Building information modelling (BIM) is an innovative technology that quickly becomes invaluable with infrastructure, oil and gas, mining, and water projects. It is an interactive spatial modelling process that enables designers, contractors and their clients to visualise the appearance of the final piping system. Project execution teams leverage BIM solutions to determine pipe support requirements, evaluate the efficiency of different designs and piping configurations, and create comprehensive bills of quantities.
SMP projects consist of complex and intense workflows that present a myriad of challenges to project delivery teams. Companies can minimise these challenges by adopting suitable BIM solutions that cater to design work, multi-team collaborations and analysis of diverse pipeline components. BIM software enables companies to take control over the project budgets and execution timelines, becoming a vital monitoring tool throughout the life cycle of a pipeline project.
With advancements in technology, companies can access a BIM solution that fits within operations and budgets. They can acquire stand-alone (office-based) BIM solutions or subscribe to cloud-based solutions, accessible via multiple remote devices. Both options offer remarkable benefits to the company. These advantages increase company revenues and the quality of finished piping projects. Companies can stay ahead of the curve by investing in reliable BIM solutions to streamline pipeline-related workflows and installation activities. We’ll break down these benefits in detail.
Enhanced Productivity
Using BIM ensures that everyone is reading from the same page before, during and after construction. Stakeholders can analyse all facets of the structural and mechanical requirements and determine appropriate sizes for every section. Using the technology can substantially reduce the time for design and planning.
During the construction stage, installation teams may experience technical challenges such as interference between structural elements and services (clashing), which may cause variations and cost blow-outs to the project. With BIM, issues get detected during the design phase, and solutions can be explored before the delivery phase, reducing financial risks for the project owner and contractors.
Improved Budgeting
Material take-off is a tedious part of project planning. The design team needs to plan up to the last nut and bolt. BIM enables these teams to create precise 3D models. The design team uses these models to generate comprehensive bills of quantities that specify the exact technical specifications of every component. Having access to BIM files can significantly reduce time in estimating and planning. Using BIM gives the project execution teams the freedom to prioritise and control budgets.
Resource waste in the construction industry originates from poor installations, wrong sizing and over procurement, not to mention downtime, which can cause significant financial losses to the construction company. Utilising BIM technology ensures that the construction team plans for every item.
Improved Work Quality & Safety
Designers can perform multiple safety checks on piping systems before construction. They analyse the strength requirements of pipe supports and their expected performance, including thermal movement. During the planning stage, they study how the contractors interact on site. It allows them to streamline workflows and organise schedules to prevent clashes and improve the efficiency of site activities.
The possibilities of BIM technology in construction are endless. Clients and construction companies can improve the success rates of their projects using appropriate BIM solutions. As BIM technology advances, it continues gaining popularity in pipeline design and construction. It drives efficiency and simplifies previously daunting workflows.
