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TECHNOLOGY

Understanding 6D BIM: Project Life Cycle

4 min read

Oct 31

In our previous blogs, we talked about adding degrees of details to a 3D model of a project called Dimensions. This includes adding the 4th Dimension of Time and the 5th Dimension of Cost. One of the latest advances in the AEC industry is the addition of a 6th Dimension to a project’s 3D model called Project Lifecycle Information.

A project’s life goes through many stages. The project starts with an idea or a need. A feasibility analysis is done on this idea, which is then realized in the form of drawings and specifications. The project is then initiated and after going through a series of obstacles, it is finally built. After completion, it is turned over to the owner and all details of the building’s operations and maintenance along with it. This is where 6D BIM comes in. 6D BIM adds lifecycle information of a project to its BIM model, e.g. manufacturing, installation, operation, maintenance, and repair information. All this information is built into the BIM model and handed to the owner for optimal performance and maintenance. Apart from being used at the end of the project, 6D BIM also facilitates users in the design phase. It aids in decision-making processes to move the focus from capital expenditures to operational expenditures of the built assets.

6D BIM is also called Integrated BIM and focuses on sustainability. It acts as an as-built model for the client containing a sort of Manual for the Operations and Maintenance of the building. The owner can use these instructions for problems that arise in the future. Let’s discuss an example of what we mean by sustainability and a better decision-making process. Suppose you are adding a boiler with a life expectancy of 5 years to a building. Using 6D BIM, you can perform the analysis and check if using one with a 10-year expectancy will prove to be cheaper in the long run. This way, Project managers and designers can explore a whole variety of new options along the lifecycle of the entire project and get an overview of its impact on the cost and time. However, the real importance of these details and selections come into play during the handover process.

Benefits:

1- Utilizing 6D BIM during the design and operational stages of construction helps in improving the building performance and energy efficiency.

2- The use of 6D BIM during the design phase helps in faster and more efficient decision making. The project manager or architect can figure out what structural elements to use to result in the cheapest and most efficient in the long run.

3- Adding information about all types of costs, operations, manuals and maintenance plans helps the client is preparing for all sorts of maintenance after the handover.

4- Changes or repairs to any part of the building can be made extremely easy throughout the project lifecycle.

5- With the help of 6D BIM, all project stakeholders can easily monitor and predict the cost and overall situation of the project. They can also control these factors.

6- The BIM model produced will be a constantly updatable archive for all the data gathered and programs created in accordance with green goals, which can assist with building analysis.

7- 6D BIM can help aid in change management. Facility management professionals can use this 6D model to better plan scenarios and set up space more systematically. The model can also identify any conflict that would occur if the need or requirement of the space changes.

Conclusion:

6D BIM is one of the newest additions to the BIM trends. It has multiple advantages in terms of information management and system efficiency. The core concept is to add the project lifecycle information of the project into the BIM model. This helps the owner or client prepare for any sort of maintenance plans after the handover. This type of dimension is also used for better energy and cost analysis of a project.

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