Different Dimensions of BIM Services - 3D, 4D, 5D, 6D, 7D

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a unique and dynamic process in the field of construction. It is the service of creating information-rich models through which the overall life cycle of the building project is depending. In BIM service the models that are created contain both graphical and non-graphical information in a common data environment (CDE). This is considered to be a platform where the data is shared in the form of digital information. The information that is shared becomes more convenient and visible to the client when it is been handed over to them post the completion of the work. With this detailed process, the actual strength, potential, and phase of the building can be visualized. 

Moving further, the BIM design process is incomplete without following it at a certain level of development along with its different dimensions too. Hence, in this blog, there would be complete knowledge and information related to the different dimensions of BIM services and the list for the same are 3D,4D,5D,6D, and 7D.

Well, one thing that needs to be cleared is that BIM dimensions are totally different from the BIM maturity levels. These are referred in a particular way wherein different data are linked in the form of the information model. Now by adding additional dimensions of the data, it is very much easy and understandable to get the information of the construction project. In this blog, let us explore and get an understanding of these dimensions that are required in the BIM process and the benefit that is expected from it. 

Now proceeding further, below are the different dimensions of BIM services explained in detail.

3D - The Information Sharing Model or Geometrical Model

The term 3D is a common term that is commonly known by every individual. It is the process that represents three geographical dimensions of a building structure. This geographical dimension has the capabilities to help the stakeholders to visualize the structure of the building even before the building project gets started. This whole process can be checked and seen only with the help of this stage which is 3D. With the help of the 3D BIM, it becomes easy and effective for the stakeholders to collaborate effectively for the modeling and resolve the small and typical structural problems. Also, as the complete details are shared online and have a central location i.e the BIM model, it becomes easier and quicker to solve issues that may arise at a future stage.

Benefits of BIM 3D services

Below mentioned are some of the benefits listed of BIM 3D services that are result-oriented.

• It enhances and shares the 3D visualization of the entire building project.
• Communication is a streamlined process and the design sharing is as per the expectations of the client.
• Easy and effective collaboration between multiple teams irrespective of their areas of expertise.
• Gives transparency of the work from the beginning and reduces the chances to have rework done.

4D - Sequencing of Construction, Scheduling, Duration, and Timeline

BIM 4D is the stage that is solely related to the proper planning of construction of the project at the site and that too by adding the new elements and process. This is related to the process of scheduling, deciding the timeline and duration of the project completion, and sequencing the work for easier and faster communication. This is the stage that will assist in providing the elaboration about the time that will be taken for the construction or installation. Also with that, there would be an update as to how much time will be required to get the project into operational use with different components along with the scheduling information.

Benefits of BIM 4D services

Let us proceed further and have a check on the benefits are solely associated with BIM 4D services

• Improvised planning of the site along with optimization in scheduling.
• Proper coordination between the architects, contractors, engineers, and team members on the site.
• Better approach and preparation in terms of updating the next stage or level of work that needs to be conducted at the next level of construction.
• Enhanced and detailed information that shares the information of the project timeline and make sure to assist in avoiding costly delays.
• Checking on the enhanced safety and efficiency with the help of the documentation of the entire plan with a proper timeline.

5D - Cost Estimation, Budget Tracking, and Analyzing.

As the projects that are undertaken in BIM are huge and have multiple costs associated with it, therefore there is a need for proper planning and analysis. This is all related to the cost estimation and the overall budget of the project that are required at the initial stage of any project. The dimension that is taken into consideration is 5D. It is one of the most important elements that is associated with the project. Adaptation of this service helps in providing the overall cost of the BIM project. Basically, to sum up, the entire process of 5D BIM enables the project promoters and owners to visualize and analyze the cost that will be incurred during the entire project activities.

Benefits of BIM 5D Services

Taking it further, let us take an understanding of the benefits that are connected with this 5th-dimensional service of building information modeling.

• Real-time cost estimation, expense visualization, and that too with the update on changes in the costing.
• Automation of the count of the overall resources and components that are associated with a project.
• A simple analysis of cost and overall budget with the update on actual cost vs projected cost.
• Regular update on day-to-day costing reports and budgetary information.

6D - Making Structure Self Sustainable and Energy Efficient

Building information modeling 6D is the stage that assists in analyzing the consumption of energy that will be required in the building. With the help of a 6D BIM service, the estimation of energy can be calculated at the initial stage of the project start-up. The service indeed helps and ensures the accurate prediction of the energy consumption requirements. The technology of BIM 6D takes the industry one step beyond the approach that is only focussing on the frontline cost of the project that is associated with it. Well, with the assistance of this dimension it helps in getting the ideal view of the entire cost that includes the assets and the money that will be spent to achieve its sustainability and cost-efficiency. Another term for 6D BIM is known as integrated BIM. It is basically having the involvement of in-depth and detailed information that supports the operational and facility management work for future dates.

Benefits of BIM 6D Services

• In the long run there is a reduction in energy consumption. 
• Quicker and more accurate in taking the decision related to the components installation during the entire process of design.
• In detail analyzing and checking on the impact of the overall operational and economical aspect of taking decisions for the entire building lifecycle.
• Overall better operational management of the building or the structure post the process of handing over to the owner.

7D - Holistic View of Facility Management Information for the Complete Lifecycle of Building

This is the final dimensional stage where the overall operational and facility management is taken care of by the managers and the owners. The stage is termed as 7D BIM Services. In this stage, the members are able to check the status of the building asset such as its status, operational and maintenance manuals, warranty information, technical specifications, etc and other managerial functions that are required for the usage of the future stage. The entire process and approach of 7D BIM are unique. In this everything is related to the overall facility management process that is available at one single place and that is within the building information model. With the integration of the BIM 7D services, the team ensures that each and everything in the project is functioning at its best from the start day to the end i.e the day of demolition of the structure.

Benefits of 7D BIM

• Easy optimization of assets and facility management from the start of the design stage until its demolition.
• Simple and easy replacement of the parts and repairs as an when required during the complete lifecycle of a building
• An easy and streamlined maintenance process for the contractors and the subcontractors.

Conclusion:
While reading this blog, it would be very much easy and understandable why these dimensions are required for the fulfillment of the BIM integration. Not only with this, but the service does also has other core sub-services that assist in completing the entire process. Here some of them listed are Revit 3D BIM modeling, Revit BIM Drafting Services, or BIM 3D model, and others too.

In the process of BIM, there is a requirement of software along with its latest tools and technology. Therefore, the best is to outsource it with a company that has a number of years of experience and has the basic knowledge of this software. Thus,  here you can connect with the team of S E C D Technical Services LLC, who cater to the experience for over 12+ years and are having the team of the best engineers who are well-trained and experts in their respective fields. Also, to get in touch with them you can call them or can email them and the team will be reverting back to you with your core requirements.