The power of 3D on the construction site
In construction, we are constantly concerned with efficiency, accuracy and collaboration. While construction used to be a time-consuming process, it has improved dramatically with the advent of modern (construction) techniques. Examples of these techniques are Building Information Modelling (BIM) and 3D visualisation. The advent of these techniques has drastically changed the way projects are designed, planned and executed. In this article we take a closer look at the use of BIM and 3D on the construction site.
What is BIM and why is it important?
Taking a step back, what exactly is BIM? Building Information Modelling (BIM) is the process of creating a 3D model of a construction project, bringing together all the relevant information about a structure. This includes not only geometric data, but also the properties and characteristics of building elements, such as dimensions, materials, cost and schedule. The key benefit of BIM is that it allows everyone involved in a project to collaborate and share information on a central platform.
This gives a better insight into the construction. It also helps to plan and organise the project more efficiently.
The role of 3D on site
The advent of on-site 3D visualisation brings many benefits. For example, it allows project teams to easily view a 3D model on site and understand what the project will look like in reality. This provides greater insight into the construction and therefore helps to plan and organise the project more efficiently. We discuss this in more detail below.
You actually build a project twice: once digitally and once physically.
Storage and use in one
Contractors need a central place to store project documents and BIM models. In practice, however, most construction companies have information in separate locations or applications.
This is a shame, because by storing all information in one solution, you eliminate all sorts of inefficiencies, such as searching for the location of a particular file. And you no longer have to worry about whether you have the right version in front of you, or whether it opens easily on your mobile phone or tablet.
Prostream on the construction site
By organising your data storage using construction software such as Prostream, it allows the contractor to walk through the BIM model and orient themselves in 3D. Right on site. Good construction software will allow you to do this with Revit and IFC models. Or with multi-aspect models merged into one view. In Prostream, you can even load and view an IFC with a Revit model.
It’s nice when you don’t have to think about which device you want to view it on. That is why you can use the BIM viewer in Prostream on different devices: whether you are a contractor sitting behind your laptop in the site hut, or whether you have your feet in the mud and want to view on your phone or tablet.
You can easily share the model with executing project partners so they can view it without needing BIM software themselves.
Features such as cross sectioning, searching by topic or part and tree navigation allow you to navigate quickly and get to the right information. You can also enable or disable specific layers and/or parts. Prostream also allows you to measure the distance between specific objects. Finally, you can easily share the model with executing project partners so they can view it without needing BIM software themselves.
Get the most out of 3D on the construction site
The use of BIM and 3D visualisation on construction sites has completely changed the way projects are designed, planned and executed. By using the right construction software, construction professionals can take full advantage of these technologies. Improved communication, efficiency, cost savings and safety make such programmes a valuable tool for any construction project. By bringing BIM and 3D together in perfect harmony, software like Prostream opens up new opportunities for innovation and success on the construction site.