Design and Engineering Mistakes: Incorrect dimensions, inconsistent units, and ignoring material thickness or bend allowances lead to parts that don’t fit, requiring rework.

Cost overruns are a persistent challenge in industrial projects, often arising from inefficiencies in planning, communication and project execution. With the increase in building scale and complexities, traditional methods struggle to deliver the coordination to stay within budgets. Building information modelling (BIM) and digital collaboration tools offer solutions through the ability to integrate data, improve visualisation and enhance communication among stakeholders.

At its core, BIM provides a centralised, data-rich platform that integrates design, construction and operational phases. It introduces accurate 3D modelling capabilities with detailed cost estimations to keep you aligned with budget targets. As a result, material waste is reduced and potential project delays are avoided by preventing over/under ordering of materials.

The Beijing National Stadium, nicknamed The Bird’s Nest, is a true testament to BIM. The Olympic stadium was constructed for the 2008 games out of 36km of steel, spanning a massive 258 000m2. Detailed 3D modelling and precise quantity take-offs ensured the project remained within budget, while clash detection and error mitigation minimised potential costly delays.

BIM implementation enhances data accessibility by all teams involved and centralises critical project information. 3D models, material specifications, schedules and project costs can actively be viewed and understood by all involved. Being able to visualise all of these elements in one location enables project teams to identify a variety of potential issues early in the process. Additionally, alignment of relevant stakeholders through BIM’s remote collaboration platform increases productivity, fosters open communication and prevents misunderstanding of project goals.

A good example showcasing BIM’s ability to increase efficiency and digital collaboration is shown in the Ovalo Monitor Bridge in Peru. The new bridge was designed to connect two districts in Lima. The bridge was a recipient of the Tekla BIM Award for Infrastructure in 2022. Remote collaboration tools accelerated this project to completion by allowing designers stationed in different locations to have access to the same models and information.

BIM benefits are most significant during project planning, including precise cost estimations, construction simulations and risk reductions, including:

• Open collaboration between project teams during the planning phase.
• BIM shows real-time changes to project costs as edits are implemented.
• Simulations can be run on the construction sequence to prevent bottlenecks that can result in costly project delays.
• Clash detection tools identify potential issues with fit-up before construction starts.
• Visualisation of energy usage can help project planners choose renewable energy sources and
more environmentally friendly materials.

Implementing BIM in industrial projects often faces challenges that hinders its full potential. Resistance to change is a common barrier, especially in organisations with traditional workflows. Targeted training for the affected stakeholders and positive reinforcement during the learning phase can facilitate feelings of optimism during the early stages. High initial costs for software, hardware, and training can also be a roadblock. Implementing BIM in phases can help alleviate some of these burdens as well as adopting cloud-based options.

Other challenges include poor data management and insufficient expertise. This can further complicate implementation, highlighting the need for standardised protocols. Remember, your results will only be as good as your inputs. Finally, as digital collaboration grows, cybersecurity risks increase. These risks are inherent with any digital tools, however robust protections such as encryption and access controls can help safeguard sensitive project data. Understanding these barriers prior to implementation will make overcoming them that much easier.

This is the viewpoint of Anna Liza Montenegro, Director of Marketing, Microsol Resource and it first appeared in Manufacturing Engineering