Introduction to BIM 2: Implementation and Career Opportunities

BIM or Building Information Modelling is a creative 3D-based process that helps to design, detail, and document building systems more efficiently. It provides the project teams with more insights into the designs and constructability while reducing risk and improving outcomes.

BIM involves a 3D CAD program that can examine the placement of ductwork and machinery. It significantly increases the efficiency of engineering design through data unification using standard Industry Foundation Classes (IFC).

 

Introductory Session to BIM

The session highlights the following:

• BIM adoption in India and abroad
• BIM Generative Design approach
• Case studies, emerging trends, and method of BIM application
• Career in BIM

 

 

Growth, Evolution, and Adoption of BIM

Recently, the demand for BIM has increased rapidly, and many countries have started to implement BIM. Countries like Singapore, Austria, Hong Kong, Korea, Denmark, Russia, Finland, Sweden, UK, and United States are already having a compulsory mandate for the use of BIM in the public sector. 

Countries like Scotland, Qatar, Mexico, and Peru are following up on the process. However, this is not the case in India. In India, as compared to these countries, the adoption rate of BIM is quite slow.

 

BIM in India

In India, the implementation of BIM has many opportunities as the Indian Market is the largest and fastest-growing construction industry. Many big projects in India have been undertaken using BIM and its related methodologies. 

The following are a few projects that have been constructed using BIM:

• The scheduling, planning, designing, and construction of Personal Rapid Transport, Amritsar used BIM technology.
• The Bangalore Airport used Autodesk BIM 360 as the design and planning of the platform for the development of the Terminal 2.
• The Nagpur Metro Rail Corporation is using 5D BIM technology.
• Delhi Rail Metro also used BIM technology for the development of the underground track.

 

BIM Application Throughout the Lifecycle

The following are the four distinct phases of BIM Application:

 

Conceptual Design Phase (Pre-Construction)

• Site logistics
• Laser scanning and point cloud model
• AR and VR
• Photogrammetry

 

Systematic Design and Design Development Phase (Design)

• AI-based design tools
• 4D sequencing
• 5D model based construction
• LCA and sustainability studies
• Digital documentation management
• Design coordination and issue resolution

 

Construction Phase

• Collaborative cloud platforms and workflows
• Trade modeling and shop drawing
• Model-based coordination
• Virtual mock-up
• Prefabrication
• AR

 

Maintenance, Operation, and Renovation 

• As-built models
• Integration with the BAS system
• Processes in BIM
• Facility management

 

Project Scopes for BIM Adoption

BIM is suitable for all "Built Environment" components and can be implemented from small to large scale. Some of them are as follows:

• Architecture and building design
• Civil and structural engineering
• Energy and utilities
• Highway engineering
• Landscape and land surveying
• Offshore and marine architecture
• Rail and metro transportation engineering
• Subway architecture
• Smart city design

 

Leading Software in BIM for Various Tasks

The following types of software are used to execute various tasks in BIM: 

 

Design Intent Visualizations, AR and VR

• 3Ds Max
• Revit
• SketchUp
• Twin Motion
• Unreal

 

BIM Modeling

• Autodesk Revit
• Trimble
• Bentley

 

Document Management

• Bluebeam Revu
• PlanGrid
• BIM 360 Docs
• BIM 360 Glue

 

Trade Coordination and 4D

• Navisworks
• BIM Track
• Synchro

 

Job Roles of BIM Engineer

We can divide the job roles of BIM engineers into three distinct categories depending on their work in the organization. 

 

Entry Level

Entry-level engineers help to create virtual designs, analyze models, resolve clashes in the models, and can also work as technical support in a specialist role. 

• Project VDC Engineer/Project BIM Modeller
• Analyst (Architectural, Structure, Site Utilities, and MEPF)
• BIM coordinator
• Technical specialist

 

Senior Level

Senior-level engineers are the bridge between top-level management and the entry-level people. They are responsible for the complete project. 

• Project VDC manager/Project BIM manager

 

Top Management Level

The top management guys are the people who give direction to the project and relay them to the project manager. They are usually in charge of developing new talent, and handle decision-making tasks like new tool requirements, upgrading of platforms, and acquiring new machinery. 

• VDC/ BIM Lead
• VDC/ BIM Director

 

 

Generative Design

The design is the blueprint for the entire construction. Unlike the traditional approach where the designer has to perform every minute detail, BIM uses automation tasks to help the designer perform non-essential tasks, thus moving on to a more semi-automatic mode. 

The design is separated into two jobs based on their work approach.

• The designer needs to handle the decision-making tasks in the project, which require human creativity and intuition.
• Repetitive tasks are dealt with using AI and other technologies. Hence, it saves time, money, and additional operating costs.

In generative design, we provide high-end goals and constraints and select the parameters for evaluation of the problem. The computer takes in the input and produces us with a series of possible solutions. We can later evolve the design and select the best outcome.

 

Emerging Trends in Architectural Design

The following tools and techniques have a massive impact as an emerging trend in the design industry.

 

Early-Age Designs

They are commonly used for spatial planning and program layout. It also makes use of techniques like shape grammar, shortest path algorithm, and the Voronoi algorithm. The software that handles these processes is Revit and Rhinoceros, with add-ons and plug-ins like Grasshopper and Voronoi Galapagos.

 

Developed Design

They deal with geo-climatic factors, energy and environmental impact, work style design, and more. In addition to Revit and Rhinoceros, Autocad is also one of the essential tools. The plug-ins mainly deal with project fractals and building analysis. They use multi-objective generating algorithms (MOGA).

 

Case Studies of Projects Around the World

• Autodesk Toronto office used MOGA to enhance their building using various high-end parameters like daylight, exterior views, interiors, work style design, and more.
• The DFAB house was almost entirely digitally created without human interaction. The beams, ceiling, and the concrete were all created by 3D printing and assembled by robots.

 

How to Get Into the Domain

BIM has proven its success in many areas of the world. Different countries are using this revolutionary technology to create wonders, cut down costs, and improve productivity and efficiency. As such, it's worth considering making a career in one of the best and most promising engineering sectors today.

To get into the BIM domain, you should possess the following qualities:

• Good knowledge of BIM and AECO
• Enthusiasm to learn new software design
• Skills to collaborate and coordinate in a project

 

Conclusion

The second installation of the introductory session on BIM offers a basic idea of the importance of BIM as an emerging role all over the world, with India following suit in this major trend.

BIM is creating various opportunities that were not available in the first place. To make the most of the job roles open to you as well as appreciate BIM's applications around the world, a hands-on course in the subject is paramount.

To learn more about the fundamentals of BIM technology, visit Skill-Lync and enroll in one of their industry-relevant Post graduation courses today! 

 

Check out the List of Job opportunities for your Engineering domain