Blog

rsz_dji_0364

The Evolution and Impact of BIM

In recent years, Building Information Modeling (BIM) has revolutionized the construction industry. BIM is a digital representation of the physical and functional characteristics of a facility, serving as a shared knowledge resource for information about a facility, forming a reliable basis for decisions during its life cycle, from the earliest conception to renovations and expansions, all the way to demolition. This technological advancement has shifted traditional construction methods, offering improved accuracy, enhanced collaboration, and greater efficiency across all project stages.

The adoption of BIM has seen a significant uptick across the construction sector due to its many benefits. By integrating multidisciplinary data into a single coherent system, BIM allows stakeholders to visualize the entire project before the actual construction begins. This pre-visualization capability helps identify potential design conflicts, streamline workflows, and reduce errors and rework. Consequently, it leads to cost savings, time efficiency, and improved project outcomes.

One of the most transformative impacts of BIM is the ability to perform 3D clash detection. Clash detection ensures that different systems within the building do not interfere with each other, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity and functionality of complex structures. Furthermore, BIM can facilitate better space utilization, ensuring that every square foot of a facility is optimized for its intended use.

BIM Coordination at Work: Henry Community Health Primary Care Facility in Knightstown

At Wurster Construction, we are leveraging a portion of BIM’s capabilities in our current projects, exemplified by our work on the Knightstown Facility for Henry Community Health (HCH). This state-of-the-art, 26,000-square-foot facility will serve the growing needs of the Knightstown community, featuring a Primary Care and Orthopedics building, Surgery Center, and Conference Center. Additionally, a 4,000-square-foot Energy Center will house the HVAC, electrical, and fire distribution systems for the 40-acre campus.

Since the beginning of our collaboration with HCH and American Structurepoint, BIM has been instrumental in shaping the development and conceptual designs of the Knightstown Facility. This project, valued at $20.4 million, broke ground in September 2023 and is slated for completion in 18 months.

Benefits Realized Through BIM

Clash Detection and Space Maximization: The primary reason for employing BIM in the Knightstown project was to maximize space utilization and perform clash detection. During the initial 10 weeks of preconstruction, our project management team hosted BIM coordination meetings with the trades to increase buy-in, coordinate phasing and scheduling, and rectify known clashes that would present challenges in the field. This proactive approach has kept the project on track, allowing us to address potential issues before they arise on site or in shop drawings.

One example of a conflict that was resolved through clash detection is pictured above. The Knightstown project has shear trusses roughly every 20 feet that sit on top of shear walls. These walls and trusses help the building resist lateral forces. These shear trusses were designed with a different web pattern to the balance of the trusses.

This webbing pattern (shown in red) conflicted with the ductwork (shown in blue). That conflict was caught even before time was spent on shop drawings. The webbing was redesigned and now the pattern matches the balance of the trusses with thicker members allowing the ductwork to pass through. This is a great example of the power of clash detection. In a workflow process that didn’t utilize this process this issue could have been caught at shop drawings or could have made it to fabrication and installation in the field.

Improved Collaboration and Communication: BIM allows all stakeholders to access and work in a single centralized location that can be updated in real time. Instead of referencing multiple two dimensional drawings chasing details down over multiple disciplines, the BIM model shows the project as it is anticipated to be constructed in the real world in a three dimensional virtual environment. This helps reduce misunderstandings and helps improve clarity of communication.

As-Built Documentation and 360 Camera Verification: Another significant advantage of using BIM is the creation of an As-Built record of the building. This detailed documentation will be invaluable for maintaining and renovating the campus in the future. Additionally, we are excited to integrate Openspace with BIM for enhanced future use on the project. Openspace, a 360 degree camera technology integrates with the BIM model allowing us to verify constructed field conditions ensuring they are installed per the model. Openspace allows for further visualization and assists the project team in coordinating any issues that come through the course of construction.

Currently, the project is 45% complete, with Phase 1 — including the Primary Care and Orthopedics Center—estimated to be completed by March 2025

More Benefits Realized Through BIM

Efficiency and Quality:  The use of BIM can save time on installation, particularly with the MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) systems. These subcontractors will be able to prefabricate their components off-site prior to mobilization. Once mobilized to the site they will be able to utilize the BIM model they developed during preconstruction to register that model to a known survey point and install their underground utilities based on the model. This eliminates the need for field measuring and helps eliminate rework. Prefabricated components will also help increase installation speed for all phases of construction. Most commonly they will help improve the rough in stage of the project – both above the ceiling and in the wall.

Building Life Cycle Maintenance: BIM is also capable of capturing and categorizing anything modeled. Equipment can be tagged in a virtual version of the building and many parameters can be attached to each asset. Facilities managers are able to have a one stop shop for preventative maintenance being able to record and see service information for each asset. This method of data collection and storage is most commonly achieved through implementing a Construction-Operations Building information exchange (COBie) system. This level of BIM is most beneficial for Owners with large amounts of real estate or building systems to maintain. It is not common to implement this system on a project by project basis, but rather a network wide solution.

Looking Ahead

As we continue to progress on the Knightstown project, we remain committed to harnessing the full potential of BIM. This technology not only enhances our ability to deliver high-quality, efficient, and lean buildings but also reinforces our reputation as leaders in innovative construction practices. We are excited to see the positive impact that the new Knightstown Facility will have on the community and are proud to be at the forefront of using BIM to shape the future of construction.

For more information about Wurster Construction and our projects, please visit our portfolio or contact us at (317) 841-1000.