BIM Benefits – Building Information Modeling
The use of Building Information and Modeling (BIM) technology has become a key component in construction to identify conflicts and solve problems. Weifield Group is highly proficient in BIM and uses the layouts generated from our foremen to implement 3D Computer-Aided Design (CAD). We then meet with the MEP & fire protection teams to review and eliminate conflicts. This allows for seamless operations when performing the work in the field.
BIM is a digital representation of physical and functional characteristics of a facility in the built environment, and serves as a shared knowledge resource. It provides a reliable basis for decisions throughout the facility’s lifecycle. Different stakeholders at different phases of the lifecycle of a facility can insert, extract, update or modify information in 
BIM.
BIM is much more than the assembled 2D or 3D CAD and Facilities Management (FM) drawings created for the facility. Typically it uses three-dimensional, real-time, dynamic building modeling software to increase productivity in building design and construction. The process produces the Building Information Model (BIM), which encompasses building geometry, spatial relationships, geographic information, and quantities and properties.
The software provides extraordinary interactive capabilities, such as clicking on a floor level of a building to see probable tenants, rendering a view of the urban landscape from a particular window of a building, or determining which vendor has installed fiber optic cables.
Stakeholders with access to BIM information can use it to look back or forward in the lifecycle of a building, and to do so from a very detailed level or a summary view.
Benefits of BIM
The primary benefit of BIM is that it produces a better, safer project outcome. It does this by establishing a common understanding of what has to go into the model when it moves from the design team to the construction team. This shared understanding ensures the project vision is consistent among all stakeholders. Other benefits include:
- lower net costs and risks are recognized by owners, designers, subcontractors and engineers,
- safer, more effective structures for the owners and occupants,
- efficient monitoring lowers operating costs,
- productivity gains, project controls, and rapid visualization capabilities,
- improved coordination of electrical systems – preventing clashes with other systems like plumbing and mechanical,
- better views of the facility result in better decisions, and
- proper layout of MEP and fire systems can be verified before mistakes are constructed.
Weifield’s BIM Approach
Weifield has a comprehensive approach to BIM to ensure all relevant details are captured and all involved parties stay on the same page.
- Weifield Group’s BIM process is managed by the project manager. Our project manager coordinates our process and handles the scheduling details with the general contractor and other trades on the job.
- Our field superintendent is responsible for Weifield Group input, and performs layout tasks. We take great care in providing accurate information to our BIM team.
- Our BIM team takes the information provided by our superintendent and inputs the information into the project model. Typically, the electrical systems are the last to be modeled, so we are able to perform clash detection and prevention as we model our installation. We have found this process to be highly useful in saving time and money during the construction process.
Weifield Group BIM Process
Relevant BIM Project Experience
The following is a sampling of Weifield Group’s relevant BIM project experience.
- NREL RSF I – BIM used for coordination of electrical systems under the raised floor system and throughout the project.
- CSU Academic Instruction Building – BIM used for the coordination of electrical systems throughout the project.
- Anschutz Inpatient Pavilion Expansion – BIM used for the coordination of electrical systems throughout the project.
Highly Cohesive, Coordinated Projects = Success
Weifield Group’s design team believes the better the communication, coordination, and cohesive planning at the outset of a project, the better the result. BIM is one component of what we do to ensure highly successful projects.
At Weifield, we pride ourselves on teamwork, communication, and dedication throughout the project. We value the relationships we’ve built with our partners, owners, and stakeholders throughout our history. This focus on detail and personal attention has allowed us to become one of the emerging leaders in the electrical contracting industry.