A Brief Overview of BIM Dimensions (3D/4D/5D/6D/7D)

Building information modeling (BIM) is a modern method for creating models of a construction project’s overall life cycle. The models are distinctive due to their information-rich nature.

Stakeholders can use a BIM model for pre-determined purposes, referred to as use-cases. As per the project stage complexity and requirements, certain parameters are inserted along with the recent information stored in the BIM. This additional information is known as BIM dimensions. They enhance the data linked with a model to represent a higher level of understanding of how a construction project works. Here is a brief overview of BIM dimensions.

3D

3D represents a building’s geographical structure in the form of x, y, and, z coordinates. The geographical capabilities are useful for visualizing how a building structure will look in 3dimensions during the project planning stage. Here are some of the benefits.

·        Significantly reduced rework and revision instances due to more transparency from the beginning.

·        Teams can collaborate easily, irrespective of their expertise.

·        Streamlined sharing and communication of design expectations.

4D

4D is associated with the construction site’s planning. It introduces a new element: time. Scheduling data is useful showing how much time remains before the project is completed and how it will progress over time. The benefits include:

·        Enhanced efficiency and safety because the entire plan is documented with set timelines

·        Scheduling optimization and improved site planning

·        More information about timeline expectations, ensuring costly delays are prevented

5D

5D is required in scenarios where cost estimation and budget analysis are need of the hour in the project’s beginning.5D BIM empowers stakeholders to predict the costs that will be incurred in the future, along with the involved activities. The benefits include:

·        Reduction of budgetary offshoots because of timely budgeting and cost reporting

·        Visualization of real-time costs with notification on changes in expenses

6D

6D enables stakeholders to review how much the building is expected to consume energy and calculate energy estimates as early as the initial design stages. Therefore, it ensures that energy consumption requirements are predicted accurately throughout all the stages ofthe structure. The benefits include:

·        Minimized energy consumption inthe long run

·        More accurate and fasterdecision-making associated with component installation

7D

7D refers to facility and operations management by owners and building managers. It is used to monitor key asset data, such as technical specifications, warranty information, operation manuals, and status. The benefits include:

·        Streamlined maintenance methods for subcontractors and contractors

·        Optimized facility and asset management throughout all stages

In case you are looking to implement building information modeling in the right way, get in touch with us. We will provide all the necessary tools to ensure your implementation is effective and produces the desired results.