Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a 3D construction software that facilitates planning, designing, building, and management of building constructions. Currently, BIM is the robust digital construction technology that has revolutionised the field of civil engineering and architecture. Government authorities, especially in developed countries such as the United Kingdom, have prioritised in supporting BIM initiatives. Their primary objective is to improve the efficiency in construction and shape the quality of their building designs. The essence of BIM software in civil engineering is evident from the release of several sophisticated BIM packages in the market. Through the application of BIM technologies, civil engineers can potentially design accurate virtual models that integrate all engineering tasks in construction. In this case, the computer-generated model provides civil engineers with accurate and precise data on the construction materials, fabrications, and the geometry of all engineering activities.

Advantages of BIM Softwares

Firstly, BIMcan potentially integrate all significant engineering activities that are essential in modelling the lifecycle of a building. As such, it provides engineers with accurate quantitative data that enhance construction capabilities. The outcome associated with the technology is an integrated design that improves the quality of engineering in building and construction activities. Since it improves efficiency, BIMreduces project duration and lower costs as required to facilitate engineering tasks. It is therefore argued from this perspective that BIM software has transformed the quality of the buildings through the application of advanced computer designs and engineeringmodels.

The second advantage is improved accuracy. Building Information Modeling has enhanced the efficiency of building and construction activities. Conventionally, civil engineers used to experience modelling difficulties that emerged as a result of errors. Such mistakes were directly attributed to problems in coordination, communication, and standardisation of engineering related processes. However, BIM has mitigated the occurrence of such interoperability practices through the application of technology-led engineering designs and projections. According to the European Construction Industry Federal,the software will dramatically shape the quality of buildings in the continent. It further projects that BIM will revolutionise the global infrastructure market by the start of 2025 through unlocking 15-25% of the savings (As cited in Kjartansdóttir et al., 2017, p. 13).Accordingly, it is possible for engineers to integrate all construction geometries and designs, unlike the traditional practices that were prone to errors associated with the omission of critical aspects in the construction documents.

Thirdly, the software has improved the efficiencies in building handover and management of the facility. BIM provides civil engineers with accurate records and renovations that can be executed during the lifecycle of the building. Engineering professionals, therefore, can use modelling tools such as the Autodesk 360 to integrate BIM data to that of the building and construction operations (Liet al., 2014, p. 124). By doing so, civil engineers are in a position to identify discrepancies and initiate corrective measures at an early stage. Such data can also be sent to other building maintenance software as a technique to improve the post-occupancy use. Abandaet al., (2015, p. 184) noted that modelling software generates digital records on renovation and management based on the available data.

Finally, Building Information Modeling provides construction professionals with preconstruction visualisation of the project. Therefore, civil engineers can plan, design, and assess potential challenges that they may occur in the course of project construction. Its modelling data also provide an opportunity for professionals to improve the quality of the building based on visualisation. However, civil engineers critically evaluate the impact of construction techniques and engineering processes before the actual execution of the project. It is argued that some of these practices may adversely impact the environment if proper engineering practices are not implemented. 3D visualisation and simulations provide pre-construction data on construction materials needed and the space that the project will occupy. Therefore, it enables engineers and clients to project on all the requirements to improve the functioning of engineering aspects. It is also argued that an accurate overview of the project is the basis to minimise expenses and improve engineering practices that are time-consuming.

Disadvantages Associated with BIM Technologies

BIM is prone to an array of construction risks that make it a disadvantageous modelling tool for civil engineers. Firstly, it is incompatible with partners in a contract. It implies that its application in the building and construction industry is not yet universally used by all professionals in the industry. Therefore, there are high chances that some of the partners in contact may not be conversant with the software. The aspect increases project completion duration since engineers may not use models provided by one of the partners. Secondly, the application of BIM models and designs may raise legal issues that delay building and construction processes. The argument behind this reasoning is that industry practitioners have not yet tested the ramifications associated with Building Information Modelling.

Thirdly, the software is costly to civil engineers. It suggests that technology requires a substantial investment. Such professionals ought to utilise the software to its full capacity to recoup the investment costs. Finally, BIM lacks experts who can potentially navigate it to realise its potentials. Its use is concentrated in the developed countries, and, therefore, its inventiveness in the building and construction industry implies that there are few professionals with expertise and skills to navigate it. Accordingly, civil engineering companies ought to incur additional expenses to equip their employees with the requisite skills to use the technology. In this case, a company may not fully benefit from Building Information Modelling if it does not have education and training programs to familiarise its employees on the latest skills.

Clash Detection, Risk Perception, and Prevention

Building Information Modelling has improved clash detection and coordination in the building and construction industry. It allows industry professionals, especially in the field of civil engineering to coordinate their sub-contractors. The outcome, in this case, is improved detection of both internal and external clashes before initiation of engineering and construction activities. For instance, it facilitates the elimination of the conflict that may occur when installing a steel beam and electrical conduits. A noteworthy aspect to civil engineers is to minimise such clash as a technique to fix a doorway that has enough clearance.

Another critical software that facilitates automatic clash detection in building and construction is Autodesk’s BIM 360. The positive outcome directly associated with automated clash detection is reduced amount of rework underlying building construction. It is beneficial to civil engineers in that technology enables professionals to minimise significant unforeseen issues and last-minute changes. However, the standards and regulations contain ideal BIM skills and knowledge framework that are aimed at revolutionising the construction sector. Its objective is to transform construction processes through effective designs that allow maintenance of the construction in the entire project life cycle.

Safer engineering and construction practices are associated with BIM technologies. The modelling techniques that underpin the software support professionals by pinpointing potential hazards that may occur in the construction site. The visualisation of the site is also a critical element that aids in the detection and elimination of potential risks. Accordingly, such visual risk analysis facilitates safety evaluations associated with designs and key engineering practices applied in building and construction. Common Data Environment (CDE) plays critical roles in the generation and application of automated data designs. A360 Drive, for instance, facilitates sharing of project models during the execution stage of a project. In this context, Building Information Modelling 360 Drive allows all professionals involved in the construction processes to coordinate the planning of their tasks. The outcome, therefore, is improved collaboration among stakeholders. However, both Employer’s Information Requirements (EIR) and BIM Execution Plan(BEP) play critical roles in the coordination of construction projects. BEP is beneficial in managing the delivery of the project through coordination of BIM design implementation. EIR, on the other hand, is used in assessing prospective suppliers that can potentially source materials based on the BIM data.

Conclusion

Building Information Modelling is an efficient technology that improves the efficiency and effectiveness of construction designs and planning. The software has shaped civil engineering practices, in that, it enhances the efficacy of building models characterised by complex structures and sizes. BIM’s advantages are better planning and designs, fewer reworks, savings on materials, and support for prefabrication. It also minimises engineering risks and chances of hazard occurrences in the construction sites. However, it has weaknesses and limitations that adversely affect its effectiveness. In this case, BIM is new in the industry, and,thus, lack experts; it is costly, incompatible with some construction partners, and high chances of legal ramification issues.

References

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Kjartansdóttir, I.B., Mordue, S., Nowak, P., Philp, D. and Snæbjörnsson, J.T., 2017. Building

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Li, J., Wang, Y., Wang, X., Luo, H., Kang, S.C., Wang, J., Guo, J. and Jiao, Y., 2014. Benefits

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