BIM coordination is a technology-driven process that improves project efficiency and ensures seamless collaboration between construction teams. Building Information Modelling (BIM) allows project stakeholders to coordinate various aspects of a construction project, such as design, scheduling, and cost estimation, resulting in better communication and coordination throughout the project’s lifecycle.
With it, architects, engineers, and contractors can work together seamlessly to identify and resolve potential clashes or conflicts before they occur on-site. This results in fewer delays, cost savings, and ultimately a higher quality finished product.
So, what is BIM coordination and how can it benefit your construction management process? Continue reading to learn more about the details.
BIM coordination is a process that facilitates collaboration between different disciplines such as MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) engineering, structural engineering, and architectural plans within a particular construction project.
The main goal is to achieve more efficient collaboration results by combining the efforts of different disciplines. It involves verifying that there are no inconsistencies and interferences between the different disciplines of a model.
Clash detection is an essential part of 3D BIM coordination. It can locate issues between different designs and models to work out the most efficient way to fix them. Clashes could be either soft or hard, with the main difference being the amount of effort needed to solve a particular case.
BIM coordination often deals with multidisciplinary models, which are collections of different models in one place, helping to look for construction issues. Some of the model types that can be included in the multidisciplinary models are interior architectural model, mechanical services model, prefabrication model, structural model, exterior architectural model, landscape model, and electrical services model.
The benefits of BIM coordination include easier location of design errors that would cost a lot of money to fix in the final project state, and maximize utilisation of the building space. It is heavily beneficial for engineers and architects.
There are a few things you should know before we go further into the topic of BIM coordination. Some of them are BIM standards. Using BIM standards makes it easier to coordinate projects by creating a standard BIM process. Take a look at our article titled “BIM Standards: A Common Language for Cooperation in the AEC Sector“, to learn more about it.
Benefits of BIM Coordination
The benefits of BIM coordination in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry are substantial.
Firstly, BIM coordination significantly contributes to improved project efficiency. By streamlining project workflows and integrating various aspects of the construction process through a digital 3D model, BIM coordination optimises design, construction, and project management processes, ultimately leading to enhanced efficiency throughout the project lifecycle.
Secondly, BIM coordination results in cost savings for construction projects. By identifying and resolving design clashes and errors early in the project lifecycle, it can minimises the need for costly rework during construction. This proactive approach to conflict resolution helps to reduce construction-related expenses, contributing to overall cost savings for the project.
Moreover, BIM coordination promotes enhanced communication and collaboration among project stakeholders. Through the use of specialised software tools, stakeholders can engage in real-time collaboration, leading to better decision-making and improved project outcomes. This improved communication and coordination among architects, engineers, contractors, and other stakeholders ultimately enhances the overall quality of project planning and execution.
Additionally, the implementation of BIM coordination enables proactive clash detection. By utilising specialised software tools, project teams can identify and resolve conflicts in the digital model before construction commences. This approach minimises the likelihood of costly clashes occurring on-site, thereby reducing the potential for project delays and additional expenses.
Furthermore, BIM coordination facilitates streamlined collaboration among project stakeholders. The integration of various disciplines through the digital 3D model allows for cohesive and coordinated project planning and execution. This seamless collaboration fosters a more efficient and effective project environment, ultimately contributing to improved project outcomes.
When Should You Start BIM Coordination?
The time to begin BIM coordination may vary depending on the project. However, DJM states on their blog that the best time to begin is as soon as possible, specifically during the preconstruction process.
Starting coordination before construction begins allows a coordinator to address issues in the model before they arise on the jobsite. This avoids rework and subsequent cost overruns.
Depending on the contract type for your project, it may begin at different times. For example, in a design build, coordination will occur during the design phase. In contrast, projects under design-bid-build contracts begin the coordination process after teams create contract drawings and issue RFIs.
Some common contract types include:
- Construction Management at Risk (CMAR)
- Design Build
- Design Bid Build
- Hard Bid
- Integrated Project Delivery (IPD)
What is BIM Coordination (Image by BIM Scaler)
Process of BIM Coordination
This processes requires several steps. Construction is a dynamic process, so the steps can vary. However, in general, the process includes modelling BIM elements, selecting tools, establishing rules, defining areas and disciplines, and detecting clashes at the end of the process.
At least 10 processes exist, including:
- Modelling of BIM Elements: This is the first step where the elements of the building are modelled using BIM software.
- Verification of the Modelling of BIM Elements: The modelled elements are then verified for accuracy.
- Choosing the Right Building Information Modeling Tools: The appropriate BIM tools are selected to perform coordination.
- Export and Receive the BIM Model: The BIM model is exported in the correct format for coordination.
- Linking of the Disciplines in the Model: The disciplines in the model are correctly linked for coordination.
- Establishment of BIM Coordination Rules: The rules for BIM coordination are established.
- Definition of Areas and Disciplines: The areas within the project to be coordinated, as well as the disciplines, are defined.
- Perform Interference Coordination: Interference coordination is performed with the chosen software.
- Communicate the Results: The results are communicated to the team members.
- Clash Detection and Resolution: Any conflicts or “clashes” between different models are identified and resolved.
This concludes everything you need to know about BIM coordination. In the construction management process, a tool known as 4D simulation can help your coordination process run more smoothly. Read more about it in our article, “What is a 4D Simulation? Understanding the Role in Construction Project Management“.
Conclusion
Construction projects are streamlined by the revolutionary Building Information Modeling coordination method, which uses technology to improve teamwork and reduce conflict. The AEC sector can realise major cost savings, increased project communication, and improved project efficiency by adopting it. BIM coordination will surely be crucial in determining how construction project management and delivery are carried out in the future as the industry develops.
Are you ready to implement BIM into your construction project? If that is the case, you should look into BIMscaler’s consulting and management services.
BIMscaler consulting and management services provide end-to-end BIM usage for your project, starting with BIM/model management, content management, project start-up, project meetings, and end-user support, including as-built documentation creation.
As a leading Australian provider of BIM services, BIM Scaler assures you of a professional and effective BIM implementation for your building project.
