The future of construction management

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a 3D model-based process for creating and managing information on building and infrastructure projects. The model gives architecture, engineering and construction professionals the insight and tools to plan, design, construct and manage buildings and infrastructure.

It’s software that allows construction partners to develop a digital model of their project, with live revisions and changes to the design available to all collaborators in real time. On site we deploy “scan to BIM” where laser scanning is used to capture an accurate 3D model to update as-built and fabrication models.

As technology improves and the benefits of using BIM become evident in terms of cost, time and ease of collaboration, use of BIM has become a cornerstone of construction in many parts of the world - mandatory for government works in countries including the UK, US, France, Germany and the Scandinavian countries. While Australia has no government mandate on its use, the Standing Committee on Infrastructure, Transport and Cities have lobbied to make BIM a compulsory requirement on publicly-funded infrastructure projects exceeding $50million in costs.

In New South Wales, the Construction Leadership Group (CLG), led by Infrastructure NSW, has published its ‘Ten Point Commitment to the Construction Sector’ which includes BIM requirements for various procurement methods, including rewarding “collaborative behaviour, capability and performance, based on bidders’ proven track record on Government contracts in NSW and elsewhere.”

Icon Metal has BIM capability in:

• Tekla Structures
• Trimble Connect
• Tekla BIMsight
• AutoCAD
• Revit

For us, the practical advantages of using BIM can be seen at every stage of a project, from concept to completion.  Here’s how BIM and 3D modelling has changed the way we work:

• Easier and more accurate cost estimation and budget tracking using model data.
• Better collaboration and communication between various trades.
• Projects can be co-ordinated and clash detection completed before anything is built.
• All stakeholders can visually see the project in pre-construction.
• Less risk and reduced costs.
• Increased productivity and the ability to pre-fabricate items.
• Improved scheduling and sequencing in all phases of the project.