BIM dimensions may not take you through a fifth dimension like Interstellar, but they do take your building project beyond just 2D. From timelines to cost and sustainability, each dimension adds a whole new layer of clarity.

What are BIM dimensions?

BIM dimensions are different layers of information added to the BIM model. You start with a basic 3D model, and each new dimension, from 4D to 8D, adds a specific type of data on top of it. These dimensions provide insights and data that help teams plan, build, and manage the project seamlessly.

What is 3D BIM? Shape

3D represents the basic three-dimensional structure of a building along the x, y, and z axes. It corresponds to the height, width, and depth of the model. This allows us to visualize the building before it’s built. It comprises components such as walls, beams, floors, materials, and finishes. Instead of manually checking drawings for design faults, teams can deploy clash detection tools in this model to automatically identify and resolve potential clashes. This saves time and money. With 3D BIM, it’s easy to share design changes and updates with your team, whether they are on-site or remote.

Benefits of 3D BIM

• Helps teams and stakeholders in cross-collaboration.
• Teams can work on the same model simultaneously, and the changes will be saved in real-time.
• Enhanced 3D visualisation of the project, where you can see how the final structure will look.
• Possibility to reduce design errors and fix them beforehand.
• Promotes transparency amongst teams.

What is 4D BIM? Time & Scheduling

4D adds a dimension of time to the 3D BIM model. In simpler terms, it’s 3D + Time.  It adds scheduling and timing data to the 3D model. Through this, teams can easily look at the sequence across the design and construction stages. The time data allows you to foresee when different elements of the building will come together and how it will turn out. As the project progresses, the timing and scheduling data also evolve accordingly. It is also useful for running test scenarios, giving everyone a clear view of how the project will look at each stage.

Benefits of 4D BIM

• Aids in scheduling optimization across all construction stages.
• Improves the quality of building site planning.
• Enables teams to be prepared for the next steps in every stage.
• Cuts unnecessary delays and reduces disputes.
• Allows teams to set clear deadlines.

What is 5D BIM? Estimating & Cost Data

5D integrates estimates and cost data into a 4D BIM model. In simpler terms, it’s 4D + Cost. It helps you understand the project cost, both now and in the future. It provides an overall estimate based on the labour, materials, and other elements. As the design changes or evolves, the model will recalculate the budget accordingly. This makes it easier for everyone involved in the project to see how even a tiny design change will affect the final cost. Stakeholders can view a detailed budget breakdown and plan the finances more accurately.

Benefits of 5D BIM

• Provides real-time cost visualisation.
• Notifies changes in project cost at any given time.
• Eliminates budgetary offshoot due to regular cost reporting and budgeting.

What is 6D BIM? Sustainability

6D BIM provides key information regarding sustainability. This stage provides information related to the energy consumption of the building from the early design stage. These insights can then be used to foresee the overall energy consumption and track its performance. This helps in creating sustainable buildings.

Benefits of 6D BIM

• Helps in creating environment-friendly buildings.
• Aids in the efficient operational management of the building after handover.
• These insights help reduce the building's overall energy consumption in the long run.
• Essential for tracking the building's overall performance.

What is 7D BIM? Facility Management

7D BIM is related to facility management and plays a crucial role for managers and stakeholders. It collates all facility-related information in a single model, which can be used by everyone working on the project. This includes asset data, warranty information, operation manuals, and technical details, all of which will be beneficial in the later stages. Using BIM for facility management ensures that the project is in top form from the early stage to demolition.

Benefits of 7D BIM

• Better asset and facility management from the early design stage to demolition.
• Streamlines the maintenance process for contractors.
• Facilitates easy replacement of parts and repairs anytime during the building lifecycle.

What is 8D BIM? Health & Safety

8D BIM focuses on health and safety. This is of major importance to the AEC industry as it is an industry that is prone to accidents on-site. This dimension of the BIM model uses all the information to predict any possible threats or chances of injury. This data is extremely helpful during the construction stage as it allows workers to be aware of potential danger locations and be more cautious. This works as an advanced version of risk control. Project risks can be reviewed at any time to prevent accidents.

Benefits of 8D BIM

• Cuts down the possibility of accidents or injuries on the construction site.
• Running different simulations of the construction process helps identify potential issues.
• Use virtual reality to train the workers better.
• Provides a clear view of the construction process with enhanced risk and safety precautions for workers.

Conclusion

BIM dimensions are revolutionising the way the AEC industry works. They provide solutions for visualisation, scheduling, budgeting, sustainability, facility management, and safety. If you haven’t switched to BIM for your construction project, you are already behind. Leverage BIM to stay ahead of the curve. Confused where to start?

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the dimensions in BIM?

BIM dimensions give you a better understanding of your project by adding additional data regarding shape, cost, time, energy consumption, safety, and facility management.

2. What is 3D, 4D, 5D, 6D, 7D in BIM?

3D shows the 3-dimensional shape of the model, 4D encompasses time and scheduling, 5D adds cost and budgeting, 6D focuses on sustainability, and 7D incorporates facility management.

3. What is the 8th dimension in BIM?

The 8th dimension in BIM is related to safety and health. It acts as an advanced version of risk analysis by predicting potential accidents on the construction site by using the information in the model.  This data is extremely helpful during the construction stage as it allows workers to be aware of potential danger locations and be more cautious.