Getting the best value from BIM investments

Building information modelling (BIM) continues to evolve into all facets of the global built environment; however, in South Africa, more widespread adoption is needed to effect meaningful digital transformation.

By Alastair Currie

Tammy Venter, AEC team lead and BIM implementation specialist at Modena Design Centres, Durban T he key advantage of BIM is that it enables enhanced, cloud-based data sharing and collaboration in unprecedented ways by multidisciplinary project teams to plan, design and construct structures ranging from buildings and roads to industrial complexes and wastewater treatment plants,” explains Tammy Venter, PrArch, AEC team lead and BIM implementation specialist at Modena Design Centres (Durban). Modena is an Autodesk Platinum Partner and provider of architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) consulting services.

“BIM is an intelligent virtual process that passes on significant time, cost and quality benefits, but implementing it effectively requires a culture change within the construction industry, as well as within individual organisations,” Venter continues, adding that BIM adoption also needs to be driven more at tertiary level to prepare nextgeneration professionals.

Technology leaders

“For BIM to work within organisations, the transition process needs to be led by its business leaders and adopted holistically, working in conjunction with their design and project teams,” Venter explains. “Ideally, the process should be spearheaded by a BIM leader, chief technology officer or similar to select the right people, processes and software tools.” While some may view the adoption of BIM methodologies and technology as an unnecessary added cost, Venter says that once organisations experience the productivity benefits, there is a permanent transition from traditional standalone 2D and 3D design practices.

BIM goes beyond 3D design to incorporate time, cost and as-built drawings – respectively referred to as 4D, 5D and 6D – within a real-world simulation model that can be accessed by project team members that include the architect, design engineers, quantity surveyors, contractors and subcontractors. Working in the cloud, all stakeholders are able to collaborate in one environment and draw data from a single source of truth, maximising productivity benefits and project predictability.

Optimising workflow

“With BIM, you build what you envision, aided by a series of software tools to interrogate, test and validate. The selection tools will depend on the nature of the business. For example, architects and engineers will each have their own specific requirements,” Venter explains.

Modena’s consulting services determine the optimal IT infrastructure requirements in conjunction with fit-for-purpose software, supported by ongoing education and training.

At the centre is Autodesk’s BIM software, which enables the importing, rendering and management of data during the

design, construction and operations phases. The detailed 3D digital models created can communicate seamlessly with the Autodesk and competitor CAD software packages on the market.

A major plus is that, as the design stages develop, the BIM model is continually updated in real time with fresh data to incorporate revisions in terms of aspects like elevations, plans, sections and schedules.

Venter says that a growing number of construction companies in South Africa are switching to BIM to streamline their interdepartmental collaboration on projects and avoid duplicating data. BIM’s cloud-based approach also enables engineering firms to communicate effectively between the design office and site teams as construction progresses.

A culture of learning

Successful BIM implementers embrace learning as a culture and understand that the internet of things is rapidly changing how built environment professionals interpret data during their modelling, design and project execution processes.

“Errors and the need for rework can be significantly reduced, with projects completed on time and within budget,” Venter continues, adding that BIM workflow data, along with Autodesk Construction Cloud’s data management system, can also prove invaluable in arbitration disputes.

In preparation for BIM training and implementation, Modena’s approach starts off by getting to understand the client and their internal structures. “We then identify key players that we believe will be instrumental in facilitating BIM integration, leading the change within their organisation,” she explains.

“Translating an organisation’s CAD processes into a BIM environment can be challenging and it takes time. Our training support is therefore crucial as team members experience their first live BIM project. Over time, our role is to facilitate the cross-pollination of knowledge to the point where organisations can thrive independently,” Venter explains.

Adding predictability

BIM is a concept, methodology and process that has redefined project and programme management. This is an especially important factor within the current inflationary environment, where price escalation is unpredictable.

“BIM – by its nature – provides a high level of predictability and repeatability. Going forward, artificial intelligence will play a key role here in manipulating and automating processes. However, the human interface is what drives the process,” Venter continues.

Asset and facilities management

Asset management and facilities management are also being enhanced with BIM to create more cost-efficient and greener structures.

“There are BIM software modules – such as Archibus and SpaceIQ – that enable facilities managers to access a database of parts and components, as well as specific serial numbers, warranties, guarantees and manuals. You can also calculate energy consumption as well as future operations and maintenance costs,” says Venter.

Within the world of BIM, the ISO 19650 standard series maps out the framework for optimally managing information over the entire life cycle of a built asset, irrespective of its scale. This includes upfront planning, design, engineering, construction, document management, refurbishment and end-of-life.

“Once mastered, BIM is not complicated; it’s just geometry with information attached to it to create a single source of truth. BIM interfaces with any environment that requires information, like database management, GIS, 3D scanning and digital twinning platforms. Essentially, and thanks to digital technology, BIM takes us into an exciting new world of better information management,” Venter concludes. Gabions and River Mattresses Gabion Rocks Hexagon Wovenmesh Square Weldmesh Geotextiles Gabion Tool Sets Biodegradable Soil Blankets Soil Bioengineering Sandbags Gabion Barriers