How is BIM helping Prefabrication and Modular Construction?
Initiated from blueprinting, moved towards 2D drafting and to 3D modeling. Finally, planning and designing spaces have evolved and how. But the three-dimensional design is also restricted to visualizing areas in a 3D frame and does not provide additional data. After all, these methods of building, currently heralded as the big thing in the construction industry, are Building Information Modeling or Building Information Management. Many companies are turning towards BIM for prefabrication construction and modular construction practices to get a hold of work more competently, regulate construction costs, and produce quality work. Various companies are acing the game as BIM solution providers in the USA, India, Australia, and many other countries crafting a new frame for the progress of the construction industry.
Building Information Modeling (BIM) is the digital representation of every corner of the structure evaluated in detail, further facilitating its streamlined functioning. The basic level of a 3-dimensional BIM incorporates three spatial dimensions — width, height, and depth, of the built asset. The model consists of computer files that can be extracted, transferred, or networked to back up the decision-making process regarding the facility. The data not only benefits the initial functioning but the life-cycle of the built asset, as existing from inception to demolition. The concept that can take optimum benefit from this technology is BIM for prefabrication construction resulting in a more precise and efficient building process.
Concept of Prefabricated and Modular construction
Prefabrication is the process of constructing different building elements in a factory or a manufacturing site and bringing them all together at the project site for the final assembly of the structure. It helps cut off on time, wages, and materials and controls construction costs. In addition, it ensures an energy-efficient and sustainable construction with consistent quality control. The enclosed manufacturing environment further avoids weather vandals, intrusion, or interference of any other factors establishing safe and controlled conduct of fabricating modules.
BIM is a tool that functions based on spatial relationships and not just geometry. It offers a wide range of collaborative processes and a parametric approach, meaning every object is defined with parameters and relations to other things. This property enables ease of amendments through a mere change in one design element. Designers and builders are adhering to this technique of BIM for prefabrication construction, leveraging faster and more efficient structures.
BIM for prefabrication construction can be used in projects with a high degree of redundancy, defined as the same number or repetitive design of rooms. This will decrease the building time and increase the pace of construction. Modular construction is a type of prefabrication construction, which implies that all modular constructions are prefab, but all prefab constructions are not modular. Modular construction includes pre-assembled modules and services before transporting them to the site. Modular construction can lead to approximately 20% cost savings and 25% labor cost reduction.
Use of BIM for Prefabrication construction
Now, with all the benefits that Prefabrication and modular construction offer, it must be dealt with precisely to avoid disruptive and cumbersome on-site work. As the building elements are pre-fabricated, it can tarnish the whole project for the company if anyone goes down. At this point, Building Information Modeling comes into the picture. BIM for prefabrication construction and modular work is a method that aligns with accuracy and attention to detail. BIM models present every minute detail for construction work on site.
Some of the detailed benefits of BIM in prefabrication construction are -
Any project’s mechanical, electrical, and plumbing services are efficiently aligned with the facility’s construction with BIM for prefabrication. It could be a difficult task otherwise to coordinate these services that account for about 40%-60% of the project. The proposed installations should be accurately known at the time of construction to avoid any loss. The BIM models provide a 3D representation of all the services in the structure before the construction commences. This step creates an opportunity for the concerned people to look into the MEP services and rectify any early problems.
Many construction companies are moving towards incorporating BIM for prefabrication construction and digitizing the workflow. Automating the process will decrease the chances of error and enhance the pace of construction. It also promotes transparency of procedure, reduced reworks, and calculation of costs precisely, which further ensures a quality-driven end-product.
As most of the prefab and modular projects are developed off-site, the waste production is reduced to 90%, producing a sustainable asset. Introducing BIM in any such project would add to this percentage as the off-site manufacturing procedure can be more specific, and omission of possible errors through advance cross-examination decreases the chances of rework and thus wastage.
The initial negligence while planning or executing the project by the team or workforce can lead to increased costs for any project. BIM caters to this issue and helps companies to eliminate the risk of cost escalation. It helps maintain workflow, reduce wastage, and even find collaborators who can assist with tender risk premiums and insurance costs.
Prefab and modular development already reduce the project completion time to 30%-50%. BIM for prefabrication construction plays a significant role for companies to avoid delays in construction work due to bad weather or other on-site conditions and align their construction workflow for a streamlined process. It also brings together all the involved stakeholders, ultimately enhancing the pace of communication and facilitating the early completion of projects.
BIM for prefabrication construction is indeed a technique that can be a game changer for the design industry in terms of efficiency, quality control, and sustainable built assets. Many BIM-oriented companies are effectively working to provide modeling services to construction managers and designers to boost the status of construction and the design community together.
Our company — Virtual Building Studio, is not only in different cities in India but also a BIM solution provider in the USA. BIM is used by many construction and government companies to increase the pace of construction of their projects.
Have you considered using BIM for prefabrication construction in your upcoming projects? Connect with VBS to know more.
