Next step in collaboration

By - , Build 154

Now’s the time for all construction industry players, including quantity surveyors, to start using BIM, says Jeremy Shearer, FNZIQS, Registered QS and President of the New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NZIQS).

COLLABORATION IS IMPORTANT for any business or industry, but being able to see a construction project in its entirety from inception to end is a game changer.

That’s what building information modelling (BIM) offers. It’s the next step in construction and how we collaborate for more efficient practices and construction.

Integrative BIM process

Virtual modelling, or the digital blueprint, enables the design, construction and facility management teams and client to build a computer-generated 3D information model, a BIM. Thanks to the extensive and shareable information contained within a BIM, its advantages far surpass its predecessors, 2D and 3D computer-aided design.

The BIM process integrates all physical design and associated object information into a federated model that has many uses – the NZ BIM Handbook states 21 common uses.

BIM is one tool in our industry’s armoury. The challenge now is for industry – quantity surveyors included – to use all the information available to enhance the service provided to clients and move into the digital era.

3D visualisation benefits

3D visualisation can be used for clash detection and feasibility studies, detailed measurement of materials, environmental analysis, visualised construction processes from start to finish and visual geospatial coordination for construction of unusual shapes.

The simulated representation contains real-life attributes and allows improved analysis of the project and a better understanding of the entire life cycle of a building, avoiding needless costs. This also helps clients make informed decisions about projects as they are privy to the ‘big picture’ of what is often a major investment.

Proven decrease in life cycle costs

BRANZ and the Building and Construction Productivity Partnership’s Productivity Benefits of BIM reports the UK anticipates a 20–30% decrease in the life cycle cost of public-sector assets by utilising BIM on all infrastructure projects built after 2016.

It states that 75% of BIM users reported better multi-party communication, while 57% of designers reported BIM reduced errors during the design phase. Similar research shows BIM’s positive impacts in all aspects of a building has been a major driver for use worldwide.

Implementing Level 2 BIM maturity in New Zealand would have huge benefits and save everyone money. This country’s construction industry is tried and true, but there will always be room for improvements.

BIM is the future

In 2014, the BIM Acceleration Committee was established, comprising people from the construction industry and government. A report, Government as Client: Using Building Information Modelling on NZ Construction Projects, was commissioned.

This stated that the committee aimed ‘to capture [BIM’s] many benefits, helping to provide affordable, quality buildings and infrastructure for New Zealanders at a time of high construction demand’.

Be in or be left behind

It is hoped most design companies will be capable of delivering BIM in the next 5 years. Already, a number of firms are delivering BIM as standard practice to clients.

Companies who aren’t operating a lean model now will soon be left behind by competitors operating faster and delivering more with better accuracy, all at lower cost. How we work together to educate about and implement BIM is key and beneficial for all.

BIM is about adding value to the project life cycle, from inception to end. That’s where the client saves, and that’s where we, as construction industry professionals, need to step up to the mark.

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