BIM Myths vs Reality in Construction: Understanding the Facts

What came as a mere concept has turned into a necessity for the construction industry.

The way Building Information Modeling (BIM) has transformed construction workflows over the decades is remarkable. Collaboration is seamless, designs are more reliable, productivity has increased with automation, and updates are rolled out in real-time.

However, the advancements over these years are not limited to the above. Even after the project handover, a structure is maintained with the help of BIM.

With such notable transformations, the market has become saturated with myths about the technology.

Now, these common myths push away several organizations from implementing BIM workflows.

Here are some common myths:

Myth #1: BIM is only 3D modeling

3D structure models are the primary visual aspect that BIM changes. But the technology is far more than drawing in three dimensions.

BIM, today, spearheads the complete lifecycle of a project. From the initial planning to building operations management, BIM serves as a single platform for a range of things, including model coordination, shop drawing generation, sustainability analysis, and a lot more.

Purposeful management of the huge BIM data throughout the project lifecycle contributes to data consistency during multiple revisions in drawings and model updates.

BIM redefines the complete process of a BIM project, even impacting the most delicate things. Hence, it is not just 3D modelling but a lot more than that.

Myth #2: Staff will not adapt

There is a notion that BIM is very limited in adaptability, and that if it is tried to implement, it will impact productivity.

Now, it takes time for any new technology to adapt and learn its nuances. And a workflow-redefining technology like BIM needs strategic implementation. There should be a carefully laid-out plan that ensures minimal disruption to workflow, and changes should be addressed stepwise.

The best way to start BIM adoption is to start leveraging it in pilot projects.

Starting with smaller implementations will help the workforce gradually immerse itself in the newer techniques. These may include project planning, model revisions, design optimization, etc.

BIM may seem like a distant thing initially, but as we move from pen and paper to CAD, BIM too, is on its way to becoming a standard.

So, the sooner organizations embrace it, the better they will be equipped for the future.

Myth #3: BIM will cost more

While the initial investment in implementing BIM is high, this is countered by long-term benefits.

And any organization that is planning to implement BIM is expected to be aware of the costs. Falling back just because of the costs never proves to be beneficial in the case of such an evolving technology like BIM.

The cost is high because of the high-end hardware and software licenses required to establish a BIM-based workflow.

However, once in action, there will be a continuous inward revenue flow.

Pitching BIM-based solutions will help acquire large infrastructure projects from across the globe.

The fueling factor behind this is major countries like the USA, the UK, and Singapore mandating BIM for all public and private sector projects.

Myth #4: BIM is nothing more than Revit

A lot of industry peers think, BIM to be just modeling in Revit.

For them, implementing a BIM workflow might involve creating 3D models. However, this is a one-dimensional thought that covers the big picture.

To truly define BIM, it is a methodology that combines a range of modeling, collaboration, and visualization tools.

These tools help in automating tasks, perform them in a smarter and more productive way, unlike traditional methods.

Just for example, drafters earlier used T-squares, compasses, and set squares to draw shop drawings. And revisions would result in errors and delays; cut to the modern times, highly accurate and construction-ready shop drawings can be automatically generated from Revit models.

Hence, BIM isn’t just about 3D modeling, rather it automates every manual process which led to errors and delays in traditional ways.

Myth #5: BIM is a new generation trend

Veterans think that adopting BIM a new generation trend and would not suit them.

People who are trained classically may face some initial hiccups. However, as they gradually become acquainted, things start to change. BIM will significantly enhance its capabilities with more precision, accuracy, and efficiency.

Veterans will find them to be faster, productive, and more agile with BIM’s benefits.

The heavy lifting of manual processes will gradually be eradicated, and there will be a fresh approach to things.

Hence, BIM is for anyone who wants to embrace the precision and accuracy that technology brings to modern workflows.

Myth #6: BIM is for large-scale projects

Looking at the cost and scale of implementation, many think that BIM is made for large-scale projects.

But the story beneath is a bit different, as BIM is a scalable solution.

There are multiple dimensions of BIM, and depending on the project size, those can be applied. Also, it depends on the client’s requirements how much advanced they want to get with big projects.

For example, starting with the 3D modeling, which is the third dimension, there are 4D, which adds the time factor for simulating the phases, then 5D, which means incorporating the cost data.

Likely, there are higher dimensions for sustainability analysis, safety management, and lean construction. Hence, for every kind of project scale, BIM offers a myriad of benefits.

Myth #7: Intellectual property compromise

While one of BIM’s notable capabilities is construction data management, it is mistaken for being less secure.

The real scenario is just the opposite, as there are delicate features of efficient data management and data security. BIM even allows for limiting data accessibility based on stakeholder authorities.

Further, when combined with Autodesk’s collaborative solutions like BIM 360, information remains in a highly secure place in a cloud environment.

3D BIM models remain encrypted to outsiders and are covered with multiple layers of security to prevent any data breaches.

While BIM brings all stakeholders into a Common Data Environment (CDE), it ensures utmost data protection. The truth is, BIM is made for organizing and keeping secure highly complex and confidential construction data.

Myth #8: BIM only benefits design and construction teams

Since BIM is largely known for its 3D modeling capabilities, it is often conceived as a design software.

However, its benefits cover the complete project lifecycle. It helps in cost estimation, quantity take-offs, sustainability, construction simulation, and more.

Another great capability of BIM, which enhances the design process, is clash detection. This is done with another Autodesk product, Navisworks, which allows teams to automate the process, saving significant time and labor.

BIM helps all the stakeholders complete their tasks with enhanced efficiency and productivity. It is not limited to the design and construction phases; rather, it is pivotal from the conceptual to the post-construction and facility management phase.

Myth #9: Clients Struggle with BIM

Unless the client is change-averse, BIM only benefits clients, whether it is to communicate the design intent, to get revisions done, or enhance the engagement of stakeholders involved.

Unlike the traditional construction process, BIM eliminates confusion right from the initial stages. Professionals communicate the design intent with 3D models, which allows for more confident approvals.

Also, clients appreciate the way construction data is organized when projects are executed with BIM.

So, these were the common myths related to BIM and its implementation in construction workflows.

While these may still make some people fall back, strategic implementation will help reap the benefits with less complexity.

Here are a few best practices to do that.

Best BIM practices for successful implementation

Consult: But not to buy

Most of the time, when people go to consult, they end up buying the product or service.

However, this approach is always helpful if done mindfully. Search for a BIM consultant, and share your requirements to understand the overall scope. It is better to consult from one place and buy from another; this keeps you away from being trapped in sales tactics.

This will make the budget clear, the current hardware and software requirements per the services you deliver, and other relevant things.

But, go for this step if you are new to BIM and have no grasp of it.

Find a reliable BIM provider

Now is the time to research and find a solution provider.

The step is the most crucial one, and should be given ample time. Search on Google, talk with service providers, and finalize after ensuring they meet the following criteria:

• A wide portfolio
• Wide experience in the project-specific trade
• Good customer service
• Use the latest BIM technologies
• Follow the relevant codes and standards
• Have dedicated channels for smooth collaboration
• And obviously, has good customer ratings

Once you find a provider who fulfills the above, you are good to go.

Set clear goals

Nothing is going to turn positive if one follows the trend.

Before starting the implementation process, it is critical to set clear objectives. What will this implementation help to achieve? How are you going to justify the investment, and what is the return on investment?

As you dig down, more questions will start to show up, and having answers for them is going to be a long-term, invaluable thing.

Curate a BIM implementation plan

The hired provider will already provide you with a custom plan for the implementation.

However, ensuring that the plan is aligned with your organizational requirements will help you in the long run. Setting a timeline for the process will also help you track progress and keep the budget under control.

Make a mindset to follow BIM standards and protocols

Once the plan is ready and your provider has started the execution, ensure that your workforce is also ready.

By ready, it means to be able to adapt to various standards that BIM brings. BIM uses Industry Foundation Classes (IFC), a standardized format for file sharing. There are modeling conventions, data structures, and collaboration procedures to be followed for a smooth transition and also to execute projects in a BIM workflow.

The best way to achieve this is to train your workforce and educate them on the roles, file naming, and information exchange protocols.

Select the appropriate software resources

Plenty of BIM software applications are on the market from various developers.

However, to establish standard workflows and be relevant across the world, choose Autodesk solutions. From Autodesk, you will get CAD, BIM, clash detection, visualization, and collaboration BIM tools.

Additional plugins and add-ons might also be required when working on large-scale projects or those with specific needs.

Measure the success of BIM implementation

Once the implementation process is complete, it is very crucial to review the process.

When you measure the efficiency of the operational changes, possibilities for improvement will come up. There might be minor to major tweaks required so new things gel well.

Organizations that keep this as an ongoing process are able to deliver top-notch project outcomes.

With the myths busted and some of the best practices for successful BIM implementation, we are finally wrapping up.

Final Thoughts

All in all, myths will continue to arise as BIM undergoes further evolution. While some of these myths are born from the challenges faced, these can be countered with strategic implementation and constant monitoring. BIM is a rather a methodology and mindset backed by technology that streamlines construction workflows.

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