What is BIM and VDC?
BIM - Building Information Modeling: BIM is a digital version of a construction project. It is a collaborative process that allows all parties: architects, engineers, developers, contractors, and others to plan, design, and construct a building effectively. BIM is widely used to generate reports and clash detection.
VDC - Virtual Design and Construction: VDC is more than just a digital drawing of a building, it covers the whole project lifecycle. VDC is a digital duplicate of the physical project, allowing stakeholders to visualize, analyze, plan, design, manage and optimize every aspect of the construction process from conception to completion, including schedule and budget factors.
Are there differences between BIM and VDC?
While both BIM and VDC are often used together and sometimes interchangeable, they are different in how they’re used.
BIM:
- Creates a digital, 3D representation of a building or construction project.
- Provides better visualization, coordination, and analysis of design and construction elements.
- Is one of the tools for VDC.
VDC:
- Is a bigger approach that uses BIM and other digital tools to optimize construction projects.
- Evaluates the entire project lifecycle, from planning and design to construction and operations.
- Improves collaboration, communication, and coordination among project stakeholders.
In simple language, BIM is the tool and VDC is the strategy that uses BIM to optimize construction projects and improve collaboration.
What are the main benefits of BIM and VDC?
Better Efficiency:
These models streamline the construction processes and can help detect issues before they arise. You, your team and different stakeholders can foresee the problems and avoid costly mistakes.
Enhanced Collaboration:
A construction project usually involves different teams and roles: engineers, designers, architects, project managers, etc. BIM and VDC provide a shared platform where everyone has access to the same data. This ensures everybody is on the same page, reducing confusion and improving project coordination.
Thorough Decision-Making:
BIM and VDC models give you real-time data, design possibilities, clash reports, potential optimizations, the overall performance of the project. Stakeholders now have the data and information they need to make decisions.
Manageable Cost and Schedule:
Nothing is 100% accurate, but with BIM and VDC, you can get pretty specific about the range of costs and project timeline. The VDC 4D and 5D models provide your team with more control over schedules and costs.
At Roberts Onsite, our mechanical, electrical and piping teams have the expertise and experience in building information modeling (BIM) and virtual design and construction (VDC) to visualize the construction site and optimize the construction schedule. We are well-equipped to work with your team and other stakeholders from concept to occupancy.