Following a year’s consultation with the building industry, and in particular, the Project Design and Implementation leaders, the Queensland Government has “committed to implementing the use of BIM on all major state infrastructure projects by 2023″, according to their website www.dilgp.qld.gov.au. As stated in their draft policy they list the following objectives as reasons behind their decision:
- To provide a framework that enables the use of BIM on the full lifecycle of state infrastructure assets by 2023, delivering measurable benefits which include:
- more efficient and on-time project delivery
- reduced project risk
- improved safety
- improved built outcomes
- improved asset management
- reduced costs.
- To increase capacity and capability within the public sector to maximise value from the use of BIM on state infrastructure projects.
- To identify ways for BIM to be incorporated into the regulatory and procurement environments.
- To promote consistency and interoperability in the information requirements for state infrastructure projects to facilitate a harmonised approach for industry.”
(https://haveyoursay.dilgp.qld.gov.au/25119/documents/50871/download)
This is a very responsible approach from the state Government as it seeks to implement a strategy to improve service delivery through the effective management of information and the coordination of the key project partners to streamline the procedures. And BIM is the perfect tool to meet these aims as it delivers a project in virtual reality before construction has even begun. Material takeoffs are planned and timelines can be integrated to fully schedule the project. Building conflicts can be seen and addressed before construction has even begun. Its just the responsible way of managing large projects.
Dr Benjamin Coorey from Archistar, and a leading voice in the application of BIM in the construction industry said in a recent Linked In article, that BIM is “no longer just a way for architects and engineers to impress clients. It’s slowly becoming the standard for the entire industry. As a result, universities that don’t teach it to their students risk introducing unready people into the workforce.” If we, as industry professionals dont begin to move towards embracing BIM technology, we run the risk of being left behind. See Dr Coorey’s article here:
While BIM is usually associated with large scale projects, the same benefits of Information Modelling can be achieved in smaller practices. Setting up your project correctly, using phasing, can separate old sections of building from new. Takeoffs can be scheduled from these “new” items and estimations can be achieved to inform the user what likely project costs may be expected. Associated services (Stucture and MEP) can be integrated to decide conflicts and prevent on-site adjustments, which are usually costly to the builder (in case of fixed price) or the owner (in the event of variations to the contract).
So, how do you get a foothold in the world of BIM, if you haven’t made the leap already? You could do a course, spend countless hours learning how to use the software (Autodesk Revit), and then spend the probable 3 – 5 years getting your head around how to set up your template and create those schedules, phase those projects, and work out how to do those multitude of other tasks that this powerful software can achieve for you. OR… you can let QARC Systems leapfrog you ahead of the game by setting up your template with all instructions required to make your return in investment from BIM, a reality. Keep in mind also that if you wish to tender for QLD Government jobs from 2023, you will have to be BIM enabled. Contact the team at QARC Systems for more information and join the future of construction design and management. Email your details for more information.
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