Benchmarq has been providing BIM modelling services to architecture, engineering and construction companies across the UK for over 10 years.
Using data captured by our survey partners or yours, our highly experienced BIM consultants can take your data and produce incredible 3D models for incorporation into your BIM process.
What is BIM Modelling?
Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a 3D design and construction technique that gives architecture, engineering, and construction professionals the insight and tools to more efficiently plan, design, construct and manage buildings and infrastructure.
It uses a combination of software and design processes to create 3D models of buildings meaning greater efficiency and better designs.
Our BIM Services
Our BIM outsourcing specialists provide support to architects, engineers and any industries involved in the BIM implementation process.
In general, our 3D BIM modelling projects fall into two categories:
Scan-to-BIM
Accounting for the bulk of our BIM projects, we create 3D BIM models of existing buildings, structures, plant & equipment and site terrain from point cloud data captured by a terrestrial laser scanner.
We have developed a variety of tools and techniques for this over the years and can advise on the best type of laser scanner data capture to meet the modelling specification.
Scan-to-BIM projects usually form the basis of proposals for redevelopment, remodelling, extensions, adaptations and retrofitting of buildings and structures by architects, developers and engineers.
They also form the basis of 3D ‘as-built’ models where a new build has been constructed and detailed records of the build and the installed assets are required.
CAD-to-BIM
A smaller part of our BIM portfolio, this type of project is usually required where coordination within a multi-disciplinary framework is required. It may be a completely new build or it could be part of an upgrade of an existing building or structure.
Very often our clients are working in 2D CAD but have landed a project which requires them to provide a 3D model for coordination and clash detection within a substantially larger project.
We frequently receive commissions from Building Services (MEP) firms for this type of work, where the plant, pipework and equipment need to be integrated, coordinated and clash detected against other services.
The nature of this type of project also means that we often become involved over an extended period, becoming an integral part of the clients’ team, advising and confirming on key dimensions and clearances as the MEP equipment they have designed is installed by their on-site workforce.
Input Data
The starting point for our 3D BIM Services is the data recording of the geometry and characteristics of the project building/structure. We can accept data from:
- Sketches
- 2D CAD drawings
- Total station survey observations
- 3D laser scan point clouds
Where a survey is required, we can take data either directly from your own surveyors, or, if you want us to manage the whole process, we can arrange to have your project surveyed by one of our trusted survey partners.
From this, we will produce a 3D BIM model to your required Level of Detail and Level of Information.
Applications
Our clients come from various parts of the construction industry, including:
- Architecture
- Structural Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Building Services/MEP
What are the benefits of BIM Modelling?
This model-based approach allows the involvement of clients, collaborators and stakeholders in the design of buildings from step one. Not only does it improve the efficiency of your project but it leads to an increase in productivity and a reduction in overall time spent. A higher quality of results is produced with significant cost savings for your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
BIM is significant in the design and construction process for the following reasons:
- Cost and resource-saving
- Greater efficiency
- Improved communication and coordination with all involved
- Higher quality of results
It’s also used to improve communication amongst all parties involved and to make construction safer as it allows architects to predict potential hazards, which can then be adjusted within the design.
Find out more about how BIM is used in construction.
- What is the source data for the project? CAD drawings or survey data?
- Do you require us to arrange a survey of the project or have you had one done already?
- The size of the project e.g. how many floors in the building, the number of square metres, do you require modelling of the interior and exterior, is there any topographic modelling (ground modelling) of the site required?
- What is the Level of Detail required in the final model and is it the same overall parts of the project?
This list is not exhaustive and we will ascertain all the information we need in order to prepare a priced proposal or quotation for you.
If the package of work can be defined, we will offer a fixed price and an estimated timescale for the work to be completed. Most of our projects fall into this category.
Where the work cannot be precisely defined, we will offer you an hourly rate and some indication of how long we think the initial tranche of work will take. We are happy to provide timesheets for hourly billed projects.
Our prices are competitive and we will always be upfront about our rates when we discuss work with you. Nobody likes unpleasant surprises.
Having executed many projects over the years, our view is that although ‘off-shoring’ might appear at first sight to be attractive financially or in terms of getting a large project done quickly, the effort required to inspect and control the quality of the output would be just as great as doing the work in-house in the first place.
Find out more about all of our services.
We have worked on projects ranging in size from residential properties through to large nuclear power stations.
We have the experience to model projects across the construction industry, including fine architectural detail in buildings, complex plant and pipework, structural steel and site terrain.
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