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What does using BIM look like in practice? Heres an example from Parsons.
Building Information Modelling, known as BIM, has slowly but surely become a key component of modern construction processes.
After many conversations with engineers and project managers who use BIM every day, the best way to understand it is as not just a singular system, platform or software but rather an overarching, methodical approach to gathering, managing, processing and synthesising vast amounts of actionable data on projects of any scale.
By increasing communication and coordination between various stakeholders across the various stages of a project, having a BIM system in place reduces the likelihood of errors, clashes and waste.
But what does this look like in practice?
Leading international design and engineering consultant Parsons shared a case study exclusively with Construction Week Middle East, providing insights into the technical execution of BIM to design an award-winning project currently being developed, the innovation and resources it took to make using BIM a success, as well as its impact.
Project overview
Aldar Properties’ The Haven is a state-of-the-art wellness-inspired suburban residential development launched in late 2023 featuring a mix of villas, townhouses, apartments and community amenities.
Planned around a lush, green central park, The Haven’s thoughtful master plan fosters interconnectedness and ease of access to all amenities and social areas through a network of shaded pathways. These pathways lead to the expansive central park.
The first phase of the community comprises 462 of its total 2,428 homes.
The Haven is located in Dubai’s Dubailand area along the E611 artery — Al dar’s first in the emirate, in joint venture with Dubai Holding — and currently under construction. The design was completed July 2024.
BIM execution
With significant architectural complexity and stringent sustainability goals, The Haven required a robust digital infrastructure to manage the project’s various demands.
BIM was instrumental in ensuring that the design, scheduling, cost control, and sustainability goals were met, exceeding the expectations set at the project’s inception.
Meticulous planning when it came to BIM itself was essential. Parsons assembled a multidisciplinary team of experts to foster collaboration and cover all project dimensions comprehensively.
Strategic partnerships with leading software providers and stakeholders ensured the availability of necessary resources. The project’s planning process was iterative, with ongoing assessments and adaptive responses to project dynamics ensuring the successful realisation of milestones.
BIM-enabled innovations
BIM facilitated several innovative approaches that significantly enhanced project outcomes.
Integrated master planning allowed for automated feasibility studies, providing valuable insights into land use distribution and enabling data-driven decisions.
Utility design and management were optimised through comprehensive modelling, ensuring future scalability. The incorporation of energy-efficient systems and sustainable materials was made possible by BIM, reducing the project’s environmental impact.
Additionally, real-time collaboration through shared BIM models greatly improved coordination among multidisciplinary teams, further contributing to the project’s success.
Key elements of the BIM strategy included:
Clash detection and resolution: BIM was used to identify and resolve conflicts between various systems and components in real time, reducing the risk of costly errors during construction.
Parametric modeling: This allowed for quick updates and ensured consistency across the project, minimizing errors and rework.
Visualisation and simulation: Advanced visualisation tools provided a clear picture of the design, facilitating better decision-making and stakeholder engagement.
Compliance with ISO 19650: Adhering to international standards enhanced efficiency and ensured seamless collaboration among all project participants.
Data-driven decisionmaking: BIM was used for cost estimation, sustainability analysis and other critical functions.Quantifiable benefits of BIM
The implementation of BIM yielded measurable benefits throughout the project’s stages.
Design efficiency was significantly improved, with a 60% increase in grading activities and a reduction in design iteration cycles.
Time savings were realised through accelerated decision-making processes, with change management actions seeing an 85% reduction in reaction times. Cost optimisation was achieved, with design-related expenditures reduced by 5-10%.
The use of BIM also enhanced quality assurance, reducing design-related rework by 15%, and ensuring higher quality in the final deliverables. |
