BIM Implementation Plan for Construction Projects

Introduction
As a Planning Engineer with an MTech in Infrastructure Engineering and Management
background joining a construction firm, implementing Building Information Modelling
(BIM) can revolutionize project efficiency, collaboration, and lifecycle management. BIM is
a collaborative process that involves creating and managing digital representations of a
project’s physical and functional characteristics throughout its lifecycle. This document
provides a detailed plan for implementing BIM across all construction stages - Initiation,
Planning, Design, Construction, Operation, and Decommissioning - specifying the software
to be used at each stage and including a flowchart to illustrate the process.
BIM Implementation Flowchart
The following flowchart outlines the BIM implementation process, aligned with the
construction project lifecycle:

BIM Implementation in Workflow

The following flowchart is the assessment as to how BIM is to be incorporated into the
workflow
BIM Implementation Across Construction Stages
1. Initiation Stage
Objective: Define project goals, scope, and BIM requirements to align with stakeholder
expectations.
BIM Activities:
 Conduct stakeholder meetings to establish BIM objectives (e.g., clash detection, cost
estimation, facility management).
 Identify project deliverables and data requirements.
 Assess team capabilities and training needs for BIM adoption.
Software:
 Autodesk BIM 360 Docs: For document management and stakeholder collaboration.
 Microsoft Project: To outline initial project timelines and integrate with BIM
workflows.
 Trimble Connect: For sharing project data in a Common Data Environment (CDE).
Implementation Steps:
1. Organize workshops to align stakeholders on BIM goals.
2. Use BIM 360 Docs to centralize project briefs and requirements.
3. Evaluate hardware/software needs and plan training sessions.
Connection to Construction Flow:
 This stage sets the foundation for collaborative workflows, ensuring all parties
understand BIM’s role in achieving project objectives.
2. Planning Stage
Objective: Develop a BIM Execution Plan (BEP) to guide implementation and ensure
interoperability.
BIM Activities:
 Create a BEP outlining BIM standards, workflows, and roles.
 Define Level of Development (LOD) requirements (e.g., LOD 100 for conceptual
design).
 Establish a Common Data Environment (CDE) for data sharing.
Software:
 Autodesk Revit: For initial model creation and planning.
 BIMcollab: For issue tracking and collaboration on BEP development.
  Navisworks Manage: For preliminary model coordination and clash detection
planning.
Implementation Steps:
1. Draft the BEP using templates from ISO 19650 standards.
2. Set up a CDE using Trimble Connect or BIM 360.
3. Train team members on Revit and Navisworks for model development.
Connection to Construction Flow:
 The BEP ensures that planning aligns with construction schedules and resource
allocation, reducing downstream errors.
3. Design Stage
Objective: Develop detailed 3D models, perform clash detection, and optimize designs.
BIM Activities:
 Create architectural, structural, and MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) models.
 Conduct clash detection to identify design conflicts.
 Perform energy analysis for sustainability (6D BIM).
Software:
 Autodesk Revit: For architectural, structural, and MEP modeling.
 Navisworks Manage: For clash detection and model coordination.
 Autodesk Insight: For energy and environmental analysis.
 Tekla Structures: For detailed structural steel and concrete modeling.
Implementation Steps:
1. Develop 3D models in Revit, ensuring LOD 200-300 compliance.
2. Use Navisworks to detect and resolve clashes between disciplines.
3. Analyze energy performance using Insight to optimize design.
Connection to Construction Flow:
 Accurate 3D models reduce design errors, ensuring constructability and alignment
with construction plans.
4. Construction Stage
Objective: Execute construction using 4D (scheduling) and 5D (cost) BIM models for
efficient management.
BIM Activities:
 Integrate scheduling data (4D BIM) to visualize construction sequences.
  Perform cost estimation and quantity take-offs (5D BIM).
 Monitor progress and update models in real-time.
Software:
 Autodesk Navisworks: For 4D scheduling and construction simulation.
 Autodesk Quantity Takeoff or CostX: For 5D cost estimation and quantity take-offs.
 BIM 360 Field: For on-site model access and progress tracking.
 Synchro Pro: For advanced 4D scheduling and logistics planning.
Implementation Steps:
1. Link Revit models with schedules in Navisworks or Synchro Pro for 4D simulations.
2. Use CostX for automated quantity take-offs and cost tracking.
3. Deploy BIM 360 Field for real-time updates from the construction site.
Connection to Construction Flow:
 4D and 5D models streamline construction sequencing, resource allocation, and cost
control, minimizing delays and budget overruns.
5. Operation Stage
Objective: Utilize BIM for facility management, maintenance, and sustainability.
BIM Activities:
 Develop as-built models reflecting final construction conditions.
 Implement 6D BIM for facility management (e.g., maintenance schedules).
 Use 7D BIM for sustainability and lifecycle management.
Software:
 Autodesk BIM 360 Ops: For facility management and maintenance tracking.
 Archibus: For space and asset management.
 EcoDomus: For integrating BIM with facility management systems.
 Autodesk Revit: For updating as-built models.
Implementation Steps:
1. Convert construction models to as-built models in Revit.
2. Use BIM 360 Ops to schedule maintenance and track assets.
3. Implement EcoDomus for energy monitoring and sustainability analysis.
Connection to Construction Flow:
  BIM data supports efficient facility operations, reducing maintenance costs and
enhancing building performance.
6. Decommissioning Stage
Objective: Plan demolition and waste management using BIM data.
BIM Activities:
 Analyse as-built models for demolition planning.
 Identify recyclable materials and waste management strategies.
 Document decommissioning processes for regulatory compliance.
Software:
 Autodesk Revit: For analysing as-built models.
 Navisworks Manage: For simulating demolition sequences.
 Trimble Connect: For sharing decommissioning plans with stakeholders.
Implementation Steps:
1. Review as-built models in Revit to identify structural components.
2. Use Navisworks to simulate demolition and plan logistics.
3. Document waste management plans in Trimble Connect for stakeholder approval.
Connection to Construction Flow:
 BIM ensures safe and sustainable decommissioning, leveraging data from earlier
stages to minimize environmental impact.
Software Summary
Stage Software
Initiation Autodesk BIM 360 Docs, Microsoft Project, Trimble Connect
Planning Autodesk Revit, BIMcollab, Navisworks Manage, Trimble Connect
Design Autodesk Revit, Navisworks Manage, Autodesk Insight, Tekla
Structures
Construction Autodesk Navisworks, Autodesk Quantity Takeoff/CostX, BIM 360
Field, Synchro Pro
Operation Autodesk BIM 360 Ops, Archibus, EcoDomus, Autodesk Revit
Decommissionin Autodesk Revit, Navisworks Manage, Trimble Connect
g
Challenges and Mitigation Strategies
  High Initial Costs: Invest in scalable software licenses and prioritize training to
maximize ROI.
 Learning Curve: Conduct regular training sessions and leverage vendor support for
software adoption.
 Interoperability Issues: Use open standards like IFC (Industry Foundation Classes)
to ensure software compatibility.
 Resistance to Change: Engage stakeholders early and demonstrate BIM’s benefits
through pilot projects.
Conclusion
Implementing BIM as a planning engineer enhances project outcomes by improving
collaboration, reducing errors, and optimizing lifecycle management. By following the
outlined stages, using the recommended software, and adhering to the flowchart, you can
successfully integrate BIM into construction projects. Regular training, stakeholder
engagement, and adherence to standards like ISO 19650 will ensure a smooth transition and
long-term benefits.
References
 ISO 19650: Organization and digitization of information about buildings and civil
engineering works.
 Autodesk, “What is BIM?” (www.autodesk.com).
 Cemex Ventures, “BIM Process & Lifecycle in Construction”
(www.cemexventures.com).
 TopBIM Company, “4 Stages of BIM Process in Construction”
(www.topbimcompany.com).