Facade BIM Modeling Revolutionizing Construction Sector

Facade has roots in the manufacturing sector. It’s a cross-disciplinary design technique in the Architectural, Engineering and Construction industry. The pursuit of architectural and urban infrastructural development and high-rise buildings have led to façade BIM Modeling. 

What is facade in construction?

The word ‘façade’ has derived from “facciata”, an Italian word and is defined as the external face of a building. It is regularly used to denote the main or the front face of a house.  Façade constitutes to be an exterior wall, or the front facade of a building, comprising the main entrance of the building. The rear facade forms the rear exterior wall of the building and the side facades make the side exterior walls. Facade BIM modelers develop comprehensive construction drawings and 3d BIM models to support building data, material fabrication and material cost estimation. 

Changes brought by Façade BIM Modeling with Technology Integration      

It is the core responsibility of the architects to meet the requirements of energy-efficient, sustainable buildings, resolving cost estimation issues and investigating shortage of contractors. Façade BIM modeling is bringing a change to the AEC workflow by combining virtual reality as well as virtual design and construction.

• Virtual Reality - The development of 3D BIM Modeling Services and Virtual Reality technology has facilitated improved communication amongst AEC professionals, who are working on façade design. 3D modeling has enabled the architects to exchange ideas and emphasize shapes, volumes and exterior space in the façade. Once the BIM façade design model gets completed, the material components are fabricated and assembled like unit panels, keel frames, etc. These building design components are provided unique numeric code to data planning, for façade model assembly and data extraction to material list. Unique numbers are provided to the material lists for fabrication and material placement in design panels.

• VDC and BIM - Virtual Design and Construction technology, provides design, construction, operation and maintenance teams the opportunity to create parametric models along with the integration of building facility information. Due to VDC implementation, data is reused and captured from conceptual design stage to that of prefabrication and modular construction. BIM forms  the basis of VDC implementation and is associated with the façade design field. Using façade BIM visual design, multidisciplinary coordination, structural analysis of panels and quantity estimation take place.

How is BIM transforming façade designs?

Building Information Modeling has become a significant technique for architectural, structural and MEPFP services. It has revolutionized the façade design modules in several ways:

• Parametric Designing - BIM parametric design revolutionizes all façade algorithms, driving change to façade panel shape. The technique facilitates in creating various building design schemes. All elements in façade fabrication mechanisms are associated with parametric calculation, data statistic and 4D construction simulation. A design-build facade model arranges the components with 3D geometrical properties,  having other attributes of material and thermal performance. Due to the presence of various design parameters in a façade model, quick calculation along with analysis on modeling, layout and evacuation can be performed by the BIM engineers. However, to ensure accuracy of BIM components, BIM software, applicable to parametric design should create accurate BIM capability. Top BIM service providers in USA use various levels of detailing (LOD 100 - 500) for defining the efficacy of building components in Model accurately. LOD 400 is essential to ensure design delivery model applications in the fabrication process.

• Design Visualization - 3D BIM Model helps to transfer design information and share information to AEC professionals for effective communication, eliminating financial losses instigated by redesigning a construction project. 3D BIM visualization is used for various façade designs of structures, including hole, edge, junction and trim of structural panels. As a result of which, conflicts get identified and resolved amongst various disciplines, enhancing design quality. The multi-view sectional drawings obtained from the BIM model facilitate in creating an information base for other disciplines.  To take an instance, the technical drawing from a curtain wall model helps to create information for other services including architectural, structural and MEPFP. All such views get automatically updated, whenever the designers modify a building component.  

• Automatic Clash Detection – As soon as the main structure of the model gets completed, the façade designers collaborate with electromechanical engineers. BIM revolutionizes the mode of working amongst the construction engineers, contractors,  designers, fabricators and installers, integrating the BIM Model of various disciplines for automatic clash detection and resolution. Thus, identifying the errors at the early stage of pre-construction helps to make accurate system analysis, project planning and construction management.

Thus, the BIM technology enables façade designers to successfully work in a 3D model, improving communication and collaboration amongst all project stakeholders and disciplines. It is perceived that the main benefits of facade BIM Services are 3D visualization of designs and structural details, accurate information sharing, reduced errors and rework, enhanced project delivery time and understanding the details of the construction work processes. Tejjy Inc. BIM consultants have 14 years of experience in working with Building Information Modeling services in USA and provide façade BIM coordination,  3d façade modeling of elements as well as as-built façade modeling. To get facade Revit BIM Services, get in touch with the BIM service provider in USA at 202-465-4830 or info@tejjy.com.