How 5D BIM-Driven Preconstruction Saves Costs For Engineering And Construction Projects

Though most undoubtedly understand digitalization will improve the productivity of the engineering and construction industry, the speed of project delivery, not to mention combating sustainability challenges, the question remains: how can we concurrently work within the traditional confines of our industry, whilst simultaneously overhauling our business for the truly, and already dawning, inevitable digital age?

The advent of the pandemic has already accelerated many digital trends, and subsequently, a large proportion of construction companies have already started the race to go digital, with the hope that technology will enhance profitability, alongside fending off competitors.

If you’re still sitting on the fence with this one, allow the following to whet your appetite on why 5D BIM based preconstruction matters, and why today’s builders should not simply be thinking about reinventing their business, but fundamentally rethinking the way business is soon to be conducted.

Traditional methodology vs BIM methodology-based design

Unlike traditional methods, characterized by changes and unforeseen costs both within the design and building phases, BIM methodology facilitates efficient collaboration based on a virtual model between all stakeholders involved, initially. In other words, from the ‘get go’.

As can be seen in the diagram above, when a greater collaborative BIM effort is concentrated at the initial stages of the design phase (typical of an integrated platform approach), it has a positive impact on cost, both in terms of cost awareness and cost reduction.

Preconstruction with 5 dimensions of BIM

The 5D BIM method enables extremely detailed work at an early stage. The model-oriented working process can also dramatically reduce plan changes and supplementary alterations. BIM simulations of the construction process, combining design, materials, partners, and even regulatory guidelines, can help early on promote a clearer understanding of construction time and cost data proformas, and brings tangible added value for all partners involved.

5D BIM based preconstruction is about teamwork from the very start of a construction project, transforming the architect’s drawing into a 3D digital model accompanied with time factor (4D) and cost information (5D) that creates a detailed, visual, and dynamic information-infused BIM model.

At the brass tacks level, it makes the construction processes noticeably more efficient: builders can identify potential improvement and avoid costly planning issues at an early stage. Furthermore, the implementation of BIM can also satisfy the expectations and demands of many clients who already recognize the value of the BIM-based design and building philosophy, as it allows them significantly increased security in project planning, costing, and scheduling.

Implement a more thoughtful solution for preconstruction

MTWO Construction Cloud is, simply, a more thoughtful solution for preconstruction. It is the premiere cloud-based 5D BIM solution, purpose-built for the construction industry. It’s both data- and model driven and is totally integrated, meaning it provides a common data environment where smarter and faster decisions at every stage of the preconstruction process can be made. The end result is that MTWO generates more robust financial results for your business in the form of more reliable information, streamlined workflows, better collaboration, and higher productivity.

This is what 5D BIM based preconstruction does for your projects:

BIM-based fast and accurate Quantity Takeoff

With MTWO, quantity surveyors can easily generate automated quantities from 3D models using the predefined rules in the Construction System. The calculations can be displayed in BIM models, simplifying decision-making.

BIM-based thorough and precise estimates

MTWO combines 3D models and data from previous projects to rapidly create thorough and precise project estimates. Estimates are interconnected with models, BoQ, scheduling and procurement, further enhancing collaboration and data sharing in real-time.

BIM-based scheduling enabling better planning for uncertainties

5D simulation helps schedulers to identify potential conflicts and detect construction risks early in the planning stage, creating reliable schedules to avoid costly mistakes in the constriction phase. It offers “what-if” scenarios that enable better planning, allowing visibility of the impact of any schedule changes to help the team allocate resources better.

Visualize your procurement plan with BIM-based procurement

Procurement requirements can be generated directly from the BIM model, from a catalog, or from a cost estimate. Design models, cost information, procurement and construction plans are visualized and evaluated during the planning phase, so that a clear and optimized plan is created before the physical construction. Not only is data accuracy ensured, but the savings in time and labor can be immense.

Solid data basis for efficient facility management

With 5D BIM, the entire lifecycle of the building or object is presented in BIM 5D in the preconstruction phase, forming the basis for efficient facility management, while replacing the hundreds or thousands of Excel spreadsheets and lists that are used in many projects.

“BIM 5D planning, with the coordination model and thoroughgoing integration in RIB iTWO 5D, formed the foundation for an optimal planning process.”

–Oliver Berger, Julius Berger International GmbH

“With the iTWO (the core solution of MTWO) solution, we analyzed and compared costs, optimized our construction plans, ensured each milestone of the project (Shenzhen Metro Yinhu Station) and the end result is that the project team completed the structure cap 56 days before the planned date.”

— Zhou Zilu, Chief Engineer at China Construction Fourth Bureau

One platform connecting all teams, data, and processes, simply leads to better business

MTWO is an enterprise multi-user environment where all relevant players collaborate. Multiple internal and external stakeholders work together in the same platform to be able to professionally cooperate in a way that up till now was just envisioned. With MTWO Construction Cloud, that vision has materialized, a vision that gives true collaboration real tangibility that can be felt and seen throughout the project lifecycle, and which will ultimately see your business succeed in the coming digital era.

Interested in BIM 5D as a new working method? RIB has developed the MTWO 5D Lab. Here, you can simulate contracts and projects in real time using realistic project data. We will support your learning, from scratch, on the basis of many successfully executed projects.

At MTWO Construction Cloud, we are committed to keeping your teams, data, and processes connected. Learn more about how MTWO can help with your enterprise projects today! Download the Future-Proof Your Construction Business whitepaper below or  sign up for a live demo  with our product experts and see how MTWO can help your team build better, faster, and smarter.

*This blog was originally published by RIB Software