Technology is growing at a rapid pace and with it, the design and construction processes are changing as well. Software technology has transformed the typical pen-paper approach into a more technologically oriented one. BIM is the most trending modern approach that caters to current and futuristic construction demands.

The building industry has undergone evolutions many times and each one has proved to be beneficial for construction. The transformation of the conventional design into the digital world has resulted in BIM modeling and BIM Coordination services.

BIM modeling is the most popular and widely adopted method for the construction industry. With the latest innovations and aligning designs with technology, BIM has become an important part of the designing process.

What is meant by BIM Coordination?

BIM Coordination is a process of allowing collaboration among MEP, architectural, and structural disciplines. It offers optimized management of the infrastructure right from the design stage. The major goal of Bim Coordination is to enhance the construction process and minimize its cost.

Tools like BIM modeling aid in the collaboration of various disciplines which makes it easier for clash detection and prevents on-site building problems. With the help of 3D BIM modeling, conflicts can be highlighted and resolved most efficiently.

BIM coordination works on multidisciplinary 3D models to assist in a smooth construction process. The models that can be incorporated into this approach are:

• Interior Models
• Mechanical Services
• Structural 3D Model
• Landscaping
• Prefabrication Model
• Electrical Services
• Exterior Model

BIM coordination and BIM clash detection are often used interchangeably in the building and construction industry. Both are regarded as necessary for a design to be implemented as intended, with no difficulties or problems.

BIM Coordination Process

Although the procedure may vary considerably based on a variety of aspects such as the kind of construction, scale, and materials utilized, there are some common BIM coordination steps:

1. Appropriate Model Placement

A little margin of a clash between two models may result in inaccurate data regarding the challenges, that’s why precision is so important.

The method of verifying model positioning concerning each other varies depending on the program you’re using, but various BIM service providers offer coordinates, a project base position, and model connectivity, among other features that aid with model positioning.

2. Opting for BIM Coordination Tools
   

Various BIM service providers have offered a great range of tools that can be used for BIM modeling. The three primary groups for the coordination tools are:

• CDE
  Common Data Environments enable clash detection between various models put on the same cloud.

• BIM Modeling Tools

These are the best option for 3D modeling with the incorporation of different services with help of one tool. The tool also enables conflict detection and resolution options for the associated model.

• BIM Coordination Tools
  BIM coordination tools are the full package with modeling options loaded with a lot of information. These have features like clash detection, coordination of different disciplines, reports, and various others assisting in a smooth construction process. 

3. Common Format
   

While most of the BIM services enable the modeling of different services in a single software, there are a few software that demands different services to be tackled in individual software. This is the field that needs to be investigated before working as bringing all the models on one platform in different formats can be challenging.

Though models can be imported with IFC format, a few elements cannot be converted which makes it important to decide on a common format for all the models.

4. Merging IFC Models
   

Bringing together several models with technical details and combining them is vital for collaborative design. IFC format is the most convenient one to work with for BIM coordination tools.

5. Scope of Coordination Check
   

After combining the models, the next step is to assess the requirements whether you need to look for conflicts only or if is there a need for MEP coordination.

There are a few general questions regarding the construction phase which need to be asked after building a single model. This is the first step into the collaborative design approach.

6. Rules
   

This is the step offering answers to the questions that define rules for the coordination of your project. This is the step to analyzing the scope, and thoroughness of the construction project.

7. Model Check
   

If an automatic check is not run by the software, you need to perform a manual one to scan through the entire model for any collisions or inconsistencies.

After the model check is completed, the software displays a clash report which allows you to examine each one and offer solutions for the same.

8. Analyze Conflict Fix
   

The collection of data on one cloud comes in handy in the long run. The coordination services highlight the disciplines experiencing collisions and even minute errors.

This report can be communicated amongst the team to propose multidisciplinary solutions with minimal chance of conflict.

Advantages of BIM Modeling and Coordination

BIM service providers are offering huge benefits to engineers and architects in the building process. 3D BIM Modeling and Coordination have various benefits for all the parties associated with the construction process. These are:

1. Technical mistakes that would cost a fortune to rectify in the final construction phase are easier to find.
2. The utilization of the area of a building can be maximized.
3. BIM Service providers with clash detection can drastically reduce the number of modifications that would have occurred on-site if these weren’t resolved earlier.
4. Real-time scheduling of construction serves as the greatest advantage of this approach.
5. Thanks to comprehensive mapping and rich 3D reporting, more design adjustments and/or enhancements are feasible.
6. Engineers, designers, contractors, and other teams may work more easily using BIM coordination, increasing the overall correctness of the design and eliminating concerns before they can become much greater down the line.
7. Several experts can collaborate on a unified model that reflects modifications made by each of them.

BIM coordination improves the building project as a whole by increasing collaboration across divisions and phases, assisting with compatibility concerns, reducing unnecessary waste, and many other things.

The Growing BIM Industry

BIM coordination is not just clash detection through means of 3D modeling. With the growth in the technology sector, the building industry is also going through transformations that make the construction process easier and more efficient.

BIM service providers have aided in construction projects and enhanced collaboration among various sectors at every stage. The backbone of the BIM industry’s success in the field of Architecture, Engineering, and Construction is the transparency of the process and convenient communication.

Right from the planning stage of the design, it enables easy communication amongst the teams and with clients and guides in the direction of desired results. BIM coordination can be incorporated from a tiny scale residential project to a large complex for conflict-free virtual models and on-site construction.

Although BIM is a widely adopted approach, it still has the potential to develop more and pave a path for a design approach leaning towards sustainability and creativity.

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