How TO CAD and BIM Change Construction Industry?

by CHCADD Outsourcing Architectural CAD Drafting and BIM Services

Few technologies have had such a profound impact on building design and construction over the past decade as Computer Aided Design and Building Information Management (BIM).

First, CAD was introduced. This replaced manual drafting with digital design. Engineers and architects can now create designs faster, according to their exact specifications. They could make changes without having to start over. They could verify that the components are compatible.

This made it easier to reduce the chance of human error and allow for unusual designs that were impossible to make by hand. It also led to other technologies like 3D printing that are now commonplace.

While the digital design was a significant improvement over hand-drawn designs it did not address downstream workflows.

Key information, schedules, models, drawings, and key information would remain isolated. Different stakeholders and teams had no way to communicate with each other or keep up on project progress. Once CAD drawings were no longer relevant, the project began in real life.

Until BIM came along.

From CAD to BIM Conversion

BIM, as the name implies, is all about information and management rather than design per se. BIM's purpose is not to replace or update CAD workflows but to integrate these drawings into a central ecosystem of project management. One that places the building model at its core and updates with the project.

However, technology has had an important impact on how buildings are designed. Take this example:

Generative Design

BIM opens up new possibilities for AI-driven parametric and generative design. Engineers and architects can use generative design tools to set parameters and generate hundreds of solutions. This allows them to be creative and instill a sense of purpose.

This usually takes place at the beginning of a project but can also be used later to address problems. BIM uses a "living" model. This allows you to update and create iterations of your models as you go without needing to start again.

Modular Design

Combining BIM and CAD allows for modular construction. This informs the design process. Engineers and architects can use sophisticated prefabrication techniques, such as 3D printing unique shapes or parts.

The construction stage is not separate from the design stage. This allows you to approach the entire process holistically, exploring ideas and solving problems in virtual space first. This allows architects to be bolder with their ideas without increasing risk.

Virtual Reality

BIM can also be used to make CAD models interactive. This allows stakeholders to visualize the project. You can use VR headsets to walk around the site and see the future building in its entirety. This allows you to get a sense of how it will look, as well as determine where certain systems or features will need.

Benefits of BIM in Construction

These are eight key ways the BIM boom has shaped modern construction sites:

1. You can use better information

BIM allows you to access all of the information needed for the project and building in one place. This information is more valuable than traditional schematic drawings and CAD designs. It is also constantly evolving for the project so it is always current and accurate, regardless of how the building design changes.

2. It keeps everyone in the loop

A BIM-based tool will give you an up-to-date overview of your project. It also gives all stakeholders access to this information. It's not necessary to worry about getting everyone on the same page or worrying about whether some of your colleagues are still using previous versions of designs. You must ensure that your BIM system offers real-time updates.

3. It increases productivity

Everyone in the chain, from the architect to the GC and managers of individual crews, can work more efficiently with fewer obstacles. The workflow is simplified, which makes it easier to spot and anticipate possible problems and reduces the chance of delays and work stoppages. It's easier to manage your supply chains once you have a clear view of the project from a single place.

4. It is easier to make changes

It is much easier to alter a design. If the future owner desired a simple change to the design (e.g. moving a wall back a few inches), the architect would have to redraw it from scratch. Although CAD is a faster option than hand drawing, it's still a time-consuming process.

BIM is intelligent enough to recognize that moving a wall will also mean moving a ceiling grid. Your ceiling plan will automatically be updated. This eliminates a lot of steps and makes it much easier to make changes on the fly.

5. It helps you to think about other things

BIM is more than just a building plan. BIM helps you organize and collect data for other considerations. This includes energy analysis and solar power. Urban planning demands. Permissions, permits, and project codes are essential. Conflict resolution and clash protection. It is a living document and grows with the project. It may be used by building owners as an operational digital twin in the long term.

6. You avoid data loss

Many useful data can be lost for a typical project. BIM is a way to make sure that the model is not only used, but also improved upon. It is constantly updated and improved. The model is constantly updated with new information. This information flows throughout the entire project. There is no waste.

7. It increases safety at the Jobsite

BIM allows you to combine all of your models into one place. You can see the current status of the building at the point of construction as well as the plans for it. This allows you to track safety hazards, points of escape, fall hazards, and other factors.

8. It helps to keep costs down

You can plan your schedules more efficiently and effectively if you have more control. A tighter ship means you have fewer unplanned expenses and it is easier to keep the project on track and within budget. That's great news for your bottom line.

What is next for BIM Construction?

The best thing about BIM technology, fundamentally speaking, is the fact that it produces higher quality data than any construction team could have ever imagined. This data can be gathered and used to create new opportunities for construction management.

Already, we see more technology at job sites. This includes drones, scanners, and sensors, as well as other devices that map the area, assess safety risk, monitor progress, and monitor other critical factors to project success. This could include monitoring the vital signs of construction workers and building sensors into PPE to detect safety and health risks. It will help you avoid accidents at work.

Imagine that schedulers or GCs could use a reliable and simple method to account for extreme weather such as heatwaves. It was precise enough that they were notified as soon as their crews displayed the first signs of heat exhaustion. This information could make your job site safer and more manageable. How accurate and realistic could your schedules be? What about the effect this could have on your insurance premiums.

Data is a powerful and valuable resource. Data opens up so many opportunities for improvement and savings. This is not only for the current project but also for future ones. BIM services allow you to easily share and retain the knowledge and insights gained during a project, so you can transfer it to the next. Your team is also constantly improving and learning new technology.

Understanding the future of CAD and BIM is key. It's not about a tool. It's about a mindset. A commitment to continuous improvement, leveraging wisdom and experience and grabbing opportunities to improve your processes when they are available.