Whether it’s for keeping cool, staying warm, or just getting some fresh air, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) is an essential part to keeping any building feeling comfortable. Building information modeling, or BIM, is one of the most promising new developments in the AEC (architecture, construction, and engineering) fields today and the benefits of BIM can be easily applied to HVAC just as well as they can be to other aspects of construction. In today’s blog we’ll be discussing some of the ways that HVAC can be improved with BIM strategies.

As a reminder for those not familiar, BIM is a relatively new strategy used in the field of construction. BIM is not one specific technology or technique, but can be summed up as a group of technologies and techniques being used to create a more in-depth building model that is worked on by all parties simultaneously. Want to hear about how BIM can improve your construction projects? Contact Smarcon today!

BIM CAN BE USED FROM BEGINNING TO END, BY ALL PARTIES

One of the greatest advantages of BIM is the inherent increase in cooperation that can be continued throughout the entire lifetime of a project. BIM operates best when it’s involved in the process from the very start, during the design and planning phases. Using BIM techniques from the design phase allows for HVAC to be planned simultaneously with structural elements, ensuring that HVAC systems are built as efficiently as possible. The ability of BIM models to be used throughout the lifespan of a building is also an advantage for HVAC, because maintaining a BIM model makes it simple to view a full map of the HVAC systems in a building. This model can even be modified to manage the controls and automation of HVAC systems and can be easily accessed for future updates.

HIGHER DETAIL MODELS CREATE GREATER EFFICIENCY

BIM models are stored in cloud storage and are worked on simultaneously by all involved people, so it’s only natural that they have a much higher information density than traditional 3D models. The synchronous work in high detail makes BIM projects a great deal more efficient than traditional projects. When all trades and workers are using the same model, work clashes are seen directly in the model, so that they can be solved before work has even started. The tools used in BIM can help HVAC professionals lay out their plans clearly and simply, while also knowing exactly where they may face clashes with other trades.

BIM PREFABRICATION AND HVAC

Prefabrication has existed for quite some time, but with BIM, it’s reached a whole new level. BIM modeling allows for prefabricated elements to be designed and entered directly into the shared model, streamlining like never before. Prefabrication with BIM makes HVAC installation a much simpler process: laying out the entire HVAC system in the shared model allows for workers to see exactly which pieces will need to be prefabricated.

Interested in seeing how BIM has improved Smarcon’s projects? Visit our projects page!