Building Information Modeling (BIM)

Building Information Modeling (BIM) improves visualization of the project attributes, allowing the entire project team to grasp the details quickly and easily.

During the preconstruction phase, Mascaro uses BIM to evaluate what-if scenarios. Building materials can be quickly and easily changed to see how the project will be affected with respect to cost, time, and appearance. The accuracy of the evaluation is enhanced, as the quantities are automatically produced. The visualization of a change and its impact to the cost and the schedule allows an owner to make informed decisions quickly, which saves time on the overall duration of the project schedule.

BIM also allows the schedule to be linked to the model so that the building can be virtually constructed in numerous sequences. This results in advanced determination of the most efficient approach, often leading to a reduction in the overall duration of the project schedule.

With the use of BIM, coordination of the MEP systems with the building structure can begin during preconstruction. Clash detection software can be used to discover potential issues within a virtual environment, rather than during construction of the project. This improves the overall project efficiency because it:

• allows for revisions to be made prior to fabrication when the cost is negligible;
• reduces the potential for re-work, saving time and money; and
• reduces the overall duration of the coordination process by including all of the trades in a single 3D federated model rather than on separate 2D drawings.

Mascaro uses a variety of software programs to support BIM technology, and is most familiar with DProfiler, Revit, and Navisworks.

DProfiler

DProfiler. Click the image above to enlarge. The DProfiler program allows for the rapid creation of a budget based upon historical cost information. It gives us the ability to create:

• a conception estimate and model when provided basic parameters for a project (i.e. building type, intended foundation system, superstructure material, façade materials)
• a scale model and detailed estimate when provided floor layouts and specifications
• a basic energy analysis based on façade materials' energy values
• a pro forma (life cycle) analysis for a given project
• a Google Earth image based on its intended location.

Revit

Revit. Click the image above to enlarge. Mascaro uses Revit to improve the estimating process. Its functionality reduces the amount of time required to produce an estimate when a model of sufficient detail is provided by the designers. Quantities can be produced automatically from the model, reducing the workload of the estimators, increasing the accuracy of the quantities produced, and ensuring that the subcontractors are able to provide accurate quotations.

Navisworks

Navisworks. Click the image above to enlarge During the construction phase, Mascaro can use Navisworks to produce comprehensive 3D visualizations of the project, with the work of all project team members depicted in a single 3D federated model. At this stage of the project, BIM provides a higher level of communication and understanding of the documents to ensure that the final product meets the intended design. This helps to keep separate prime contractors focused on a common goal, as they can physically see how their work impacts and/or is impacted by the work of others. The use of BIM during construction also reduces RFIs and field coordination issues, because it allows the project team to focus more on construction and less on administrative duties.