Building Information Modelling (BIM) is beginning to alter ways of working in the construction industry. Paul French, commercial market manager at British Gypsum, considers the technology’s benefits as well as the need to ensure accuracy of all product and system data.
By accurately predicting building performance levels throughout the life of a building using BIM technology, contractors have the ability to decrease waste, improve energy efficiency, minimise costs and promote collaborative working during the design and construction process.
Managing a building after handover is also much easier, as the information compiled
at the start of the project ensures better operational efficiency throughout its lifetime and enhanced understanding of materials and performance specification for use during refurbishment.
By 2016 the use of BIM processes will be compulsory for all government projects greater than ￡5 million in value, as part of its aim to achieve a 33 per cent reduction in construction and whole life costs of new building assets. Now more than 54 per cent of construction professionals are using BIM in their projects, according to the National Building Specification (NBS) National BIM Report 2014[1], up from just 13 per cent in 2010.
However, in order to get the best out of BIM, accuracy of product and system data is essential. Critical to the realisation of the benefits BIM can bring to the construction industry is the use of BIM objects containing the most up-to-date and accurate information at an appropriate level of detail. To support this, British Gypsum supplies BIM objects for its partition, wall lining, and ceiling system portfolio in its online White Book System Selector. These are updated in real time, giving specifiers access to the latest data to enable them to
select the right specification for the project.
BIM technology is transforming the industry and manufacturers must ensure accurate data is readily available. By acquiring information directly from a product manufacturer, specifiers can ensure they have the most up-to-date information from a trusted source and capitalise on BIM’s advantages, helping to ensure their building has the characteristics and performance of the intended design.
