Renovation projects are quickly picking pace across the US and other parts of the world. How can BIM have a positive impact on such projects? https://rdttech.co/how-can-bim-make-renovation-projects-more-efficient/
3. Introduction
Following the COVID pandemic, the AEC
industry around the world, particularly in
the United States of America (USA), has
progressively recovered. And an
interesting trend in the AEC industry that is
increasingly garnering attention in the US
is the renovation of buildings (living
spaces, office/commercial spaces etc.)
According to a recent study, the richest
economy in the world is expected to spend
upwards of 500 Billion Dollars in the home
renovation sector alone!
4. Challenges in Renovation
Projects
Renovation projects frequently face obstaclssses
that are distinct from those encountered in new
building projects -Some of these hurdles can have a
significant impact on the completion of renovation
projects.
Some of these challenges may include the
unpredictability of existing building conditions as well
as the limited work area or space limits imposed by
these variables. These elements must be identified
during the early design phase for a successful
refurbishment. Renovations also necessitate a
thorough analysis/consideration of time and
schedule constraints.
5. How can BIM improve
Renovation Projects ?
For remodeling purposes, building information
is quite useful. Many renovation projects, on
the other hand, are hampered by a lack of
proper project management, project delays,
and significant financial losses as a result of
insufficient or outdated building information. In
such cases, Building Information Modelling
(BIM) can come to the rescue.
The use of BIM in new development projects is
becoming ubiquitous. The use of BIM in
renovation projects, on the other hand, is still
in its infancy.
6. However, with advancements in BIM
tools and solutions, existing buildings
can be renovated with the help of
precise information management of the
complete asset (building).
Here are some exciting advantages of
BIM that can help in making renovation
projects more effective:
7. 1. BIM improves Visualization
& Data Management
BIM is a three-dimensional display of an
asset (existing building/construction
project) and all of its aspects that are
difficult and time-consuming to capture in
CAD. This repository contains data on
structural elements such as:
Foundations
Beams
Rooves, and
Columns
8. These structural elements are required for
visualizing the current structure and
determining space restrictions.
Potential design difficulties can be detected
using this information during the renovation
project’s initial design phase. Furthermore, the
model, which is updated throughout the
refurbishment life cycle, can aid in precisely
planning project execution and performance.
However, in the case of older buildings,
obtaining current building information can be
problematic because paperwork is not always
available. In such circumstances, laser
scanning technology can be used to create an
As-Built Cloud Point model and that is one of
the exciting benefits of BIM for renovation
projects.
9. 2. Optimizations in Costs,
Resources and Time
The BIM model enables project
managers to optimize construction
materials and resources by leveraging
precise building material quantification
and other building data.
Furthermore, early in the design phase,
project stakeholders can
seamlessly undertake budget
assessment and cost planning based on
probable uncertainties.
10. In addition to that, if you integrate a project
schedule with an accurately-built BIM
model, it helps in eliminating project and
timeline delays. Real-time information is
available in BIM models, which decreases
the likelihood of conflict (clashes) and
misunderstandings in
communication among project
stakeholders.
As a result, BIM adoption can assist
renovation projects to effectively achieve
time, resource and cost optimizations with
ease!
11. 3. Excellent Energy
Efficiency
The use of BIM in renovation projects can help
to improve the existing building’s
(asset’s) energy efficiency. Natural lighting and
shade, for example, can be recreated with the
aid of a BIM model.
What-if analysis will aid in the more realistic
design and simulation of the refurbished
structure’s energy usage. These strategies
can also help improve the energy efficiency of
an existing structure. BIM models can also be
used to calculate the carbon footprint of an
asset and obtain a carbon credit report.
12. Conclusion
To summarise, renovation initiatives are
fraught with the hazards and uncertainties
that come with an old structure.
Building Information Modelling (BIM) can
help bridge the gap between rehabilitation
issues and high-quality construction
options. BIM can help renovation projects
achieve clear visualisation of the end
result, optimal data and resource
management, time and cost efficiency, and
improved energy management amongst
other benefits.
