BIM is short for Building Information Modelling
BIM contains several dimensions from 2D and up depending on information technology and software that i use and also teh data and functions that are used from the actual model.
- For visualisation 3D is commonly used today. The three dimensions are x, y, z.
- The fourth dimension in BIM models is time (4D) and the fifth dimension is costs (5D)
A Building Information Model is based on:
- objects, f ex. walls, windows, pipes and plumbing etc)
- properties of the objects f ex. geometry, economy, time aspects and building material properties
- relationships between the object in the model, f ex door – wall, wall – floorand walls – room
From the BIM model various perspectives and views can be created, f ex drawings, schedules, cost calculations, energy simulations, lists of materials and building areas.
Many construction companies have started using BIM for:
- visualization, time planning and montage (4D-modelling)
- mass calculation and estimating costs (5D-modellering)
There are also a lot of software for BIM modelling on the market.
BIM projects vs traditional project management
The benefits of beeing able to connect all parameters and to visualize the project in advance is of course a mayor benefit comparing to traditional drawings and document handling in construction projects.
But one of the most important differences is the way of managing the project. A BIM project requires a different focus than project management. A BIM projects is object based where every little part of the building (the objects) contains its own properties, like costs, time etc. The BIM model transforms this input data and properties into output needed along the project and building process.
In a traditional project, on the other hand, the focus will be on technology, materials, time and costs separately and from av wider point of view – not object based.
The output might as well be the same. It´s the processes that differs!
