BIM (Building Information Modelling) Developer Salary in 2024

BIM (Building Information Modelling)

BIM (Building Information Modelling)

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is the modern way of managing all the information required for a construction project with a single, structured, digital 3D model, through to the demolition of a building. The most important aspect of BIM is that it is not only a model but structured data relating to every component of the building through to when it is eventually demolished. BIM facilitates the flow of information throughout the various stages of a construction project.

Key Features of BIM:

Extensive Component Information: Unlike the simple meshes of 3D modelling, BIM models include extensive embedded metadata – e.g. a modelled wall could have properties such as the building materials, paint specification, manufacturing cost, etc, which can be used to automatically generate material bills and verify element compatibility.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration: BIM allows for greater collaboration between architects, engineers, and the construction team as part of the building process. Everyone creates the model, and every element is checked accordingly to allow designers to build under budget and schedule.

Interoperability with Industry Software: The leading software for BIM, Autodesk Revit, has come to become synonymous with BIM, as it has been adopted by the industry and is now the de-facto industry leader. Using Revit a great deal of detail can be modeled of specific architectural and structural elements such as walls, floors, and pipework with greater accuracy.

Usage Across Industries: BIM was first used in architecture and structural engineering, but it is now becoming more apparent across industries within civil engineering and construction. It is most suited for commercial construction where it can help verify estimates and help contractors install various systems.

Lifecycle Management: One key part of BIM for Facility Management is the holistic management of the lifecycle of a building. That is, not only is construction information provided, but also maintenance, operation, and demolition information. This ensures the whole lifecycle is managed effectively, and ensures that all of the relevant project information is available to those who need it, at the appropriate stage of the project.

Operational Uses of BIM:

Design and Pre-Construction.Modelling is completed by architects and engineers for each discipline in the digital realm, and used to generate drawing and specifications for construction.

Construction and Fabrication. Contractors use artefactual models, the specialised fabrication models, which shape the work of construction, to help coordinate the fitting together of the myriad components.

Post-construction. The as-built BIM models guide facility managers and maintenance crews during the running and management of the building, offering a point of reference that improves the speed and accuracy of renovation or repair work.

What is there in the future?

Finally, BIM is becoming part of the solution to more global urban and infrastructural challenges by integrating BIM with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) – a new elevation, sometimes called City Information Modeling (CIM), that extends the benefits of BIM from the level of the building to the level of the city. These benefits will help solve some daunting problems, such as how to design a city where traffic flows freely but vehicles have minimal carbon footprints, how to maintain networks, and how to make healthcare more accessible.

With the expected massive influx of urban populations by 2050, the role of digital models in urban planning and management is set to become more central than ever, and BIM and CIM more important tools for the construction and civil engineering sectors.