BIM in Vietnam and the definition

BIM is a term used exclusively for the construction industry. The Ministry of Construction (MOC) issued Decision No. 348/QD-BXD dated April 2, 2021 on the Publication of General Guidelines for the application of Building Information Model (BIM) . 

So  what is BIM  and how is BIM application in construction on the market today? CONINCO 3C has applied BIM process in projects implementing Design and Project Management. Let's learn about this process with CONINCO 3C.

What is BIM?

BIM is an acronym for  Building Information Modeling . Building means building, Information is information and Modeling is defined as model. You can understand  Building Information Modeling  as “Building Information Modeling”. 

This is a phrase to talk about advanced applications applied in the construction industry (AEC) and is used throughout the construction process of projects, from design, construction to infrastructure construction. until the project is completed. 

BIM will be built based on 2D, 3D designs, but BIM is much more advanced models than mere drawings. These models will represent information for each detail of the design and these parameters are subject to change and update during project development and construction. 

In short, BIM is the Process to create a virtual model of the project that is about to be built and the parameters will be observed to change in accordance with reality and management.

What is BIM?

How was the BIM model born? 

BIM was born in the age of technology to make design and construction easier. We have gone through the ages from paper drawings by architects hand-drawn, to CAD (Computer Aided Design) with high-precision and easy-to-adjust electronic drawing boards. 

After a period of research and development of hardware and computer graphics, CAD-3D model was born to simulate the work in the most detail by 3D graphics with high accuracy. Through the process of technology development, BIM has been formed to simulate virtual models with all the necessary parameters to support construction projects. 

According to the American Institute of Architects , BIM is developed and widely used by Autodesk company - a company specializing in providing  professional graphics software. 

BIM allows accurate setting of information, supports faster project construction and saves costs for the project through the digitization of design details. 

BIM is not only gradually becoming a trend and standard in the construction field around the world, but also being used by the Vietnamese government to create the 4.0 industrial revolution in the construction industry.

Types of BIM models 

The basic type of BIM model commonly used throughout the life cycle of a building is the 3D BIM model. Besides, the development of technology also leads to the development of BIM, giving birth to many different versions, creating concepts of 4D, 5D, 6D, 7D, etc.

• 4D BIM:  This model allows the contractor to calculate and control the construction progress of the project as well as manage the supply and human resources throughout the construction process.
• 5D BIM:  This model is created to estimate costs as well as control the capital invested for each project.
• 6D BIM:  is a 5D BIM model developed to control energy factors inside and outside the building, often used by designers to control the light, temperature and energy indicators of each building.
• 7D BIM:  This BIM version is integrated with information about the equipment used to execute the project with meticulous detail. 7D BIM is often used for maintenance during the operation of works after construction.

Currently, in the world, many countries have successfully applied 6D BIM or 7D BIM models to build projects. However, to use these software, they also have to go through a lot of steps and go from 3D BIM.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of BIM model? 

Any software or application has outstanding advantages and disadvantages that need to be overcome. BIM is no exception. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of BIM that you need to know.

Advantage

• Centralized management of data: BIM will allow you to change and update detailed parameters easily without too much difficulty. When using BIM, the process is automatic and precise. Therefore, you only need to pay attention to the quality focus of the 3D model designs.

• Create intuitive model designs: projects are all factored down to the smallest details and are based on reality. This will make it easier for you to see every part of the project in detail. 

• Save time and costs: BIM software will help calculate the cost of parts of the project more accurately, clearly and in detail. Investors will also have a more direct and objective view of the costs they have spent to invest in the project. 

• Make connections: all departments from design, construction, structure, prediction, etc., all work on the same model, all information is always up to date to create a seamless flow of information. This also helps departments to be more closely linked in the working process.

• Risk reduction: BIM application supports users to detect risks during simulation and construction, minimizing possible risks.

Defect

• Investment problem: for businesses that are making a transition from using the old 2D model to the new BIM model, careful consideration is required. They need to consider the cost of purchasing software licenses, consultants and implementations, the process of training staff to use new applications proficiently as well as upgrading computer systems to match. with BIM.
• The importance of the first step: to use BIM successfully in projects, the first step is extremely important. For the first design to be successful, stakeholders need to have cohesion and good cooperation to build a standard model.

BIM model makes construction design easier

The role of BIM in construction design 

BIM plays an extremely important role in construction design from conception, design, to construction and operation. 

In addition, BIM also plays a role in the maintenance of water supply and drainage systems, electricity or gas supply systems, wastewater treatment, road systems, etc. BIM has been proven by CAFE in its benefits through Some targets:

• 40% reduction on design change requests
• Deviation from the actual estimate +/-3%
• Save 80% of time estimating
• 10% reduction in construction cost

How does BIM affect design efficiency? 

The era of technological development has brought about a change in the way buildings are operated, and infrastructure is designed and built. The introduction of BUTTERFLY has improved the design and operation process and schedule throughout the life of a building. 

BIM model is a virtual 3D model where all parts of the design such as bricks, mortar, lighting, furniture, etc., are represented in the BIM model. 

The data in the BIM model can be used to analyze factors related to the construction such as cost, materials, construction time, etc.

In addition, detailed information will always be updated and supplemented during the project implementation until the project is completed.

With traditional project implementation, transferring information between the design team and the construction team is already a complicated matter. For traditional drawings, editing parameters on one drawing will also greatly affect other drawings and all are edited manually. 

Therefore, there will still be errors in the design process. In addition, the association between heterogeneous data makes it very difficult to add and edit when detecting conflicts in the project. This can cause other risks to the project, leading to delay in construction progress and completion of works.

How to apply BIM in construction? 

What stage is BIM needed?

BIM is applied in all phases of construction from conception, design, construction, as well as operation and maintenance. 

Stakeholders all use BIM building information models such as investors, architectural designers, structural designers, main contractors, sub-houses, manufacturing workshops and infrastructure managers.

According to the regulations of the Government of Vietnam

• According to Decision No. 2500/QD-TTG dated December 22, 2016, the Government has approved the use of BIM in the road map research projects in construction.

• According to Decision 203/QD-BXD dated March 21, 2017 of the Ministry of Construction, a Steering Committee was established to implement the project of applying BIM – Building information model in construction and construction management. called the BIM Steering Committee. This project is headed by Mr. Le Quang Hung, deputy minister of the Ministry of Construction.
• Decision No. 348/QD-BXD dated April 2, 2021 on the Publication of General Guidelines for the application of Building Information Model (BIM).

According to unofficial information, our government is in the process of making mandatory regulations on the use of BIM in the construction field in the period from 2024-2025. Businesses and contractors are preparing human resources for government decisions. 

The BIM model is a virtual 3D model that contains all parts of the design

Conclude

BIM is a complex application process, therefore, before applying BIM in construction, projects and businesses need to carefully understand the steps taken to have successful implementations and constructions.