In today’s architectural, engineering, and construction world, there is a growing trend to utilize Building Information Modeling (BIM). BIM is a powerful digital tool that enables different specialty teams to work together efficiently and effectively on complex construction and building restoration projects. For example, Building Envelope Professionals Group (BEPG) uses BIM technology to accurately diagnose building envelope issues, design solutions, and work seamlessly with architects, engineers, and construction companies.
The building envelope is one of the most critical components of any structure, responsible for protecting the interior from the elements. A well-designed envelope can improve energy efficiency, reduce maintenance costs, and prolong the life of a building.
You can ensure a successful restoration or rehabilitation project by working with a team of experts who understand BIM and the building envelope.
What is BIM and Its Benefits?
BIM, or Building Information Modeling, is a robust set of tools and processes used to create digital models of buildings and other structures. These digital models are much more than 3D models. The model is composed of many intelligent BIM objects containing actionable information. For example, updating or changing a BIM object for a building system results in changes reflected throughout the building’s model. Anyone can use a maintained BIM model throughout a building’s life cycle.
BIM provides many benefits, from improved coordination across different teams working on the same project to better decision-making by allowing for detailed analysis before anything is built or repaired. BIM makes it easier to:
- identify existing building problems,
- see potential issues during the design process and
- anticipate future decisions (such as needed maintenance materials).
With many advantages over traditional construction methods, BIM can give your projects the edge!
Benefits of Building Envelope Professionals using BIM
Combining Building Information Modeling (BIM) with building envelope expertise offers a highly efficient way to identify and resolve building issues.
Building Envelope Professionals Group (BEPG) experts have perfected their technique utilizing tools such as drones and LIDAR laser scanners. The drones explore exterior walls and roofs while LIDAR laser scanners capture interior or exterior spaces not accessible to drones. As a result, BEPG can effectively:
- generate BIM models for existing buildings and structures
- identify any issues with the roof, exterior walls, or foundation
- determine mitigation and resolution strategies
- ensure restoration and repair projects are accurate
- optimize resources
- save client’s time and money
How BEPG Saves You Time & Money Using BIM
As a building envelope professional, utilizing BIM can have numerous benefits. Not only can it provide a tool to measure and assess projects accurately, but it also offers time and cost-saving advantages.
Using drone-to-BIM technologies, building envelope professionals can create detailed 3D maps of the project site with a fraction of the cost and effort involved in traditional methods (think scaffolding, lifts, and thousands of photographs).
Also, thru the use of LIDAR laser-to-BIM technologies, existing photogrammetry techniques are easily augmented for even more effective model management. Effective modeling allows for more efficient onsite inspections and comprehensive analysis of data associated with large volumes of information ─ resulting in significant cost savings over time.
Moreover, BIM provides visualizations to ensure clear communication between stakeholders, thus optimizing the workflow and ensuring accurate decision-making without costly errors due to miscommunication.
Utilizing all these advanced techniques helps building envelope consultants save time and money while producing high-quality work.
How to Get Started
If you are considering a historic preservation or rehabilitation project, let’s talk! Our Photogrammetry (3D Modeling) Services will use a drone, LIDAR laser scanner, or both to collect real-world data to generate a BIM model.
Then, our Building Envelope Experts use their extensive expertise and the BIM model to analyze and diagnose building envelope issues. We then use the BIM model for conceptual design, documentation, and sharing information with contractors, operations, and maintenance.
Use Case: Thordarson’s Rock Island Boathouse
Thordarson’s Rock Island Boathouse is an incredible example of how far Building Information Modeling (BIM) and building envelope expertise have come. Building Envelope Professional Group (BEPG) used drones and LIDAR laser technology to create a comprehensive BIM model of the boathouse as part of their restoration project. These advanced tools allowed BEPG to quickly map and analyze the entire building, identify design needs, and best restore it with close attention to structural elements like claddings, windows, roofs, and foundations. Delivering precision results within a shorter timeline was essential for this historic preservation effort, which relied heavily on information gathered through these BIM technologies.
Some Thordarson’s point clouds created by BEPG:
In Conclusion
BIM and building envelope expertise are both essential for a successful construction project. When you combine the two, you can save time and money while ensuring a high-quality result. We will help you develop a plan that meets your specific needs. Get started today! And if you’re looking for inspiration, check out examples of other projects that have used this combination to significant effect. With the right team in your corner, there’s no limit to what you can achieve!