on the BIM data quality. During the process, all information entered will be tested, verified, extracted and interpreted for a range of different uses during the physical building’s lifespan. BIM helps turn information into insight that can be utilised by various different professionals working on the project. Once the building is constructed, the BIM data continues to function and can be linked to maintenance schedules and modified as and when in line with future changes to the building.
GOVERNMENT CONSTRUCTION STRATEGY
Recognised as the future of construction, the Government Construction Strategy, published by the Cabinet Office back in May 2011, announced plans to make all Government funded projects use BIM technology from April 2016. With this starting date now imminent, the use and importance of BIM technology, and the practice of storing all project information, documentations and data electronically, is set to rise significantly in the construction industry both in the UK and internationally.
The ROCKWOOL BIM solution finder
Understanding that the future of the construction industry is digital, ROCKWOOL has released a full BIM solution. Promising the latest drawings and up-to-date data, users can access the ROCKWOOL BIM solution direct from its website instead of using external national BIM libraries.
In addition to this, the ROCKWOOL U-value calculator incorporates BIM objects allowing users to calculate the thermal performance of walls, floors and roofs with over 2,500 available calculations by inputting tailored information relevant to the project.
To access the ROCKWOOL BIM solution finder, please visit www.rockwool.co.uk/BIMSolution
