BIM Serial 004: BIM for the Project Manager

Following the construction process set out in my earlier columns, today we arrive to the construction site and look at how BIM may help the Project Manager. We join the project at a stage when the Project Manager has become engaged in it and begins managing the tasks in hand.

Project Manager’s journey towards BIM

Let’s leave the ultimate ideal BIM process aside for the time being and study what a Project Manager can do today in a new project he/she gets involved in. Most probably one or more of the project disciplines have already used 3D tools and created some 3D models for this project. The Project Manager should ask around for models from the Architect, Consultant and Fabricator. No matter what software was used to produce those models, most modelling applications nowadays include free and easy-to-use viewers. Alternatively, native models may be exported to some common format like IFC or 3D PDF. Let’s assume that we have managed to acquire an earlier model or models.

At the minimum, those models can be used to understand the construction – easier and more illustrative than relying only on 2D drawings. The models can also be used as a communication tool when the Project Manager needs to discuss issues with an architect, engineer or any other stakeholder. If we are lucky, the received model or models are the source of the official 2D drawings and thus accurate and up-to-date. Even if this is not the case, the model can still serve as a reference and communication tool. What is mentioned above does not require any changes in the work process, tasks or responsibilities. 3D models by nature support the existing process and make project managers’ work easier and more efficient. Whether this can be called BIM may be debated, but at least it is a first step towards a BIM process. “Step by step towards BIM”; in my opinion this is a very good approach. It is easier and safer to proceed in small steps than to try make the giant leap in one go. Eventually, moving from today’s drawing-based process to a fully integrated BIM process is a giant leap and will change the way people work, process building information and perceive their roles and responsibilities.

Visual scheduling

When proceeding beyond using the model just to support producing 2D drawings and for communication, the next natural step is to start adding status and timing information into it. Creating an erection sequence in 3D to animate the actual construction process looks impressive and is very useful. What really happens – once again – is that we move from working in a 2D drawing-based environment to work in 3D. It’s much easier to notice any problems or mistakes in the logistics when you look at a 3D animation instead of Gantt charts and drawings. The building information model becomes the central database for the most important project data, and 2D drawings will only be used to support the process.

A major task for a Project Manager is reporting. Showing progress and planned activities by using 3D animation is impressive and easy to understand even to a client who may not be a construction professional but needs to have a clear understanding of how the project is proceeding.

Site coordination

In addition to modelling the actual building, BIM can also be used to visually plan and coordinate site activities like scaffolding, cranes, and work groups. The Project Manager can plan and optimise the usage of the cranes to follow the progress of the construction.

A literally groundbreaking benefit can be achieved by integrating the building and terrain models. A terrain model can include surface shape, soil information and information of any existing cables or pipes in and around the construction site. The end result is a complete 3D computer animation of the construction site from breaking the ground up to the day when the building is completed and handed over to the client.

Dear friends, BIM is here. If you start implementing it now, you can still gain some benefits over your competitors who are bound to do it sooner or later. In a few years time, BIM will be a must and general practice in every project.
My next column will conclude the construction process by looking at what BIM has to offer for building maintenance and facilities management.

Ari Nassi@Tekla