1 What is BIM

BIM stands for Building Information Modeling or Building Information Management. It is a collaborative process and allows engineers, architects, real estate developers, manufacturers, contractors and other construction professionals to plan, design and construct a building within a 3D model. This brings together all the information about every component of a building in one place. Anyone related to that project can access the information easily. This will reduce the risk of errors or discrepancies and curtails the cost. BIM data illustrates the entire lifecycle of the building, from planning to design and inception till the demolition. BIM is a multi-dimensional graphical representation of a project that is being planned. It presents the visual representation of the infrastructural design and also a digital description of every aspect of the project. BIM 3D model creates a replica of the project which visualizes how the project would look after getting completed. A drawing as one of the traditional techniques cannot give an accurate vision of the project and will also not cater to the issues of the actual construction. BIM demonstrates the entire lifecycle of the building. The virtual model is the realistic vision of the project. One can compare the model at the actual site to spot out deviations. BIM maintains transparency and there is no chance of last minute changes during the process of construction.

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2. BIM improves Efficiency

BIM is gaining prominence because it improves the efficiency of the construction process. It reduces the waste and improves the quality and efficiency of the buildings. It maintains the information or the data of the venture from the cradle to completion. In traditional methods of construction, the information gets lost or keeps changing as the project moves from one phase to the other. The information stored with BIM is digital and is available anywhere and everywhere. It is a continuous flow of information which does not get changed or lost in due course of time. Every phase of the project is captured digitally, right from early planning and design to construction, operation, maintenance and final recycling of the building. BIM is gaining prominence and opens new possibilities for better efficiency, accuracy, collaboration and co-operation among all who are linked to the project.

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3. Construction Industry Will Take up BIM

To cater to the growing population, our country has embarked on massive infrastructure development. To strive for a better living, there is the necessity to adopt BIM for efficient and faster execution of projects. India should and will adopt BIM to scale new heights in the field of construction. With traditional techniques, a significant amount of time and money is lost due to various inefficiencies. Building Information Modeling or BIM is that instrumental tool which overcomes all the defaults or discrepancies that may come across during the lifecycle of a construction site. It is the most effective technology that helps to solve the modern day construction site issues.

The future of BIM in India is bright. Architectural firms are the top BIM users followed by structural engineering consultants in the Indian market. Others like mechanical, plumbing and interior consultants will follow soon. A shift is highly needed in the mindset of people because BIM has many benefits. This helps to design the projects in a better way and also change it as required before stepping on the site.

Though there are a few challenges which India is facing today, in due course of time BIM will gain prominence and become the best tool of technology. We lack expertise and awareness of this technology. BIM demands a level of expertise who can handle this technology perfectly without undergoing any trial and error method. BIM demands a change in the operation of a construction company. Hence there will arise some resistance against it. But definitely, India will catch up with this technology and be at par with the world.

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4. Projects That Used BIM

Here are a few projects that were constructed in India using BIM technology. The scheduling, planning, designing and construction of the Personal Rapid Transit in Amritsar were done using BIM technology. The credit of designing and planning of platform for the construction of the Terminal 2 of Bangalore Airport also goes to BIM. Nagpur Metro Rail Corporation has announced the integration of 5D BIM for their project. BIM was also used by the Delhi Metro Rail for the construction of the underground track.

The government is planning to leverage this technology as it is gaining prominence in the developed countries. It will speed up the infrastructure and the housing projects and help in increasing the speed of construction across the country. BIM will also reduce and optimize the cost of ongoing and upcoming housing construction

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5. BIM is Gaining Prominence

BIM links people, technology and processes to improve the outcome in building and construction. This latest evolution refers to the process of designing, building and operating a building using a single 3D model instead of separate design and drawings. It streamlines time and cost, improves efficiency in the construction, thus gaining prominence in construction sector. BIM puts together all the information about each and every component of the building at one place so that anyone related to this project can access this information for purposes like integrating different aspects of the design more effectively. BIM reduces the risk of discrepancies and also minimizes the cost of wastage. By signaling conflict detection BIM can prevent errors that might creep in at various stages of construction. BIM offers a continuous flow of information. Adopting and implementing BIM will smoothen the route of effective project implementation in the construction sector. Those who have maintained pace with technology are the most successful ones, so it is essential to take up BIM in the construction sector with open mind and open arms. This technology will help the construction companies to save time and cost