There was major interest at CHRISTMANN + PFEIFER's headquarters in Angelburg in November, as Berange Mekuiguem Talom presented his Master's dissertation in civil engineering under the leadership of Prof. Joaquín Diaz, Dr.Eng., and Christian Baier, Dr.Eng., both of the Mittelhessen University of Applied Sciences (THM). No wonder, because the subject of his selected assignment is currently one of the hottest topics in specialist building circles.

First Digital Planning – Then Real Building

So-called "Building Information Modelling (BIM)" is a work process for which a standardized, software-supported structure is needed - from the invitation to tender through planning and right up to execution. The aim here is entirely clear: to minimize construction times, costs and coordination effort, thereby achieving greater efficiency.

A disciplined, project-specific process landscape forms the basis of this working method, according to the tenor of the presented dissertation. Taking into consideration the respective project phases, roles and tasks, while using the appropriate software solutions creates significantly greater transparency throughout the whole of the building process.

The things that must be taken into consideration for a construction project planned using the BIM method, the prerequisites construction companies, planners and developers need to fulfill – from both a technical and organizational perspective – and which specific tasks should be carried out: everything was explained by Berange Mekuiguem Talom in practical terms using a CHRISTMANN + PFEIFER turnkey project as his example.

Relevance of the BIM Method in Practice

"We have recognized the future significance of the BIM method and its practical benefits at an early stage. It is, therefore, our current aim to adapt planned 2D projects into 3D models or to plan them directly in 3D in order to gain benefits in terms of quantity determination, tendering, cost and time control," says Matthias Acker, CEO of C + P Schlüsselfertiges Bauen, who supported the Master's dissertation from CHRISTMANN + PFEIFER's side together with his colleagues. "Moreover, we offer developers the opportunity to take a virtual tour of their future building using a VR headset which gives them an initial interactive impression. This also hugely simplifies detailed planning and collision path planning for a project."

So it is only logical that the company would like to use the findings obtained in connection with the Master's dissertation: A specific roadmap detailing how BIM processes can be fully integrated into everyday working practices at CHRISTMANN + PFEIFER, in particular locally at the respective construction sites, is among others, currently being investigated in the course of two further Master's dissertations, and will be presented shortly.

For Berange Mekuiguem Talom this is – in addition to the excellent grade he achieved – certainly high praise and major recognition of his work. Of one thing he is certain: He wishes to continue dealing with the subject of "BIM" in his future sphere of activity too.

Photo (L to R).: Rolf Heinecke (CEO CHRISTMANN + PFEIFER), Prof. Joaquín Diaz, Dr.Eng., (THM), Matthias Acker (CEO C + P Turnkey Construction) and Christian Baier, Dr.Eng., (THM) congratulate Berange Mekuiguem Talom (center) on his successful Master's dissertation.