What is BIM for Building Lifecycle?
BIM for building lifecycle or commonly known as BIM for Facilities Management (FM) is designed to include additional information to be added to the BIM model database for the purpose of managing the building after it has been completed, throughout the building’s lifecycle.
Such information includes but not limited to:
- Type of item
- Specifications
- Operation manual
- Time of next maintenance
- Time of next replacement
- Warranty period
What are the Uses & Benefits of BIM for Building Lifecycle?
The BIM modeller shall input the correct and as-built data of the products that exist inside the actual building constructed into the BIM model to assist the process of facilities management later on by the Facility Manager. The Facility Manager can then keep track of when an object needs to be replaced or maintenance work to be done. The Facility Manager can then contact the contractors in-charge in a timely manner.
In addition to that, if any failure occurs within the building, the Facility Manager can retrieve the necessary data such as the supplier or contractor to provide the necessary technical support very easily as the contact information is readily available in the BIM model.
They are also able to retrieve the information manual of any types of machinery in case there is a need for them to rectify minor problems without the need of contacting the contractors.
On top of all these, preventative maintenance can be achieved instead of corrective maintenance as the schedule for maintenance for all types of machinery and equipment are recorded in the BIM model for easy reference.
What are the common issues faced prior to the adoption of BIM for FM?
One of the main issues faced by Facilities Manager prior to the existence of BIM for FM is that often the building is not designed for maintenance to be done efficiently. For example, there were many cases whereby maintenance equipment cannot fit through the narrow corridor of the structure as maintenance is often regarded as an afterthought and not part of the building design. In order to ensure that maintenance can be done easily after the completion of the building, it is recommended for the developer to involve facility managers earlier in the process of designing the building.
Another issue is that developers often provide drawing plans that are difficult for Facility Managers to understand. With the adoption of BIM for FM, the Facility Managers can retrieve the 3D model easily through a facilities management software and retrieve all the necessary information required without having to go through hundreds of building plans and manuals that are stored in many folders. Everything shall be available in one centralised platform. However, Facility Managers are required to go for BIM training in order to be able to adopt the BIM software into their daily work routine effectively.