Interscale Content Hub – Over the past decade, we’ve seen the AEC industry in Australia go through a digital transformation.
And Building Information Modelling (BIM) is at the heart of this changing landscape.
And since the beginning, there’s been one question we always have to answer in every AEC project: why use BIM?
There’s no doubt that the answer lies in the multitude of benefits it offers. So let’s look at the benefits you can get from using and optimising BIM in your projects.
Benefits of Using BIM
The 2021 report by the Australian Institute of Architects (AIA), “BIM and Beyond: Design Technology in Architecture,” brings together 3D modelling and data management.
This makes it a great way to improve design accuracy, cut costs, and get everyone working on a project on the same page.
The 2020 UK NBS 10th Annual BIM Report backs this up. The report shows that 82% of respondents think that BIM will be used on most projects within five years.
Benefit 1 – Enhanced Collaboration and Coordination
One of the best things about BIM is how it helps everyone involved in a project to work together better, as the 2022 NATSPEC National BIM Guide points out.
BIM creates a single, unified model that everyone can access and update, so architects, engineers, contractors, and clients are all on the same page.
This collaborative approach means there are fewer misunderstandings and mistakes, as everyone is working from the same set of data.
The AIA report found that 77% of respondents said using BIM helps them work better together on construction documents, which is a big plus for avoiding extra work and delays.
Benefit 2 – Cost Efficiency
BIM is also a great tool for keeping an eye on costs. The AIA report found a 51% increase in profitability thanks to BIM, largely because it streamlines the construction process and cuts waste.
The NBS BIM Report backs this up, with 60% of respondents saying that using BIM leads to savings on operations and maintenance.
BIM helps to avoid costly errors and change orders that are common in traditional construction workflows by allowing for precise quantity take-offs and better planning.
Benefit 3 – Improved Project Visualisation
Being able to create detailed 3D models which accurately represent the final build is really useful for both the design process and client communication.
The NATSPEC National BIM Guide makes it clear these models are not just about looks.
They also bring together important data about materials, timelines, and costs.
This feature helps stakeholders see potential issues early on and make better decisions along the way.
The AIA report found that 82% of respondents think BIM will be used on most projects within the next five years.
This shows how valuable it is in improving project visualisation and client satisfaction.
Benefit 4 – Enhanced Design Quality
BIM lets you integrate different parts of a project into one model, which makes it easier to analyse and improve the design.
The AIA report found that 60% of respondents think that using BIM makes projects happen faster, which is linked to the better quality of the design.
Being able to quickly try out different designs in the BIM environment means that the final design is not only possible but also the best it can be in terms of performance and sustainability.
Benefit 5 – Better Risk Management
Managing risk is one of the most important things to think about when you’re working on a construction project.
And BIM gives you the tools you need to manage risks effectively.
The NBS BIM Report shows how using BIM can help to make sure that construction documents and visualisations are as accurate as they can be.
This means that any potential risks can be spotted before they become problems on site.
BIM lets project managers test out different scenarios and see how they affect the project.
This helps them come up with better ways to deal with risks, which can help avoid costly delays and safety issues.
Benefit 6 – Increased Sustainability
Sustainability is gaining traction in construction, and BIM is well-placed to support this goal.
The NATSPEC National BIM Guide makes a good point: BIM helps with resource management and energy efficiency planning.
BIM helps architects and engineers create more sustainable buildings by letting them see how different design choices affect the environment.
This is a must-have in a world where cutting down on carbon footprints and boosting energy efficiency isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s often a legal requirement.
Benefit 7 – Compliance and Regulatory Adherence
BIM helps you make sure you’re following the local rules and standards.
The AIA report says there’s a growing need to embed compliance data directly into BIM models, especially in regions with strict regulations.
This integration makes sure all parts of the project stick to the legal and safety standards, which cuts down on the risk of not following the rules and getting hit with penalties.
Benefits of BIM for the AEC Industry
One of the best reasons why use BIM is how it helps project stakeholders to work together better.
This is especially useful for big projects where lots of different teams are working together.
BIM’s shared digital environment lets architects, engineers, and contractors work together more effectively, which helps cut down on errors and rework.
BIM has also shown to be a great way to keep costs down and make projects more profitable and efficient.
BIM helps AEC professionals manage budgets more effectively by allowing for accurate cost estimations and real-time updates, which reduces the likelihood of cost overruns.
The 2020 NBS BIM Report also shows 51% of respondents said they made more money thanks to using BIM.
Another big plus of BIM is its impact on risk management. How does it do that?
BIM gives you a complete picture of the project from start to finish, so you can spot potential problems early on and manage them proactively.
And last but not least, BIM makes it easier to comply with regulations.
BIM lets you embed compliance data straight into the model, so you can be sure that every part of the project is in line with local regulations.
This is particularly important in Australia, where the rules can differ a lot between states and territories.
Why Use BIM with the Right Support System?
As you can see, all the benefits are there for you. But, let’s be honest, getting to grips with BIM can be tricky.
As we all know, the real value of BIM isn’t just in the software itself, but in how effectively it’s implemented and supported.
That’s why a solid support system like Interscale is basically a must-have for every BIM project.
At Interscale, we’ve shown what we can do on lots of different projects, like with V.J. Agosta and Associates (VJA) and Studio Tate.
Take VJA, for instance. VJA saw a big boost in efficiency after Interscale gave their Revit templates a makeover and led training sessions on target topics. This led to more consistent data management and quicker project completion.
Another great example of how important proper support is Studio Tate’s move from ArchiCAD to Revit, which they did with Interscale’s help.
By giving the Studio Tate team all the training and support they needed, Interscale helped them to adapt quickly, which improved both productivity and the quality of their designs.
And managing BIM isn’t just about model audits and Revit modelling. It’s also about the important bits like 4D and 5D planning. That way, we make sure every stage of a project is planned and executed meticulously.
What does all this mean for you?
We’ve got your back with our strategic approach to BIM management. We’ll get you over the common hurdles to adopting and implementing BIM. How?
We help you adopt BIM successfully and in a cost-effective way by focusing on standardisation, training and proactive management.
We’ve got lots of examples to show you to convince you. But we’d like you to do your own fact-checking and due diligence.
So, to get started, you can take a look at our Interscale BIM Management page to get a feel for what it’s all about.
Or if you’re ready for coffee and croissants, let’s grab a meeting. We are ready to discuss the various obstacles you face when running a BIM project.
In Closing
BIM delivers undeniable benefits, from improved coordination and risk reduction to increased productivity, profitability, and client satisfaction.
Yes, BIM helps the AEC industry make better decisions, work more efficiently, and embrace new ideas.
The question is no longer why use BIM, but how can we use it to make the built environment in Australia better?
