FLOORS & FLOOR COVERINGS 45 T
he industry is finally starting to pivot from traditional design methods into the digital age – a shift that many say is long overdue. But what is it about BIM that’s so appealing to the industry?
WHAT IS BIM?
Building information modelling is a process in which components of a building project can be manipulated and adjusted in the digital world. Each phase of the construction project can also be mapped out. There are a few programmes out there that operate BIM, including Revit, ArchiCAD, and Vectorworks, each of which help save time and allow for much more accurate work. BIM has various ‘levels of maturity.’ Level 0 uses unmanaged computer aided design, Level 1 signifies managed computer aided design in either 2D or 3D, and Level 2 is that of building information in a 3D environment collaboratively with data attached.
SIMULATION
One clear advantage of working digitally in design is that it offers a much wider functionality set than traditional 2D drawing methods ever could. Using BIM software, a designer, engineer or architect can recreate real world elements like sunlight or the wear and tear that flooring endures. This simulation allows for a much higher standard of finish and can give consultants a much deeper under- standing of how a building will react to real world elements.
Many flooring manufacturers also provide 3D building information model- ling files, allowing a designer to visualise how a specific material will look in a completed project. A huge variety of products are available to download and use in BIM models, allowing a team to under- stand the exact quantities of a product they need to order and which product is best suited to their build. This also gives large- scale housing developers an opportunity to try out different floors for both aesthetics and practicality in a virtual environment, rather than purchasing products to try in a real world project, which would be both costly and time consuming.
AUTO SAVES & CHANGE TRACKING BIM software has the key benefit of allow- ing a user to track the changes in each model, meaning that if an error is made they can switch back to a previous version of that same model without having to compromise on the advancements in design. Traditional 2D drawings, on the other hand, would require a consultant to scrap the current design and force them to
SEEING THE WORLD IN 3D
In 2016 the Government made it mandatory for all public sector construction work to be designed in BIM Level 2. However what are the advantages of building information modelling for housebuilders? Graham Hewitt of Raised Floor Solutions reports
BIM, OF COURSE, IS BY NO MEANS PERFECT – IT HAS ISSUES THAT SOME BUSINESSES SEE AS SO LARGE THAT THEY HAVEN’T YET ADOPTED IT
go back to an earlier drawing when an error is made. The software also provides autosaving functions, helping consultants to steer clear of a risky loss of file or corruption problem.
COLLABORATIVE WORK
Construction work involves a range of different consultants and disciplines. BIM allows for these varying teams to work collaboratively throughout the duration of the project. This approach helps reduce a risk of error, as all team members can ‘notate’ their expertise and provide input as the project evolves.
SUB-MODELS
Every phase of construction can be broken down into a sub-model of BIM. Each sub- model can then be used by a project manager to navigate every step in a construction. The sub-models can also be adjusted as the project goes on, making for a much more streamlined form of design and modelling.
PRESENTATION
BIM models include all intricate details of the design, making presentation a lot easier. The digital elements allow users to present a building plan and project like
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