In our experience the model offers a valuable link in the communication between all the stakeholders involved in our projects: clients, users, consultants, regulating bodies and contractors. Each of these parties uses the model in a specific way, but across the line all these different aspects of the model contribute to enhanced communications, improved scheduling, lower failure costs in construction, and ultimately, a better building.
Linking the BIM to dedicated costing software enables us to constantly monitor construction costs throughout the construction process to keep them within budget. In addition to extracting 3-D data from the BIM, other uses of the model include checking the design against the client’s brief, totalling glazing surfaces for daylight incidence calculations, and providing input data for transmission and ventilation calculations. We also use the model to generate data regarding occupation numbers, fire compartmentalisation and user functions to facilitate communications with regulating bodies.
As the end of the construction phase draws nearer, the BIM contains a wealth of information that can be of great use to clients and users, including quantities, colours, materials, and maintenance data. The model can even be used to generate a customised management and maintenance schedule.
