Application of BIM Technologies in Construction
Starting this year, all public building and social infrastructure projects in Russia must legally be designed using a new 3D modeling system. Experts refer to this as the third revolution in the world of architecture. What are BIM technologies, how can they prevent unexpected construction halts due to design errors, and how ready is our region for these changes?
What is BIM?
The abbreviation BIM stands for Building Information Modeling. Essentially, it’s a 3D modeling system for future construction projects. Instead of piles of blueprints, the documentation is housed within specialized software, presenting a detailed, three-dimensional representation of the project, down to the smallest details.
What is BIM?
The abbreviation BIM stands for Building Information Modeling. Essentially, it’s a 3D modeling system for future construction projects. Instead of piles of blueprints, the documentation is housed within specialized software, presenting a detailed, three-dimensional representation of the project, down to the smallest details.
— "When a project is created in a flat 2D format, it’s often difficult to account for every detail. BIM technologies allow us to visually ensure, for instance, that a pipe won’t interfere with a load-bearing structure or that a valve can operate without obstruction. Through 3D modeling, we can also present the building’s appearance to the client and inspect every detail, down to the nuts and bolts in the basement."
Efficiency and Accuracy:
Globally, BIM technologies have been in active use for over a decade. In the UK, it’s legally required to use 3D designs for any construction project. In Russia, BIM has been recognized at the highest levels of government, though it took years to adapt international software to Russian construction standards.
Government Push:
In 2018, Russian President Vladimir Putin instructed the country’s construction industry to transition to BIM technologies.
"We realized this was a trend we needed to follow," says Alexander Sevastyan.
Since 2019, his team has been working with BIM systems, and now about half of their projects utilize these technologies.
BIM’s Implementation in RussiaAs of January 2023, a government resolution mandates the use of BIM technologies for all projects funded by the budget. Authorities in the Khabarovsk Territory were early adopters of 3D modeling, requiring all future social infrastructure projects to be designed in 3D since December.
Kerim Sungurov, Deputy Chairman of the Khabarovsk Territory Government for Construction, shared a revealing experiment:
"We converted a project, which had already passed expert review and approval, into a digital model. We found about 2,000 errors! Without 3D modeling, the contractor would have encountered these errors during construction, leading to work stoppages while the design documentation was corrected."
This year, the region plans to complete design documentation for 15 projects using information modeling.
Long-Term Benefits
BIM technologies represent a transformative shift in the construction and infrastructure industries, offering precision, efficiency, and long-term benefits that enhance both project implementation and urban living.
Globally, BIM technologies have been in active use for over a decade. In the UK, it’s legally required to use 3D designs for any construction project. In Russia, BIM has been recognized at the highest levels of government, though it took years to adapt international software to Russian construction standards.
Government Push:
In 2018, Russian President Vladimir Putin instructed the country’s construction industry to transition to BIM technologies.
"We realized this was a trend we needed to follow," says Alexander Sevastyan.
Since 2019, his team has been working with BIM systems, and now about half of their projects utilize these technologies.
BIM’s Implementation in RussiaAs of January 2023, a government resolution mandates the use of BIM technologies for all projects funded by the budget. Authorities in the Khabarovsk Territory were early adopters of 3D modeling, requiring all future social infrastructure projects to be designed in 3D since December.
Kerim Sungurov, Deputy Chairman of the Khabarovsk Territory Government for Construction, shared a revealing experiment:
"We converted a project, which had already passed expert review and approval, into a digital model. We found about 2,000 errors! Without 3D modeling, the contractor would have encountered these errors during construction, leading to work stoppages while the design documentation was corrected."
This year, the region plans to complete design documentation for 15 projects using information modeling.
Long-Term Benefits
- Efficient Maintenance:
- Future Prospects:
BIM technologies represent a transformative shift in the construction and infrastructure industries, offering precision, efficiency, and long-term benefits that enhance both project implementation and urban living.
