Is BIM the future?

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#019 Is BIM the future? feat. Mathias Obergrießer

Who is Mathias Obergrießer?

Mathias Obergrießer teaches the subject of digital construction at the Regensburg University of Applied Sciences. The aim is to implement and coordinate construction projects with more modern methods. Actually, Mr. Obergrießer comes from the classic design method. He has been involved with civil engineering from an early age, and has always been concerned about how to improve the way we plan and build.

During his studies, certain subjects, such as construction management, were not easy for Mr. Obergrießer. He preferred structural engineering, such as mechanics, structural analysis, and so on. Designers often consider the final state only, but not the intermediate phases. The construction part was not his hobby, but he emphasizes how important this part is anyway.

What does he enjoy most about his job?

In his current job, Mr. Obergrießer enjoys communication and discussion with students. He always learns new things from them, because digitization and modernization are advancing so quickly. He also particularly enjoys motivating and inspiring young people about the vision of how to plan and build better in the future.

Where did Mr. Obergrießer's interest in BIM and general digital planning and construction come from?

This interest came from the planning side. As a child, Mr. Obergrießer tried to draw three-dimensional views of a component by hand. He quickly discovered that this method was difficult and that it was time-consuming to correct errors. Hence the idea of doing the whole thing on a 3D model and networking the individual areas. Better planning could result in more productivity. This sparked Mr. Obergrießer's interest in this subject.

At the moment, Mr. Obergrießer is teaching the basics of BIM. A special focus is on learning to use digital tools and recognizing workflows and functioning process chains. Thus, the communication between architects and structural engineers saves time and the work is more efficient, for example. It also covers topics such as virtual reality, BIM in infrastructure construction, and more. Also, some programming is on the curriculum. This allows for better understanding of the programs and how to use them without having to become a computer scientist.

Is it necessary to start learning BIM at the undergraduate level?

Mr. Obergrießer points out that you need to understand the basic principles of construction first, before you go into the digitization level. According to him, it should be introduced in the last third of the course of studies.

BIM and Digital Planning in Germany

BIM is intended not to replace the construction process, but to support it. The method of building remains the same, only the tools change. BIM is not just about a 3D model, but also, and especially, about the work process. The concept behind it has been around since the 1970s, but we have only had the technology for a relatively short time.

Germany lags a little behind other countries. There are many small offices and companies here and the project participants are always composed differently. In other countries, there are rather a few individual large construction companies.

With the use of digital tools, the development is not enough. Communication between those involved is particularly important. The transition will take some time and money, especially since the medium-sized companies as the driving force, as well as the know-how and good reputation of German engineering, are to be preserved.

How could this development go faster?

It is important to have confidence in the process and not be deterred by initial mistakes, says Mr. Obergrießer. Moreover, this development should not just come from the site manager, but should also extend to the craftsmen. There is still a shortcoming in the fact that everything is well represented in the models, but at the construction site itself, the workflow remains as before. Therefore, the craftsmen must be asked what information would really help them here.

New design methods should also bring added value for the construction site itself.

How is HOAI (Fee Scale for Architects and Engineers) related to BIM?

It is difficult to combine the two, as the separation of the service phases always creates an interface problem. Furthermore, it is currently difficult to estimate the fees for BIM services, because it depends on what scenarios the customer ultimately wants to cover. It is important that the client knows exactly what he/she is asking of the organizers from the start. Moreover, it should be clear what kind of services each person has to provide.

In general, construction thrives on the experience and knowledge that has been acquired over time. Even with digitization, you cannot flip a switch today and expect all the results tomorrow.

What difficulties are there in the implementation of BIM projects, especially with standardization?

There are codes and standards enough to support planners, and so on. According to Mr. Obergrießer, standardizing everything makes no sense, as development has not yet progressed that far. In buildings with a comparatively simple structure and technology, digitization can be advanced well. So you can work your way up from small to large.

What is currently the biggest problem with the implementation of BIM?

Mr. Obergrießer sees the biggest problem in the human factor: collaboration. Communication and organization of the process chains are the first milestones that need to be significantly improved. More networking is needed, and preconceptions should be eased.

If you overtax people with digitization, nothing will be achieved. The problem is often that too much of a pace is built up, and the employee is not met at the basic level.

Chances and Opportunities in Utilization of BIM

If an architectural model is meshed with a structural model, there is more time for a structural analysis. Quality and productivity are increased. The visualization represents another advantage: Through it, the final result can be accurately envisioned. Buildings can be better maintained with BIM, and the building management is optimized. However, you always have to keep an eye on the added value and not digitize for the sake of digitization.

How does Mr. Obergrießer see the future of construction?

The construction industry will always be needed. In the future, there may be other types of construction technology and the design of buildings will change; however, according to Mr. Obergrießer, the basic principles will be retained.

Machine control is spreading more and more. More robots are being used on construction sites and there is a greater focus on prefabrication. Digitization has always been a support here, but the basic task and implementation remain the same. Technology will not replace people either, as Mr. Obergrießer emphasizes: It remains one of the most important central control points.

Which trends in the construction industry are the most exciting?

For Mr. Obergrießer, for example, this is adaptive manufacturing. Manufacturing robots, to which the digital image can be easily transferred, are just as fascinating as 3D printing. However, it is also true for these trends that problems must be prevented and the whole thing must be given enough time. Environmental compatibility is another point that is important to Mr. Obergrießer. For example, if you collect information about existing structures and use it for digitization, you can consider conversions instead of simply demolishing buildings.

Digitization can also contribute a lot to the environmentally conscious construction.

Is construction lagging behind the technological development?

In comparison with other countries in particular, Germany is actually lagging behind. However, things are also thought out in more detail here, which in turn contributes to the good reputation of the Made in Germany product seal. This balance should also be considered when it comes to digitization.

• “We are not digitizing for the moment, but rather we are digitizing for the future." (Mathias Obergrießer)

If he had one wish, how would Mr. Obergrießer improve the planning and construction practice?

Mr. Obergrießer would put interdisciplinary communication at the top. The focus would be on a project rather than on individual trades and sensitivities. You should think, negotiate, discuss, argue constructively, and resolve conflicts as a team. The team has to allow the information in the digital twin to be used by everyone. If the process around it is not put into practice, the model is of no use.

What is Mr. Obergrießer's favorite building?

It is the Millau Bridge in France, a breathtaking structure with an impressive construction. Its span, its integration into the terrain, and the structural engineering make it a very interesting object, especially for engineers.

Millau Bridge in France

Of course, there are also many other buildings worth seeing. Mr. Obergrießer mentions Regensburg Cathedral as an example. Domes in general are fascinating structures. The builders of the Middle Ages had a great deal of knowledge about complex, massive buildings that we have since lost. However, due to digitization, knowledge of this kind can be stored in the future and made available for future generations.