Building Information Modeling (BIM) is the process of creating and managing construction information throughout its entire lifecycle. The primary outcome is a construction information model that contains a digital description of every aspect of the built asset. This model is created collaboratively, following standardized procedures, by teams involved in planning, designing, constructing, and using the building.
The digital information model allows involved specialists to understand the construction and its processes as a whole, enabling them to optimize their actions and ultimately add value to the investment.
The TEC cluster aims to facilitate the digital transformation of the construction industry for the benefit of Romanian society. Cluster members play various roles in the industry ecosystem, united by a shared interest in innovation and implementing changes brought about by digitalization across all their processes and activities. A meaningful digital transformation requires a common understanding of terms and concepts among all stakeholders. The TEC cluster develops guidelines and introductory programs for construction professionals.
While part of the industry recognizes the benefits of digital transformation, a shift in the mindset of everyone involved in the construction lifecycle (public administrations, users, beneficiaries, specialists) is necessary. Without this change, the digitalization process will be inconsistent, yielding no tangible results that differentiate it from previous decades.
The advantages of using BIM include reducing rework, minimizing resource consumption through better budget estimation, enhancing cost control, and shortening construction delivery times.
For those wishing to engage in digital transformation, three key points should be noted:
- BIM is primarily a process, not a model. The focus is on actions leading to outcomes.
- People will always be the most important part of a process. Efficient processes depend on individuals deciding how they will work together without confusion.
- Changing how people work is not an easy task.
BIM implementation standards, including the SR EN ISO 19650 series and its subsequent standards, provide ideas and advice on how specialists should collaborate to develop necessary processes. However, each country has its own history and ways of working that need to be harmonized with new concepts.
Construction representatives and professionals should not wait for directives from central authorities to start exploring how to enhance their activities through digital integration. Delays in doing so could mean losing strategic advantages. It's crucial to initiate changes before others do.
BIM is not a passing trend. For decades, construction representation relied on plans using a coded language of points and lines accompanied by symbols, drawn on paper. About 20 years ago, this changed with the adoption of computer-generated representations. Today, computational power allows professionals to change their working methods, delivering 3D information models that significantly benefit the entire team involved in the construction's delivery and operation.
Only a mutual understanding among professionals can lead to effective procedures for creating information models that consider the specifics of each profession, each role's contributions, and the data necessary for the model.
Without the involvement of everyone, someone will inevitably take action sooner or later. This is the course of history, but that "someone" may not execute as well as the industry could through its representatives.
The TEC cluster brings together representatives from all sectors involved in the industry. Therefore, it is well-positioned to create a BIM usage guide for companies operating in construction. This guide will facilitate better understanding, provide accessible advice, and foster a common understanding to enhance dialogue among stakeholders.
We will be able to better understand what BIM is all about.
Ing. Cristian Onofrei