The Cost of Not Using BIM

2011-06-17T13:46:00.000-07:00

What is the Cost of Not Using BIM?

Due to the large data spread and range of Building Information Modeling BIM phases, accurately quantifying the Cost of Not Using BIM (CNUB) is not easy to determine. Another reason why project savings is difficult to determine is because savings are based on avoiding problems. So when BIM catches a virtual conflict it is difficult or unprofitable to calculate the consequences leading up to a conflict that is not going to happen in the real world. Therefore in this paper we would like to approach CNUB by first analyzing how the most significant barriers to using BIM discussed below are getting smaller because more people are being trained in BIM today. Secondly, we wish to share a few examples of our six year journey teaching, researching, and practicing BIM and using ‘real construction phase direct collision detection’ cost avoidance, as well as savings computed in ‘planning’ or ‘value analysis’ phases. Lastly, we will explain the higher risks owners can incur with suggestions of some future improvements in the tools process and people involved.

Return on Investment (ROI) for BIM in the Architecture Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry is well documented generally concluding that Earnings/Cost = ROI. The greatest cost in companies implementing BIM is the cost involved re-training staff. This initial cost is soon made up in increased productivity as described in BIM productivity curve (see Fig. 1). Surveys are typically measured in three distinct areas: architecture, construction management, and engineering. However, as greater returns on investment are perceived by the manufacturing and construction trades their significance is increasing the need for collaboration, sharing models and new development. Leading the way in helping develop BIM process and standards is the Building Smart Alliance, who are heavily involved in a variety of studies, programs, and initiatives including the National BIM Standard now underway.

Figure 2 – Building Information Model of Columbia University

Campbell Sports Center

So what is BIM and how will it help reduce project costs? BIM is one of the most misunderstood concepts in today’s building industry. Professionals and software vendors refer to it by its name Building Information Modeling, realtors and marketing experts sometimes call it a visualization tool, contractors see its best use in project management, manufacturers in fabrication, but BIM is more than anyone of these singular interpretations. BIM’s value is its interoperability or its ability to help diverse systems and organizations work together (inter-operate). This is most clearly understood by completing the framework of a model that is jointly shared by the project team. Defining the process is necessary because depending on where you are in the project determines who the players are. Rudimentarily simplified, BIM is similar to making a pie. The program of spaces is similar to a pie’s ingredients that the design professionals craft into a BIM. Depending on the level of detail

Figure 3 – Building Information Model of NY State DEP

the BIM can be divided like a pie into packages of digital information for delivery to any project team member. For those who do not recognize the difference from CAD, BIM is a major cultural shift in the AEC industry. BIM is an intensely organized process with people who value lower risk through predictability of outcomes, enhanced visibility, greater accuracy, increased productivity, and higher potential for quality design.
please see the link below for the entire abstract:
http://www.marcharch.com/files/Cost_of_Not_Using_BIM.pdf

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2011-06-17T12:26:00.000-07:00

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First steps frogging in the box...

2011-06-17T09:24:00.000-07:00

A Chinese proverb quotes “Two frogs fell into a bowl of cream. One didn't panic, he relaxed and drowned. The other kicked and struggled so much that the cream turned to butter and he walked out.”

Our first steps blogging become a kind of this frogs tale... you fall into a white open sheet and have two options, wether to relax and drawn or to struggle and make butter out of it!

We hope you to enjoy our posts in the near future, and understand de value of a frog in this small World.

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The Cost of Not Using BIM

Solar Calculator

First steps frogging in the box...