Allied Steel Buildings continues to set new standards for success within the steel building industry, with its use of Building Information Modeling (BIM), a powerful collaborative process shared by architecture, engineering, and construction teams to design, fabricate, manage, and construct building projects. By leveraging the many advantages of this approach, Allied is once again transforming expectations for what is possible within the industry, particularly when it comes to complex steel buildings. Our goal in doing so: once again to deliver unparalleled value to our clients. With BIM playing a central role in the majority of our large projects, we’re unpacking its numerous benefits and exploring why a growing number of our clients are eager to take advantage of what it offers.
What Is Building Information Modeling?
BIM is a centralized approach for generating and managing digital representations of the physical and functional characteristics of buildings. By centralizing project data in a shared digital environment, BIM lends to a collaborative and iterative process that allows multiple stakeholders (architects, engineers, contractors, and clients) to work on a single unified 3D model. Notably, BIM creates a single source of truth that enables teams to produce accurate drawings, coordinate across disciplines, and update designs in real time.
To facilitate collaboration across a variety of disciplines, BIM allows stakeholders to create and maintain independent models dedicated to their specific scopes, before integrating them into a comprehensive 3D representation of the building. By tracking, documenting, and communicating changes, and applying them to a single unified model, BIM eliminates the need to manually review hundreds of individual drawings for changes and significantly reduces the risk of errors, delays, and unnecessary expense. Many BIM programs also feature tools that automatically detect clashes between different systems (e.g., mechanical, electrical, plumbing) reducing costly on-site conflicts and rework during construction.
Allied’s Expertise in BIM
Allied’s journey with BIM began years ago, but it has recently become a cornerstone of our operations. Whereas previously only a small fraction of our projects leveraged BIM, since 2020 it has become integral to the success of more than half of our projects—a reflection of increasing client demand and industry adoption. In no small way, BIM plays an essential role in supporting the customized solutions that our team develops to meet the specific needs of each of our projects.
Leading the Industry with Innovation
Allied’s longstanding commitment to BIM has positioned us as a leader in the design and fabrication of complex steel buildings. Clients are increasingly seeking out our ability to provide 3D models during the design phase, a service that is still somewhat limited within the industry today. These models not only streamline coordination but also serve as powerful visualization tools. The ability to simulate and visualize the physical space ensures that our clients fully understand how their buildings will look and function before construction begins.
“Increasingly we’re finding that our client’s value the ability to virtually walk through their buildings, visualize their final product, and provide feedback early in the process. Being able to work with 3D models provides a major enhancement to our client experience.” – Franz Mutis, Allied Vice President of Engineering
Realizing Tangible Benefits
By leveraging BIM, Allied delivers numerous advantages to its clients:
- Reduced Errors and Costs: 3D modelling provides detailed and accurate representations of our projects, minimizing errors and inconsistencies. By incorporating data on geometry, materials, costs, and schedules, BIM makes it easier to identify and address potential issues before construction begins and avoid expensive fixes later in the project lifecycle.
- Improved Collaboration and Communication: Cloud-based 3D modelling allows for real-time communication and coordination among all stakeholders.
- Enhanced Speed and Efficiency: BIM can significantly reduce redundancy and duplication of efforts by integrating information into a single source of truth. In addition to streamlining the collaborative process this can significantly reduce project timelines.
- Custom Solutions: By facilitating collaboration, our 3D modelling process enables custom solutions that meet unique and specific project requirements.
- Client Satisfaction: Virtual walkthroughs and real-time updates enhance the client experience, ensuring transparency and confidence in the final product.
A Look Ahead
As enthusiasm for BIM gains momentum and the programs supporting it continue to evolve, Allied Steel Buildings will continue to explore the new ways it can unlock value for our clients. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and unmatched expertise, Allied is not just keeping up with industry trends—it is defining them. Our clients can trust that our unique approach will deliver exceptional results, from design to completion, every time.