The year 2021 was exponential for Building Information Modeling (BIM) software across the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry; however, new BIM trends are constantly emerging because technology is ever-evolving.
Approximately 50 per cent of construction businesses used BIM before the pandemic, and its popularity has dramatically increased since then. During the pandemic, it was difficult to find skilled labour, and a lack of management led to increased rework, straining the budgets of various construction companies.
Then comes BIM as a game-changer since it allows the AEC industry to step beyond the challenges in the past. Engineers, architects, and project managers used BIM to develop and design sophisticated buildings as a construction-specific software.
According to Viewpoint, the adoption of BIM software in the construction industry has seen a significant rise in the past decade, with 73% of construction companies reporting they are aware of BIM and using it within their organizations, as compared to only 11% in 2011.
According to the United Nations, the global population is expected to reach 9.8 billion by 2050, and in order to meet housing and sustainability needs in the face of a rapidly growing population, BIM software allows construction processes to be completed more efficiently while also capturing important data.
The use of BIM keeps on rising
In the construction industry, Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a method of managing a project throughout its entire lifecycle. Using BIM software, digital aspects of a construction project are managed.
By implementing digital software, construction times can be shortened, cost management can be improved, and building safety can be improved.
Since 2017, the implementation of BIM has become mandatory for all projects over £100m.
The top five BIM trends dominating 2022
Artificial Intelligence (A.I)
Artificial intelligence (A.I) is defined as the ability of a robot, computer, or to perform various human-like work.
Artificial Intelligence enables a computer to complete work smartly and digitally using a human like ability to learn, reason and discover
In the field of construction, in the traditional way, physical trade has always been made on human ability. Artificial intelligence is particularly useful in construction because it helps to streamline processes, thereby reducing project costs, timelines, and risks. This can be achieved by exploring all available options and processes of a construction project.
Digital Twins
Digital Twins has always been a buzzword since the start of the Pandemic. According to IBM, “A digital twin is a virtual model designed to reflect a physical object accurately”.
Digital Twin Technology real-time sensors embedded in the physical object are used to map out critical areas of operation, resulting in data regarding the device's performance.
By the use of digital twin technology in construction projects, the teams can cut costs and also save a lot of time by running various processes on the virtual object,
Cloud Technology
Cloud technology means the ‘delivery over cloud’. By using cloud storage, people can use a certain range of computing services such as storage, databases, networking server, software, and analytics that allow builders and architectures to access flexible and faster resources.
Automation
Automation is a procedure of using digital methods, applications and robots to get the job done.
Automation in construction is more cost-effective and reduces health and safety hazards.
Building Energy modelling
Building Energy Model (BEM), according to the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, is a versatile, multipurpose tool that can be used in new and retrofit design, code compliance, green certification, tax credit eligibility and real-time building control.
Building energy modelling is an upcoming software tool for building designers to lean more toward a greener construction.
BEM software can assist in designing more energy-efficient buildings, reducing energy costs in construction projects, and the retrofitting of homes by employing a building simulation of energy use.