We are already planning our construction projects based on models and are one of the leading and most experienced engineering firms in the field of BIM. But there's more: as part of the DIGITAL NOW! initiative of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection, our office is taking part in the funding programme for the complete digitalization of the planning process with BIM.
What is it about?
When implementing construction projects using the BIM planning method, the calculation models must be checked for consistency with the respective 3D technical models (of the planning participants) and compared with the static calculation.
Furthermore, as part of the official inspection for stability, the construction documents submitted for the structural design are checked for compliance with the structural engineering regulations as well as for the correctness of the structural calculations.
These processes can lead to friction losses that complicate and slow down the review process. One example of this is the media discontinuity between digital and analog document processing and checking: up to now, the checking engineer has made entries and corrections to the digitally created plans on printed planning documents, which are then transferred to the duplicates using a document-proof green pencil and then digitally incorporated into the planning documents.
To prevent potential sources of error of this or any other kind, the DIGITAL NOW! funding program supports investments in specific hardware and software for the following objectives:
- Acceleration of planning processes
- Model checking and processing within the framework of OpenBIM and ensuring interface capability for classic CAD planning
- All information is also available on the construction site for short-term assessments and decisions
- Reduction in susceptibility to errors due to media discontinuities
- Strengthening sustainability and conserving resources
- Fast and cost-efficient workflow by combining office software for order entry and administration with the electronic construction file (ELBA)
- Introduction and use of the digital building file as part of the official building permit process for direct monitoring and control of the review process
- Rapid production of the test copy with access for all project participants
- Legal certainty thanks to electronically qualified signatures
Dr. Michael Wichers, Managing Director and test engineer, emphasizes: "We are delighted that the German government is helping to close the gap between the analogue and digital worlds with this funding programme for the introduction of digital planning and testing procedures, so that ultimately the digital construction file will also be promoted."
