BIM Adoption: The First Step Towards Digitization

Although the adoption of information technology has been slower in

construction than in other industries, interest in technology has dramatically
increased in the last ten years. The most important trend in this field is Building
Information Modelling. BIM is probably the most discussed technology trend in the
industry. In the last few years, the adoption of BIM has emerged as a practice to
improve design quality and coordination. BIM makes unconventional architecture
possible.

The benefits of BIM are undeniable. The adoption has been primarily focused
on the design stage, with the adoption of 3D authoring tools which are enabling
visualization, clash detection, and improved coordination from a technical
standpoint. However, the impact on productivity has been limited.

Crusell Bridge, Helsinki; a unique bridge in which BIM was used extensively
to support fabrication and construction onsite. Researchers have cataloged some 55
positive interaction between BIM and lean constructions.

BIM is a critical concept, but to get the productivity gains that the industry is
expecting, the only path is a paradigm shift in construction practices. And this
revolution can only be led by developers, builders and operators, who control costs,
methodologies, and influence the supply chain. This revolution can only happen
when technologies finally meet the specificities of the industry.

BIM is currently a $2.5-billion software market and is growing at an

impressive rate of 15% annually. The next generation 5-D technology has
tremendous potential and not just in the design phase. 5-D BIM allows project
owners and contractors to manage spatial design specs in 3D and also pull in critical
cost and scheduling information. When implemented properly and used consistently,
BIM is a sure bet for identifying and mitigating risks before costly problems arise.

To achieve the full potential of digitization, stakeholders across the

construction sector need to buy into the positive impact that digitization can have on
managing increasing project complexity and risk, new project delivery structures
and stricter regulation and compliance. BIM having benefits such as; it boosts
productivity, big data handling, new possibilities for smaller markets, building of
higher quality, improved clash detection.

It’s clear, that BIM represents the opening of the construction industry
to interoperability. There’s no doubt that it’s a long and demanding way. But
important steps have been made during the last decades and the future of
construction looks brighter day by day.