This document debunks 5 common myths about building information modeling (BIM). It discusses that BIM is not just a trend that will fade away, as it facilitates the advancement of modeling technology. While 3D modeling is important, BIM provides additional value through organizing various project data and resources. BIM can be applied to different project types beyond just buildings. Small companies can also benefit from BIM through improved collaboration, workflows and planning. Finally, BIM supports the entire project lifecycle from planning through execution by facilitating the sharing of useful data across stages.
3. Introduction
When it comes to making crucial strategic decisions
about adopting BIM into projects, widespread
misconceptions about what it is can cause
operational uncertainty. BIM, when used
appropriately, may help businesses make better
decisions and save money.
Confusing definitions with sophisticated terminology
and industry jargon might lead to misunderstandings
about what BIM is.
BIM is defined as the “use of structured data and
information to support the delivery of a project and
the operation of an asset” according to ISO 19650.
4. Other definitions, which are frequently published by
software firms, limit BIM to a modelling tool,
excluding the important management components
and presenting an incomplete description.
So, why is it critical to debunk BIM myths? With
complete knowledge, you can gain buy-in for BIM,
dispel common myths, and move forward on your
digitalisation journey. Read on to learn about our top
BIM myths and how to debunk them.
5. 5 Myths About BIM and Why They
Are Not True
1. BIM Trend will Fade Away Soon
2. 3D Modelling is the Only Purpose of BIM
3. BIM can only be leveraged for Building
Construction
4. BIM can only be leveraged by Big Players
in the AEC Industry
5. BIM only facilitates planning and not
execution
6. 1. BIM Trend will Fade Away Soon
To put it simply, BIM isn’t going anywhere. It’s only
the next step in the advancement of modelling
technology. The use of paper-based, two-
dimensional designs to communicate project
concepts to team members has long been a popular
practice in construction, but the introduction of
computer-aided design (CAD) technology has
brought with it the capacity to visualise projects
using 3D Models.
7. 1. BIM Trend will Fade Away Soon
While 3D modelling has catapulted the AEC
industry into a new era, the drive to raise the bar will
always exist. BIM provides the capacity to add extra
information to 3D models and the ability to display
additional dimensions, such as scheduling and time
management (4D) and cost information (5D).
With these (and other yet-to-be-discovered) features,
BIM’s use will only rise in the future years, cementing
its position as a critical component of construction.
8. 2. 3D Modelling is the Only Purpose of
BIM
When read in its most basic meaning, the word ‘building
information modelling’ implies that it merely refers to a 3D
modelling tool.
While 3D models are certainly vital, the capacity to
organize various sorts of data that can be applied
to construction projects is what multiplies the investment.
Partial models, different types of viewpoints, 2D
drawings, and additional documentation features are just
a few of the BIM tools that give any project a new lease
on life. The true value of BIM is that it makes all of these
resources freely available and shareable across
corporate lines, allowing everyone involved in a project to
benefit from them.
9. 3. BIM can only be leveraged for Building
Construction
One of the most salient characteristics of BIM is that
it is not just restricted to building construction. BIM’s
additional value is created through the principles of
cooperation and strategically organised information,
which may be used across the construction sector
and on a wide range of project types.
BIM creates a level of transparency that can be
applied to many types of projects and enterprises by
adjusting the work approach to match their individual
demands by making this data accessible to all
partners in the construction process.
10. 4. BIM can only be leveraged by Big
Players in the AEC Industry
Smaller businesses may be hesitant to invest in BIM
since it appears to be a significant financial
investment.
While allocating funds for this type of infrastructure
development can be difficult (initial costs could
include training and software), construction
companies should consider whether BIM would
benefit them in terms of:
Collaboration
Streamlined workflows
Planning foresight
Simplified Workflows
Ultimately, even for SMEs, investing in BIM can save
money in the long run.
11. 5. BIM only facilitates planning and not
execution
Throughout the project lifecycle, BIM plays a
significant role. Whatever stage a project is in, there
is always valuable data to provide and a need for
data to be shared by others.
Every stage of a building project is a piece of a
greater puzzle rather than a stand-alone component.
Because the information gathered might be
extremely useful in the next step of the process, it
must be recorded and available in a way that makes
it easy to use in the future, which is where BIM
comes in. This could include data that will be useful
for operations and maintenance.
12. Conclusion
It’s never easy to embrace changes in the existing
working process, therefore some apprehensions
about BIM are understandable in the business.
However, it is critical to recognise and overcome the
misconceptions as BIM provides several benefits to
the company and aids in the resolution of difficulties
through the usage of resources and training.
