International. The benefits of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and other technological advances that enable the exchange of information on project design and construction, including improving labor productivity and reducing costs for construction companies, are just the beginning of what can be achieved, according to a new study released by Dodge Data & Analytics in collaboration with Bentley Systems.
The study explores three discrete themes, with the overall theme of improving industry through technology: BIM success factors, construction modeling, and information mobility.
The BIM Success Factors section explores both the measurable benefits achieved from BIM and the factors considered most critical to help achieve those benefits. The benefits of BIM make it clear that it is a competitive advantage for companies that use it:
• Nearly half (48%) see a decrease of 5% or more in the final cost of construction, as they use BIM;
• More than half (51 per cent) see the same level of reduction in their project programmes;
• Nearly a third (31%) say they have seen a 25% improvement in labour productivity.
The study also shows that construction modeling is currently underutilized, with less than half (41%) of respondents currently viewing construction modeling in their projects, but nearly three-quarters (72%) of those who use it reporting its value. The results reveal that general contractors do most construction modeling, and that the activities that are considered most valuable are the storage and sequencing of work work, and logistics of the project work.
However, modeling among businesses continues to emerge, with the exception of HVAC and structural contractors. The areas of greatest unmet demand according to the findings are for interior, building envelope, and electrical contractors to participate in construction modeling.
