Building information modelling is a design gamechanger

The design and engineering process has been transformed by using 3D digital building information modelling (BIM).

Advances in technology have changed the way humans work in almost every role in every industry. It simplifies work, eases communication and makes the complicated easier – and less prone to human error. It’s tough to imagine any function that has not been completely altered by incorporating some sort of computer-aided process to improve efficiency and manage data. For the most part, change has been good for business, improving teamwork, reducing recordkeeping and making administration much easier. 

In engineering and construction, the impact of digital tooling has likewise played a significant role in increasing safety and improving the accuracy of builds. 

It’s a good thing too. The detailed accuracy and precision involved in creating a multi-story or large commercial facility are immensely complicated. Drawings and elevations need to be accurate within fractions of an inch, so components fit together tightly for stability and to be resistant to water leakage. Any small measurement error can become amplified as the plans are scaled to real-life size; and as the size and complexity of the project grows. 

Computer-aided design (CAD) was a first step in helping architects and designers build more accurately. Three-dimensional digital building information modelling (or BIM as it is known within the industry) has become the modern gamechanger since its introduction and acceptance throughout the 21st Century.

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Build better with BIM

Since the company’s founding, Summit Steel Buildings has supplemented its proven track record of construction quality and customer service with 3D digital BIM modelling to give their building crews, tradespeople, engineers and architects an edge over competitors in the market.

Building information modelling as both a process and tool uses three-dimensional software to effectively design, detail, manufacture and erect steel buildings. BIM generates and manages building data and its various components throughout the project’s life cycle. This three-dimensional, real-time, dynamic modelling software increases productivity in building design and construction. It produces digital representations of physical and functional characteristics of places. The files (containing proprietary data) can be extracted, exchanged or networked to support decision-making regarding the entire structure down to the smallest of components. 

BIM encompasses geometry, spatial relationships, geographic information, quantities and properties

of building components to construct a conceptual model of your building. The components of your building are then scaled to represent the dimensions of materials used to construct your building.

Project information is stored in a digital database rather than a series of separate physical paper documents or drawings. That database serves as the central location for all characteristics of your project, as well as the master reference point for every member of the team to increase coordination. 

Enhanced visualization

BIM technology provides our customers with a modelling system that easily display a conceptual replica of their building in advance, which leads to confidence and peace of mind for throughout the project’s life cycle. This virtual model allows us to create projects in virtual reality before building them in actuality, thus reducing conflicts to save time and money. In addition, we provide our customers a digital copy of their completed project model, which can be used for decades to enhance operation and maintenance.

Benefits to your project by using BIM:

• Encourages more collaborative work
• Makes managing design revisions easier and smoother
• Creates digital files that are easier to store and share
• Changes to modelling can be completed and tested in real time
• Greater modelling precision leading to better construction
• Reduces wasted time in requests for information (RFI)
• Improves overall building performance in the long run