BIM Applications
A building information model can be used for the following purposes:
- Visualization : 3D renderings can be easily generated in-house with little additional effort.
- Fabrication shop drawings: it is easy to generate shop drawings for various building systems, for example. The sheet metal ductwork shop drawing can be quickly produced once the model is complete.
- Code reviews: fire departments and other officials may use these models for their review of building projects.
- Forensic analysis: a building information model can easily be adapted to graphically illustrate potential failures, leaks, evacuation plans, etc.
- Facilities management: Facilities management departments can use BIM for renovations, space planning, and maintenance operations.
- Cost estimation: BIM software(s) have built-in cost estimating features. Material quantities are automatically extracted and changed when any changes are made in the model.
- Construction sequencing: a building in formation model can be effectively used to create material ordering, fabrication, and delivery schedules for all building components.
- Conflict, interference and collision detection: because BIM models are created, to scale, in 3D space, all major systems can be visually checked for interferences. This process can verify that piping does not intersect with steel beams, ducts of walls.