By increasing productivity and information management, building information modeling (BIM) has significantly benefited the design and construction processes. But this is just the beginning of what the architectural, engineering, construction, and operations (AECO) sector may gain from BIM and digital processes. BIM will be a key facilitator for new technologies that are upending conventional ways for designing and building projects. BIM will play a bigger role as the foundation for innovative processes to proliferate since structured data is necessary for disruptive technologies to function as intended. This is crucial for advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and environmentally friendly building techniques.
Artificial Intelligence in the Building Industry
A variety of construction-related tasks, including design and construction advancements as well as safety and quality improvements, can be made better with the use of artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence, for instance, can function as a smart assistant and notify project managers of urgent tasks that require their attention or quickly provide various design iterations. Historical data can be used to generate precise design and construction timelines, as well as intricate construction sequencing and project resource planning. Facilities managers can benefit from better asset management information and preparedness, and construction sites can be examined for any safety issues. Every stage of the project life cycle can be improved by artificial intelligence in the construction industry.
To be useful, artificial intelligence needs a lot of data on which to make its choices. Given that the model is constantly updated with information during the asset’s design, construction, and even operation, BIM offers the ideal platform for supplying that data security. Additionally, it offers such information in a centralized, structured area as opposed to being spread across various papers.
Learn more about the application of artificial intelligence in e-commerce here.
Construction Using Augmented Reality
A computer-generated image of a virtual model is superimposed over the real world, such a construction site, in augmented reality as opposed to virtual reality, which employs a simulation of the real world. Virtual reality makes it possible to tour a structure before it is erected, and augmented reality makes it possible to have an even more realistic experience by overlaying the final design over a project that is already partially built, for instance. As employees can visualize the final product within their working environment rather than reading a drawing or model, this can also be advantageous for the project’s construction team.
The ideal foundation for putting augmented reality on a construction site is a 3D BIM model. As technology advances, this may also enable the viewer to obtain information from the model while on location, eliminating the need for a separate 3D model to be made. On-site discoveries, such as errors found, may be saved back in the BIM model.
Automated Systems
The manufacturing sector is currently undergoing a significant structural shift. The transformation and logistics processes involved in the creation of buildings are rapidly being replaced by intelligent fabrication techniques powered by industrial robots and autonomous transportation systems. Because this growth is primarily occurring in prefabrication inside the AECO sector, it has largely gone unnoticed by the general public. If production is carried out by machines, BIM is a far superior communication tool than 2D drawings because it represents the object in 3D and, if necessary, provides additional meaning and performance criteria. However, even with BIM, it is still important to manage the complete information process from design to delivery if automated manufacturing techniques are to be used to their full potential. The only method to guarantee that the available machinery can also be used to construct the intended building or structure.
Sustainable building and design techniques
Beyond simply creating environmentally friendly structures, sustainable design and construction encompass many different aspects. Optimizing the design, minimizing material waste, and selecting energy-efficient building techniques and operational procedures are other aspects of sustainability. But to accomplish these goals, careful planning, precise statistics, and real-time monitoring data are needed.
BIM may help in all these areas by providing more context for the project at an earlier stage when crucial design decisions, such as material selection, are being made. By being able to visualize the design, quickly and automatically identify component conflicts, and ensure there are fewer mistakes made during the construction phase, the capabilities provided by BIM software, such as Allplan, can also assist in reducing material waste. When the building is in use, the BIM model can be utilized for facilities management and enhanced with real-time data from sensors to track the performance of the structure, such as its energy usage.
The Future of BIM and Construction
BIM’s capacity to improve end-to-end digital processes will be crucial for many revolutionary technologies in the building industry. The integration of BIM, automated technologies, and artificial intelligence will give the AECO sector new opportunities to create sustainable buildings on schedule and under budget. The rush to integrate the most cutting-edge technologies has already begun.
