Digitalisation and changing market conditions have fundamentally changed the construction and real estate industry. Processes that used to be analogue and time-consuming can now be mapped much more efficiently, data-based and, above all, transparently.
Digital planning plays a central role, especially in new buildings, renovations and building planning. A key technology in this context is so-called Building Information Modeling (BIM). You can learn more in the following sections.
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What is Building Information Modeling?
Building Information Modeling (BIM) refers to a digital approach to the holistic planning, implementation and management of buildings. Unlike conventional construction processes, which are usually based on separate 2D drawings, BIM creates a central, networked model. This creates a digital image of the building. It contains all important information in one central place. These include the geometry, materials used, and data on time, costs, and usage.
In addition to geometric data – for example from CAD drawings – a BIM model also contains information on materials, construction times, costs, energy consumption, operating and maintenance requirements and other crucial aspects.
This creates a holistic, transparent planning basis that maps the entire life cycle of a building – from the initial design idea and execution to long-term operation and dismantling.
The market development also shows how important BIM has become for the construction industry: The German market for Building Information Modeling (BIM) is expected to grow from USD 0.58 billion in 2024 to USD 1.09 billion by 2029 – this corresponds to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 13.3% (source: MarketsandMarkets).
Advantages
There are many advantages associated with BIM:
- Time and cost savings: Efficient planning, automatic quantity determination and early error detection reduce effort and budget risks.
- Sustainability & life cycle management: BIM accompanies the building throughoutits entire life cycle – from planning to demolition – and supports resource-saving, future-proof use.
- Optimized collaboration: Central data models improve communication and coordination between architects, specialist planners, builders and investors.
Greater planning reliability: Realistic simulations and precise data ensure well-founded decisions and minimize subsequent changes.
Origin and development of BIM
At first glance, Building Information Modeling seems like a modern approach to digital construction planning – but its origins go back further than many assume. As early as the 1970s, the first research groups and software developers began to develop computer-aided models for building planning. At that time, the focus was primarily on 3D representations and the linking of geometric data with technical information.
In the decades that followed, these approaches were continuously developed. It was not until the early 2000s that the term Building Information Modeling (BIM) became established as an industry standard – initially in the USA and Scandinavia, where innovative construction projects increasingly relied on digital planning methods. With increasing digitization and increasing requirements for efficiency, cost control and sustainability, BIM finally spread worldwide.
Today, BIM is considered an indispensable part of modern construction processes in many countries – including Germany. The use of BIM is now often mandatory, especially in public construction projects, and forms the basis for a future-oriented, digital construction industry.
Typical areas of application in practice are:
- Planning and visualization of new buildings
Early fault detection, optimized coordination of all trades, better communication
- Renovation, conversion and construction in existing buildings :
Precise recording by laser scanning, surveying, modelling via Scan to BIM
- Operation and Maintenance (Facility Management)
BIM as a database for maintenance planning, space management and energy efficiency
- Real estate marketing and project presentation
Clear virtual tours, convincing visualizations for investors
- BIM Digitization of existing buildings
Transfer of old buildings into digital models for renovation, conversion and archiving
- Model-based
analysis for precise material calculation and budget control
Our BIM digitization services are aimed at a wide range of professional clients from the construction and real estate industries. These include architects, civil engineers, planning offices, property developers, real estate developers as well as construction companies and general contractors.
1.596.647 m²
Already over 1,500,000 digitally drawn square meters
Scan to BIM & 3D Laser Scanning as a Basis for Digital Models
Scan to BIM describes the process of using 3D laser scanning to precisely capture existing buildings and transfer the point cloud data obtained into a digital BIM model. This method forms the basis for a detailed and reliable inventory – especially for historic buildings, old buildings or complex building structures.
3D laser scanning offers decisive advantages: Even hard-to-reach areas can be reliably captured and documented. In this way, highly accurate data sets are created that help avoid planning errors and provide a sound basis for renovations, conversions or technical equipment.
Measurement is usually carried out with stationary or mobile laser scanners. The generated point clouds are then imported into CAD or BIM software to create a digital building model – efficient, precise and future-proof.
Virtual tours to complement BIM models
As an interactive extension, virtual inspections give BIM models more depth and comprehensibility. While Building Information Modeling (BIM) focuses primarily on technical, geometric and structured building data, 360° tours enable an immersive, visual representation of the real or planned object.
This allows buildings not only to be analysed, but also to be experienced realistically – even before conversions, renovations or new buildings have been completed.
This type of visualization is particularly helpful in planning, coordination with building owners or authorities, as well as in sales and marketing: Prospective buyers or investors get a clear sense of space through the virtual tour and can get a better picture of the property – regardless of the location.
YouTube link: Referenzprojekt Virtueller Rundgang Steinmeisterweg, Berlin - YouTube
Technically, the combination of 3D laser scanning (with point clouds) and 360° photography is the basis. These methods capture both exact geometry data and visual impressions that can be integrated into a digital model. The data obtained can be integrated into common BIM systems such as Autodesk Revit or Archicad.
Modern software solutions even allow individual tour points to be linked with detailed information from the BIM model – such as materials, dimensions or planned construction measures. This creates an enhanced, interactive environment that increases planning security, facilitates decision-making and improves communication between all project participants.
How can gbc engineers GmbH support you?
Building Information Modeling (BIM) is now a key technology for the digital planning, management and documentation of buildings. Our team of experienced civil engineers and architects brings extensive expertise in BIM-supported project implementation – supported by many years of experience in CAD planning and model-based as-built surveys.
Our company is managed by Adrian Grabara, M.Eng., and Daniel Bacon, Dipl.-Ing., two proven experts in the field of civil engineering.
Our services in the field of BIM digitization include, among others:
- 3D laser scanning for precise recording of the building stock,
- Virtual tours for interactive presentations and coordination processes,
- as well as model-based quantity determination for reliable project costing.
For smaller projects or the digital archiving of as-built documents, we also offer the creation of professional 2D CAD floor plans.
Our work is based on state-of-the-art software, technical precision and a clear goal: to create digital building models that are understandable, reliable and future-proof – both for experts and decision-makers.
Challenges and future of BIM
The introduction of BIM poses technical and organizational challenges for many companies. On a technical level, powerful software solutions and qualified specialists are required. At the same time, existing processes and responsibilities on the organizational side must be restructured and lived.
Nevertheless, the future potential is enormous: Technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud-based collaboration and automated data analysis will further develop Building Information Modeling – towards intelligent, networked and self-learning systems that revolutionize the planning, implementation and operation of construction projects.