Digital BIM

Digital BIM

Case Study

Extensive Digital BIM Expertise

Building Information Modelling (BIM) offers a comprehensive process of digitally modeling, mapping, monitoring, and managing information for construction projects. It fosters collaboration and employs digital technologies to enhance efficiency in designing, creating, and maintaining assets. BIM incorporates vital product and asset data, as well as three-dimensional computer models, enabling effective information management throughout the project’s lifecycle, from initial concept to operation.

GBE’s BIM consultants are involved in nearly every project we undertake. It serves as our data management approach, and we also bring our specialized BIM management expertise to clients’ projects and schemes, aiming to improve efficiency, reduce risk, enhance quality, and support design collaboration.

Overall, BIM offers significant advantages throughout the entire lifecycle of a construction project, from design and construction to facility management. It enhances collaboration, improves design accuracy, reduces errors, optimizes construction processes, and supports efficient facility management, leading to cost savings, time savings, and improved project outcomes.

Key Advantages of Using BIM

Enhanced Collaboration

BIM allows multiple stakeholders, such as architects, engineers, contractors, and clients, to collaborate more effectively. They can work on a shared digital model, enabling real-time collaboration, coordination, and communication. This reduces conflicts, errors, and delays during the design and construction process.

Improved Visualization and Design

BIM provides a three-dimensional (3D) virtual model of a building or infrastructure project. This helps stakeholders visualize and understand the design more accurately, making it easier to identify potential issues, conflicts, or design flaws early in the process. It allows for better design optimization and decision-making.

Clash Detection and Conflict Resolution

BIM enables clash detection, where the software automatically checks for clashes or interferences between various building elements, such as structural components, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. This early detection of clashes helps in resolving conflicts and coordination issues before construction, reducing costly rework or change orders.

Accurate Quantities and Cost Estimation

BIM facilitates automatic quantity takeoff and cost estimation by extracting data directly from the digital model. This improves accuracy, reduces manual errors, and enables faster and more reliable cost estimation during the project lifecycle.

Reduced Rework and Waste

With BIM’s accurate visualization and clash detection capabilities, potential errors, design flaws, and clashes can be identified early, reducing the need for rework during construction. This minimizes material waste, saves costs, and improves overall project efficiency.

Improved Communication and Documentation

BIM serves as a central repository for all project-related information, including design documents, specifications, schedules, and construction details. It improves communication and collaboration among project teams, simplifies document management, and ensures that all stakeholders are working with the most up-to-date information.

Fully Accredited

Working with GBE

What sets us apart is our capability to guide clients through the complex landscape of building safety regulations, particularly those mandated for high-risk buildings following the 2021 regulatory changes.

1) Holistic Approach

We provide a holistic approach to smoke vent control, covering every stage from initial design to ongoing maintenance. This ensures a seamless experience, as there is no need to coordinate with multiple vendors or service providers.

2) Expertise in Regulatory Compliance

Our team possesses in-depth knowledge and expertise in navigating building safety regulations, particularly those related to high-risk buildings. We stay up-to-date with the latest regulatory changes and ensure that our solutions are fully compliant with these requirements.

3) Guidance Through Regulatory Processes

We understand that navigating regulatory processes can be a daunting task. So, we offer personalised guidance and support to our clients, helping them understand the regulatory landscape and ensuring that their smoke vent control systems meet all necessary compliance standards.

4) Peace of Mind

Our clients know that their smoke vent control systems not only meet regulatory requirements but are also designed and installed to the highest standards of quality and reliability. Our end-to-end solution streamlines the process, saving time, effort, and potential headaches associated with compliance and maintenance.

5) Minimised Risk and Liability

Our comprehensive approach to smoke vent control, coupled with our expertise in regulatory compliance, helps minimise the risk and liability for our clients. We take proactive steps to ensure that their buildings are safe and compliant, reducing the likelihood of fines, penalties, or legal issues arising from non-compliance.

Sam Travis-Cavell	Head of Building Environments	Contact
Keith Plowman	Technical Consultant	Contact
Srinivas Sarath Thagapillai	Graduate Building Services and Sustainability Engineer	Contact

With a decade of experience in the construction industry and a diverse background including roles as an MEP Design Engineer, Sustainability Consultant, Contractor, Sole-trader, and Business Owner, Sam has developed a passion for sustainable design, responsive customer service, and believes that a collaborative teamwork approach produces the best solutions.

Keith served 18 years in the RAF Fire & Rescue Service both in the UK and abroad, working his way up to Watch Manager and Training Manager. During this time, he completed an engineering degree and joined Global in 2023, excelling with his innovative approach to problem solving, building safety and compliance, and utilising new technology.

Sustainability-focused Professional with a Master’s in Low Energy Building Services Engineering and a Bachelor’s in Architecture. Committed to delivering sustainable, high-performance buildings that align with environmental goals and client needs.

Digital BIM Enquiry

Transform your construction journey with Global Building Environments’ expert BIM services. Enquire today with GBE to see how we can support you with your Building Information Modelling (BIM) needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is BIM?

BIM stands for Building Information Modelling. BIM is the process of defining, creating, and delivering the structured data and documents that are used to design, create and operate any built asset – all in a centralised, accessible format that builds a single truth for all project participants.

What is the primary benefit of using BIM?

The primary benefit of BIM is improved collaboration and communication among all project stakeholders. By providing a single source of truth – the intelligent 3D model – it drastically reduces errors, reworks, and delays, leading to more efficient and cost-effective project delivery.

Is BIM a software, or a process?

BIM is often misunderstood as just software. While it utilises various software tools (like Autodesk Revit, Navisworks, ArchiCAD, etc.), BIM is fundamentally a process or a methodology. It’s about how project information is created, managed, and exchanged collaboratively throughout the entire project lifecycle.

What are the different “dimensions” of BIM (3D, 4D, 5D, 6D)?

3D BIM: The intelligent graphical model itself.
4D BIM: Adds time/schedule data to the 3D model, allowing for visual project sequencing and planning.
5D BIM: Adds cost data to the 3D model, enabling automated quantity take-offs and real-time cost estimations.
6D BIM: Adds lifecycle and operational data to the model, supporting facilities management, energy analysis, and asset management post-construction.

Is BIM mandatory in the UK?

While there isn’t a strict legal mandate for all projects, the UK government’s Construction Strategy encourages and in some cases requires the use of BIM. For example, BIM Level 2 (now aligned with ISO 19650) was a requirement for centrally procured government projects. Many private clients also now mandate BIM for their projects due to the proven benefits.

How does BIM help with sustainability?

BIM can significantly contribute to sustainability by enabling:

Energy Performance Analysis: Simulating building performance to optimise energy consumption.
Material Optimisation: Calculating precise material quantities to reduce waste.
Daylighting and HVAC Analysis: Designing for optimal natural light and efficient heating/cooling systems.
Lifecycle Assessment: Understanding the environmental impact of materials and systems throughout the building’s life.

Can BIM be used for existing buildings?

BIM can be used to create “as-built” models of existing buildings, often by using laser scanning or photogrammetry to capture existing conditions. This ‘digital twin’ can then be used for refurbishment projects, facilities management, energy efficiency upgrades, or heritage preservation.