Building the case for BIM and Modular Construction

Latest News Mon, Jun 26, 2017 10:06 AM

Building Information Modelling – more commonly referred to as BIM - is one of the key buzz-phrases in the construction sector, for both traditional building and off-site manufacturers.

Politicians and architects are keen to sing BIM’s praises, but its potential as a powerful tool in the off-site construction sector remains largely untapped.

In some cases, this is because those specifying projects don’t fully understand the benefits of BIM and how it can save time and money in the long-term, and sometimes lack the capacity to use BIM – but for modular construction, the long-term benefits of BIM make it a powerful tool.



Planning makes perfect

As manufacturers of bespoke modular buildings, West Yorkshire-based off-site construction specialists Elite Systems welcomes techniques that make the build and installation process more robust for our customers, and finds that it is increasingly using BIM to facilitate smoother design and construction.

The benefits that BIM can bring to construction – both traditional and off-site – include its ability to provide a detailed visualisation of the design, to highlight any potential issues, and allow for utterly transparent communication with the customer.

But the use of BIM in the planning phase is particularly beneficial to modular construction, where there is little room for error and the design must be agreed early in the process. For example, when working with limited space, the level of detail that BIM provides can prevent potentially costly miscalculations.

I is for ‘information’

When discussing BIM, there is a tendency to focus too heavily on the modelling part of the system. The ability to produce high-quality, detailed 3D virtual models is the aspect that is most commonly associated with BIM, and it is a useful aspect. However, while this is an important part of the planning process and an impressive tool for architects and designers to present to a client, in reality it barely scratches the surface of BIM’s potential.

The information attached to the building elements within the model is where BIM becomes truly useful. This information can offer a more efficient way of working, from scheduling materials in the build process, to allowing the end-user or facilities managers keep track of the building information for maintenance purposes.

Some local authorities looking at smaller scale projects may see BIM as outside of their scope – a tool for larger, more complex schemes. In fact, BIM’s information aspect can be very helpful to local authorities, providing an easy way of keeping tabs on newly procured buildings for both the local authority and the end user.

Contrary to what some may think, the use of BIM isn’t prohibitively expensive for smaller scale modular construction. Modular construction companies in particular will use certain elements of a building design repeatedly, so the required data is often already in the systems and can be easily dropped into a model at the outset.

Ultimately, the more that clients embrace the use of BIM for both modelling and information sharing purposes, the more that the modular construction sector will benefit from BIM.

Featured News

Specification news
Brighton Dome Corn Exchange & Studio Theatre named best...

A ‘remarkable’ retrofit of Brighton’s timber-framed landmark arts centre by...

Read More >>

Specification news
Introducing the UK Climate Resilience Roadmap

UKGBC has officially launched a consultation into a new UK Climate Resilience Roadmap...

Read More >>

BUILDING PRODUCT LIBRARY - LATEST BROCHURES

Novantica - Cement Free Restoration  Brochure

Novantica - Cement F...
By Fassa Bortolo

Download Now >>

Fassatherm System - Product Catalogue  Brochure

Fassatherm System -...
By Fassa Bortolo

Download Now >>

Fassarend System - Product Catalogue  Brochure

Fassarend System - P...
By Fassa Bortolo

Download Now >>

Fassalime System - Product Catalogue  Brochure

Fassalime System - P...
By Fassa Bortolo

Download Now >>

BUILDING PRODUCT DIRECTORY - LATEST PRODUCTS

Straightcurve®
Straightcurve®

Straightcurve® – headquartered in Australia, is renowned for high-end innovative garden edging,...

Read More >>

RLG600 Access Flooring System
RLG600 Access Flooring System

The Kingspan RLG600 raised access floor panel is intended for light office use and is capable of...

Read More >>

RHG600 Simploc
RHG600 Simploc

Kingspan RHG600 Simploc is the heavy grade floor system, capable of handling up to a 12kN/m2...

Read More >>

CONSTRUCTION VIDEOS - LATEST VIDEOS

Discover the first-ever reference book for stone wool insulated sandwich panels
Discover the first-ever reference book for stone wool insulated sandwich panels

“Building with stone wool insulated sandwich panels” written by Professor Imperadori, is now...

Watch Now >>

Portakabin | Installation at the iconic Admiralty Arch, London
Portakabin | Installation at the iconic Admiralty Arch, London

Portakabin | Installation at the iconic Admiralty Arch, London

Watch Now >>