Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a very broad term that describes the process of creating and managing a digital model of a building or other facility such as a bridge, highway, tunnel and so on.
In the UK, the Government Construction Strategy published in May 2011, stated that the ‘Government will require fully collaborative 3D BIM (with all project and asset information, documentation and data being electronic) as a minimum by 2016’. This represents a minimum requirement for level 2 BIM on centrally-procured public projects from April 2016.
In accordance with the governments timescales, Dortech has held licenses for Autodesk Revit (3d modelling software) for some time and through our local training partner @Graitec, we have undertaken & rolled out training throughout the business to upskill our workforce. We can now operate at BIM Level 2, which involves developing building information in a collaborative 3D environment with data attached, but created in separate discipline models.
We see the benefits of BIM to Dortech as:
- Improved efficiencies in design and production.
- Clash detection in a 3d model environment instead of on site leading to a reduction in errors and unforeseen costs.
- Better interfacing and collaboration with other trades and work-packages.
- Greater control over project outcomes.
Some of the projects we have already carried out over a BIM platform include:
- Project Catapult, a commercial building with a value of £250k to £500k
- Birmingham University City Campus with a value of £500k to £1 million
- Unilever, a chemical products facility with a value of £250k to £500k
