Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a digital representation of the physical and functional features of buildings, enabling comprehensive design, construction, and management of building infrastructure. BIM integrates information from the various fields of design, construction, and operation into a single cohesive model, which enables simulation, analysis, and optimisation of a facility’s entire life cycle, from concept to demolition.
BIM (Building Information Modelling)
Type of technology
Description of the technology
Basic elements
- 3D models: Digital mapping of building geometry.
- Technical information: Data on materials, structural parameters, and technical installations.
- Cost simulation: Models to forecast construction and operating costs.
- Energy analysis: Tools for assessing energy consumption and CO2 emissions.
- Inter-industry cooperation: Ability for architects, engineers, and investors to work simultaneously.
Industry usage
- Housing: Design and management of residential buildings.
- Industrial construction: Planning and optimisation of industrial spaces.
- Transport infrastructure: Design of bridges, roads, and tunnels.
- Infrastructure management: Monitoring the technical condition of public facilities.
- Building restoration: Creating digital copies of historic buildings for restoration.
Importance for the economy
BIM technology introduces a new standard in building design and management. It enables precise planning and efficient management of resources and reduces the risk of costs associated with construction errors. BIM supports the entire life cycle of a facility, enabling better investment control and savings during operation.
Related technologies
Mechanism of action
- BIM systems use 3D models as the central element of a digital representation of a building. Each building component, from foundations to electrical systems, is represented as a component of the model, which can be enhanced with information on materials, costs, schedules, and operation. BIM tools enable the integration of data from various sources and the automatic updating of models as design or actual site conditions change.
Advantages
- Effective project management: Better coordination between project teams.
- Minimisation of the risk of errors: Detection of collisions and technical problems at the design stage.
- Cost optimisation: Forecasting and controlling construction and operating costs.
- Better building quality: More accurate representation of actual building features.
- Life cycle management: Optimisation of facility management during operation.
Disadvantages
- Complexity of implementation: Significant technical challenges in integrating different systems.
- Implementation costs: High initial costs for software purchase and training.
- Risk of data theft: Possibility of leaking information on strategic projects.
- Lack of standardisation: Problems with uniform data standards between different BIM systems.
- High computational requirements: The need for advanced IT resources.
Implementation of the technology
Required resources
- BIM software: Tools for creating building models, such as Autodesk Revit.
- Project teams: Architects, engineers, and building management specialists.
- Computing servers: High-performance units for processing large 3D models.
- Integration systems: Tools for exchanging data between different BIM applications.
- Data management specialists: Experts responsible for the organisation and protection of design data.
Required competences
- Architectural design: Ability to create building models.
- Construction engineering: Knowledge of construction technology and materials.
- Project management: Coordination of design and implementation teams.
- Programming: Creation of scripts to automate design processes.
- Data analysis: Analysis of technical parameters of buildings in real time.
Environmental aspects
- Energy analysis: Assessment of energy consumption of buildings.
- Construction waste reduction: Optimising the consumption of construction materials.
- Emissions of pollutants: Calculation of CO2 emissions during operation.
- Optimisation of raw material consumption: Better planning of construction resources.
- Recycling: Facilitating planning for recycling of materials at the end of a building’s life cycle.
Legal conditions
- Building standards: Regulations for the design and construction of facilities.
- Intellectual property: Protection of models and technical documentation.
- Data security: Critical infrastructure data protection regulations.
- Industry regulations: Standards for project quality.
- Environmental protection: Standards for emissions and energy consumption of buildings.