New analysis examines global BIM growth

Traditionally, building design relies upon two-dimensional drawings – irrespective of whether CAD is used or not. BIM, however, extends this to 3D (and sometimes into further dimensions). It works well for electrical installations too. Bombard Electric

A new report looks at the global Building Information Modeling (BIM) market – including the UK – in terms of industry analysis, market size, share, growth, trends and forecast for 2014 to 2020. James Hunt reports:

Because of the efficiency and cost saving advantages of BIM for construction professionals – including electrical contractors – and also building users, it has been gaining ground as a technique. A new study by Transparency Market Research analyses this market on the basis of its market segments, major geographies, and current market trends.

BIM – sometimes also termed Building Information Management – is essentially about generating and managing intelligent information about a building or location throughout its lifecycle. More specifically, it is a shared resource and a process involving the generation and management of digital representations of physical and functional characteristics of places, which typically include buildings.

The reasons for using this technique, which is not completely new but which is now fast accelerating, are mainly those of efficiency, and to avoid the typical construction problems that often occur on building and other sites. The correct use of BIM, which involves maintaining data regarding various aspects of project management in terms of 3D, 4D and 5D modeling, minimises waste and streamlines construction through collaboration and the use of detailed, intelligent investigation techniques, as well as evaluation during the design phase.

Companies in this market offer BIM solutions in software and services models to cater to the specific requirements of their clients. BIM objects maintain digital data required for communication of various project related decisions in construction. With the use of integrated tools, the data stored in BIM can be used to manage the entire lifecycle of a construction project.

In short, BIM therefore enables more efficient methods of designing, creating and maintaining building assets. One recent study has indicated a17.4% CAGR forecast globally to 2018.

BIM for electrical installations

Using BIM, electrical engineers, designers and drafters, and some contractors, can complete all aspects of electrical design including power and lighting, fire alarm, communications, security systems, and other building services in a single environment.

Virtual construction models can be designed that are fully coordinated and which provide clash reporting and resolution. This way, the full integration of structural, civil, electrical and mechanical design allows the delivery of a new building or other structure smoother by removing clashes between traditional separate design packages.

Electrical engineers and contractors would do well to consider using BIM techniques for projects large and small in the near future, and they can start by learning more about BIM and its advantages.

Now a UK Government requirement

BIM is widely accepted by various stakeholders in construction industry including architects, contractors, building product manufacturers, managers and developers because of its immense scope of applications. Just one factor driving the growth of BIM market is government norms, which mandate the use of BIM in construction. Some countries mandate the use of BIM for conducting construction activities. This is so for the UK Government, which is aiming for all publically funded works started post 2016 to be carried out using BIM.

The report and scope

The study provides comprehensive analysis of market growth drivers, the factors limiting it, current market trends, the market structure, and the market projections for upcoming years.

The geographies analysed include Europe, North America, Asia Pacific and the rest of the world.  Some of the key players in the global BIM market are Beck Technology, Trimble Navigation, Autodesk, Design Data Corporation and Bentley Systems. from the US, Archidata from Canada, Asite from UK, Dassault Systems from France, Nemetschek from Germany and Solibri from Finland.

Go to: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com and to learn much more about BIM generally, please use the link below.