Manufacturing BIM components
The way manufacturers provide information for Building Information Modelling (BIM) and the kind of information they provide is vital to its success, explains Louise Harris of Zehnder.
Since the launch of the Government’s Building Information Modelling (BIM) strategy in 2011 the momentum behind the universal adoption of BIM technology has been gaining speed. However, figures recently released by NBS (National Building Specification) continue to indicate that a significant proportion of the UK construction industry remains blissfully unaware of the technology and the potential benefits it can bestow upon their business.
Understandably, most of information issued on the subject has been targeted at architects and specifiers as the key adopters of BIM. However, as a fully collaborative process for the design, procurement and operation of buildings, BIM needs the involvement of all stakeholders to effectively achieve the greater co-ordination, productivity, visualisation, cost efficiencies and speed of delivery it promises.
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| Using BIM technology to specify HVAC equipment helps ensure the most efficient products are chosen and also to check that they can achieve the required level of performance within the ‘real’ working environment. |
This article takes a closer look at BIM from the perspective of manufacturers and outlines how all parties involved in the specification, installation, operation and maintenance of HVAC equipment can benefit.
The energy a building consumes each year is by far the largest contributor to its annual running costs, so the choice of HVAC system installed is crucial to the overall lifetime cost of the building. When using BIM technology to specify HVAC equipment, the specification and design processes can be greatly enhanced — not only to ensure the most efficient products are chosen, but also to check that they can achieve the required performance within the ‘real’ working environment.
BIM objects are the building blocks of the BIM modelling process, and it is their content which guides product selection. By producing objects for their products, manufacturers can improve the delivery of product data and technical information to customers and make a commitment to ensuring their information is constantly correct and up-to-date.
Unlike traditional methods of supplying information, BIM objects are parametric, which means they can be accompanied by additional information such as heat outputs, test certificates, colour options, metal thickness, weights, links to websites, case studies etc. This information saves time and money on desktop research and also means that architects and specifiers do not need to be experts in the products themselves as the BIM configuration will dictate the products’ capabilities. Once constructed, BIM objects can be uploaded to your own website and/or specific BIM sites for free, no-obligation downloads.
Once a product has been selected and the project moves into the design stage, a manufacturer can continue to enhance their brand experience through the use of BIM technology.
The modelling helps ensure best-fit for the building, as the designer can determine whether the system will generate the necessary air flow, heat output etc.
Enhanced visualisation can also lead to alternative product proposals for improved installation and performance, and the digital nature of the process means updates and new calculations are quick and easy. Moreover the comprehensive capabilities of BIM means it can also assist in compliance with Building Regulations as SAP calculations can be included into the modelling.
Looking at some more basic issues which can cause problems in non-BIM construction, the single information source of BIM modelling means that the risk of incorrect products being ordered is removed, and the potential for the product specification to be changed in construction is also reduced, thus ensuring the building is constructed as per the client’s design. This single information source also means that manufacturers can identify opportunities to provide value-added services to customers, which without BIM modelling would simply be impossible.
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| BIM objects are the building blocks of the BIM modelling process — and they include HVAC hardware accompanied by technical data such as heat output, cooling capacity, test certificates etc. |
For example, greater visualisation of the HVAC system enables companies to digitally view the equipment in situ, which can reveal opportunities to pre-fabricate or pre-assemble products off site, helping to save time and money on construction. It also allows for clash detection, preventing costly changes during construction.
In addition, the improved planning process created by BIM modelling can reduce manufacturing lead times and enable manufacturers to carry out more just-in-time deliveries to prevent stockpiling on site — all of which helps improve customers service levels.
The benefits of BIM can also be seen long after the building has been passed over to the client.
As high-quality digital information replaces boxes of paper on handover, maintenance issues are significantly improved.
The BIM model makes light work of fault finding as facility managers can locate problem areas quickly and determine likely causes. The source of a leak for example can easily be attributed to a valve situated close to where water is visible.
Planned-maintenance processes can also be improved as complete product details are defined within the BIM model. Facility managers can see how often equipment needs servicing and determine the exact product, manufacturer, size and part number etc. when looking to maintain or replace a product.
As you can see, the future of BIM modelling is set to change how buildings are designed, constructed and managed. With a predicted 94% adoption rate by 2016 there is no time like the present to get on board. With wide ranging benefits throughout the construction process those companies who have already embraced BIM technology are quietly enjoying the benefits. Those not yet convinced need to move quickly or they may find themselves at a competitive disadvantage.
