the
BIM
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The phenomenon BIM is now in the dictionary of almost every construction professional. In bold letters, even. Because thanks to the virtual BIM model, information is accessible at all times to colleagues, clients and (sub)contractors… and the cooperation between construction partners runs efficiently. But building is also feeling and experiencing what it is like on the real construction site. That is why Jansen mixes virtual expertise with practical experience: while in most places there is a Berlin wall between the BIM team and the project team, we give everyone a BIM training.
A BIM model (Building Information model) is a virtual plan, consisting of 3D elements full of information. With all this information you can, for example, quickly make plans, quantity take-offs and details.
BIM Model as a Service
That total vision has an important impact on the functioning of the BIM department. That is no longer an island with BIM modelers and coordinators, but a supporting team of BIM support specialists that infiltrates every division. “We develop working methods and templates for each division. In addition, we are involved in a number of working groups (RGG, Cluster Digital Construction, AR4SMO), to immerse ourselves in all the novelties. This ensures that the BIM model becomes self-evident internally. Via the helpdesk we are available 24/7 for everyone — remotely (behind the PC) or during training courses on site. This is how we help everyone to find the right information with one push of a button. Not only colleagues, but also customers and designers. In short, BIM as a service,” Sien explains.
The road to… BIM-pro
Every function at Jansen has its own BIM level. Then you learn the software and working method that is most closely related to your profile: those who follow internal training courses can advance to a higher level — from ‘Basic’, to ‘Advanced’ to ‘Pro’.
Kevin De Gols is a site manager and is therefore at the ‘Advanced’ level: “The BIM model makes everything so much easier on site. You can see in real time what is needed in every place. Previously, you had to pore over a plan for that. That cost extra time and the chance of interpretation errors was greater.”
BIM Model Ensures Concrete Successes
That BIM theory sounds like music to the ears. But what fruits do we reap from it in practice?
Jansen develops the glass system walls with 4D software, which automatically controls the order and production. BIM support specialist Joey Opheide programmed an
The calculation for Grand Hôpital de Charleroi enjoyed full-time BIM support. This gave the calculators an advanced training, so that they can quickly find information. And the 3D display gave our estimators a much better insight into the project. The Excel files with BIM quantities and screenshots per floor also make price requests more concrete. The result? This approach lowered the threshold for subcontractors to participate in BIM.
Jansen’s own products — such as the comfort islands and the prefabricated elements in plasterboard — will soon be available in BIM for designers and architects. This makes designs visually much clearer. In addition, the BIM model helps to quickly determine and order the correct quantities (via an automatically generated order form).
The Future Belongs to the BIM Users
It is clear: the BIM model is here to stay. That is why Sien is already looking to the future: “From 2021, we will extend the BIM approach to maintenance. From the start, the client determines which information he wants to plan his maintenance. We process that information immediately in the model. As a result, it is a small step to