Different types of risks with BIM (Building Information Modeling)

Building information modeling (BIM) software is a tool that can be used to minimize the cost of construction as well as accelerate the construction process of any project.

BIM software can decompose components of the job and help to obtain a superior understanding of the construction project that is executed by the contractors and subcontractors. If employed perfectly, BIM can minimize construction time, costs, and claims.

The problems may occur when BIM is not precisely shared and demonstrated to all construction members.

Communication: While enforcing BIM as an inherent part of your project, the problem may arise if proper collaboration is not made among everyone associated all through the construction phases. With BIM, the architects can produce a superior building model that minimizes costs and materials, if the general contractor (GC) is not involved on the plan, then claims and issues will take place.

Control: As soon as the BIM is formed and allocated to the project members, proper protection should be taken to minimize the scope for consequent modifications by unauthorized parties. The process is complicated to modify a BIM model on large construction projects where various consultants and contractors give effort to complete modifications to reap their own advantage devoid of distributing the ideas to the whole group. Hence, a team leader should be appointed and performed as the only authorized user to rectify the BIM model.

Design Errors: Who will be responsible when the building collapses to abide by the most updated construction codes? There exist a thin line among liabilities as each party taking part in planning phases, corrections and input to the BIM model. In several cases, legal issues are stimulated by claims demonstrated by the GC, because of misinterpretation or inappropriate designs. Due to these types of errors, extra legal fees may incur which were not taken into consideration in the original contract, minimizing the savings formed with the BIM process.

Construction Costs: When BIM is employed on construction projects, it provides an idea of the total anticipated construction costs without showing the real cost. BIM facilitates you to work out the most precise building cost-to-complete, but it will not take into account actual price deviation from developing market like metals and petroleum-derivative products, politically-vulnerable commodities like oil, and uncontrollable events like natural disasters.

Minimizing Errors - The following tips are important for eliminating some errors and risks common to using BIM:

• The BIM team leader should be a tech-savy.
• BIM group members should have the capacity to communicate their ideas smoothly.
• Liabilities should be allotted evidently. Each team member should be well versed with their role and drawbacks.
• Make sure your contractors can build with BIM.
• Consult with your insurance agent regarding all relevant issues that can develop from malpractice issues and under-performing relevant issues.
• Apply clear and specific contracts that can recognize all potential risks and their liabilities.

Next Steps: BIM is applied with the Integrated Project Delivery system to curtail claims and possible issues. Some key specific legal clauses can also be integrated into the construction and design contracts. As with BIM, better communication among team members is the most vital factor to get success while employing BIM-IPD in your construction project.