Future of BIM Modelling Services with BIM Levels and Dimensions

Building Information Modelling (BIM) an evolution of 3D CAD (computer-aided design) facilitates the design, delivery, and maintenance of the building's life cycle. BIM Modelling services enables an integrated approach for the design and coordination of complex systems and components, reducing errors and cutting out waste through the decision-making process. With visualization capabilities and attributes linking to one model that combines all the different disciplines, it identifies clashes and resolves them at the pre-construction phases itself.

There are different levels of BIM with each one being more advanced than the other. Each level can be conducted in several dimensions. While every dimension adds a new benefit or feature to the process, each level brings about a change to the way of working. At BIM Level-0 a two-dimensional BIM is in its simplest form and can simply be a 2D drawing. But if we increase to three-dimensional BIM it can be achieved through Level 1 and Level 2 which involves 3D drawings, where Level-2 would require a certain amount of collaboration. It is for this reason that BIM Level-2 is one of the most widely used levels and has come to be one of the minimum current standards mandated by the UK Government for any of their public-sector projects, a standard introduced in 2016.

BIM Level 2 with CAD

BIM Level 2 might not be far from the standard CAD Technology but it does bring about certain new features that come with practical advantages and so has become a category that has gained its name and worth on its own. This level can be taken as a collaborative CAD where files within CDE remain separately. While files are easily accessible to everyone, the modifications done in any one of the files have to be manually updated to reflect the changes to them all; so, there is no single source of truth dataset. Through pushing for collaboration mechanism files that can be shared and edited by all the team members, the project will have to bear the administrative cost attached to this collaboration. Considering the mandate on using Level-2 BIM by the UK Government, BIM consulting services are important to the construction industry and have a future that is yet to be unleashed in its full potential.

BIM Level 3 for added Dimensions

1. Three Dimensional BIM: While BIM Level-2 has been the standard used, BIM level-3 is the current standard that the industry is working towards to achieve the greatest benefit of utilizing BIM processes and technology. Level 3 is being explored while staying in three-dimensional models. It is this single 3D model that is shared with all the collaborators and has all the functional information that is needed on every building asset throughout the complete lifecycle of the project. For every level that is beyond zero, this 3-dimensional model becomes the crucial one. While BIM level-3 is still under discovery, it does bring about processes and technology that can be taken as a ‘single-source-of-truth’ dataset. With this, it means that the CAD tools start with the information about the building first and then present it graphically, instead of the traditional way of storing every data as a graphical representation. Onboarding such a mechanism of BIM services, the different CAD specialist tools get access to a single source of data thereby showing only the graphical representations to the user which is relevant to them. By this the architect is allowed to have his sections, plans, and elevations, engineers can keep bracing their diagrams and builders can keep their isometric views, in a single communal dataset as their segment instead of having completely separate files. Due to this any changes made to a file/segment will be automatically reflected across all the file segments in no time. This makes BIM about enhanced communication along with consistent data files thereby improving the efficiency, quality control, costing, and time of the project. When a new project is undertaken it is relatively easy to generate the accurate BIM model for further processes but when it comes to an existing infrastructure it becomes a tedious and time-consuming task. So, for projects of renovation, retrofit of an old structure a new technology done by Scan to BIM services provider comes to play. Using laser technology, they survey the site to bring about a 3D map of the structure which is then integrated into a BIM software like Autodesk Revit. This becomes the start point to blend with attributes for the new components. This is a technology that will change the AEC industry for years to come and holds the future. Looking ahead BIM has in addition to the 3D model's other dimensions like 4D-Time management, 5D-Budget Calculation, and 6D/7D-Facilities management being explored too.
2. Four-Dimensional BIM: The depth of information being attached to the attributes of BIM accompanying a component implies that it is feasible to use this tool to manage the timeline of the project. In each of the attributes time, data can be introduced like the installation time, lead time, and sequence of installing each component. Based on this information the planners can come up with an exact project program that will showcase to the client how the construction will be carried on over time. While this project program can be used to ensure that the project is sequenced safely, efficiently, and logically before it begins, it also helps explain the entire project plan and assure that the expectations of the client are met.
3. Five Dimensional BIM: 5-dimensional BIM is developed on the visual timeline of 4D BIM by integrating assets and their schedule with cost-related information. 5D BIM enables visualizing the cost of the project over time thereby aiding the cash flow throughout the project. With monitoring the uncalled-for price changes, fifth dimension plans and improves the overall project management and delivery for any complexity and size. This feature becomes an important criterion when a project becomes more complicated with added modules and extensions to the original structure.
4. Six Dimensional BIM: While 4D and 5D BIM were possible at any level beyond level-2, 6D needs Level-3 BIM. This need arises because the sixth-dimensional model uses a cloud-based model that will allow incorporating with its plant and facilities management, including information on component-like product details. A cloud-based mechanism would mean that contractors working in different directions of the building can access the system throughout the entire life cycle of the facility. The functionality of 6D BIM comes from linking attribute data together to support the management of facilities, for example, the inclusion of things like install dates, details about manufacturers, data involving operating temperatures, maintenance schedules, and lifespan. From planned predictive maintenance to routine maintenance 6D BIM can combine attribute information. So, by bringing all the data into the same plan an effective and efficient maintenance schedule throughout the entire lifecycle of facilities can be generated.

Looking at the advancements that come with each level and dimension of BIM we can conclude that the overall value BIM Modeling services can add to a project will only increase. Other than being a visual representation it is becoming one of the powerful collaboration tools that are equally critical to contractors, designers, cost managers, facilities managers, and clients alike. With these and further advancements, the value and importance of BIM in the construction industry will only grow. To imply BIM and Point cloud to BIM services will not only be used for new and larger-scale public sector projects but even for the existing infrastructure and smaller independent structures and builds in the years to come.