Interscale Content Hub – Building Information Modelling (BIM) has come a long way in the last few decades, transforming the construction industry.
The great news is, in recent years, a new and improved tool has been developed to bring together all the different elements of BIM in a more efficient and precise way. The world calls it a 5D BIM.
What is 5D BIM? What impact is this 5D BIM having on the construction industry? Let’s talk about the fundamentals now.
What is 5D BIM?
5D BIM is the fusion of traditional 3D BIM, which focuses on the physical and functional aspects of a building, with the dimensions of time (4D) and cost (5D).
This concept is becoming pretty popular in the construction industry because it helps to make cost estimates and project management more precise.
Traditional cost estimation methods often use static data, but 5D BIM allows for real-time updates and adjustments, so you can track costs throughout the project lifecycle.
Adding cost to the BIM model helps stakeholders see the financial implications of the project at every stage.
There are some great benefits to 5D BIM, as you can see in the study “Navigating the Adoption of 5D Building Information Modeling: Insights from Norway,” by Hosamo et al. Hosamo and colleagues also point out how 5D BIM is transforming cost management in the Norwegian construction sector.
The study shows how 5D BIM not only improves cost estimation accuracy but also effectively reduces financial overruns in complex projects.
Similarly, Grace Ellis, from Autodesk, talks about this in “The Evolution of BIM Dimensions: 3D, 4D, 5D & Beyond.”
Grace Ellis shows how 5D BIM helps teams get a better handle on project costs by including labour, materials, and other resources in the model, which makes budgeting and financial planning more accurate.
For reference on BIM 360, you can read “What is BIM 360? What is the Difference with Revit? Why You Need Both?“
Features of 5D BIM
The beauty of 5D BIM is how it can effortlessly bring cost data into the digital project model. Let’s take a look at some of the key beauties of 5D here.
Integrated Cost Estimation and Budgeting
One of the best things about 5D BIM is its ability to integrate detailed cost estimation into the BIM model.
This feature lets project managers and stakeholders see how each design decision affects the budget in real time.
As Hosamo et al. point out, including cost data in the model means you can make changes in real time, reflecting changes in the 3D geometry or project schedule. This gives you an accurate and up-to-date financial overview.
Bond University’s microcredential course on “5D-BIM (Cost Modelling),” in Australia shows how professionals can use this capability to prepare accurate project cost plans and estimates that align with the BIM framework phases.
This capability was pretty important for making sure the project stays within budget and that any financial risks are kept to a minimum.
Enhanced Project Visualisation
5D BIM is more than just a way to estimate costs. It also lets you see what a project will look like in 3D and link it to the cost data.
This feature lets stakeholders see the physical structure of a building along with the costs involved, which helps them spot potential cost-saving opportunities early on in the project lifecycle.
Grace Ellis also points out how this kind of visualisation helps us to see how changes in design can affect the overall project costs, giving us a better overall view of the project’s financial health.
Real-Time Financial Analysis and Forecasting
Another great thing about 5D BIM is it lets you do real-time financial analysis.
As the Hosamo Norwegian study showed, 5D BIM lets you track costs and budget performance in real time, which is key for effective project management.
This lets project teams quickly see how changes to the design, decisions about buying materials, and how the construction is going to affect the budget. That means there’s less chance of costs going over the agreed amount.
Improved Collaboration and Decision-Making
5D BIM also helps project stakeholders work better together by providing a single, integrated model that includes all relevant data – design, time and cost.
This integration makes it easier for everyone to make better decisions because they can all access the latest information.
Being able to see the project from different angles helps teams make decisions that are not only technically sound but also financially viable.
Support for Advanced Procurement and Payment Processes
5D BIM is great for managing complex procurement and payment processes.
As Hosamo et al. found, putting cost data into the BIM model makes it easier to buy materials. Teams can buy directly from the model.
This integration also makes it easier to make sure contractors get paid what they’re owed, because it links completed work to its associated costs.
Benefits of 5D BIM
5D BIM can help you save a lot of money, especially on larger and more complex projects.
The Hosamo study found there’s a clear link between project size and cost savings, with larger projects saving the most, reaching an impressive peak by 2022.
And it’s not just about saving money. The study also shows how 5D BIM can help avoid cost overruns, which are a long-standing issue in construction.
The data shows an obvious pattern: as projects get more complex, cost overruns tend to get worse for projects that use traditional cost management methods.
On the other hand, 5D BIM is great at keeping costs under control, even when projects get really complex.
This shows how 5D BIM can help you keep control of your budget and make your project profitable, especially when things get complex.
Another benefit of 5D BIM is that it makes things more efficient. The research by Hosamo et al. shows that using 5D BIM cuts the time spent on cost estimation by a huge amount compared to traditional methods.
One of the best things about 5D BIM is that it’s fully transparent financially. By putting cost data right into the BIM model, everyone involved – from architects and engineers to contractors and clients – can access the latest information.
In Australia, Bond University’s microcredential course on “5D-BIM (Cost Modelling)” shows how 5D BIM is being used in the local construction industry in a practical way.
The course shows professionals how to make the most of BIM information to put together and polish project estimates that fit with the BIM framework phases.
This Bond University training is going to be vital for making sure our Australian construction projects stay competitive and cost-effective in the global market.
Applications of 5D BIM in Construction
In an AEC application, what is 5D BIM? 5D BIM is a flexible tool and can be used at different stages of the construction process, from the initial design phase to the final handover and facility management.
In the design phase, 5D BIM lets architects and engineers try out different design ideas and see how much they’ll cost right away.
This means you can make better decisions and keep costs down from the start.
During the construction phase, 5D BIM makes it easy to work out how much something will cost, helps you get the right materials and supplies, and lets you keep an eye on spending.
If you can keep an eye on the costs and flag up any potential overspends early on, you can make sure the project stays on budget and schedule.
Even after the project is finished, 5D BIM still has value.
The model, which has been filled in with cost and time data, can be used for facility management purposes.
This provides useful insights into things like maintenance schedules, replacement costs and energy performance.
As a quick reference for BIM folks in the field, please take a look at “What is a BIM Manager? A Comprehensive Guide About Responsibilities, Skills, & Benefits“
How We Supports Your 5D BIM Development
Interscale can help your AEC firm make the best use of 5D BIM thanks to our expertise in BIM management and digital engineering.
We’ve got a full suite of services, including Revit modelling, model auditing, and implementation of 4D and 5D planning.
One of the best things about Interscale is how we can do in-depth model audits and keep them up to date.
This is particularly important for 5D BIM models, as it helps to keep them working properly and efficiently.
As shown in our work with V.J. Agosta and Associates, we can make Revit templates and workflows more efficient and reduce errors across projects.
We can also help you develop 5D BIM capabilities for non-traditional construction projects.
We’ve got lots of experience in making sure our services fit in with the different needs of all kinds of AEC projects, from residential developments to large-scale commercial ventures.
Actually, we’ve got plenty to show you to convince you. But we understand – you need to do your own checks and due diligence.
So, to get started, you can take a look at the Interscale BIM Management page and have a read through it.
Or if you’re ready with coffee and croissants, let’s do a quick catch-up. We’d love to discuss your challenges.
In Closing
The best way to stay competitive and deliver great projects is to make the switch to 5D BIM.
That’s why we at Interscale are proud to offer a support system with proven expertise, comprehensive services, and an unwavering commitment to your success.
So, what is 5D BIM? It’s a new level of efficiency and collaboration designed to help you achieve your project goals with confidence.
