Advancing Healthcare Infrastructure: Using BIM to Construct Healthcare Facilities in 2023

28 September 2023

Healthcare building projects are different from other projects due to the critical nature of the services provided in these facilities. BIM (Building Information Modeling) can help cater to the unique demands of healthcare construction projects.

For one, healthcare facilities require complex and precise coordination of various building systems, such as mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and medical equipment.

With BIM, these systems can be integrated and coordinated in a virtual environment, reducing conflicts and delays during the actual construction process. Here's a deeper dive into the potential of BIM for healthcare construction.

Unique specifications of healthcare facilities

The building codes and requirements of a healthcare facility can differ based on local regulations and the type of facility. But here are a few common specifications construction managers should keep in mind:

• Regulatory Compliance: Healthcare facilities must follow building codes set by the state or country.
• Space Planning: A healthcare facility should have adequate space for treatment areas, support services, patient rooms, waiting areas, and administrative offices.
• Accessibility: These facilities often cater to a diverse group of people. Because of that, there are strict accessibility requirements, such as ADA compliance and wheelchair accessibility.
• Infection Control: Hospitals and treatment centers work to treat patients and keep sicknesses from spreading, so features like isolation rooms, hygiene stations, and proper ventilation systems are essential for controlling the spread of infections.
• HVAC System: These buildings also require efficient air conditioning, ventilation, and heating systems for workers, patients, and testing labs.
• Lighting: The lighting design must cater to different areas of the facility, such as operating rooms, examination rooms, and patient rooms.
• Flexibility: Healthcare facilities need to be scalable. If need be, the construction should allow for easy expansion or modification in the future.

How BIM can improve the construction of healthcare facilities

To understand the full scope of BIM, you first need to know what it is. In the simplest words, BIM is the creation and management of the digital representations of a building or structure.

For example, if you're building a hospital, BIM can create a virtual model of the entire building, from the walls and floors to the HVAC and lighting systems.

BIM software integrates data from various sources, creating a comprehensive digital representation of the entire building. With this information, the stakeholders can:

• Visualize and understand a facility’s layout and design.
• Minimize and even eliminate rework.
• Identify and fix potential clashes or issues before the building phase begins.
• Collaborate in real-time for efficient communication between all parties involved.
• Keep a record of changes and updates during the construction process.
• Increase and improve stakeholder transparency and accountability.

With the integration of the Atom™ headset, XYZ takes the BIM construction process one step further. The Atom is a high-tech construction helmet that enables teams to visualize their BIM model as a holographic image over their construction site. Users can identify issues and fix clashes onsite before the construction teams roll in.

Use cases of BIM for healthcare construction

Let's take a look at a few specific use cases of BIM in construction in the healthcare industry.

Clash detection

A ''clash'' usually describes a situation in which two or more building elements overlap or interfere with each other. For example, if the design has a plumbing pipe that runs through an electrical conduit, that would be considered a clash.

Clashes can be one of three types:

• Workflow Clash: A workflow clash occurs when there's an overlap of work schedules. For example, if both plumbing and electrical contractors are scheduled for installations simultaneously.
• Soft Clash: A soft clash is an ''almost-clash” in which two objects may be too close to each other without overlapping. For example, if there isn’t enough clearance between a door and a wall, that would be considered a soft clash.
• Hard Clash: A hard clash happens when an actual overlap takes place.

BIM lets you easily detect and resolve any potential clashes before construction begins. Using XYZ’s Atom to see a virtual overlay of your 3D model of the entire building will help you identify overlaps and clashes so you can make adjustments onsite in real-time.

Visualization

It's one thing to draw out the building plan on paper and another to see a 3D model. It’s even better to see a 3D model to scale over your construction site.

Visualization before the building is up and running can do wonders for your construction pipeline. For example, you can identify and fix design flaws before structures are even built, eliminating rework. With the Atom, teams can make these adjustments onsite as the need arises.

You can also use BIM to show clients what the building will look like before the construction phase begins. Investors and clients will definitely value this clarity.

XYZ Platform lets you visualize your construction plans, check them, and manage issues. Our technology makes it easy for stakeholders to see what needs to be done and when. The best part is how it bridges the gap between the construction site and your office. It does so by synching inspection data into the XYZ Platform right from the field.

Integration with AR

When building specialized structures, such as hospitals or pharmaceutical labs, precision is key. You can combine BIM with augmented reality to bring this precision to your onsite operations.

XYZ's Atom headset enables you to visualize your BIM models in the real world, overlaid on the construction site. Some of its features include:

• Various Uses: You can use the headset in indoor and outdoor constructions.
• Accuracy: Our headset boasts 3 to 5-millimeter accuracy.
• Offline: Sometimes, you're on the field, and there's no connection. That shouldn't mean that the work should stop. The Atom lets you work offline. You can then sync the data with your BIM models once you're back online.
• Remote Operation: No matter where you are, you can tap into the Atom to do your BIM work.

The Atom's world-class optical displays mean you'll have an excellent viewing experience. Plus, it has ultrafast 1TB storage to keep your BIM models at hand even when you're offline.

Optimize your healthcare construction with XYZ Reality

Apart from precision, healthcare construction projects require special care and attention to detail. What better way than a BIM system integrated with augmented reality and an industry leading project controls solution to improve the efficiency of your healthcare construction projects?

XYZ Reality has a full-suite solution for your healthcare construction needs, combining the power of BIM with the functionality of state-of-the-art augmented reality technology. Book a demo to see how it can help you.