Category: Uncategorized

According to a support article written in April of this year, Autodesk BIM 360, a popular construction management software, is retiring. After allowing 1-year renewals throughout 2022, Autodesk has announced they will end standalone BIM 360 subscriptions completely in January 2023.

This change comes as Autodesk shifts their construction products to the new Autodesk Construction Cloud. BIM 360 Team is being replaced by Autodesk Build, a similar construction management platform with expanded features.

While BIM 360 Team, soon to become Autodesk Build, aims to improve upon its predecessor, the transition brings challenges for existing users. Teams relying on BIM 360 Team will need to migrate data and adjust workflows for the new system. Some functionality may be lost in the process.

This transition reflects the constant change in technology. While disruptive, Autodesk hopes this shift will allow for product improvement. However, for teams invested in BIM 360 Team, this change brings uncertainty. Users will need to re-evaluate workflows and adapt to new systems.

The retirement of BIM 360 Team marks the end of an era. This disruptive change aims to improve products but forces teams to adapt. As the construction industry evolves, software transitions like this may become more common. In the future, construction teams must stay flexible and ready to adjust to new technological paradigms.

You can read the entire support article here.

Construction projects are complex undertakings involving many different components that must come together seamlessly. The same is true for BIM on a project. Ensuring project stakeholders understand how the BIM process is to occur is essential. Without proper organization, things can get disorganized very quickly. This is where the BIM Execution Plan comes in.

A BIM Execution Plan (BEP) is a comprehensive document that ensures all project stakeholders and team members are on the same page regarding your construction project. So, what exactly does an effective BEP contain? This insightful video from BIMWERX breaks it down step-by-step.

The main components of a BEP include clearly outlining the goals of your project and assigning responsibilities to each project stakeholder and team member. This keeps everyone aware of their roles and responsibilities from the start. The BEP also illustrates how information will flow throughout each phase of the construction project lifecycle. Mapping out the information flow helps optimize project management from start to finish.

Creating a solid BEP upfront provides immense value for complex construction projects. It aligns all parties, establishes effective collaborative workflows, and sets the stage for achieving project goals on time and budget. Yet many project managers find BEPs confusing or struggle to develop a robust plan.

If you want to demystify BIM execution plans for your next construction project, this video tutorial is a must-watch. We walk you through crafting a comprehensive BEP from scratch, outlining all the key components step-by-step. Their clear explanations will help you create an effective plan to keep your next project organized and on track for success.

There are a total of three videos on BIM Execution Plans. You can check out the additional videos here:

Components of a BIM Execution Plan Part 1

Components of a BIM Execution Plan Part 2

Introduction:

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a process that creates and manages digital representations of physical and functional characteristics of places. BIM software is used to create and edit 3D models of buildings and infrastructure projects. These models can generate drawings, schedules, and other project documentation.

BIM can be a valuable tool for construction management teams. It can help to improve communication and collaboration between different stakeholders, and it can also help to identify and resolve potential problems before they occur. However, BIM can also be a complex and time-consuming process. This is where a 3rd-party BIM consultant can come in handy.

Benefits of hiring a 3rd party BIM consultant:

There are many benefits to hiring a 3rd-party BIM consultant on a project-by-project basis. Some of the key benefits include:

• Expertise: 3rd-party BIM consultants have the expertise and experience to help construction management teams with all aspects of BIM. They can help to develop and implement BIM workflows, create, and edit BIM models, and generate BIM documentation.
• Support: 3rd-party BIM consultants can support construction management teams throughout the project lifecycle. They can help to answer questions, resolve problems, and troubleshoot issues.
• Flexibility: 3rd-party BIM consultants can be hired on a project-by-project basis, which provides construction management teams with flexibility. This is especially beneficial for teams that do not have the in-house expertise or resources to manage BIM.

Cost-benefit analysis:

The cost-benefit of hiring a 3rd-party BIM consultant will vary depending on the size and complexity of the project. However, the benefits of hiring a 3rd party BIM consultant generally outweigh the costs.

One of the main benefits of hiring a 3rd party BIM consultant is that it can help to save time and money. BIM consultants can help construction management teams identify and resolve potential problems before they occur, saving time and money in the long run.

A second benefit of hiring a 3rd-party BIM consultant is that it can help improve the project’s quality. BIM consultants can help construction management teams develop and implement BIM workflows that ensure that all project data is accurate and current. This can help improve the project’s quality and reduce the risk of errors.

Another benefit of hiring a 3rd-party BIM consultant is improved communication and collaboration. BIM naturally creates an environment for collaboration. BIM consultants can help construction management teams improve this collaboration through regular communication and project scope clarification through stakeholders. This can lead to better decision-making and a more efficient project workflow.

Conclusion:

Hiring a 3rd party BIM consultant can be a valuable investment for construction management teams. BIM consultants can provide expertise and support in all aspects of BIM, from planning and design to construction and operation. The building owner hires a Construction Manager for their project management and construction expertise. BIM can give the project the best possible odds for success.

In this blog, we explore possibly the most “Googled” question relating to Building information modeling. What is BIM? BIM is a digital process for creating and managing data about a building or infrastructure project. BIM can improve communication and collaboration between project stakeholders, reduce errors and omissions, and save time and money.

BIM models can be used to visualize the project in detail, including the physical characteristics of the building, its systems and components, and its relationship to the surrounding environment. BIM models can also be used to track the project’s progress, identify potential problems, and make changes to the design before construction begins.

BIM is used by many professionals in the built environment sector, including architects, engineers, contractors, and owners. BIM is becoming increasingly important as the construction industry becomes more complex and demanding.

Benefits of BIM:

1. Conflict Detection
2. Risk Mitigation
3. Perfect Customization and Flexibility
4. Optimization of Schedule and Cost
5. Easy Maintenance of Building Life Cycle
6. Faster Drafting without Loss of Quality
7. Coordination and Collaboration

Types of BIM:

• 3D BIM: This is the most common type of BIM, and it uses 3D models to represent the building or infrastructure project.
• 4D BIM: This type adds a time dimension to the 3D model so that project managers can track the project’s progress and identify potential problems.
• 5D BIM: This type adds a cost dimension to the 4D model so that project managers can track the project’s cost and ensure it stays on budget.
• 6D BIM: This type adds a sustainability dimension to the 5D model so project managers can design and build sustainable buildings and infrastructure.

How to get started with BIM:

• Choose the right BIM software for your needs. A variety of BIM software programs are available, so it’s important to choose one that is right for your project and budget.
• Learn how to use the BIM software. Once you have chosen a BIM software program, you must learn how to use it. Many resources are available online and in libraries to help you learn BIM.
• Start small. Don’t try to BIM your entire project at once. Start with a small part of the project, such as a single room or floor, and learn how to use BIM effectively.
• Get training. There are many training courses available that can teach you how to use BIM. Getting training can help you learn BIM more quickly and effectively.
• Collaborate with others. BIM is a collaborative process, so it’s important to collaborate with other project stakeholders using BIM.

Conclusion

BIM is a powerful tool that can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of construction projects. If you still need to start using BIM, I encourage you to learn more about it and consider using it on your next project.

We have an entire page dedicated to the topic of BIM and how BIMWERX views the subject.

Each week, we will be populating our YouTube channel based on reader feedback, Google searches, and recurring topics we see on various websites. Check us out at: https://www.youtube.com/@bimwerxFL

At BIMWERX, we are committed to providing our clients with the best possible services. Building Information Modeling (BIM) is the key to improving the construction industry, and we are constantly looking for new ways to use BIM to deliver better results for our clients. One of the ways we have been able to improve our services is by using ReviCheck. ReviCheck is a cloud-based software solution that helps construction teams ensure that they are always working with the latest versions of their drawings. This is essential for avoiding costly mistakes and delays. ReviCheck works by using QR codes to identify each drawing uniquely. When a drawing is updated, the QR code is updated as well. This means our construction team can scan the QR code on a drawing to see if it is the latest version. ReviCheck also integrates with Revit, our BIM software of choice. BIMWERX can automatically update the QR codes on all our drawings whenever we make a change. This ensures that our clients always work with the latest information, even if they are not using BIM software.

Firsthand Experience:

ReviCheck has helped us to provide better services to our clients in several ways. First, it has helped us to reduce the number of mistakes and delays on our projects by ensuring that everyone is always working with the latest versions of the drawings. On one project, we avoided a costly mistake by using ReviCheck. We were actively working on model/drawing updates due to a design change, and one of our subcontractors scanned the QR code and saw that the drawing was outdated. They immediately stopped working on the drawing and contacted us. They immediately diverted resources to another part of the building while we were updating drawings. This avoided not only rework but also lost time on the project. Second, ReviCheck has helped us to improve communication and collaboration on our projects. We typically work on multiple trades on projects, meaning one information source (BIMWERX). Our trade contractors can share the same live drawings and QR code database, improving the coordination between different stakeholders on the project. This has led to a more efficient and effective workflow. Third, ReviCheck has helped us to improve the quality of our deliverables. We were working with a client who had very high standards. We deliver accurate and complete projects using ReviCheck to ensure that our client always works with the latest information.

Integration into our Company:

Most software usually has an onboarding period in which the team must watch videos, spend time testing it, and even engage the technical staff with questions. This is not that kind of software. Within five minutes of creating an account and installing the ReviCheck add-in, we seamlessly implemented it on our first project and every project since. Most companies like to look at add-ins, software, or workflows in terms of ROI metrics. In our opinion, anyone delivering construction documentation cannot afford NOT to implement ReviCheck into their workflow.

Overall, ReviCheck has been a valuable tool for BIMWERX. It has helped us to reduce mistakes and delays, improve communication and collaboration, and deliver higher-quality projects to our clients. In addition to the benefits mentioned above, ReviCheck has also helped us to improve our profitability. We have saved our clients money by reducing the number of mistakes and delays. This has made us more competitive in the marketplace and helped us win more projects. Our clients know we bring that extra “check” to our documents, instilling confidence in our work. We are confident that ReviCheck will continue to play an important role in our business in the future. We are excited to see how ReviCheck can help us continue providing our clients with the best possible services.

If you want to learn more about ReviCheck you can visit their website or follow them on LinkedIn.

Introduction

Building Information Modeling (BIM) stands out as a revolutionary tool in construction and design. It boasts an array of benefits, from enhanced visualization to streamlined project management. Yet, as with any tool, BIM is not a one-size-fits-all solution. From design to execution, BIM has made project management more efficient, collaborative, and innovative. As companies consider employing BIM consultants, it’s crucial to understand where BIM shines and where it might not be the optimal choice. Here, we delve into the projects that might not fit BIM well and vice versa.

Understanding the Core of BIM

Before delving into the specifics, it’s essential to grasp BIM’s primary strengths. BIM isn’t merely a piece of software or a new tech gadget; it’s a comprehensive approach that integrates different project stages, allowing teams to visualize, coordinate, and optimize project design and execution.

While BIM is undoubtedly transformative, not every project will benefit equally from its application. Here are some scenarios where BIM might not be the best fit:

Small-Scale Projects

BIM’s real power lies in managing complexities. For small-scale projects with straightforward designs and limited stakeholders, the extensive setup and training for BIM might outweigh its advantages. When considering hiring a BIM consultant, having a 5- or 10-minute discussion with them will be more beneficial as it will save you the time of trying to figure it out on your own and instead leverage the knowledge of someone who works within the BIM area of the construction industry.

Short-duration Projects

If a project is short-term and doesn’t require significant coordination, setting up BIM might not offer any tangible returns in the project’s lifecycle. Implementing BIM in a project requires a substantial initial set-up time. Creating a detailed BIM model, integrating data, and coordinating the various trades consumes time. For projects of a short duration, these initial efforts may not be justified given the time constraints, which significantly reduce the chances of a positive ROI. The longer the project, typically the more cost-effective BIM is.

Projects with Limited Technological Infrastructure

Implementing BIM can pose significant challenges for companies operating in regions with limited technological infrastructure or where stakeholders aren’t tech-savvy. However, a BIM team should be able to navigate these issues by having an open dialogue with the trade contractors and providing explicit information to the project managers and field team regarding their involvement and how to utilize the information they are provided. Depending on the stakeholders, this could sink the BIM effort on the project, and the owner will throw their money away.

Renovation Projects with Limited Documentation

While BIM can be advantageous in renovations if the existing structure has limited or no documentation, creating a BIM model can be time-consuming and might not offer enough benefits. The solution is to explore as much as possible by scanning the existing building once the demolition is complete. The scan (point cloud) will give the project team much information that will be instrumental in the BIM process. The point cloud is highly recommended to be converted to 3D geometry for easier viewing and referencing. This cost of scanning and conversion is usually not initially considered in the budget and could potentially impact the BIM ROI.

Selecting the Right Project for BIM

For companies seeking to hire a BIM consultant, assessing whether their project aligns with BIM’s strengths is paramount. It’s not about BIM’s capabilities but aligning those capabilities with project demands. Projects that involve multifaceted designs, multiple stakeholders, and require coordination between different teams will benefit immensely from BIM. BIM offers an integrated approach for projects with longer lifecycles (greater than six months), ensuring that every stage, from design to execution and maintenance, is coordinated and optimized. If a project requires innovative solutions, leveraging BIM can facilitate simulations, tests, and more, allowing teams to innovate confidently.

The construction industry has undergone a transformative phase in recent years driven by technological innovations. One of the most revolutionary technologies shaping the sector is Augmented Reality (AR). By superimposing digital data onto the real world, AR enhances how we visualize, plan, and execute construction projects.

Visualization Like Never Before:

Before a single shovel is stuck into the ground, AR empowers stakeholders to witness the potential outcome of a project. This technology overlays 3D architectural models onto a physical site, providing an immersive visualization experience that can prevent costly mistakes and misalignments. Enhanced visualization, through the lens of AR in construction, entails superimposing digital data and projections onto the physical construction space. This offers a tangible and immediate understanding of how the final project will look and operate and aids in planning, executing, and monitoring construction activities.

Precision and Accuracy:

In construction, precision and accuracy aren’t just details; they dictate a structure’s safety, quality, and sturdiness. This is where Augmented Reality (AR) bridges the digital and physical worlds. With AR, a construction site comes alive with digital 3D models overlaid onto the real-world view. This helps ensure the work aligns with the plans set out by the Building Information Modeling (BIM) teams. AR can also immediately spot when something doesn’t match the plan, prompting on-the-spot adjustments to ensure designs are followed to the letter, and construction is to the highest precision standards. And for the construction team, it’s like having a virtual guide on site, pinpointing placements down to the millimeter.

Safety Training:

AR is enhancing the safety protocols in construction. By creating simulations of hazardous situations, workers can be trained to navigate potential risks without the actual danger. These virtual training scenarios ensure workers are prepared for the unexpected, reducing the possibility of onsite accidents.

The Road Ahead

As AR technology matures, its integration within the construction industry is expected to become even more seamless. The future might see construction workers using AR helmets with real-time data, blueprints, and safety alerts. Collaboration between onsite teams and remote experts will be facilitated through shared AR views, ensuring everyone is on the same page.

Augmented Reality is an innovative tool and a game-changer for the construction industry. By bridging the digital and physical gap, AR offers a new dimension of efficiency, safety, and accuracy in construction. As we move forward, it’s clear that the integration of AR will be pivotal in building the cities of tomorrow.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has proposed a new rule that would clarify the personal protective equipment (PPE) standard for the construction industry. The current standard does not state clearly that PPE must fit each affected employee properly, which OSHA’s general industry and maritime standards do.

The proposed change would clarify that PPE must fit each employee properly to protect them from occupational hazards. This is important because ill-fitting PPE can reduce its effectiveness in protecting workers from hazards. For example, a hard hat that is too big could shift on the worker’s head and not provide adequate protection in the event of a fall.

The proposed rule also aligns the language in OSHA’s PPE standard for construction with standards for general industry and maritime. This will make it easier for employers to comply with the standard and ensure that all construction workers are protected from hazards.

The comment period for the proposed rule closed on September 18, 2023. OSHA is now reviewing the comments and will make a decision on whether to finalize the rule in the future.

In the meantime, employers in the construction industry should ensure that they are providing their workers with properly fitting PPE. This is an important step in preventing injuries and deaths on construction sites.

Here are some tips for ensuring that PPE fits properly:

• Measure the worker’s head, face, and other body parts to determine the correct size of PPE.
• Allow the worker to try on the PPE before it is purchased to make sure it fits properly.
• Provide the worker with training on how to properly put on and take off PPE.
• Inspect PPE regularly to make sure it is still in good condition and fits properly.

By following these tips, employers can help to ensure that their workers are protected from hazards and that they are in compliance with OSHA regulations.

BIM (Building Information Modeling) is revolutionizing the construction industry, and companies like BIMWERX are leading the charge. With vast industry knowledge and a commitment to excellence, BIMWERX is set to guide construction companies towards the future, ensuring both time and cost savings. Here’s how BIMWERX is helping to shape the construction industry:

Risk Reduction and Costly Mistakes Prevention

Every construction company fears the costs associated with mistakes and oversights. Such errors, no matter how minor, can balloon into significant expenses in the later stages of a project. BIMWERX focuses on providing a comprehensive view of the project before the actual construction begins by leveraging real-world geometry in our models, providing accurate clearances required by code, and understanding construction sequencing to ensure the project has the greatest opportunity for success. We highlight potential problems early on, allowing the team to address them head-on, preventing these issues from escalating into major setbacks.

Improved Communication and Collaboration

The success of any construction project relies heavily on clear communication and collaboration among all stakeholders. BIMWERX promotes seamless interaction between the trade contractors by leveraging BIM tracking software that holds all project stakeholders accountable. Architects, engineers, contractors, and owners benefit from our workflow because it puts everyone on the same page and significantly decreases the chance of errors – ensuring a smoother project lifecycle and significant time and monetary savings.

Enhanced Decision-Making

Data is the lifeblood of any industry, and the construction sector is no exception. Access to real-time data and information, as provided by BIMWERX, empowers companies to make better-informed decisions. This not only helps in identifying and mitigating risks but also ensures that every decision made is in the project’s best interest. Architects and engineers also benefit significantly from using BIM on a project because it gives them enough time to provide thoughtful solutions to an issue instead of simply reacting to it.

Field Assistance

One of the most significant advantages of BIMWERX is our constant field support. Each project has a dedicated point of contact who understands the project and has worked directly with the construction team to create the coordinated models and shop drawings. This reduces the correspondence between the field team and the project manager, eliminating the information bottleneck and freeing the project manager to work on other tasks.

Key Takeaways

BIMWERX is not just a BIM service provider; we are your Virtual Construction Partner. As the construction industry evolves, companies need to leverage the capabilities of BIM to stay competitive. Partnering with experts like BIMWERX is the first step towards efficiency, reduced costs, and unparalleled project success.