Why is BIM Superior to Old Blueprints?
Point Cloud Modeling has taken over blueprints and the trend is going nowhere back at all. Construction companies use it in every level: architects, engineers, constructors, and general contractors have been benefited from this technology for the past ten years at least. The first 3D models are now 5D and all the in-house work has become easier for all sorts of companies.
Which is the difference between blueprints and BIM? Well, the difference is that the 2D reality of blueprints gives professionals a reduced canvas to work with and hence, all measurements and decisions fall into the interpretation and imagination categories.
On the other hand, the BIM process involves millions of laser-marked points that can be developed into an entire 3D model of a building taking 360° models of it with a simple traditional tripod.
Point Cloud Surface reconstruction techniques are updated and actually resemble the true building that a company is trying to work on.
For example, blueprints might not show deterioration for the years gone by and also some additions or removals that might have taken place and are not reflected on the main blueprints but in addendums.
In short, blueprints are a technology developed for a different world than the one we live in today and the possibility of having a true measure of a building as-is has proved to be crucial in the last years to save time, money and be more accurate.
BIM and the Demolition Industry
The demolition industry has improved a lot in the past decades and now all of them are measured, accurate and safe. Still, this branch of the industry can be improved and that´s where BIM comes into the picture.
Let´s take a look at some of the benefits that BIM has for demolition companies:
1. Accuracy:
When looking at blueprints of a building to be demolished, there are many things that can escape the sight of the professionals. For example, it is possible to overlook the fact that some of the structures shown in the blueprint might be missing or severely deteriorated (a reason why the building is going down, maybe?).
The effectiveness achieved with the millions of laser points being measured for a BIM model will assure the professional that all structures utilized as support and the precautions taken during the demolition are appropriate for that particular case. Also, current programs can detect clashes and retrofits.
2. Client Communication:
It is way easier to explain a client with a 3D model in front of him or her which are the measures to be taken with the building than doing it with a blueprint and explaining everything many times.
It is even possible to take them on a virtual tour through a simulated demolition and explain each point of the scheduled plan.
3. Retrofitting Plans:
Retrofitting plans for big machinery in already-existent plants and industries can be a true challenge.
For this challenge to be easier to handle for demolition companies, the millions of laser dots taken from the structures make it easier to measure the weight that supporting structure needs to handle to avoid negative effects on remaining heavy machinery while working on improvements, makeovers or even partial demolitions inside the building.
All those tedious calculations people used to make in order to get the exact weight that supporting structures should put up with can be automatized saving valuable man-hours that can be dedicated to planning and executing.
The Future of BIM and Demolition
With the growth of AI, it is possible that, in not such a distant future, demolition machines will be run by robots that get the info from BIM directly and execute the plan that a human put together in that 3D plan that was possible thanks to BIM technology.
It is possible too that in the mid-to-long-term future, there will be no human interaction at all in the demolition process.
Conclusion:
BIM is a cutting-edge technology that is taking over the world of architecture, engineering and also all satellite business like demolition and refurbishment.
Recommended: Why Architects Should Embrace BIM Technology
What this kind of technology can bring to the business can be a game-changer for many companies, especially those who invest in a mid to long term plan and acquire not only the technology but also hire professional experts.
BIM in the demolition industry is not hype; it is a great step forward and those who fail to realize it will be delayed in the technology race.