Assignment B2 - David Sanchez - Group E

BIM for Contractors

The use of BIM technology in the construction industry has major advantages that can save companies time and money. BIM does this by helping team projects plan the construction process better which in returns reduces errors and conflicts.

One of the first and probably most important points made in this chapter is owners and architects should include contractors and subcontractors in the construction process of BIM. The reason for this the author says is that “traditional design-bid-build approach limits the contractor’s ability to contribute their knowledge to the project during the design phase”. (Eastman 263). In addition, the author continues to discuss that the use of the Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) feature is the best use of BIM as a collaborative tool amongst the owner, architect, designers, GC, and subcontractors. Other benefits of BIM mentioned this chapter include accurate clash detection of subcontractors and correction of these clashes and accurate cost estimation of the project for the contractors.

A drawback to the use of BIM from a contractor's standpoint is that there is a significant learning curve when using the new software. This can hinder production at the begin of the construction as the contractors learn to use the software. The author made suggestions to make the transition easier for contractors.

The final point made about this chapter is that in the absence of owners lead BIM efforts, contractors need to establish leadership in the BIM process so they can gain an advantage and better position themselves.

Source: Eastman, C. M. (2011). BIM handbook: a guide to building information modeling for owners, managers, designers, engineers and contractors. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.