BIM construction

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is the process of creating and managing construction-related information and is the best way to deal with design, execution and maintenance aspects related to a building!

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How is BIM used in construction?

Until a few years ago, technical drawings dominated the design scenario, they were the principal tool with which designers could provide all the necessary information: elevation data, distances from surrounding roads, volumes, wall thicknesses, surfaces, etc. Design tasks were carried out using CAD software technologies, therefore with software only limited to producing 2D or 3D construction design deliverables.

With the introduction of BIM technology, which is progressively replacing typical CAD workflows in the construction sector, significant benefits are becoming evermore visible for all construction stakeholders (engineers, architects, surveyors, construction companies and public administrations alike).

But what is the main difference between CAD and BIM?

Nowadays, with BIM, there's no longer any need to produce a disproportionate amount of drawings. The use of BIM technology offers new extraordinary opportunities through 3D digital representations of different architectural and engineering disciplines to which it is possible to attach useful data at every stage of construction lifecycle.

BIM is the best way to manage every phase of construction lifecycle because it allows everyone involved to access clear and legible shared data, also improving collaboration between design, execution and maintenance aspects or asset management.

How is BIM used in construction | ACCA software

Let's outline the different stages of BIM in a construction process:

  • Modelling
    By using BIM software, professionals can create extremely detailed 3D models of the structure.
    Thanks to these tools and the multiple information included in the model during this first phase, they can experiment with the design and identify potential problems even before moving on to the construction phase.
    All project-related information (time, costs, energy analysis, etc.) is stored in a shared space, a BIM management system, generating a collaborative, multidisciplinary and more efficient workflow for the entire project.
  • Execution
    Once the design phase is concluded and the workflow is defined, you can move on to the construction stage.
    Continue to make necessary changes to the model or workflow at any time and share the information with the entire team through the digital BIM model of the building stored securely in the cloud.
  • Maintenance
    Once the construction phase is completed, the BIM model can then be shared with the customer or with the facility management company (FM) to address management and maintenance of the building and its various components.
    The BIM model is used, for example, to easily locate HVAC systems or deal with future renovations.

BIM benefits: how BIM helps construction

The benefits of BIM come from the ability to connect teams, workflows and data for the entire project lifecycle, from design to construction and delivery, through to simply working more efficiently and achieving better results. In particular, the advantages offered by the BIM methodology are:

  • Better collaboration between professionals from all different disciplines;
  • Interference control before the starting the construction process avoiding errors and productivity losses;
  • Costs and resources optimisation;
  • Realistic view of the project.

But BIM in construction can truly become a success when working with BIM software solutions certified by buildingSMART.

In fact, buildingSMART International is a non-profit organization committed to providing improvements to the construction sector by means of the openBIM methodology.

Open BIM is based on a workflow and methodology in which all participants collaborate and exchange information concerning the project through open and non-proprietary, neutral file formats, independent of the BIM tools or applications used.

The advantages of this approach are numerous but the following are among the most significant:

  • Full freedom of choice: each of the team member can work using their preferred software solutions specifically for a given discipline and without risks of format incompatibility or data loss;
  • Data ownership: access to data is guaranteed over time without having to always maintain the same software solution;
  • Increase in productivity: the freedom of choice between the different solutions avaialble on the market also increases the quality of the software solutions produced;
  • Decreases in costs: greater competition determines better value for your money;
BIM benefits: how BIM helps construction | ACCA software

Experiencing all the benefits of openBIM in the construction industry is very simple.

Start off by downloading a simple free instant messaging app built for engineers, architects, surveyors and all other construction industry related professionals.

In addition to the creation of your work groups, the app allows you to quickly exchange information and BIM files such as DWG, DXF CAD files, RVT, IFC, etc., and all other files that allow you to correctly exchange construction sector related information.


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OpenBIM IFC | ACCA software

Transforming BIM to openBIM ®

The N.1 IFC-openBIM® Expert, the company with the highest number of IFC-certified software in the world.

buildingSMART International Multinational Member
buildingSMART International Awards 2020 Winner