What is BIM and how is it used in Civil Engineering?

BIM, Building Information Modelling, sustainability, technology,

August 24, 2023

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Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a digital process to design, coordinate, and manage the entire Civil Engineering and Construction project lifecycle.

What is Building Information Modelling (BIM)?

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is the application of digital modelling and information management processes to plan, design, construct, and manage civil engineering and construction projects. It is a collaborative approach that involves creating and using 3D models to facilitate communication, decision-making and coordination throughout the project lifecycle.

The software improves the overall outcomes with its ability to investigate multiple scenarios, providing data-driven assurance so projects can be delivered on time, within budget, and drive compelling results. It also allows engineers, contractors, and other stakeholders to collaborate in a virtual environment, help identify conflicts, and support detailed analysis and simulations.

Widely used across Australia and New Zealand, BIM is one of the more promising developments in engineering and construction and is changing how contractors and engineers manage projects.

What is the importance of BIM?

Building Information Modelling holds immense importance in civil engineering due to its transformative impact on project efficiency, collaboration, and decision-making. It changes the perspective of how projects are planned, executed, and maintained. By creating 3D models encompassing structural, systems, and architectural aspects, this digital approach ensures that all contractors, engineers, and stakeholders work from one trustworthy source.

During the design phase, a BIM’s visualisation capabilities facilitate a better understanding of complex designs and help explore alternatives. The software tools used to determine clash detection help stop costly errors from occurring, ensuring on-time completion and that the project stays within budget. After construction, BIM models become valuable assets for future expansions, maintenance, and facility management. Its ability to integrate data and simulate real-world scenarios helps civil engineers make accurate decisions and cost estimations of projects.

How is BIM used in Civil Engineering?

In Civil Engineering, BIM transforms traditional project workflows by digitally integrating the design, coordination, and management processes. BIM enables engineers to create accurate and precise 3D models encompassing all project elements. This includes roadways, utilities, drain systems, bridge construction, and buildings.

The models serve as a collaborative hub, facilitating real-time communication and coordination amongst project stakeholders. BIM’s clash detection tools help identify and resolve conflicts in designs before constructing, minimising errors in the process. The comprehensive approach of BIM enhances project efficiency, fosters sustainable designs, and reduces risks to help achieve successful civil engineering and construction project outcomes.

BIM Engineers

A BIM engineer is a specialised professional in construction and engineering who leverages Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology and practices. BIM engineers possess expertise in creating and managing accurate 3D models that incorporate a project’s architectural, structural, and systems components. They facilitate collaboration among project stakeholders, coordinate designs, conduct clash detection, and employ simulations to analyse design performance. BIM engineers play a vital role in optimising project workflows, enhancing communication, and ensuring efficient application of BIM methodologies to achieve successful project outcomes.

Their general responsibilities include developing accurate and detailed 3D models, utilising clash detection tools to resolve clashes, creating parametric models that allow for quick adjustments, maintaining detailed documentation within the models, extracting quantities and generating cost estimates using BIM models. Additionally, BIM Engineers oversee engineering systems, report to BIM coordinators, coordinate with engineers, contractors, designers, and other stakeholders for inputs on design systems, and ensure that all models align with Australian and New Zealand standards, building codes, and regulatory requirements.

With the current rise of BIM usage, these skilled professionals play a vital role in optimising project workflows and ensuring efficient application of BIM methodologies to achieve project outcomes.

Click here to read more about BIM Engineers.

Advantages of using BIM in Civil Engineering projects

Using BIM in civil engineering and infrastructure projects offers a range of benefits that enhance project efficiency, collaboration, and overall outcomes. Below are a few advantages of using BIM in civil engineering.

Track and clarify project progress

BIM supports tracking and clarifying project progress by providing a real-time digital record of the infrastructure project lifecycle. The digital models capture every stage of development from the initial design to construction. As it has a clear visual representation, it offers a detailed overview of the project to make it easy to identify any issues and monitor any changes from the original plan.

Reduce data prep time

BIM can reduce the preparation time for data as design information can be easily shared amongst each other. As infrastructure projects are generally lengthier and require data from various resources, the BIM software supports easier data extraction. It is a more advanced software compared to traditional project delivery methods of using piles of drawings or creating a digital model from physical drawings.

Perform analysis and simulation of designs

BIM is invaluable for conducting performance analysis and simulation on models due to the comprehensive data and models. It allows engineers and designers to integrate numerous analysis tools such as structural, thermal, or energy simulations. By simulating real-world interactions, BIM facilitates accurate predictions of models’ performance in certain scenarios.

Collaboration

The BIM software fosters collaboration in civil engineering through a centralised digital platform that unifies project data and information. Architectures, designers, engineers, contractors, and clients can work together in a shared digital environment, indicating fewer conflicts and better-informed decisions. It enables transparent communication within the model and through 3D visualisations that facilitate understanding.

Better decision-making

Building Information Modelling supports multidisciplinary workflows in civil infrastructure projects. It helps prepare better technical and financial project proposals due to the BIM environment and shared model designs. For instance, structural engineers can lead the process and work directly with the model to define bridge components. This ultimately creates detailed documentation for review, bidding, and construction of the bridge and related roadways.

Improve project margins

The software tools in BIM enable improved planning, helping users determine which design scenarios will achieve optimal outcomes. All projects compete for scarce recourses, and using BIM can help users prioritise how costs are invested in projects based on social, environmental, and economic impacts and goals. Design alternatives can also be reviewed, reducing errors and decreasing the possibility of delay. Calculating costs and determining quantity takeoffs for civil engineering projects becomes more accessible.

Efficient design changes

Using BIM comes with efficient design changes as the software supports the flexibility and adaptability of all civil engineering and construction projects. Precise adjustments to project designs are made from BIM’s parametric modelling. This enables civil engineers to explore design scenarios easily, assess the impacts on project parameters, and implement modifications. Ultimately, it enhances the overall design quality and leads to optimised solutions and project outcomes.

Overall, BIM in civil engineering enhances collaboration, reduces errors, improves project efficiency, and supports sustainable and effective decision-making. This leads to better project outcomes and client satisfaction.

Challenges of using BIM in Civil Engineering projects

There are a few challenges for Architectural Engineering Construction (AEC) companies when implementing BIM in large civil engineering and construction projects.

Investment in software and training

An initial investment in software, hardware, and training is always required when using Building Information Modelling. Civil Engineering companies must allocate resources for upgrading systems, purchasing licenses, and training engineering professionals unfamiliar with the software.

Interoperability

BIM software comes from numerous vendors, so ensuring interoperability between different software tools can be challenging. Engineers need to provide data exchanges and are managed between other platforms for consistency and precision.

Complexity of resources and large-scale projects

Civil engineering projects are complicated, so modelling large infrastructure projects with endless components requires careful coordination and management. Components may include roads, bridges, drainage systems, and several more.

Developing BIM models can be resource-intensive, particularly with large and complicated projects. This includes the time required for civil engineers to create detailed 3D models, perform clash detection, and manage the database.

Maintenance and system updates

BIM models must be maintained and updated during the project infrastructure lifecycle. If a model fails to update with accurate as-built data, it may lead to discrepancies between the model and the overall construction project. Overall, addressing these challenges for BIM requires a proactive approach, continuous development, and the commitment to the transformative potential of Building Information Modelling in civil engineering projects.

BIM software and tools

The BIM software and tools are designed to support numerous aspects of the project lifecycle, enabling BIM users to utilise, manage, and create 3D models for civil infrastructure projects. Below are a few different types of BIM software and tools.

Modelling and Design Software

The modelling and design software is a core component of Building Information Modeling, as these tools are used to create 3D models. Software such as Autodesk Revit, ArchiCAD, and Vectorworks help engineers generate detailed digital representations of buildings and structures. Rich features include endless building components, detailed object attributes, enhanced accuracy, reduced errors, and real-time collaboration capabilities.

Quantification and Estimation Software

Quantification and Estimation software help streamline the process of generating accurate material quantities and cost estimations. CostX and Revu extract data from BIM models, allowing engineers to calculate project costs and material requirements. Using this tool enhances budgeting, procurement, and project planning by providing insights into resource allocation.

Simulation and Analysis Software

Building Information Modeling software such as Autodesk and Bentley helps perform simulations and analyses across all 3D models. This involves structural, daylighting, and energy performance analysis. Simulation and Analysis software leverage data-rich BIM models to simulate real-world scenarios, enabling civil engineers to make informed decisions that optimise design efficiency and enhance sustainability.

Asset Management Software

Once a project is completed, BIM models can be used in facility management systems such as Autodesk BIM 360 Ops and ARCHIBUS to maintain and monitor ongoing operations. These tools help manage maintenance schedules, track assets and make informed decisions about repairs and replacements. Moreover, the asset management software ensures long-term sustainability, optimal performance and streamlined facility management practices.

Clash Detection and Coordination Tools

Navisworks and Solibri allow users to identify clashes and conflicts within BIM models. These tools enable all project teams to coordinate their designs effectively, preventing clashes that could lead to errors during construction. It analyses the overlapping elements of structural, architectural, and system components, which leads to reduced errors throughout the project lifecycle. It enhances project accuracy, informs decision-making, and minimises rework by providing visual insights into design discrepancies.

Collaboration and Communication Platforms

These platforms are fundamental to BIM, as it helps with collaboration by providing cloud-based environments amongst project contractors, designers, engineers, and other stakeholders. Platforms such as BIM 360 Design help with real-time sharing, editing of BIM 3D models, reviewing, and geographical locations. These tools ensure version control, enabling everyone to contribute to the model at once and promote transparency throughout the project life cycle.

All these tools collectively support the entire BIM process, enhancing collaboration, efficiency, and project outcomes throughout the construction project lifecycle.

BIM standards and regulations across Australia and New Zealand

Australia and New Zealand have BIM standards and regulations to promote consistent implementation and collaboration across the construction and infrastructure industries. BIM principles have been integrated into most Australian and New Zealand government-funded civil engineering and construction projects.

BIM standards and regulations across Australia

In Australia, the National BIM initiative outlines a comprehensive framework when adopting BIM software. The handbook guide helps with creating and managing BIM models across civil engineering and construction projects, emphasising collaborative workflows and information sharing. Also, it is standardised that the National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) incorporates BIM data to assess the environmental performance of buildings.

The Australian Government also has a BIM Strategic Framework to ensure BIM usage in government-funded projects, enhancing asset management and streamlining procurement.

BIM standards and regulations across New Zealand

Issued by the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA), a Building Information Modelling Design Guidebook is used to help with BIM integration for transportation projects. The BIM Acceleration Committee works to expedite BIM adoption across the civil engineering industry, focusing on collaboration, data exchange and interoperability. Guidelines for BIM implementation in construction and infrastructure projects are also offered, aligning with international standards.

Mandatory BIM deliverables for government-funded projects are all outlined in detail in New Zealand’s ‘Building Information Modelling Collaboration Tool Requirements for Government Agencies’ guidebook.

Overall, these standards and regulations underscore the commitment of Australia and New Zealand to improved project outcomes and collaboration and sustainable development through the adoption of Building Information Modelling methodologies.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) has redefined civil engineering and construction projects. Through intelligent 3D models, BIM enhances collaboration, informs decision-making, and optimises resource utilisation. It paves the way for efficient, resilient, and sustainable built environments, representing a transformative force that elevates project outcomes and shapes the future of construction.

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