The construction site is often overlooked when realizing a construction project. And that while the construction site design is an essential part of the construction project that can determine the lead time of the project. If the construction site is not properly laid out, problems may occur along the way. Think of lack of space, no good flow and loading and unloading problems. In this blog I explain how you can organize the construction site more efficiently and realize a smooth completion of the construction project using a BIM model.
The role of BIM in the design of the building site
You probably know the Building Information Model (BIM) as a handy tool in which all information about a building project is collected. Information from different suppliers is brought together in BIM, giving the architect, constructor and installer an overview of the entire construction project. With BIM, all phases of construction can be mapped: from design to demolition. This helps with performing calculations, planning work and maintaining an overview.
Less common is the inclusion of the construction site device in the BIM drawing. Since the focus is on the construction project, the construction site layout often comes in second place. And that while a good layout of the building site can bring considerable benefits to an operator.
How BIM helps with the efficient design of a construction site
You don’t want to waste too much time designing the construction site. The layout of the construction site is therefore often laid down in a sketch. The required building fences are ordered based on that sketch. This fleeting approach often causes unforeseen problems during the construction process. For example, too few construction fences are regularly ordered, too little space is reserved for scaffolding or the design of the construction site stands in the way of a good walk-through. These are all problems that delay the construction process.
Designing your construction site with the help of a BIM drawing helps you effectively solve the above problems and provides you with the following benefits:
- Reduce errors
All phases of the construction project are recorded in a 3D BIM model. This offers the possibility of accurately designing the construction site around the construction project. By including your construction site layout in the BIM drawing, you can test the construction site for efficiency before it is actually realized. Do you have enough space for your scaffolding? Can trucks easily make a turn within the construction site? BIM allows you to answer these questions in advance and, if necessary, adjust your construction site accordingly. This way errors are anticipated and prevented early.
- Insight in advance which material you need
The planning and progress of the construction project can also be recorded in BIM. A new phase of the construction project may require an adjustment in the construction site layout. A BIM drawing can be used to accurately determine which material is most suitable for each phase of the construction project. This way, the right amount of material can be delivered when you need it.
- Stimulate logistical progress
With the help of a BIM drawing you immediately map out what your construction site will look like. Because materials such as fences and braces can be loaded directly into the system, you can accurately see whether you have enough room left for a good logistics flow. Designing the construction site in a BIM drawing forces you to look critically at your construction site layout and to identify any problem areas early – before realization.
