B2 - Chapter 6 - Angelina Castro

Chapter 6 in the BIM Handbook by Charles Eastman focuses on the use of BIM for contractors. A main point I noticed throughout the majority of the text was a call to action in integrating contactors into the design process and an overall early integration of BIM across all architects, owners, and engineers. I think this will be a difficult transition to make from the current standard of 2D CAD drawings created by the design team (architects and engineers) that are then bid off to contractors. Making the switch from this normal standard of practice will require a complete reorganization of how projects are currently phased out. In addition, it will require contractors as well as some architects and engineers to purchase and learn how to create and use BIM files. However despite the many difficulties that are presented in making the switch to BIM files I think that this is a change that not only should happen, but eventually will become the norm. Advancements in BIM programming and implementation of Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) are some of the many forces driving this change.

Another thing I found interesting about the chapter is the many uses of how BIM can be utilized by contactors. From reading the chapter it sounded like almost every responsibility of the contractor can be aided by using BIM, from quantity take off, cost estimating, construction planning, schedule, offsite fabrication, and many other management functions. Unfortunately, all these points, although advantageous, required an early integration of BIM with the design team and contractor. A feature I found most helpful for both contractors and their interaction with the owner is the use of a 4D BIM. 4D BIM files essentially are a 3D model paired with a schedule of how construction will be phased out shown on the 3D model. Contractors who create a 4D BIM can then go to the owner and easily explain how construction will be completed in addition to how long it will take. All while updating the BIM files to any changes that might have been made during construction due to unforeseeable conflicts and then automatically alter the schedule accordingly.

Source:

Eastman, C. M. (2011). BIM Handbook: A Guide to Building Information Modeling for Owners, Managers, Designers, Engineers and Contractors. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley

Responses:

Justin H: I agree that you think the implementation on computer aided programming will be a significant improvement from having to do manual calculations. When  you talk about how contractors are to develop a building information model you say they will start from a 2D drawing and then produce the BIM file from there, I find it interesting that it is upon the contractors responsibility to create the model so late (if not once its already finished) in the design phase. I can only wonder if this, in retrospect, is really time and cost efficient for the contractor given the current state BIM software is today or if this is a goal BIM software is trying to reach?

Giovana P: Your post is very informative and insightful on the chapter we read. I found your description on how BIM can be used on projects for things like error detection and how the current method of manually checking drawings is both a slow process and something that needs to transition to an electronic form.