Report Tracks 30 Percent Growth Rate In Building Information Modeling

With premier sponsor Autodesk, McGraw-Hill Construction recently released the Building Information Modeling (BIM) SmartMarket Report at Autodesk University

With premier sponsor Autodesk, McGraw-Hill Construction recently released the Building Information Modeling (BIM) SmartMarket Report at Autodesk University 2008 in Las Vegas. The report shows growing enthusiasm for BIM among architects, engineers, contractors, and owners, indicating that usage will expand rapidly in the coming year, despite an economic recession. Users plan to significantly increase their investment in BIM in 2009, the study reveals, to realize greater productivity, improved communications, and a competitive edge.

In 2008, 45 percent of users reported that they are implementing BIM tools at moderate levels or higher. This year, 62 percent of BIM users will use it on more than 30 percent of their projects; and, nearly half (45 percent) of all current adopters will advance to become heavy BIM users, i.e., using it on at least 60 percent of projects, up from 35 percent this year.

The report shows that companies tracking BIM value metrics are reporting returns on investment (ROI) as high as 300 percent to 500 percent through improved project outcomes, better communication, and enhanced productivity. Across all experience levels and company sizes, training on BIM basics is seen as the most crucial need. Accordingly, the BIM SmartMarket Report includes a four-page, special section called Introduction to BIM.

The report defines BIM as the process of creating and using digital models for design, construction or operations of projects. Besides devoting less time to documentation and more time to designing, BIM users routinely tap its 3-D visualization capabilities to communicate with all parties and guide construction activities on the job site. Major findings highlight changes in company practice, as follows:

  • BIM promotes a more collaborative environment, and users recognize a need to rethink roles and workflow.
  • Nearly three-quarters (72 percent) of users have noted at least a moderate impact on their internal project processes, and two-thirds report that BIM has had at least a moderate impact on external project processes.
  • Half of users perceive BIM to have had a positive impact on their companies; only 7 percent report a negative impact.
  • Most BIM users (73 percent) are at least moderately involved in green building projects and find BIM to be helpful with those projects, especially in analyzing performance of energy-efficient elements and sustainable materials.

Building Information Modeling (BIM): Transforming the Design and Construction Industry to Achieve Greater Industry Productivity was authored by three McGraw-Hill Construction executives: President Norbert W. Young; Senior Director of Business Development Steve Jones; and, Vice President of Industry Analytics, Alliances and Strategic Initiatives Harvey Bernstein. A copy can be ordered at http://construction.ecnext.com/coms2/analytics.