BIM technologies

BIM stands for building information modeling. In Russian it also means technologies of information modeling of industrial and civil facilities.

Application of BIM technologies facilitates creation of complete information descriptions of projects under construction. Such programs afford great opportunities to modern construction. They not only create a 3D image of a project planned by an architect and a three-dimensional graphic for design calculation, but also provide a single model used by employees performing various functions, from architects to estimators. 

When any changes are made by an architect or designer, all other participants of the project are immediately informed thereon, including the person in charge of construction estimate. They all make their corrections. The BIM model shows which grade of concrete was used for fabrication of any column or beam, its typical size, and even plant where it was manufactured. Thus, all information about a building is stored in one place. The three-dimensional model shows errors and inaccuracies introduced. This enables quick removal of such errors, thus, leading to a considerable decrease in design process duration.

The BIM technologies are successfully applied not only at the design stage, but also during construction, and even operation. The technology is efficient not only at the architectural planning stage, but also at all subsequent stages.

The BIM technologies save your money. These technologies are completely transparent. A computer based on an existing BIM model performs absolutely accurate calculation of cost. 

The major effect of application of the BIM technologies in the Russian construction sector will consist in a more reasonable cost of construction. Any change in a project will be reflected in its estimate. It will be extremely difficult to overstate the expenses for erection of the project: the BIM model will show this at once. 

Today, application of BIM in Russia is limited to architecture and designing. There are known cases, then BIM was used for subsequent operation of utilities, for instance, at sport facilities of the Big Sochi. However, such examples are not numerous. The technologies are still rather expensive. And the effect is hardly seen at once. It is a lagged effect appearing when the full life cycle of a building is covered.

Speaking of BIM software, development of home-grown technologies for the construction sector is a burning problem in Russia. Among others, the Russian software available today includes the STARKON program for calculation of structural properties of buildings. The technology was developed by Yuriy Zhuk, Candidate of Technical Sciences, Senior Staff Scientist, Head of Research and Structural Design Automation Laboratory of V. A. Kucherenko TSNIISK of JSC Research Center of Construction.