Building Information Modeling Project Quality Management
BIM PQM combines two elementary building blocks in the planning and construction process, so Building Information Modeling (BIM) is the essential core element of modern Project Quality Management (PQM).
Building Information Modeling
Building Information Modeling describes the planning process of a building, which is planned jointly by the architect and specialist planners. This is a virtual, three-dimensional building model based on a database of all building components. All components of the model are informed, i. e. necessary information is stored in the part.
As architects and specialist planners work together on this three-dimensional model, potential conflicts are detected in good time and can thus be resolved cost-effectively using the mouse on the computer instead of the jackhammer on the construction site. This rework is a cost factor, because the component is created twice and is interrupted once in between. Similarly, a significantly higher time factor is required to finally create the component.
In this way, the significant cost and time savings, in contrast to the old planning methods, become comprehensible. In 2D planning, collisions, e. g. between the structural framework and the building services engineering, cannot always be reliably recorded throughout the building. This leads to frequent changes on the construction site and the associated supplements, costs, extra work and delays. Furthermore, the fuzzy 2D plans of the old planning methods lead to a fuzzy tender. An invitation to tender created on this basis inevitably leads to supplements. Additions cost the building owners not only cash money, but also time - time that is needed to complete the addendum system and release. Supplements also mean a significant amount of extra work for the planning team and frequent additions are damaging to the reputation of the architect or specialist planner.
The customary and time-consuming method of checking plans using 2D paper plans is no longer necessary, as the comparison of the architect's model with the specialist planning models is carried out in a common model. Possible conflicts between the individual disciplines are easily and safely localized using model checker programs. This software is programmed on a project-by-project basis with the rules to be queried and checks the entire model spatially. The BIM coordinator as administrator of the common building model draws the planners' attention to possible conflicts directly in the 3D model. The planners involved in a conflict receive a message and the conflict is highlighted in red in the 3D model. The conflict should be resolved in the next revision cycle. The BIM coordinator can check and document this reliably using model comparison from the model checker program.
However, the philosophy of the BIM Method extends beyond this, as the model developed serves not only for joint planning, tendering, execution and subsequent management of the building, but also for its demolition. Building Information Modeling, especially during the use phase of the building, is of crucial importance for the facility management.
Project Quality Management
Project Quality Management represents a quality assurance process in the planning, tendering and execution phase. The quality assurance measures are determined on a project-by-project basis and summarized in a useful way in a project manual, which forms an important contractual basis for the smooth running of the project, as well as for quality assurance. In addition to the actual description of the project and its structure, the project manual defines project-related process flows such as cost control, scheduling, risk list, protocols, approvals, meeting schedules, etc., in particular.
The BIM model is the central and most important building block in project-related quality assurance, as all component information of the building is stored here. The BIM model corresponds to a database in which each component is listed individually and the corresponding space coordinates are located. The visualization of the 3D model is generated from the component information of the database. The 2D plans are also a copy of the 3D model. Furthermore, the 3D model is absolutely necessary, for example for static calculations, simulations in fire protection planning or for modern building services planning.
Thus, the BIM model forms the core of every project-related quality assurance, since all data of the building's components are stored in a cross-disciplinary way and can be retrieved at any time. Furthermore, problems such as component collisions are easy to locate, document and verify. It is also possible to keep up to date with the actual and target requirements of the room logbook, the space and functional requirements and the construction costs. In the design phase, traffic routes in administrative buildings or hospitals, etc. can be optimized. Similarly, building owners or investors can examine the potential of their existing properties in various scenarios in order to be able to make decisions on future investments with greater certainty.
While the design is decisive for the acquisition of a new project and the subsequent functioning of the building, two factors are of central importance during the planning and construction phase of a building: costs and deadlines. The overall BIM building model forms the basis for a continuously updated cost planning, as well as for construction planning and the resulting scheduling. The so-called 5D planning is used when the factors are supplemented in a cost and time dynamic way. This makes it possible to understand why the BIM planning method leads to a significant reduction in costs and a high degree of schedule reliability in the construction phase of the building. Consequently, all traditional planning methods no longer correspond to the current state of the art in planning technology.
If you have further questions about the BIM planning method, its implementation into existing planning and quality management processes in general, or because of the introduction of this planning process in your company or planning office, please feel free to contact me. If you, as an investor or builder, would like to realize future projects within a tighter budget and schedule, I will also be happy to advise you.