BIM is the future of construction, we are trying to help with its adoption

When did BIM actually appear and what is the current situation with its adoption here and worldwide?
The concept of BIM dates back to the 1970s; initially, it was a computer-based alternative to traditional technical drawings on paper or 2D CAD drawings. It wasn’t until the turn of the century that the application software for BIM sufficiently developed into a functional tool for the majority of construction companies. However, the adoption of this methodology proceeds hand in hand with legislation. It has been shown that standardization is a key factor in the BIM methodology. Since 2018, there has been a British standard BS1192, which has become the starting point for international unification according to ISO. Governments around the world are now implementing these requirements for their public procurement projects, infrastructure projects, and other large projects, thereby accelerating the adoption of BIM in their countries.

The Czech government approved the material intent of the law on the management of building information and the building information model and built environment (BIM law) last May. This legal regulation is expected to come into effect in July this year and will concern public procurement contracts exceeding the limit for construction work. This practically means that within the framework of competitiveness, most projects will take place not in 2D space, but there will be an expected emphasis on 3D modeling – moving towards digitalization.

Do you think BIM is a change for the better?
Definitely yes. At the same time, it is a challenge to work effectively with the information we have available and that are part of the real model of the building. It may sound a bit naive, but I believe that we are entering an era of true digitalization in construction. This is also linked to efforts to streamline government administration, reduce bureaucracy, and increase efficiency. Although we are currently creating a real model of the building with rich information, we are also preparing 2D documentation, which cannot contain all the provided information, and we print it in, for example, nine copies for the needs of the building regulations. Why? The same dilemma also pertains to common construction practices. I think that a plumber with a tablet, seeing the model of his installation and executing it accordingly, doesn’t have to remain just a naive concept. Last but not least, I believe that BIM will also contribute to the digitalization of the building regulations, allowing citizens to communicate with government authorities electronically and conveniently from their homes.

How do designers and architects view BIM?
Most designers see the new methodology as the future of their field, which is supported by its incorporation into the education of secondary and higher education institutions. On the other hand, the investment in software, including the necessary training and hardware for designing according to BIM methodology, can be quite costly. The situation resembles that of 25 years ago when 2D CAD technologies were being implemented. Despite varying opinions, we expect that BIM will gradually replace CAD systems, but this process will be more evolutionary than revolutionary.

According to last year’s NBS Digital Construction Report, BIM has already found its place in construction in a large part of the EU, where a significant majority of companies are increasingly resolute in their move towards more pronounced digital transformation. Compared to reports from previous years, more experts agreed that BIM technology has become the norm and has the greatest potential to improve construction in the future. However, this does not mean that there are no practical problems associated with the spread of BIM – there is still a group of respondents who indicated that they have no intention of using BIM in their work.

How do you help with BIM adoption as a manufacturer of plastic piping systems?
First and foremost, by creating high-quality libraries of 3D models of our products. After consideration, we decided to support Revit software, and all libraries are available in the form of so-called families for this program. After registration, they are freely available for download directly from our website. Currently, we offer families for all our products focused on internal installations of water, heating, and sewage, including the QuickStream system for vacuum drainage of rainwater from large flat roofs. We also have families for outdoor engineering networks, including sewage wells and infiltration blocks. For technical support, we created the Wavin Revit Plugin with useful features. Our pan-European project center in Poland provides immediate assistance in working with libraries and comprehensive processing of projects in Revit software.

Major obstacles to the transition to BIM, especially in smaller organizations, are often seen as the costs of training and the availability of educational materials. Do you also help in this area?
Of course. And again, free for our customers. Alongside classic on-site training, online webinars are increasingly being utilized. Another effective technical support tool for working with our software products is direct connection of our specialist to the user’s desktop. This functionality allows problems to be resolved directly on the user’s computer. This option is particularly beneficial when issues arise while using our software products since analysis and discussions about problems happen directly on the user’s monitor and within the specific project. Identifying and resolving issues and errors is therefore very flexible, efficient, and interactive for the user, who can directly observe service interventions while solving the problem.

Is it possible to help the designer with a proposed installation and "transfer" it into BIM?
Yes, we can do that too. For this purpose, we have prepared a corporate version of the TechCON program (fully named Wavin TechCON 10), which serves to design systems for plumbing installations, heating, and cooling. It offers various tools for creating an IFC file from a designed installation. The IFC file is, in fact, the general data and graphic format for data sharing within the BIM process. A significant advantage of the TechCON program is also the very simple implementation of changes and immediate updates of calculations within the project. A key benefit is the ability to work in a 3D space and the automatic generation of developed sections of the internal water supply and internal sewage system. We also offer this program to clients for free.

What would you recommend to designers who are struggling to orient themselves in the new environment?
They should definitely take a look at our website, where they will find clear information about everything related to the BIM methodology that interests them. And above all, they shouldn't hesitate to contact us. We will recommend a suitable software product tailored to their needs and types of projects. If requested, we will carry out the installation and user training. We provide truly complete support for usage. We will strive to make the entire process as easy as possible for them.