The use of BIM in the building services sector seems to be slowly but surely increasing, as plastic pipe manufacturer, Durapipe UK, has seen use of its BIM models more than double in 2016.
Analysing the number of BIM downloads it has received for its SuperFLO ABS pipework system for chilled water, from January – June 2016, Durapipe UK has reported a 50% increase on the same period last year.
The government mandate for BIM on public buildings, coming into force this year, appears to have had a positive effect on the commercial sector as architects and contractors look to replicate the benefits of BIM on other building services projects. This is reflected in the significant increase in volume of projects Durapipe has been involved with that have had an element of BIM incorporated.
Durapipe’s data reflects the findings in the National BIM Report, which revealed that the government mandate is also influencing BIM work in the private sector. This is true of those looking at Durapipe’s BIM content, as, after public buildings, the majority of Durapipe’s BIM downloads have come from people operating in the residential, office and leisure sectors.
Commenting on the increase in use of its BIM models, Durapipe building services brand manager, Des Dolan, said: “There was definitely a reluctance to adopt BIM by many in the industry until this year, but we are now seeing a steady increase month on month in the number of downloads for our BIM models.
"It is important to remember BIM is not just about 3D models. So as project stakeholders realise the benefits that adopting a BIM approach can offer, in terms of complete project visualisation and the improved cost efficiencies, they are turning to it more and more on projects of all types and sizes across the country.”
Durapipe currently has BIM models available for its chilled water pipework system, SuperFLO ABS. Due to the increase in BIM downloads for this system, the manufacturer will be launching BIM models for its HTA hot and cold water system and its Vulcathene chemical drainage system later this year.
