It’s important to define why your are using BIM in the first place.

BIM Uses are a method of associating specific BIM benefits to steps in the design > build > operate workflow.

BIM has so many potential benefits for a building lifecycle it is important to define the specific BIM Uses per project.

Defining a clear BIM Use on a project can help teams understand the value and purpose of any BIM deliverable.

The videos below introduce the uses of BIM and share workflows on how to plan and manage a BIM Use within a project.

Spoiler alert 🚨 – here are the BIM Uses we cover in the videos below:

1. VR Design Review
2. 5D Quantities + Cost Estimating
3. 3D Coordination
4. 4D Planning
5. As-Built Handover

Scroll down to read more and watch each video.

or Start Watching the 8 videos like netflix here:

There are many uses for BIM however we picked five high value applications that we see often.

3D / VR Design Review:

Stakeholders view the 3D model and provide feedback to validate multiple design aspects. A great BIM Use for early owner involvement in building layout planning. This can help prevent major building footprint changes causing rework in later design stages.

5D Estimating

BIM is used to automatically calculate accurate quantity take-offs which can be tied to line items in an estimate. Once connected, any model changes can provide instant updates to quantities and cost. Important to note that detailed geometry is not usually required – even symbolic and simple geometry can be used to calculate quantities. 

3D Coordination

4D Scheduling

The planning and phasing of logistics and project sequencing can be conducted virtually. This allows a space and time-based simulation for both permanent and temporary facilities. Teams can then evaluate potential costly problems and find solutions before starting in the real world. 

As-Built Handover

Project teams develop a 3D model which depicts an accurate representation of the physical conditions, environment, and assets of a facility. This will usually include information related to important assets that the owner would like to maintain. 

Documentation

Each team involved on the project must be aware of what they are responsible for. Creating a report/contract for the defined BIM Uses, per contractor, is an important step in making sure that what gets planned actually gets done! 

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