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Building information modelling (BIM) holds great promise for everyone in the AEC industry. Being able to visualise a building with all its elements and systems can reduce waste, improve the accuracy of cost estimations, mitigate risks, and maximise project efficiency. But with all these benefits, why isn't BIM more popular in the industry? The truth is that BIM still faces significant challenges in adoption. Even though the AEC industry has traditionally been slow to adopt technology, a comprehensive BIM implementation guide can help overcome some legitimate challenges of implementing BIM must be overcome.

What Is Building Information Modelling?

Building information modelling (BIM) uses intelligent software and data to create a digital representation of an asset (such as a building). The process runs through the entire lifecycle of the asset, from conception to design, construction, and operation.

Architects, engineers, and contractors in the AEC industry can use BIM models to collaborate on a building project. Virtualisation allows everyone, from architects to subcontractors, to work on the same model simultaneously. This is possible because, in technical terms, BIM relies on trusted cloud computing infrastructure to build a coherent system of computer models.

By enabling collaboration, BIM has quickly become one of the most influential trends in construction today. and a BIM implementation guide can facilitate this transition. BIM and its revolutionary benefits are better understood when contrasted with CAD.

BIM vs. CAD

Advantages of BIM Over CAD

Why Is BIM Needed in the AEC Industry?

The biggest benefit of a building information model lies in how accurately it represents the parts of a building. It provides innovative solutions to problems in the construction and engineering industry, such as wastage and cost overruns, giving it a wide range of applications.

We can view BIM as a virtual process that combines all of a facility's systems and disciplines into a single virtual model. This centralisation of multidisciplinary data allows everyone in the AEC industry (architects, engineers, and contractors, including subcontractors and suppliers) to work together. Team members can constantly make changes to refine their part of the model. This ensures a previously unseen level of harmony in the industry.

Collaboration on intelligent 3D models has the distinct advantage of reducing incompatibilities and conflicts before the project ever breaks ground. One paper estimates that using BIM software for information modelling can reduce unbudgeted changes by up to 40%; ultimately, this can save up to 10% of the contract value and 7% of project time. These savings are well worth overcoming the challenges of implementing BIM.

BIM Use Saves Money and Time: Case Studies

What Is the Main Barrier to BIM Implementation in the Construction Industry?

Several studies have been carried out to investigate why BIM adoption has been so slow. One such study done in Kuwait listed the lack of skilled personnel and failure to understand the concept behind BIM as the main barriers to BIM implementation.

It's true that BIM requires high levels of technical IT skills and experience in the construction industry. But the bigger challenges of implementing BIM have more to do with the collaboration process than with the BIM technology itself.

BIM requires immense amounts of multidisciplinary data, which causes several legal and technical challenges of implementing BIM.

The single biggest barrier to BIM implementation is the sourcing of accurate, consistent data from multiple stakeholders. Part of this problem is the risks that arise from diffusing responsibility for the data's accuracy and precision.

Who Owns the Data Once the BIM Model Is Complete?

Data Accuracy

Diffusion of Responsibility

Overcoming the Barriers to BIM Adoption in the AEC Industry

The use of BIM for building design is the biggest paradigm shift the AEC industry has experienced yet. It is imperative that all stakeholders involved push on to overcome the barriers to BIM implementation if we're to reap the amazing benefits this technology has to offer.

One could argue that the sociotechnical and financial constraints that hinder BIM's use in the construction industry are tied to the size of AEC firms. The bulk of AEC organisations is made up of SMEs, which, for many reasons, often lag behind in adopting new technology.

However, one paper disagrees with the claim that the size of firms has to do with BIM adoption. The so-called digital divide at the heart of legal and technical data challenges of implementing BIM can be overcome with enough motivation and commitment from stakeholders in the AEC industry.

What Can Stakeholders Do About BIM Adoption?

Design Accuracy Doesn't Stop With BIM

BIM represents the future of the AEC industry, in part because it enables highly accurate building representations and predictability of building performance. When you need to translate these designs into drawings, you need a printer that can capture rich detail.

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