Digital
BIM Fabrication with Manifold Uses in Building Projects
Building
Information Modeling (BIM) has
been revolutionizing the Architectural, Engineering &Construction industry for
several decades. The technology has cemented the way for moving from 2D CAD
models and spreadsheet schedules to integrated project management and delivery
methodology empowered by a central BIM Model. BIM is the base of several leading
innovations in the architecture and construction sector.
What is BIM Digital Fabrication?
Digital fabrication is a pioneering approach
blending BIM benefits with virtual design and construction. Using BIM-based digital fabrication methods,
MEP designers, contractors, builders, and engineers are able to enhance design
efficacy in the construction and manufacturing of prefabricated products. Building
Information Modeling also helps in visualizing fabrication designs digitally.
What are the Benefits of BIM Digital Pre-Fabrication
Workflow?
·
Integration for Improved Transparency: BIM endorses the integration of design,
manufacturing, and construction processes, enabling improved transparency, better
collaboration, and interoperability among project stakeholders in the digital
fabrication process.
·
Streamlined Procurement Process: BIM digital fabrication decreases the workload of
the procurement teams for construction and enhances productivity simultaneously.
This also empowers the designers, builders, and manufacturers to comprehend requirements
in an improved way to make the procurement process streamlined and competent.
·
Enhanced Productivity: A 3D BIM model in fabrication enhances work quality,
collaboration, and overall productivity. As everything is prefabricated
digitally, there is optimum utilization of resources, boosting work efficacy.
What are the Applications of Digital BIM
in Construction Projects?
Digital BIM fabrication manages manifold work
processes like design, material processing as well as the construction of a
structure. The process improves the conventional production methods with the
help of modern technology.
Here are the applications of implementing BIM digital
fabrication for a project:
• Prefabrication: The process starts with the decision of implementing
the digital prefabrication process for construction project management. Digital
prefabrication modularization helps to speed up the project schedule, improving
efficiency and streamlining the entire construction workflow. Project stakeholders
involved in a project can work together for achieving the desired objective.
Simultaneously, the process helps to reduce costs as every effort gets
channelized, avoiding material wastage owing to poor field processing.
• Process Proposal: As soon as the decision for digital fabrication
gets finalized, the next step is to progress with the BIM fabrication process
proposal and plan. The plan outlines the resource requirement, and the construction
time of various tasks necessary for digital fabrication, design, on-site
delivery, installation, and schedule. The proposal helps in enhancing the
accuracy of the work and improving the productivity of on-site workers and
project stakeholders.
• Designing Shapes
&Panels: After the completion of
the process proposal, the project moves ahead to the design phase, when a complete
design model is created involving design and a member of fabrication for
construction. During this phase, the model is continuously evolved and augmented
by utilizing the best practices for reduced project cost and time. BIM Modeling ensures that the design process for
various shapes and panels gets completed with an aesthetic appeal, reducing the
construction cost.
• Designing of a Structural System: BIM also helps to design the structural system for the structural engineers who prefer
designing the secondary structure before the primary one in a building project.
On the basis of the free-form surface shape and type, the primary structure of
the building gets designed later. Taking insights from the fabrication
drawings, BIM facilitates in making a detailed structural system through clash
resolution between the structural system and the MEP materials at an early design stage,
thus reducing the chances of material and time wastage. As per the BIM model,
an integrated fabrication model gets completed with the details of the construction
and structural system, achieving the desired construction goals.
• BIM Fabrication Drawing Creation: Digital fabrication drawings through BIM involve
the creation of the fabrication model in real-time as per project requirements.
This entails work at various levels to ensure that all expectations of stakeholders
are met. The outcome of this process is a dynamic and inclusive BIM model
outlining the design and paving the way for material procurement and pre-fab
material creation.
• Pre-fab Material Manufacturing: As soon as the drawing creation gets completed, the
subcontractors obtain comprehensive fabrication drawings
and the manufacturing process starts for the prefabricated materials. According
to the project requirements and the design guidelines stated in the BIM model,
the subcontractors and the manufacturers work and fabricate different units. The
manufacturing process continues as per the integrated fabrication model, considering
the production requirements, quality control provisions as well as material
inspection criteria.
• Material Inspection &Warehousing: The manufacturing process is followed by warehousing
and inspection for ensuring quality criteria through BIM Modeling. The
prefabricated material is assembled at the warehouse and photos of individual
units are taken. After the accumulation of the data, a meticulous inspection is
conducted by matching the real prefabricated material to the information
extracted from the fabrication BIM model.
• Installation & Quality Control: The final phase deals with the installation of the
prefabricated material in a free-form building project. Before the beginning of
an actual process, a construction simulation
is conducted for improving the understanding of the on-site process among
workers. All prefabricated modules manufactured in the factory are accumulated
on-site and the actual construction gets started. Before the onset of the
construction/fabrication process, the quality inspection of the material is
completed for ensuring minimal errors during the installation and
after project completion.
Hence, BIM digital fabrication is an advanced
technology compared to conventional fabrication processes. Since everything gets
completed before the actual fabrication, the probability of errors gets reduced,
with optimized material utilization and costs.
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