Why smart buildings need BIM?

A smart building is defined as any structure or facility that uses automated processes to control
the building’s operations. The key focus is on reduction in the use of non-renewable sources of
energy and relying more on renewable sources of energy thereby reducing the impact on the
environment. That apart, business benefits like optimized operations, better management,
reduced operational costs, and less effort can accrue.

Though this definition encompasses various factors it is not restricted within these parameters.
There is no single standard definition available to describe a smart building or structure in the
construction and infrastructure industry. The common parameters amongst the smart structures
are better resource-utilization and reduced effort.

Constructing a smart building involves linking the core systems of the structure such as lighting,
power meters, heating, cooling, pumps, fire alarms and plants with sensors, and easily accessible
integrated control systems.

The conventional structures remain just structures, unlike smart structures which could improve
with time and external factors to provide more than just shelter and safety to its inhabitants.

Smart Buildings & Building Information Modelling

According to the experts, the future of the construction industry lies in building smart structures
that will evolve with the ever-evolving technology. It is not technology alone that makes a
structure smart. A smart structure is an amalgamation of technology, processes, and standards –
the guiding force behind this paradigm shift in the construction and infrastructure industry today.

If smart structures are the future, then one cannot overstate the importance of BIM in this
endeavour. Constructing a smart building involves the integration of several different aspects that
go into the construction and BIM specialises in doing that.

BIM can be extremely vital in the initial stages of a project. The digital graphical representation
of the facility helps in identifying and eliminating any shortcomings before beginning the
construction of the facility. A building plan can be optimised with the assistance of the
consolidated streamlining of data provided by the BIM software.

BIM can play a crucial role in the inception, execution, construction, and maintenance of these
smart buildings. Here is how:

1. Integrated Design

One of the highlights of the BIM approach is the integration of data that is easily accessible to
architects, engineers, designers, and builders. Every change that is made in the design gets
automatically updated across the project. This helps in avoiding conflicts and gets everyone on
the same page.

2. Digital Representation

The graphical representation of the design in the form of a 3D model helps in understanding and
thereby eradicating conflicts in the design. This is done during the inception phase which helps
in avoiding loss of time and curtailing costs during the construction phase. This assists in the
smart utilization of resources and in reducing wastage of time as well as materials.

3. Integrated Data

The digital platform of BIM helps in centralising the data for all the involved stakeholders. It
provides a single source of truth. The availability of information to every party helps in
eliminating errors of judgement and miscommunication that commonly happen during large
scale construction projects. Information regarding the quantities of the required material to be
procured, estimates of proposed and current usage helps in keeping a lid on over-ordering and
unbudgeted expenses.

4. Security System

BIM software provides a base that can be leveraged for a comprehensive and cohesive security
apparatus. This can be the foundation for consolidating and generating data points with the help
of smart sensors and systems installed throughout the facility. The advanced security system is
not targeted to be used by the inhabitants alone. It can ensure safety during the construction
period as well, by restricting unwanted manoeuvring on the project site, by assisting the
management team with an overview of the activities being carried out on the site.

5. 3D Modelling

3D modelling in BIM helps in understanding not just construction plan for a facility that we can
see but also the underground construction (unseen or buried). It provides useful information to
the construction team regarding existing pipelines or fibre-optic cables. The information also
helps in knowing how far to dig without causing any damage to the existing underground
structure. Adding in the 5D, 6D, and 7D dimensions helps to map the scale, scope, and state of
construction at various project stages with respect to critical cost parameters during construction
and on an ongoing basis post construction too. This provides invaluable information for planning,
execution, and management of the building.

6. Enhanced Project Visualization

BIM-modelling promotes enhanced and more accurate visualisation of the facility post-
construction. This can become the foundation for creating management plans for the facility. This
is especially critical as it captures the as-built condition of the building including providing for
the changes in the plan that would have been made during the construction phase. This becomes
an essential foundation to build automation strategies on. It removes the guesswork from the
automation strategy and helps create a better, more comprehensive, and more tightly-integrated
plan.

The future is digital, and BIM is accelerating technological advancement and innovation in the
construction industry. The journey to a Smart Building starts well before the construction starts
- and BIM can drive that Smart journey from day one!

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