What is Building information modelling (BIM) ?

Building information modelling (BIM) is a promising development in the fields of architecture, engineering, and construction. “BIM is the virtual representation of the physical and functional characteristics of a facility from inception on,” says Patrick Suermann, PE, a National Building Information Model Standard (NBIMS) testing team leader. As such, it serves as a shared information repository for collaboration throughout the life cycle of a facility. According to the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS), it is “a digital representation of a facility’s physical and functional characteristics…and a shared knowledge resource for information about a facility forming a reliable basis for decisions throughout its life cycle, defined as existing from earliest conception to demolition.”

“However, in general, BIM technology enables the digital construction of an accurate virtual model of a building.” Completed computer-generated models contain accurate and well-defined geometry as well as relevant data to aid in the construction, fabrication, and procurement activities required to realize the final building. BIM is primarily composed of 3D modelling concepts, as well as information database technology and interoperable software in a desktop computer environment that architects, engineers, and contractors can use to design and simulate construction of a facility. This technology enables project team members to create a 3D virtual model of the structure and all of its systems and share that information with one another.

Similarly, drawings, specifications, and construction details are critical components of the model, which includes attributes such as building geometry, spatial relationships, quantity characteristics of building components, and geographic information. These enable the project team to quickly identify and resolve design and construction issues in a virtual environment prior to the real-world Construction Phase. BIM is thus primarily a process for creating and managing building data throughout the life cycle of a project. To manage and increase productivity in building design and construction, it typically employs three-dimensional, real-time, dynamic building-modeling software.

The process results in the creation of the building information model, which contains all relevant data pertaining to building geometry, spatial relationships, geographic information, and quantities and properties of building components. Construction technology for the BIM process is improving over time as contractors, architects, engineers, and others seek new ways to improve the BIM process. Furthermore, early definitions asserting that BIM is essentially a 3D model of a facility are incorrect and do not adequately communicate the capabilities and potential of digital, object-based, interoperable building information modelling processes and tools, as well as modern communications techniques.

Furthermore, BIM technology allows for the digital construction of an accurate virtual model of a building, and when completed, the computer-generated model will contain all of the relevant data and accurate geometry required to support the project’s construction, fabrication, and procurement activities.

Reference : https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/building-information-modeling .