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September 19, 2025
Building Information Modeling (BIM) describes an approach to creating 3D models of a built environment, integrating critical data into modeling software, and using it to streamline the real-life construction process.
With the rapid urbanization going on across the globe, BIM holds a pivotal role in shaping current and future skylines, as well as residential and commercial buildings. BIM software applications are now a fundamental need for construction firms in building resilient structures. Hence, a rapid adoption of BIM is visible across the world, with the global market size valued at USD 9665 million in 2021, with an expected growth of up to USD 23950 million by 2027.
BIM software applications play a pivotal role here in establishing collaborative workflows.
BIM-based workflows eliminate a deeply rooted problem in the construction industry, which is collaboration. The loose collaboration among multiple disciplines led to subsequent problems like reworks, inaccurate estimations, and even sometimes a project halt.This article will give you an in-depth view of the importance, benefits, applications, and real-life use cases of BIM to elevate construction workflow standards.
Here we begin with the basics:
The concept of creating digital representations began to develop in the 1970s.
This was the time when the use of Computer-aided designs was widespread. However, the groundwork for something more advanced than 2D drawings was simultaneously in progress. One of the first platforms in this area was the Building Description System (BDS) developed by Charles Eastman.
His pioneering work was a big hit until the limitations regarding design choices and libraries started to create problems.
In 1977, Eastman came up with another revolutionary work, the Graphical Language for Interactive Design (GLIDE).
This was a great solution, able to build more complex structures than its predecessor, and also had features for cost estimations and structural design. In the years that followed, projects started to gain more complexity, and there was the need for a solution that provided more collaborative features as well.
Building Product Model was another software that could model information for a project’s complete lifecycle. However, it did not facilitate collaboration among multiple disciplines.
In the years that followed, Autodesk came into play, with advanced software applications like AutoCAD and Revit. Other developers like Graphisoft launched ArchiCAD, and Bentley launched its MicroStation, which was focused on 2D and 3D designs.
BIM is still evolving with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), and Augmented Reality (AR). It will continue to revolutionize the industry workflows, making things possible that once seemed impossible.
BIM is now a full-fledged support for construction projects, right from the conceptual to the post-construction phase.
Can you imagine a technology that has evolved this far, creating profound impacts on post-construction facility management as well? Organizations worldwide, have adopted a BIM-based workflow, with the use of BIM applications, like Revit, Navisworks, Revizto, BIM 360, Trimble Connect, etc.
And not just these software applications, a whole ecosystem of integrable applications and plugins form the current BIM project landscape.
Professionals use such integrations to fast-forward certain tasks or to gain additional capability as per project requirements.
Today’s BIM is highly advanced in terms of design and modeling for various building systems. For example, projects that require extreme detailing, like that of semiconductor plants, are executed with the help of 3D BIM modeling.
Revit is the primary software used for 3D modeling, while the process starts with AutoCAD.
Architects export the 2D and 3D drawings and import them into Revit to create a 3D model.
Such 3D models hold complex geometrical information and reflect the original structure from all perspectives. It is the true image of the structure when it is completely constructed. And this gives engineers the leverage to detect any ineffciencies in the design early, even before the construction begins.
The 3D model includes data of structural components, MEP systems, and architectural data as well.
Such a model is often called a federated model. In current workflows, where collaboration is an advantage, different disciplines create their individual models. After finalization, each of them is integrated into a single model, which is accessible to all the relevant professionals.
With a glance at the modern BIM-based construction workflows, here are the benefits listed.
Here is a detailed list of the benefits of BIM software applications with respect to construction stages:
The pre-construction phase is where the concept is finalized and the initial design starts.
This initial design was created in Revit, with a low Level of Development (LOD). Here, BIM helps in communicating the design intent effectively to the stakeholders. The use of models eliminates ambiguity and results in a better understanding.
Planning and designing follow an integrated approach with BIM, unlike traditional workflows.
As the technology supports fluid collaboration, architectural, structural, and MEP disciplines iterate together. The use of BIM establishes a common point for all the trades to refer to and avoid any ambiguity in communicating the design and construction intent.
Each trade can see updates from other trades on the common model and plan their work accordingly. BIM eliminates working in silos, which was caused irregular communication resulting in delays and reworks.
There was a time when clash detection and coordination took more than a year for complex, large-scale projects.
Ensuring seamless coordination of the architectural, structural, MEP, and other models with a manual approach was like a nightmare. BIM software applications like Navisworks enable highly advanced and automated clash detection. The software identifies potential clashes by analyzing the federated model, saving a lot of essential time for teams.
Once the clashes are detected, the coordination process initiates immediately in a Common Data Environment (CDE).
Model coordination also becomes efficient with real-time collaboration. Teams can work remotely from different locations on a shared platform. They can address issues through markups and communicate information in real-time for informed decisions.
BIM greatly elevates the standards of the traditional coordination processes, adding real value to construction projects.
Cost estimation was a hurdle back then for construction teams and involved multiple revisions on paperwork.
This was a manual approach, where data complexity was the main pain point. Multiple updates to the model had to be reflected accordingly in the estimation documents. A miss would require reevaluating the whole estimation, which took a lot of unnecessary time.
On the contrary, BIM revolutionizes this area by fully automating the process. BIM software applications like Revit automatically generate estimations based on the model data.
The system updates the estimation document as the model progresses. This leaves no room for errors, and teams can make accurate estimations.
A recent study published in the Journal of Korean Housing Association stated that BIM-based cost estimation increases the accuracy and reliability of project cost predictions by almost 99.5%.
Yes, that’s the power of BIM-based cost estimations.
This is the stage where all the equipment, labor, materials, and necessary resources are collected.
The procurement process includes the Bills of Quantities (BOQs) and Bills of Materials (BOMs). These two are critical elements that define the effectiveness of this stage. The accuracy of these documents ensures that there is no material shortage, budget overruns, or under-budgeting.
BIM generates the BOQs and BOMs, with accurate quantities taken from the property information of the model.
It extracts detailed information about the type of materials used and their quantity, increasing accuracy once again. BIM also helps in estimating the labor number and cost by analyzing the project model.
With all the above stages executed successfully, there is a great positive impact already on the construction phase.
Since clashes are resolved, the accuracy of estimations and procurement increases up to 90%; construction becomes more streamlined. Construction teams on-site rely on shop drawings for accurate construction execution. BIM produces accurate shop drawings directly from the model, preventing delays and inaccuracies.
Additionally, construction teams can access the BIM model from tabular devices on-site.
The capability of creating an as-built model helps keep track of the project progress.
Apart from these, BIM facilitates smooth functioning in several key areas. These are efficient resource allocation, project visualization, and even help project managers adhere to project timelines far more efficiently than the traditional process.
BIM’s role in the construction phase is noticeably worthy, but it does not stop there. Here comes the facility management.
When the building is finally ready, the facilities supporting the operations need to be managed.
And here comes the digital twin into play, offering smart facility management. BIM allows the creation of a virtual as-built model of the building with unparalleled precision. The replica reflects the status of every facility active inside the building.
This facilitates active monitoring, which leads to prompt maintenance and repairs in case of faults.
The integration of IoT sensors with the facilities further enhances this process. This is helpful when monitoring critical HAVC or gas pipes, and finds extensive use in industrial scenarios.
The continuous evolution of BIM over the years can be defined through different dimensions. Each reflects a unique value of BIM as discussed below:
Two-dimensional BIM models consist of an X and Y axis and are the simplest form of modeling.
In the initial times when BIM was still a concept, CAD systems found prevalent use. Engineers created 2D models for plans, elevations, and sections without manual effort. However, modern construction projects are so complex that 2D is not enough to demonstrate the correct reflection before construction.
2D models are currently not used for visualization purposes. They are rather used as an accurate source of parameters, constraints, and concepts for developing the 3D model.
The three-dimensional form of a BIM model is more advanced in terms of geometry and data.
This model constitutes the X, Y, and Z axes, along with other critical info about the structure. Today’s 3D models are a complete package of the building data, from size, dimensions, to the type of materials, their quantities, the energy utilization data, and more.
From this 3D model, engineers can now generate accurate shop drawings without any manual efforts. 3D BIM delivers a similar value proposition to what we know of BIM in construction.
The third dimension of BIM further expands to the fourth dimension, which includes project planning and time estimation.
4D BIM is all about sequencing the various stages and sub-stages of a construction project. The benefit is that this can be done with the “time data.”
It allows an advanced visualization along with the estimated time to complete each phase. With this model, visualizers can simulate scenarios to realize the look of the project at various stages.
5D BIM modeling includes the integration of cost data into a 3D model.
Although best known for predicting the cost flow of a project, 5D BIM benefits a couple of other areas as well. This dimension of BIM lets engineers evaluate a project from different standpoints.
While it allows cost calculations of the current model, there is also scope for estimations based on potential revisions.
5D BIM adds clarity to a construction project from all standpoints, such as the cost, appearance, constructability, use of materials, and site conditions.
A model with the sixth dimension of BIM in construction is the as-built model of a structure.
Out of all the phases and BIM models, this one is the most advanced and complex model with loads of data in it. It contains data including warranty information, manual information, operation, and maintenance information.
This model is used for facility management purposes of building projects that are in the operational phase. Facility managers can make informed decisions with real-time updates on facilities accessible through the 6D BIM model.
The sixth dimension of BIM in construction is undergoing rapid evolution, and possibilities for smarter solutions are within striking distance.
The seventh dimension of BIM adds the sustainability factor to a BIM model.
A 7D BIM model includes 3D + time schedule + cost intelligence + sustainability, allowing project owners to have a comprehensive preview of a structure.
Hence, the model now ensures that the structure is running sustainably with net-zero emissions. With data from IoT sensors, the model provides real-time updates on various building systems. The BIM data is categorized based on temperature, pressure, and other essential parameters.
This facilitates prompt decision making, work order scheduling, and task assignment, ensuring that facility management and sustainability are top-notch.
With this, we will be wrapping up the role of BIM in the construction of modern skylines.
BIM’s role in design and construction has become irreplaceable.
The technology will continue to elevate construction methodologies. With the integration of artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and virtual reality, things will take a new shape in the future.
Organizations at the forefront of this digital transformation are eyeing the implementation of these integrations and achieving better project outcomes.
BIM finds extensive use at various stages of construction projects. Its benefits cover the entire project lifecycle of a built environment from planning to facility management.
The level of advancement you want to achieve in BIM modeling defines the software requirement. While for modeling and coordination, AutoCAD, Revit, and Navisworks are inevitable, for more advanced collaboration and visualization, BIM 360, Trimble Connect, Enscape, and Lumion are required.
AutoCAD is used for 2D and 3D drafting with limited visualization and data modeling capabilities. The use of BIM is aimed at achieving higher levels of digital construction, like automated cost estimations, project scheduling, automated quantity take-offs, clash detection, and more.
Also Read:
Top Techniques for Construction Takeoffs: A Practical Guide
4D BIM: Benefits and How it Can Transform Your Project?
BIM on a Construction Site: The Daily Challenges and Impact of a BIM Professional
BIM Vs CAD Files: Understanding the Difference Between CAD and BIM
Ways BIM Can Benefit Sustainable Building Design: A Comprehensive Guide
BIM Myths vs Reality in Construction: Understanding the Facts
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