What is BIM Technology: A Comprehensive Guide [2024]

A construction project, whether it’s commercial, industrial, or residential, includes several activities that occur simultaneously and in succession. These range from planning, site surveying, and designing to material selection, labour arrangement, and assessing building energy consumption. However, to build projects that are constructed and operated on minimum expenses with maximum efficiency, digitizing real estate assets has now become a necessity. BIM technology in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry is helping to drive that shift towards better decision making and improved efficiency. In the following paragraphs, we aim to present how this technology is accentuating the construction and designing process. 

What is Building Information Modeling?

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a process of planning, designing, constructing, and visualizing the building structure digitally. Suitable for architects, engineers, and construction specialists (AEC Industry) alike, BIM technology draws on information assembled and updated at key stages of a project lifecycle. It then provides a holistic view of various phases, right from ideating investor’s proposals and developing the building to facility management. Going beyond the traditional construction drawings, the technology covers aspects such as –

• Thermal, electrical, and mechanical characteristics of a building
• Identifying potential issues and devising solutions for the same
• Evaluating the geometry of the spaces and the associated costs
• Choosing the most cost-effective set of materials and instruments
• Operations and maintenance of completed real estate projects

What are the ‘Maturity Levels’ in BIM Technology?

When it comes to sharing and storing information on BIM models, it is done through an accessible online space known as the common data environment (CDE). The information that is being shared further depends on the level, which represents a different set of criteria. Let’s see how – 

Level 0	At this level, 2D CAD forms the basis for documenting drawings, estimating costs, and evaluating other specifications. The output is not digital simulations, rather, it is a combination of paper drawings or electronic prints.
Level 1	With minute changes, the output at the 2nd level is obtained through a mix of 2D documentation and 3D visualization.
Level 2	At level 3, the design process becomes detail-oriented and collaborative. Each team builds their own 3D models and shares them with the larger group. Since the data is shared through a common file format, it becomes easier for organizations to combine and correlate the information provided on the cloud-system.
Level 3	The most mature and advanced level in BIM technology is the 3rd level. Here, a semantically-rich, single model is created that is shared and used by everyone.

Why Has BIM Technology Gained Popularity?

From beacon technology and machine learning to virtual reality and predictive analytics, the construction and real estate industry is reaping the benefits of technological advancements across verticals. If we talk about BIM Technology, in particular, it too offers multifarious advantages. Due to this, it has gained massive popularity in the Indian real estate industry. Some of the reasons for its adoption have been given a rundown below: 

1. Project Visualization

Whether it’s during the pre construction phase or for managing the facilities, BIM technology allows you to plan and visualize the project throughout its lifecycle. In fact, the 3D simulations not only allow you to experience what the space will look like, but it also provides a platform to make requisite changes before starting off the construction process. 

The foundation of BIM technology is project visualization, which provides a dynamic platform for imagining and improving building projects from inception to completion. Using immersive 3D simulations instead of traditional plans, BIM enables stakeholders to thoroughly examine a proposed space before construction begins. This virtual platform facilitates seamless collaboration and real-time design concept experimentation among architects, engineers, and clients, acting as a playground for innovation. During construction, time and resources can be saved by identifying and resolving possible problems early on thanks to comprehensive project visualization. Furthermore, being able to see the finalized product increases stakeholder buy-in and involvement, guaranteeing that everything works out exactly as planned.

2. Seamless Communication

Since BIM models are synced on cloud-based systems, sharing, editing and versioning the building structure amongst the team members becomes easy. Even if a change is made on one file, the contacts who have access will be able to view the changes. Therefore, all the team members stay coordinated and have the necessary insights into the project.

Through cloud-based system synchronization of BIM models, stakeholders may easily share, edit, and monitor the building structure’s growth in real time. This ensures that everyone in the team has access to the most recent information and does away with the laborious practice of handling numerous versions of files. Transparency and alignment are promoted by the fact that changes made by engineers or architects to structural details or design elements are immediately apparent to the entire team. Furthermore, because BIM communication is cloud-based, it makes it easier for teams that are spread out geographically to coordinate and collaborate without difficulty. In the end, BIM’s smooth communication features encourage accuracy, efficiency, and cohesion among project participants, which results in better project outcomes and happier clients.

3. Cost and Energy Savings

One of the most significant and important advantages of using the BIM technology is that it provides cost estimation even before starting the development. These expenses can be related to the materials and their shipping, prefabricated or modular pieces, labor payrolls required throughout the construction timeline, amongst others.  

While assisting architects and planners in calculating expenses is one aspect, BIM technology also aids them in discovering multiple ways to reduce costs. For instance, it can help identify the most suitable time to purchase a set of materials at lowest market prices. Or, it can aid in calculating and comparing the expenses that will incur by building modular kitchens on site and by ordering pre-fabricated pieces. 

4. Speeds up the Process

By evaluating multiple metrics, BIM technology identifies the loopholes and the errors associated with the construction process well in advance. Due to which, the errors and omissions, which could possibly occur during the manual estimations stage, reduces. Additionally, with data organized centrally and edits shared with the entire team on time, software backed with this technology can fasten the advancement of the drawings of the complex projects. This not only saves time but also resources. 

Benefits of BIM technology include more efficient construction workflows and faster project completion times. The early detection of potential flaws and lapses in the construction process is helped by analyzing numerous indicators. This proactive strategy reduces the likelihood of errors and omissions, which is a common problem with manual estimation approaches. Furthermore, BIM software aids in the creation of intricate project diagrams by aggregating information and facilitating quick revisions among team members. Furthermore, 3D modeling software accelerates the creation of intricate project schematics by aggregating information and facilitating effortless revision collaboration among team members.

5. Immersive and Enticing Presentations

Usually, building and structural designs are complicated to understand. However, with animations, 3D-renderings, and colorful presentations, BIM technology enables a simpler understanding of how the project will look and function post-completion. Apart from showcasing the most critical elements of the project digitally, you can also use the technology to detail and justify the costs. 

6. Enhances Site and Project Safety

Other than trimming down costs and streamlining the work structure, BIM technology also identifies danger zones. Once the fragile areas or major structural issues are identified, envisaging and organizing site logistics becomes convenient. Therefore, timely visual risk evaluation reduces the chances of the occurrence of any unforeseen physical damages. 

The ability of BIM to identify potential danger zones and structural vulnerabilities allows project teams to address safety concerns. Stakeholders can anticipate hazards and develop comprehensive safety plans before construction begins by visualizing and analyzing site conditions. Furthermore, BIM facilitates continuous interaction and interaction between team members, enabling swift resolution of security controversies as they arise.

What’s in Store for India?

With the Indian population estimated to reach 1.4 billion by 2025, the requirement for high-end, mid-income, and affordable housing will increase. This population burst will also call for the development of social and physical infrastructure and the refurbishment of existing buildings and other structures. Plus, with the government’s push towards building smart cities; Special Economic Zones and townships through 100% FDI route; and roads through Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-III, the demand for better infrastructure is poised to increase manifolds. 

Although the demand is on a higher side, the AEC industry is also facing many challenges. These include lack of common standards, low use of technology, time and cost overruns, and skills deficit. Additionally, the built environment sector’s reliance on two-dimensional (2D) drawings, which are not only error-prone but follow an outdated methodology, is rendering building construction and operations inefficient. Therefore, in order to complete infrastructure projects with full efficiency, timely, and at minimum costs, BIM technology needs to be incorporated across verticals

To understand the market potential of BIM in India, going through the statistics presented in a report published by Markets and Markets is also important. According to the report, the Asia-Pacific region (APAC) is poised to witness the highest CAGR (16.6%) in the building information modeling market during the 2020-2025 period. Out of Japan, China, South Korea, and rest of the APAC countries, India‘s BIM technology market value will reach close to around USD 163 million by 2025. 

The most important aspect, however, is that by using building information modeling, AEC industries can reduce the initial cost of construction, GHG emissions and completion time by almost 50%. This is because BIM technology gives the stakeholders of the AEC industry the ability to formulate, design, and manage construction projects more efficiently.

Challenges Obstructing the use of BIM Technology in India

The Indian construction sector, which consists of real estate and urban development, has traditionally followed the “pen-paper” based approach. Although various sub-sectors are now embracing new technologies, the adoption is still slow in comparison to other major industries. This can be attributed to the higher capital costs, labour, and material requirements. 

• In addition to this, the higher initial costs related with the technology is another stumbling block. This is not limited to only the software purchase and installation expenses, but also the costs associated with training the workforce.

• The absence of R&D facilities, well-conceived construction and real estate courses, and technical officers who are equipped with theoretical knowledge and practical skills to use this technology is also an important challenge. 

• While unavailability of skilled manforce and higher upfront costs are some of the major challenges, not having a regulatory policy in place is also a cause for concern. Primarily because technology keeps changing and the policies like National building Codes have to be updated with changing scenarios. 

• Another bottleneck in the implementation of the BIM technology is the ownership issue. Since intellectual property is gaining relevance in a digital economy, who owns and takes responsibility for the accuracy of the data will be a tough aspect to identify.

• With rich and sensitive data, the BIM models can be subjected to serious cybersecurity attacks and/or data breaches. Hence, more investments have to be made to provide full-fledged data and privacy security. 
  
• Lack of Widespread competence: The absence of widespread BIM technology competence poses a serious barrier to India’s building sector. Specialized BIM services are provided by many organizations, but most construction businesses lack the personnel with the training and experience necessary to incorporate BIM into their projects in an efficient manner. This lack of internal knowledge results in inefficiencies and higher operating expenses, giving the impression that BIM technology is hard to utilize.

Therefore, even though the long-term benefits are significant, the Indian AEC industry finds it difficult to embrace new technologies like BIM that need up-front investment. BIM diffusion in the AEC industry is at nascent stages and is yet to mature in the coming days. While addressing legal, regulatory, and technical issues is crucial, educating and upskilling the workforce with BIM technology and its related processes is equally essential. In addition to this, the emphasis has to be laid on spreading awareness and inculcating a scientific temperament amongst youth to accentuate research and development in this field. Only when all the stakeholders realize the true potential of BIM technology, the benefits will be truly visible.