Although it undeservedly goes relatively unnoticed outside of the business aspects of life, the invention of big data is definitely the most momentous one since the dawn of the internet. Based on collecting the necessary information from the online world and using it in particular ways that change the way things are done, big data is widely used in many areas, including the ways in which cities and buildings are designed and constructed. When applied cohesively, big data becomes smart data, and here’s all you need to know about its influence on digital planning of buildings.
Why use smart data?
Building construction involves a lot of things – from pouring floors, operating cranes and inserting power cables in walls, to the actual construction of a building’s skeleton. These things are done by a ton of different people, with the most common cause for falling behind schedule and not using resources efficiently being the fact that there isn’t enough cohesion in the process.
Well, think about it, how difficult do you think making this a perfectly choreographed process is? The answer is: downright impossible; at least without using smart data, that is. This is where Building Information Modeling (BIM) comes in. The technology in question allows experts to display blueprints in 3D, providing the entire construction team with the necessary information in order to reach the goal of cohesion. It might not seem like too much, but moving on from static 2D blueprints into the world of 3D is like swapping the typewriter for a PC unit with Microsoft Word.
Digital planning basics
Given the fact that the construction industry is currently all about using the mentioned 3D blueprints, let’s dig a little deeper here. With the general goal of planning the construction process to be as efficient as possible, while still being quick, BIM focuses on supplying everyone involved with all the necessary data. Essentially, the modern 3D models used in construction are so precise, down to every detail, that they essentially make for digital twins of the buildings that are under construction. Why is this so important? Well, this “digital twin” is effective at collecting a ton of useful data, such as costs, deadlines and technical data, making approximation easier for the contractor.
Here’s how this works: by linking all the project phases to the necessary information, all the data that is to be used in the project can from this point on come from a single source. The main benefits of this are outlined in the fact that the client can now get accurate information about the timeline and the cost of the project.
No shortage of expert demand
Despite the fact that 3D blueprints are changing the way construction works, BIM can’t construct buildings on its own. All the equipment and expertise that is required for construction using 2D blueprints is also necessary when using 3D technology. Furthermore, every innovative piece of technology requires experts that will make the most out of it, with the goal of quick and smooth function. For example, despite the fact that you might know perfectly well what type of formwork you want to choose, you’ll still need experts such as the guys at TDK formwork, to keep everything running smoothly and finish on schedule.
Furthermore, 3D blueprints can help even in terms of managing an existing building further down the line. Want to tear down all or some walls on a single floor? No problem, consult the 3D blueprint. Want to adjust the ventilation and heating in the new office? 3D blueprints are much more efficient than their 2D predecessors in a situation like this.
Bottom line: the mind-boggling BIM technology will never replace an employee, but merely make their life easier.
Safety
Finally, and most importantly, using smart data technologies, such as BIM, allows the construction crew to sleep easy, certain that the people who are going to be using the target building are as safe as it’s technologically possible at the moment. With 3D blueprints, the margin of error is brought down to a minimum, meaning that the buildings that are constructed using BIM technology are much safer than those built using the traditional methods. No one can put a price on safety!
The field of digital planning plays the most important role when it comes to construction. The smart BIM technology has supplied us with awesome 3D blueprints that are more efficient than their 2D counterparts in every significant aspect: from time and financial efficiency, to safety! Smart data is the new big data!
Excellent points. Though implied with 3D blueprints, virtual reality has been a real game changer for construction, allowing those to plan and inspect construction remotely rather than being on site. There is also the simulation aspect and the modular design aspect to build higher quality buildings with less materials and less cost.