Limbach Embraces BIM: Building Information Modeling
The Building Information Modeling (BIM) revolution is sweeping the construction industry and is just the latest in technology advances that allows you to build a building, before you build a building. Providing its customers the best in class mechanical contracting services and implementing new technology, such as BIM, is a hallmark of Limbach.
Successful construction projects typically have risk management strategies in place to guide the execution to completion and BIM is emerging as a technology for delivering successful projects. Many projects are very complex and application of this technology can have a dramatic impact on all trades and it starts with the mechanical contractor. Limbach uses BIM technology to reduce risk, improve delivery, and improve execution on construction projects.
Many see BIM as just 3-D design, but it is much more. BIM empowers architects, engineers and contractors to:
- Work collaboratively as a team
- Create with unlimited freedom
- Explore more design options
- Make better informed design decisions
- Predict costs
- Increase performance
The impact of construction coordination is greatest for the mechanical contractor. To control installed costs, reduce impacts to other trades, and reduce risk throughout the construction, Limbach and Limbach’s in-house engineering firm, Limbach Engineering and Design Services (LEDS), have made a substantial commitment to the application of Building Information Modeling. This application is being made in the engineering, coordination, and fabrication planning phases of our business.
LEDS has begun to apply technologies of BIM during the design phase on Design-Build projects where LEDS is Engineer of Record. The application of this technology allows our designers and engineers to begin the coordination process much sooner in the construction process. By designing mechanical systems in 3-Dimensions, LEDS is able to reduce the fabrication planning efforts of Limbach. The 3-D design documents from LEDS can be used directly by the Limbach fabrication planning staff to improve the coordination efforts.
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• AutoCad MEP 2008 |
3-D Engineering and Drafting |
With the commitment to BIM, Limbach is quickly becoming a leader in the application of 3-D coordination between trades. With a large staff of fabrication planners trained in the use of BIM, Limbach is able to reduce conflicts in the construction allowing for faster and less expensive execution of construction. This effort in 3-D BIM for coordination and planning results in reduced risk to the contractor and a better installation for the customer, all delivered on time.
For this project, LIMBACH Company will be the champion for the coordination process. The Fabrication Planning staff will use detail design software to develop 3-D models of the duct, pipe, and plumbing. This 3-D planning and fabrication model will be used with 3-D models of the structural, electrical, and fire protection systems to fully coordinate the installation in a virtual 3-D model of the architectural design. Using this technology to coordinate the installation will reduce conflicts in the field, improve the scheduling of tasks, and deliver a better installation to the customer.
