New BIM model to modernise construction sector
KUCHING: The construction industry is moving away from the time old 2D AutoCAD design programmes to the newer 3D Building Information Modelling (BIM) system that is expected to help modernise and upgrade the local construction industry.
BIM ,which is already adopted in the many construction industries around the world such as the UK and Singapore, is said to be a process that promotes better communication and cooperation between all parties within a particular project which in turns improves productivity and reduces rework and conflict during the project.
Lending credence to these claims, Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd’s (Rakuten Trade) vice-president of research, Vincent Lau, said that BIM services have a track record of being able to minimise and reduce costs within projects as it is able to simulate the construction process in digital format and ascertain if there are any clashes in drawings and plans prior to the commencement of construction.
“This would ultimately save projects precious resources as they would be able to minimise potential mistakes and the extra repairs or demolition needed to fix them,” he told The Borneo Post.
“HSS Engineers Bhd is one of the leading engineering firms which have been using BIM services for their major infrastructure projects.”
Adding to this, CIDB chief executive officer Datuk Ir Ahmad ‘Asri Abdul Hamid underscored the need for the construction industry to adopt BIM as projects are becoming increasing complex and competitive.
“Hence, BIM is crucial for players as the use of BIM offers a cost effective and time-sensitive solution as compared to the traditional process of construction.
“This is because BIM allows for updated data to be automatically associated with the entire design model and thus allows for a more dynamic process that considers every variable in the construction process,” he explained.
However despite the overwhelming amount of potential benefits and advantages in utilising BIM in projects, Lau guides that the adoption rate is still rather low.
Some industry experts have commented that the reason for this slow adoption is due to the lack of trained professionals in BIM and the high costs of its software and implementation.
“You can have someone who is very experienced in BIM but the project still won’t run because everyone needs to know how to utilise it. From architects to technical officers to administrative assistants, everyone who is involved in the project will need to be knowledgeable or have some degree of knowledge on employing BIM,” explained a local structural engineer who declined to be named.
On this matter, Works Minister Baru Bian said that the government would be working to create a BIM ecosystem that would address these issues and more. Turn to Page B2, Col 4