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BIM in the Field: How BIM Access is Changing Project Dynamics
Last Updated Sep 25, 2024
Building Information Modeling (BIM) represents a significant investment for construction firms, especially for larger contractors. Despite the high costs associated with BIM, its potential value is immense. One of the primary benefits of BIM lies in its ability to streamline project coordination and installation processes. However, construction companies provide BIM access to field teams the true value of project models is unlocked. The full value of BIM can only be realized when design and mean-and-methods coordination are aligned.
Historically, access to BIM in the field has been a challenge. BIM viewing software was not portable, was difficult to use, and could get expensive. Companies relied on computer kiosks, which are inconvenient and can be expensive to deploy.
But in recent years, technological advancements have broken these barriers and made BIM in the field more accessible than ever. Newer software platforms offer unlimited access — meaning, anyone can use it where, previously, license management and performance issues were significant obstacles. Now, with advanced mobile viewers and more streamlined software solutions, anyone on the jobsite can access BIM from low barriers-to-entry hardware like smartphones or tablets.
This article will look at the way access to BIM for everyone in the field is changing construction in a dramatic way.
Table of contents
Preventing Trade Installation Conflicts
Access to project models on the jobsite is important for preventing conflicts among construction stakeholders. One of the main benefits of BIM in the field is making sure that installations follow the coordinated plan.
Taking the model to the field allows for real-time validation of installations. While contract drawings like engineering and architectural plans provide some guidance, the BIM model serves as the primary reference for installations.
For instance, it is essential to verify that elements are installed at the correct height. If an installation deviates from the model, it can cause conflicts that require rework. By checking the BIM model beforehand, teams can reduce the need for rework.
A lot of times, taking the model out to the field is simply to validate that people are installing according to the coordinated plan. People might reference contract drawings like the engineering and architectural drawings, but for installation, the model is the primary reference. They're checking if something is installed at the correct height, for example, asking, 'Did you install it at ten feet?' If it's not installed correctly and there's a conflict in the field, the party that didn't follow the model will have to redo the work.
Dave McCool
Aiding in Coordination
Accessing the BIM model directly on the jobsite improves coordination by enabling real-time verification of installations. This helps check that each team follows the plan and installs components correctly, keeping the project as efficient as possible while helping to avoid possible rework. With proper coordination and field access to BIM, the construction process becomes seamless, keeping all stakeholders aligned and working from the same playbook.
The use of mobile hardware such as tablets and smartphones allows contractors to access the BIM model directly on the jobsite without the need to return to a trailer or office. This mobility helps make sure coordination can happen right away, as opposed to after walking to a kiosk or trailer — speeding up decision-making and problem-solving processes. Whether it's verifying the placement of a specific component or adjusting schedules to accommodate changes, having BIM accessible in the field streamlines these interactions.
When you have spent all this money coordinating the project, and then you go out there and somebody is not following the plan, it becomes a significant issue. I remember being on a project at a data center in Birmingham where we had invested heavily in coordination. We had even poured in unistrut for every trade to use for installing their systems quickly and efficiently.
Then, one day, a sprinkler installer was out there drilling holes in the concrete for his hangers, and the superintendent lost it. The superintendent was frustrated because we had meticulously coordinated all this work, and here was someone drilling holes in the concrete instead of using the unistrut we had put in place specifically for that purpose. This kind of situation underscores the importance of ensuring that everyone on the job site follows the coordinated plan to avoid unnecessary rework and additional costs.
Dave McCool
Navigating 3D Models on the Jobsite
Access to BIM on the jobsite empowers contractors to navigate seamlessly from drawings to models using modern software platforms like Procore. This capability allows them to check and coordinate work in real time, using hardware such as tablets or smartphones for even more flexibility.
Field teams can easily use BIM viewers integrated into platforms like Procore to access detailed 2D and 3D models of the project. This functionality allows for a granular level of detail, ensuring that every aspect of the installation is reviewed and verified. The convenience of mobile access means that contractors can walk the jobsite with their tablets or smartphones, navigating complex models without needing to return to a fixed workstation or trailer.
Since superintendents and field workers do not typically have BIM-authoring licenses, granting model access to all users could get costly. However, with the advancements in software and hardware, even those less experienced with BIM can now easily access and interact with the models. This democratization of BIM technology helps guarantee that everyone on the jobsite — whether in a boom lift or the jobsite trailer — can reference the same detailed plans in both 2D and 3D.
Learn more: Demystifying 3D Takeoffs in Construction
Reducing Rework with BIM
Giving access to BIM on the jobsite can help significantly reduce rework in construction projects. Access to BIM can help teams see that installations proceed according to the coordinated plan. When contractors and field teams can view and share the latest 2D or 3D documents in real time, they can verify that each task is completed correctly, reducing the risk of potentially expensive errors.
"Empowering your team to view and share the latest 2D or 3D documents frees up time, increases productivity, and reduces rework. Rework has the most toxic negative impact on profitability." – Steve Jones, Senior Director of Industry Insights Research, Dodge Data and Analytics
Having accurate, current information available on-site means that teams can address potential issues before they escalate — so that the work is done right the first time. The certainty provided by BIM access instills confidence in field crews, as they can trust that their installations follow the approved model, further minimizing the likelihood of rework.
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Overcoming Barriers to BIM in the Field
Historically, barriers to access have been due to limited availability of technology, whether through licensing issues with software platforms, having the appropriate hardware or a lack of technical knowledge and experience. Thankfully, these barriers will soon be a thing of the past. Going forward, the challenge will be getting companies to take the time to train workers in new standards of procedures that utilize BIM to its fullest potential.
One of the primary obstacles to adoption is the traditional mindset and resistance to change that often pervades the construction industry. Many teams are accustomed to relying on conventional 2D drawings and manual processes, and the shift to a digital, model-based approach can be daunting. This reluctance is compounded by the perceived complexity of BIM technology, which has historically been seen as something only experts can navigate.
Overcoming resistance to change and enhancing education and training are key steps in making BIM an integral part of construction projects. As these challenges are addressed, the industry will move closer to fully realizing the potential of BIM in improving efficiency, coordination and overall project outcomes.
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Written by
Dave McCool
Dave McCool is a Director of Product at Procore and author on BIM and construction tech. He holds a master’s degree in engineering, DBIA, and LEED accreditation, but has realized that his BS in psychology is much more useful in the construction industry than any of the other credentials. Dave has a background of over 9 years of BIM management and coordination experience at McCarthy Building Companies and Brasfield and Gorrie, and is the co-author of BIM and Construction Management: Proven Tools, Methods, and Workflows — a complete integration guide for implementing BIM in construction. He has lectured at multiple university and industry events, and has held chair positions for both AIA and NBIMS committees. He is also a co-founder of Virtual Builders. Originally from Alabama, he now lives in Los Angeles, where he enjoys the sunny weather, trying to surf, and playing music on the weekends.
View profileDavid Giali
David is a Content Marketing Associate at Procore. He is an experienced writer in the software industry with close to 1000 published articles. Before writing, he worked in for a specialty contractor as an estimator and finish contractor. David spends his time outdoors with his wife and dog, experimenting with film photography, and writing music.
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