January 2014 - Issue 14    

 

  

As we settle into the new year it would be easy to forget the advances that we have made as a business over the previous 12 months. We've completed the cloud-based deployment of a BIM solution across all three offices, restructured the business to provide dedicated BIM resource distinct from our traditional PQS work (which we nevertheless still remain fully committed to) and have successfully completed several BIM projects.

 

So is 2014 a year of consolidation for DSG - and for the wider industry - as BIM becomes an embedded part of the construction process? Far from it. If anything I believe 2014 will be a year of greater change as many organisations race to catch up with the accelerating move towards BIM implementation amongst the larger contractors and within government projects.

 

So I thought I'd start the year with a repeat of the challenge I made just before Christmas. Are you ready to really embrace BIM, as we have, and meet the challenge of a technology that is now redefining the way we work and collaborate across the industry? I think it's no exaggeration to say that those businesses that embrace this opportunity will be well positioned for success in the years ahead. But likewise those that are still just thinking about it this time next year may well have missed the boat. I know which side I'd rather be on!

 

So take the opportunity to get in touch. We need BIM-compliant partners to work with on various projects and would like to build a network of practices and specialist suppliers. All it takes is a phone call and you could soon be looking at a new opportunity for growth.
 

Steven Gosling - Managing Director  

 

For more information about BIM please contact Bernadette Lord, our BIM Specialist on 01635 277670 or via email at BIM@dsgquantitysurveyors.co.uk
Our website has a lot of useful information on our BIM solution. Please click here to view. www.dsgquantitysurveyors.co.uk

Although at DSG we are working with 5D BIM, which primarily addresses the addition of cost and quantities to the model, many organisations operate primarily with 3D BIM - fundamentally all that's needed to produce effective models for development throughout a project. This is ideal for many purposes, showing the geometry of the building and how it will fit into the surrounding landscape, perhaps enhanced with walk-through demonstrations to indicate how people will flow through and interact with the structure.

 

However, there is another aspect, time, that is clearly essential to any accurate costing of a project. And that's just what 4D BIM addresses, enabling the stakeholders to visualise the entire programme of activities through the lifetime of the project. This detailed scheduling and reporting has the potential to greatly improve the project management and delivery for buildings of any size and complexity.

 

A 4D BIM schedule is a derivation of the 3D BIM geometry from which we can extract quantities and then apply sequencing logic, including labour, productivity rates and location-specific pricing. By creating a schedule optimised to eliminate stops and starts and reduce project risk it allows us to keep the project flowing smoothly. Benefits of 4D BIM include:

• Better understanding of the phasing schedule by the owner and project participants.
• Clear view of the critical path of the project with identification of schedule, sequencing or phasing issues.
• Integrated planning of labour, equipment and material resources with the BIM model.
• Space and workspace conflicts can be identified and resolved ahead of the construction process.
• Easier monitoring of procurement status of project materials.
• Increased productivity and reduced waste on site.
• Visibility of the spatial complexities of the project, planning information and additional analyses.

With 4D visualisation it becomes easy to view planning information as desired, delivering significant benefits to architects, designers, contractors and of course the client. Many aspects of project management that we would like to see but frequently find hard to achieve become practical, such as just in time delivery, smooth transfer of project planning, faster completion and measurable savings in time and cost.

 

4D BIM is something we'll be talking about in the future (and we might start to touch on 6D too, but more of that in future newsletters!) and is another step on the journey towards the complete, integrated management of the entire building lifecycle from first concept to ultimate decommissioning. We're not there yet, but things are moving fast. It'll be interesting to see how the industry looks in another year's time.

 

 Click here to visit the DSG website

DSG Quantity Surveyors provides support for clients across the UK from its head office in Newbury and regional offices in Coventry and Manchester. Founded as a traditional quantity surveying practice, we offer the full range of services based around traditional values and high levels of customer service. We were also one of the first practices to fully embrace BIM and now offer a 5D BIM solution, with skilled personnel that have a strong grasp of the technology as well as an understanding of the different approach that is needed to ensure the most effective application of BIM throughout the project.

Through investment in people, process and technology our mission is to provide the most effective, high quality service to every client. Whether it's a traditionally-based individual development or a complex, multi-million pound Government procurement contract delivered by a consortium of providers, we will apply the same rigorous approach from start to finish.

• Trust: our people have the skills and technology to handle any project.
• Value: we focus on continuous improvement to save you time and   money.
• Certainty: we have the national resources to ensure that we always deliver.

For the architect we ensure that the design process becomes more efficient, with greater control and tracking of modifications, whilst the client has a more accurate and clear view of the final building.
For the contractor we make sure that bills of quantity become more detailed and accurate, reducing waste and enabling more efficient, timely site management.
For the stakeholder we make it easier to assess the impact of changes before committing to them and there is greater confidence that the project will be delivered to specification, on time and within budget.

Our focus is always on seeking new ways to deliver greater value and this approach provides the best result at every stage of the construction lifecycle.

Thanks you for taking the time to read our latest BIM Update. I hope you have found it useful and interesting. Please email us should you require any specific help with a BIM project or more detail on any item in this issue.

Steven Gosling

DSG Quantity Surveyors 

Why not call us to discuss your next project on -

In This Issue

Construction News have announced that  their 2014 Construction Awards will be held on 17th July at The Grosvenor House Hotel. DSG have entered the BIM catagory and look forward to the opportunity of presenting our entry if we are shortlisted.

Click the logo to go to the CN Awards website

Click on the Construction Magazine logo to view the magazine. Turn to page 15 to read the DSG article.

Catch up with past issues of our BIM Updates by clicking here and going to our Archive.  BIM Archive

Click on ther link above to share the DSG BIM update with a friend or collegue