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Dispelling main myths of BIM
In spite of the fact that information modelling is an advanced design technology at the moment, Building Information Modelling (BIM) is not a solution for all challenges with which designers and builders come across. To better understand the technology, you should figure out what BIM is and what is not, what it can and what it can't do.
BIM is not a single model of the building or single data base
An information model is an interrelated and complex set of elements, models and data bases developed by specialists using specific software and connected through these programs. Therefore, understanding of BIM-model as one object is quite an inaccurate description of the system nature.
BIM is not a single model of the building or single data base
An information model is an interrelated and complex set of elements, models and data bases developed by specialists using specific software and connected through these programs. Therefore, understanding of BIM-model as one object is quite an inaccurate description of the system nature.
In spite of the fact that information modelling is an advanced design technology at the moment, BIM is not a solution for all challenges with which designers and builders come across. To better understand the technology, you should figure out what BIM is and what is not, what it can and what it can't do.
BIM is not artificial intelligence
The data collected in the model can be used for the search of discrepancies and collisions. However, at the moment the design logic cannot be predicted to the fullest extent using computational performance. Therefore, a specialist deals with the elimination of discrepancies and correction of mistakes.
For example, if the amount of thermal insulation materials for a building has been increased, the program cannot propose the most suitable option: to buy less thermal insulation materials, decrease the volume of premises, change the heating system or move the location of the building to the place with more suitable climate. Only a qualified specialist can make such decisions.
As time passes, more and more functions can be performed automatically due to the introduction of new technologies and improvement of the existing ones, but in real practice, it is too soon to say that a computer will replace a person everywhere. Perhaps, when it happens, it will be fair to say that it is a new level of design development.
BIM is not perfect
Information modelling as any other technology created by people obtains the information from a person. It may cause mistakes. Mistakes may arise while inputting data, developing BIM software and even during computer operation. But the number of these mistakes is significantly lower than when a person processes the information itself. Therefore, BIM software is the best solution of those that exist now.
BIM is not particular software
BIM is a smart technology implemented through a lot of programs. These programs are implementation tools, which determine a modern development level of information modelling, and this technology is senseless without them.
BIM means not only 3D
Besides the elements themselves, the model contains the attributes of objects, quantity information for analysis and other parameters. For better perception, the development of models may determined as 3D/4D/5D.
● 3D BIM model is an information model developed at the design stage which includes three-dimensional geometry of an object and attibutive data of its components.
● 4D BIM model is an information model developed based on 3D model, complemented with solutions on the construction arrangement, and implemented in the format of object changes during the time.
● 5D BIM model is an information model developed based on 3D model complemented with the data on the cost of works and materials.
BIM is parametrically represented objects
Behaviour (properties, geometrical data, location, etc.) of the created objects is determined by a set of parameters and dependant on these parameters.
BIM is not the final view of the model
As the more information is obtained, a model of a building or facility is developed. The model is adjusted considering new conditions and new understanding of design or operation objectives. When being applied correctly, its life cycle coincides with and even goes beyond the life cycle of the physical object.
BIM is efficient only for large projects
The use of information model always demonstrates its efficiency. For large objects, the scope of useful changes is higher, as the scope of the work to be performed is higher.
BIM does not require great labour efforts from a person
Information model is created following simple and clear for a designer logic of building construction, where the designer's qualification and intelligence play the main role. The building of the model itself is generally carried out using graphical means that are conventional for design, including an interactive mode, as well.
BIM does not make senior experts unemployed
Experience and professional skills are applied everywhere, especially in design using building information modelling. However, old-school specialists have to make an effort to hone new tools and cross over to a new technology. However, the practice shows that the retraining process is not something impracticable.
Adoption of BIM is not only for the few and doesn't take a lot of time
To be precise, it takes exactly the same amount of time to learn BIM as it is needed to professionally learn any other technology - "elementary education period plus the whole life".
BIM is not artificial intelligence
The data collected in the model can be used for the search of discrepancies and collisions. However, at the moment the design logic cannot be predicted to the fullest extent using computational performance. Therefore, a specialist deals with the elimination of discrepancies and correction of mistakes.
For example, if the amount of thermal insulation materials for a building has been increased, the program cannot propose the most suitable option: to buy less thermal insulation materials, decrease the volume of premises, change the heating system or move the location of the building to the place with more suitable climate. Only a qualified specialist can make such decisions.
As time passes, more and more functions can be performed automatically due to the introduction of new technologies and improvement of the existing ones, but in real practice, it is too soon to say that a computer will replace a person everywhere. Perhaps, when it happens, it will be fair to say that it is a new level of design development.
BIM is not perfect
Information modelling as any other technology created by people obtains the information from a person. It may cause mistakes. Mistakes may arise while inputting data, developing BIM software and even during computer operation. But the number of these mistakes is significantly lower than when a person processes the information itself. Therefore, BIM software is the best solution of those that exist now.
BIM is not particular software
BIM is a smart technology implemented through a lot of programs. These programs are implementation tools, which determine a modern development level of information modelling, and this technology is senseless without them.
BIM means not only 3D
Besides the elements themselves, the model contains the attributes of objects, quantity information for analysis and other parameters. For better perception, the development of models may determined as 3D/4D/5D.
● 3D BIM model is an information model developed at the design stage which includes three-dimensional geometry of an object and attibutive data of its components.
● 4D BIM model is an information model developed based on 3D model, complemented with solutions on the construction arrangement, and implemented in the format of object changes during the time.
● 5D BIM model is an information model developed based on 3D model complemented with the data on the cost of works and materials.
BIM is parametrically represented objects
Behaviour (properties, geometrical data, location, etc.) of the created objects is determined by a set of parameters and dependant on these parameters.
BIM is not the final view of the model
As the more information is obtained, a model of a building or facility is developed. The model is adjusted considering new conditions and new understanding of design or operation objectives. When being applied correctly, its life cycle coincides with and even goes beyond the life cycle of the physical object.
BIM is efficient only for large projects
The use of information model always demonstrates its efficiency. For large objects, the scope of useful changes is higher, as the scope of the work to be performed is higher.
BIM does not require great labour efforts from a person
Information model is created following simple and clear for a designer logic of building construction, where the designer's qualification and intelligence play the main role. The building of the model itself is generally carried out using graphical means that are conventional for design, including an interactive mode, as well.
BIM does not make senior experts unemployed
Experience and professional skills are applied everywhere, especially in design using building information modelling. However, old-school specialists have to make an effort to hone new tools and cross over to a new technology. However, the practice shows that the retraining process is not something impracticable.
Adoption of BIM is not only for the few and doesn't take a lot of time
To be precise, it takes exactly the same amount of time to learn BIM as it is needed to professionally learn any other technology - "elementary education period plus the whole life".
