BIM (Building Information Modeling) is a perfect solution for architects, design and construction teams to address design implementation challenges. 3D BIM coordination facilitates an evolving workflow, interoperability and collaboration between different project stakeholders. This has widened the scope and application of concept design, design development, implementation and project delivery methods.
With 3D
BIM coordination, you can collaborate with designers, engineers, building
services contractors and general contractors to communicate design intent and
ensure the project is implemented efficiently from preconstruction concept
review to construction completion. When collaboration happens at this scale,
you need to consider the associated technical and contractual risks before you
adopt BIM tools:
1.Data control – When using 3D BIM models, you may have different users entering data at various stages of a
project lifecycle. To ensure there is responsibility for inaccuracies and
control of data entry, you must ensure BIM users sign applicable indemnities,
disclaimers and warranties. This will help you in controlling the movement of
data and assigning responsibilities.
2.Assignment of responsibilities –
Typically in BIM projects, many team members collaborate and ownership of BIM
data must be clearly stated. To avoid conflict and confusion, you need to
create contract documents that should clearly define ownership and assign
responsibilities when using BIM data.
3.Proprietary information protection – In
the process of design development and project implementation, proprietary
information may be used by team members. While your client may have ownership
rights for the design, contract documents need to clearly state the ownership
rights of proprietary information to ensure protection.
4.Design licensing – In certain projects,
designers and contractors may provide vendor designs and specifications of
material and equipment. In such instances, you need to create policies to
ensure that only those designs with relevant licenses for the project are used.
This will help you in avoiding licensing issues of vendor designs associated
with their products.
5.Consistency in the use of technology –
When adopting BIM modeling and coordination processes, to maintain an efficient
and smooth workflow, you need to ensure that different project stakeholders,
who need to work collaboratively, are using software versions that are
compatible. All users must be informed about changes in versions and software
updates. Based on the BIM environment you choose, whether closed BIM (the use
of the same software and version) or open BIM (the use of neutral or compatible
file formats), you need to make sure this selection is agreed at the outset of
the project. This will help in avoiding compatibility issues that may arise in
the later stages of the project lifecycle.
In any
collaborative environment, clearly defining responsibilities and rules will
help in improving teamwork of various project stakeholders. You may adopt an
Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) strategy to build successful working relationships
and facilitate efficient collaboration between your entire design, engineering
and construction teams. While there is no secret formula or a common risk
mitigation strategy, you can reduce conflicts and confusion by adopting best
practices and creating well-defined contracts. By clearly specifying the roles,
responsibilities and accountable members or groups, it will help you to create
a successful collaborative environment and embrace an evolving concept such as
3D BIM coordination.
