What is Building Information Modelling (BIM) – is it a good career option for Building Engineers

What is Building Information modelling?

Building Information modelling is used to do the 3D representation of a building. For managing and representing the physical as well as functional characteristics of different places, we use Building Information Modelling. This process is supported by different tools, technologies, and contracts. We extract, transfer or network data from Building Information Models to support decision-making regarding a building or other built asset.

Career Options in BIM

Currently, BIM software is widely used by individuals, businesses and government agencies to plan, design, construct, operate and maintain diverse physical infrastructures such as water, refuse, electricity, gas, roads, railways, bridges, tunnels etc.

BIM is one of the best 3D model-based processes that provides architecture, engineering and construction professionals with the tools and the necessary insight to efficiently plan, work, design, construct and manage buildings and infrastructure.

Architecture: Create better designs, and decisions and improve building performance.

Civil: Utilize intelligent connected workflows to improve predictability, productivity and profitability.

Construction: For digitizing the construction site and connecting project data from design through construction handover.

MEP: provides real-time support to ongoing projects along with its delivery process and to improve the MEP design quality.

Plant: For managing the design and construction aspects of intelligent piping, structures and processes more efficiently and thereby collaborate throughout the project lifecycle and at hand-off.

Structures: Enables you to explore how structural design and detailing software can help one to win new business opportunities and support in real-time project delivery.

Current BIM Professionals

With the Building Information Modelling (BIM), an absolute virtual model of a building is created that is to be constructed. Nowadays, it is extremely common to see CAD professionals, Civil Engineers and Architects turning to BIM job functions.

These professionals handle a variety of job responsibilities such as meeting clients and contractors, making sure models are done correctly, running clash detection and ensuring that there is no scope for errors. This requires managing all the information and modelling it systematically and regularly.

Jobs available for Architecture, Civil Engineers, and Construction Professionals in BIM

Building Information Modelling Job Profiles are listed below:

• Knowledge-Based
• Skill/Project Based
• Corporate Support & Service Based

Most in-demand job profiles in BIM

The most in-demand job profiles include:

• BIM Technician (MEP) – Mechanical Electrical Plumbing
• Revit BIM Modeller (Structural/Architectural/Electrical)
• BIM Manager
• BIM designer
• BIM Coordinator – Civil 3D
• Revit/BIM Modeller (MEP)
• Structural BIM Modeler – Tekla Concrete/Steel
• Business Development Manager
• BIM/Revit – Draughtsman
• BIM Structural Engineer
• BIM Consultant
• BIM trainer

How to Start with BIM

Coordination (Navisworks, BIM 360 Glue)
Everyone needs to start with something. In the case of BIM, most often, people begin with MEP coordination in Navisworks. Interestingly, the modelling ability required here is ZERO. Although this normally takes some effort from the learner side, it is comparatively the easiest way to start with BIM.

Modelling (Revit, Sketchup, AutoCAD)
When it comes to modelling, the tool of choice for architects and designers is Revit. Revit sheds a lot of knowledge – from databases and information to buildings and designs.

When it comes to the field of MEP, AutoCAD is the preferred tool of choice. There are similar functions and features in both Revit and AutoCAD.

4D Scheduling (Synchro, Fuzor)
4D scheduling is the combination of a 3D model and a project schedule. The three different skills required in 4D are:

• Modelling construction elements
• Scheduling
• Linking models to schedules

Having all of the above three is considered the holy grail.

Building Information Modelling (BIM) Coordinator Salary

Average Salary in the USA: $60,231 Per Year

Average Salary in India: Rs.4,05,528 Per Year

Conclusion

It is worth knowing that in countries like the USA, UK, Netherlands, Canada, Australia, Singapore, India and the Middle East, the demand for BIM-skilled professionals is on the rise. Many visionaries expect BIM to become the standard practice in the coming years. As a result, quite several design teams are adopting BIM and the numbers are to climb further over the next few years.

Fresh BIM engineers have a solid career in the short span of 5 to 10 years, although it is very unlikely to change after that. However, for experienced BIM professionals, the scope is endless.