Mobile Mapping System (MMS) -

One piece of technology that is used part of the many strategies used in the pre-construction phase is the mobile mapping system. This type of technology is used to develop a detailed plan of foundations and walls for the project. This equipment will help to determine the floorplan for the health centre by using a scanner placed on a tripod with a laser on. The benefits of using this piece of equipment in comparison to a traditional method is how it extracts a larger quantity of points from the laser for a more accurate measurements of the layout. Using this equipment is also more cost effective due to less people required to carry out the task as it can be done by one person, who’s only task is to set up the equipment. In comparison to traditional methods of surveying, MMS is a safer method since it doesn’t require people to physical measure plot points, and therefor this method is more suited for active highways where vehicles will be passing.

Lidar Capture is a scanning method used for creating a model of the room by either drone technology or lasers by measuring the time for the laser to bounce off the wall and to be reflected to the receiver. Lidar data is collected in a point cloud format. The use of Lidar Capture in relation to the Health Care centre, allows for the model to be plotted accurately. Lidar Capture is used within many BIM projects due to be the most cost-effective method that allows for a 3D representation to be done of the project before it is completed. Many big organisations are developing more ways of using technology within BIM Projects. In an article published by Autodesk, they reiterate how Autodesk Revit and Autodesk ReCap are used for creating a visual model of the proposed building before it is built.

Many types of BIM software are usually digital since BIM focuses on been innovative with digital technology.  They are many companies who focus on developing software in relation to BIM, some of these companies include Autodesk, Tekla, Synchro Software and Bentley. The aims of these companies are to be able to create and maintain building information models. The software should incorporate features to allow for interoperability. Some things the software will focus on is the awareness of clash detection, allowing for collaboration between models and creating reports from the design models for later use. The use of these innovative software’s allows for a more effective design model as well as reduced time constraints due to the overall efficiencies of these software’s. the table below specifies all the specific areas BIM software covers and the different software’s that can be used in each section.  

BIM Software & Hardware

BIM Hardware requirements are usually requirements which specify the computer system version, memory size of the computer (RAM), hard drive and the graphic card in the system. The RAM of computers usually differs from 32GB – 64GB. The larger the GB is for larger projects that require more files and data.

There are 3 types of digital data, these are known as dynamic storage, static storage, and optical disks. A dynamic storage device enables the user to work within the file and is also able to make changes to the work. This is usually done on a computer's hard drive. The next digital storage that can be used is known as Static Storage, this is used to save data that can’t be altered and deleted for example a CD which can only be written on a one-time occasion. Finally, the last digital storage that can be used is optical disks. Optical Disks are used as an electronic data storage medium that can be used as storage point as well as to back up information or sharing it too. Some examples of this include CDs and DVDs. However, due to the reduced use of these examples nowadays, this is a less used method than the other 2 stated above.

Physical Data Storage

A type of physical data storage commonly used is storing it on a computer primary storage, this is a short-term memory, which is made up of the CPU also known as central processing unit as well as RAM (random- access memory). The diagram below describes the different ways CPU and RAM primary storage are used and what other storage types fall under this category.

Secondary Stage

Within the secondary stage consists of devices such as USB’s or in other words Hard disk drives. This is a physical piece of equipment that can be inputted into the computer as an external way of storing data. For older computers, they have magnetic storage type for example floppy disks will be a secondary storage stage. These devices are on a decline in the amount they are used, due to better alternatives methods to store data. However, some key benefits of using USBs are how they are easy to access and able to store work for a long duration. USB’s have the lifespan of between 3000 and 5000 write cycles.

Online Data Storage

Part of online data storage includes the online cloud. This is the most common online data storage that everyone knows. Part of the online cloud is that this is where you save documents or data into an online storage space. For this to be efficient it will require a secure connection to enable the data is safe and cannot be accessed by parties who are not required to use this. So called cloud storage can be accessed by anyone who has access to internet will have a cloud storage facility. Dependent on certain variables some services are free, some others may require a subscription or fee. Benefits of using this storage method include the face it can create backups of non-private information. As well if the physical storage drive was to be vandalised, the data can still be accessed without the physical drive.

Protecting online data is important for the health centre. It ensures patient information confidentiality, so that no one that shouldn’t have access to it doesn’t. The diagram below shows some of the ways that can be used to enhance the security of the online data. Encryption is where files, data and information is secured by creating a code as a barrier. This prevents access for unauthorised individuals. The benefits of this in the scenario for a health centre are how patients' data is extremely confidential, this is a form of an extra security barrier to ensure it is harder for unauthorised people to access it. Some types of encryptions include both hardware and software encryption. Hardware has an increased level of encryption in comparison to software, due to the fact hardware required PIN pad authentication. As data at the health centre will be on database that can be accessed by many external sources such as other health organisations, it is important it is encrypted to reduce chance of cyber-attacks or data breaches. Some ways to protect it when data is been transported between external and internal networks are by adding protected tunnels for example HTTPS or SSL/transport layer security.

Protecting Sensitive Data

Due to lots of data been stored within computers software which use internet and certain networks, allows them to be exposed to so called cyber-attacks and other malicious activities. Cyber-attacks can lead to poor performance of data or even lead to data been deleted or used for identifying thread or even fraud. For the healthcare scenario it is important the confidential data is secure and not at risk of some of these common threats such as phishing, password cracking, malware (malicious software) including viruses and spyware. The term phishing is a common cyber-attack method where a group or organization of people pretend to be a business to attempt to gather information of you. The usual ways they will do this is over phone calls or emails where they will attempt to access confidential information. The diagram below explains some of the ways you can spot an email that is attempting to be ‘phishing’.

Computer Security

One way to ensure that cyber-attacks are less likely to occur regarding the health Centre, could be to implement computer security. Computer security ensures that there are extra measures in place to protect important patient information for the health Centre. The three goals computer security is built up around is confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Confidentiality relates to the people who should have access to the data, for instance nurses who require background checks on the patients. Integrity focuses on the data been accurate and reliable, meaning any data used for medical purposes is correct to prevent issues with prescribing patients with incorrect medicines. Finally, the last computer security aim is for all data to be available, even in the scenario of a data breach, they should be stored onto a backup file.

Data Breaches

Data breaches are when classified information is stolen or accessed by an outside organisation without given access to use this information for fraud identity and many other uses. Ways that can be used to prevent these include updating software. This is due to most data breaches occurring due to outdated software where cyber criminals can gain easy access into to gather information. Another way of preventing data breaches can be to impose content filtering, this is where employees (medics, doctors, and nurses) will not be able to gain access to specific content that may be at risk of been a malware attack. Spam filtering is used on emails to protect email accounts by removing spam emails that could be a potential risk with links that could be clicked onto dodgy websites that may be able to access confidential data. Implementing anti-virus software is another way to prevent malware attacks, these systems are usually run in the background of the computer and not usually visible to the user itself. Another way to prevent data breaches is by backing up data offsite, this allows for a backup option in the case the data is breached, meaning all data should be accessible up to the point of the breach. The final method to reduce the chances of data breaches is the education of staff. The awareness of these specific issues allows for a better understanding of the consequences of data breaches, meaning that all staff are aware of keyways these issues may occur.

3D

3-dimensional technology is an important aspect when it comes to sustainability for the health centre, due to the fact this allows for a visualised model for the client to seen before the project is built. This allows for the client to make improvements before the design has been done as well as helping to identify an issue with clash detection. This helps to create sustainability because it eliminaties issues with duplication of elements in the model, that can create additional costs if excess materials are ordered as well as reducing time constraints due to the correct quantities of materials been ordered before going out onto site.

4 dimensional models are another way to increase the sustainability in the BIM project of the health centre. This dimension focuses on the increased efficiency on the planning of how the project will be delivered. This ensures that the designers incorporate the best method for the project to be built. They do this by rehearsing on-site practises before going out onto site. This increases sustainability due to less reoccurring errors that could lead to increased materials been used as well as more accurate timescales so the whole project should be completed quicker.  This dimension also helps to focus on environment sustainability, due to the fact the design time will focus on implementing more sustainable practise of work that have less effect on the environment.

5 dimensional has the priority of looking at cost data within the project. Each individual element within the model that the designer has created will have a cost next to it. This helps to increase sustainability within BIM projects as this dimension allows for accurate estimations as well as they been quick to gather certain costings of specific parts of the project. This costing breakdown also allows for an accurate measurement if the quantities of materials required for the project to ensure no excess materials are bought.

6-Dimensional technology is a crucial dimension regarding BIM projects, since this focuses on providing a sustainable project. In relation to the health centre this is a key role to increase sustainability. The main types of sustainability commonly used within BIM are environmental, economic, and social sustainability. Some positives of using these sustainable methods in BIM include more efficiency and accuracy in the design phase resulting in less significant changed to the project been made meaning it will help to reduce costing issues. Also, any external cost issues that cannot be predicted such as issues with environmental issues across the whole life cycle of the Project can be reduced to create a much more accurate costing of the health centre, which helps with the overall budgeting of the scheme.

In comparison to traditional methods of construction, BIM Methods of construction are more efficient and productive. Looking into traditional methods, due to data and information of models and designs of the project not been kept in a common data environment, it means that they have to co-ordinate with other teams to share the drawings. This process is very time consuming and due to the information having to be provided by all parties sometimes leads to miscommunications and errors been made. Traditional methods are usually kept on hard copies instead of a cloud storage system that can be accessed by all parties, meaning it is more likely to be lost, leading to lack of important information on the construction of the project. The diagram below displays the MacLeamy Curve diagram. This diagram reiterates my point on how traditional methods create additional costs along the design process due to the reasonings I have stated above about the inability to collaborative as well and not having that common data environment as a place to store all data.In relation to the health centre, the methods of construction suggested for a 3D BIM model will help to create a cheaper costing project as well as more efficient with the correct materials to create a longer lifecycle of the health Centre. Statistics found by NBS (2023) suggest that the use of BIM in the construction industry had increased to 70%. This percentage is thought to be the level of professionals who have adopted BIM in some format and carry it out in the day to day going of schemes. This figure hasn’t drastically increased from 2018 due to some limitations of using BIM. Some of these limitations include the initial cost of implementing it, hence the reason there hasn’t been a drastic increase since 2018. One explanation of this could be due to the fact many smaller construction firms cannot afford to invest into this innovative way of construction. Additionally, many businesses would have to drastically change the workforce they employ to implement BIM or spend enough funds into educating staff and training them up to the correct standard.

The use of CoBie within this project will be an important piece of formatting the data and information. This will help to increase the productivity of the process due to it storing all data and information in one spreadsheet meaning costings can be worked out before the project has been taken onto site. Whereas traditional construction can have difficulties with having an accurate costing before the project is complete due to changes commonly occurring in the construction phase meaning additional costings that can increase the price of the scheme.  

In relation to different types of technology been used within the BIM project such as Autodesk, Tekla, Synchro Software and Bentley, these innovative software’s help to reduce costs across the project. This is enabled due to these software’s determining clash detection, this prevents the duplication of materials that could further lead to increase costs across the project. In comparison to traditional methods of software, they cannot detect clash detection usually meaning more waste materials making the scheme more expensive as well as it been less sustainable for the environment due to excess materials been wasted.

Regarding the security of information within the project, this is important due to the project been a health centre that will have lots of private information on patients within the establishment that is confidential and shouldn’t be accessed by anyone but staff who are required to use it at the health centre. The use of encryption for the files is also beneficial to prevent cyber-attacks as if a data breach was to occur within the health Centre it could lead to fraud identity occurring. The use of encryption helps to create an extra barrier to make it more difficult for external sources to access this information.

The 3 topics of increased sustainability within BIM, Statutory approvals and legislation in BIM and Modern Methods of construction all fall in a similar category.  Modern Method of construction within BIM such as software allowing a 3D model to be created and visualised before the project is started to be built links to the fact it is easier to comply with legislation before the project is taken onto site. Both factors allow for no issues with clash detection meaning no waste materials occurring as well as the time to complete this been a shorter process meaning the BIM project is more sustainable as less environmental impact of waste materials and models been made and shown as an electronic copy so less hard copies of the models.

Finally, the last topic I covered was focusing on the collaboration between off and on-site interrelationships. Full collaboration within BIM regarding the health centre should increase productivity due to less errors occurring due to always having a solution.