improving the construction process
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BIM Journal wishes to thank the following contributors
improving the construction process
WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM Nadia Wallett WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM
improving the construction process
Front cover image: Midfield Terminal Building, Abu Dhabi Airport, UAE. BIM tender support, modelling and graphics by Oger International, Abu Dhabi Branch ORA VL - 2011 - 3 VOL JOURNAL BIM
BIM Journal Volume 3 CONTENTS Editor’s Foreword 23 57 -2012
irst and foremost a tremendous acknowledgement must be given to all those who have contributed towards the Fsuccess of the BIM Journal. In the course of 2011 we received exceptional contributions for case studies, white-papers and articles from leading organisations and individuals in the international BIM Community. Many of which had been produced exclusively for the BIM Journal.
I would like to make a personal acknowledgement of the outstanding work and dedication of Nadia Wallett who has been managing the BIM Journal website and associated social media, sourcing new material and coordinating with contributors. The current success of the BIM Journal is due, in no small part, to her tireless efforts, as well as the vision and commitment of the BIM Journal Founder, Tahir Sharif.
The online publication of BIM Journal (www.bimjournal.com) is now regularly receiving over 20,000 single hits per month with a circulation of 100000 readers. Right, The 01 buildingSMART International home of open BIM Abu Dhabi 02 Introduction This volume, the third to be published, comprises monthly Journal Issues 24 to 35, from January to December 2011, Investment 03 BSI Newsletters Council as well as a selection of articles and opinion pieces from the website. The programme for 2011 issues was structured 10 BIM or Burst in quarterly clusters relating to a central theme. The three issues of the first quarter relate to Parametric Modelling, the Headquarters’ Dynamic 11 Meeting the UK BIM challenge second quarter to issues of Interoperability, the third quarter explores themes of Performance BIM, and the final quarter Facade 13 BIM eases seattle’s complex road tunnel project introduces valuable discussion on BIM Implementation and Training. Far Right, 15 ISSUE 24 49 ISSUE 30 Structured in this way, the BIM Journal Volume 3 publication forms a concise compendium for those interested and Case Study Spatial definition and calculation Green Is Good engaged in the practice of building information modeling. Sorbonne University, UAE - Practices for area calculations - Sustainability - BIM-Based area calculation - Integrating BIM and LEED BIMjournal has an open call for contributions of articles and case study projects. If you are interested in contributing to an - Mixed use community in the UAE - Use case of BIM-LEED integration upcoming issue, have any comments or require further information, please contact the Editor at [email protected] 19 ISSUE 25 55 ISSUE 31 Functions of Parametric Modelling Theme: Information Logistics - BIM VS 3D - Information deficiencies in the AEC industry - CONCEPTS OF PARAMETRIC MODELLING - BIM as a data management tool - THE ABU DHABI INVESTMENT COUNCIL HEADQUARTERS’ - Sorbonne University, UAE DYNAMIC FACADE
27 ISSUE 26 59 ISSUE 32 Synchronized Specifications BIM & Evacuation Performance - Model Attributes - Building performance for evacuation - Integrated Specifications - How to measure evacuation performance - Gilfillan Callahan Nelson Architects - BIM & Evacuation tools integration process 35 ISSUE 27 63 ISSUE 33 Interoperability Standards The BIM Manager - BuildingSMART standard explained - A new role in the construction industry - Understanding industry foundation classes - Managing process, people, technology and policy - Understanding BuildingSMART standards - BIM implementation in a Cairo city centre project Mark Baldwin 39 ISSUE 28 69 ISSUE 34 BIM Journal Editor Not Just CAD++ BIM Tool Selection WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM June 2010 to January 2012 WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM - Silo BIM - Defining expectations of BIM - Building Information Management - Metrics for analyzing BIM tools - BIM Collaboration Format - BIM tool selection 43 ISSUE 29 73 ISSUE 35 BIM Integrated Lifecycle Management BIM Implementation & Execution Plans - A New Era Of Project Management - Where’s my BIM in a box - Integrating The BIM - Guide for BIM deployment - Example Of BIM-ILM Integration - buildingSMART level 2 training BIM process management 1 2 ORA VL - 2011 - 3 VOL JOURNAL BIM BIM JOURNAL VOL 3 - 2011 -2012 buildingSMART International Introduction home of open BIM
buildingSMART hat a year for BIM! The UK Government issuing a mandate for ‘fully collaborative 3D BIM as a minimum by You have recently launched the Open BIM BuildingSMART has been serving the Construction initiative. Can you tell us a little bit about what it W2016’ and its commitment to reduce cost in the Construction Industry by 20% during the current term of -2012 Industry for over 20 years. A not for profit parliament! In the Middle East, the Jordanian Government also took the pledge and is working towards mandating organisation with Chapters all over the world is, how it works and, most importantly, how it will it has been working with Owners, Developers, benefit the industry? BIM! Too many BIM milestones worldwide to mention. Its official we are now in the BIM bubble, some are excited, Governments, Consultants, Architects, Engineers, you can almost hear the ‘it is about time!’ others apprehensive ‘why bother! more work!’ Yes unfortunately adopting Project Managers, Contractors and Sub-contractors CG: Open BIM is a buildingSMART initiative in BIM means committing to CHANGE! out with the old and in with the new, a change in mindset and work practises. to deploy internationally recognised standards for collaboration with several leading BIM Software vendors using the open buildingSMART Data Model. Last but not least an acknowledgement from the Industry that there is a real need for training & education to ensure processes and technologies. These standards that existing and new entrants in the Industry are equipped with the skills to handle BIM. improve interoperability and communication We have developed a technical certification system between all project stakeholders throughout the to help AEC software vendors improve, test and certify entire life cycle of a built Facility. their data connections to work seamlessly with other Christopher Open BIM Solutions. Now that the market is more BIM savvy, all be it some markets more than others, the BIM Journal has also evolved Groome, Business Ever since its launch back in 2009, BIM Journal has had and continues to have very strong ties to take into account market progress and endeavoured to find a suitable balance in terms of supplying information Manager We believe that by promoting and putting processes with buildingSMART. The publication features and that does appeal to Technical and non technical readers. The issues in 2011 focused on the practical aspects of building SMART in place to facilitate Open BIM we are making sure that promotes buildingSMART activities. We recently all project participants can use BIM regardless of the International using BIM from tool selection, creation of execution plans to the more complex data handling & extraction from BIM caught up with Christopher Groome, building software tools they use. By doing so we are ensuring models. All topics have been supported by a case study review relevant to the topics discussed. SMART International Business Manager. that the I (information) in BIM is available throughout the life cycle of the built facility. This in turn reduces How did you react as an organisation when it errors and costs pre and post construction, giving The BIM Journal has now been in operation for nearly 3 years receiving excellent feedback from the BIM Community. Owners / Operators a better ROI. The benefit also was announced that the information handover extends to Construction companies as they are able We are very excited to announce that the BIM Journal will shortly be integrated into www.thebimhub.com. Our BIM would be mandated on all Government to be more efficient in scheduling and analysing costs goal is to gather a very large BIM Community in one place. With this in mind we equipped the site with a social projects in the UK by 2016? with the abundant more accurate data made available. networking module providing users with the opportunity to network and socialise with other BIMMERS all over the We believe this is a WIN WIN situation for all parties. world. Every user will have his/hers own personal dashboard with the ability to personalise news/job alerts and CG: We were delighted. BuildingSMART in countries all over the world lobby Governments to encourage What is the perspective for buildingSMART in access a rich resource centre comprising technical information, case studies, online BIM courses and of course last mandating BIM. By making BIM outputs mandatory 2012? but not least the latest edition of BIM Journal delivered direct to your inbox! it gives the Industry the necessary push to make changes and implement it. CG: Our main focus will be on promoting Open BIM We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our contributors and readers for their continued support. Internationally via our Chapters to encourage more AEC We invite you to view the latest issues of the BIM Journal at www.bimjournal.com and join our Community on What did buildingSMART learn from companies to participate. its experience in implementing BIM in www.thebimhub.com Singapore, Finland and the US and how will Development of IFC standards is an ongoing process. you be assisting the UK Government with the We plan to launch the latest IFC 4 version with ISO in mandate? 2012. Our experts are working around the clock to finalise these standards. The launch is being awaited CG: First and foremost we learned that standard with great anticipation by the Industry. Like with any processes (IDMs) and standard product Standard it is expected that IFC 4 will iron out some of descriptions (IFD) are just as important as the the practical issues that AEC companies face when Data Model (IFCs) to enable data sharing. We sharing Data. We shall also speed up the development also learned a lot about how relationships between of the process IDM standards and dictionary IFD standards so the 2016 deadline can be achieved. For government and industry can best be fostered to Visit www.thebimhub.com and register to become a member of our community! make industry transformation a reality. Essentially instance we have launched the Process and Product rooms to support professionals in construction who BIM Journal is part of the BIM Hub it needs more than a demand that industry just use are using digital information, prototypes and models. BIM. This will help companies benefit from the integrated workflows that BIM enables. How is buildingSMART involved in helping the industry transition to BIM? The Process room is lead by Jan Karlshoj, Chairman of the Nordic Chapter of buildingSMART. The Product CG: BuildingSMART’s main function as an room is lead by Roger Grant from the BuildingSMART organisation is to create and maintain the standards Alliance, US Chapter. Both rooms are working towards WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM (IFC, IDM, IFD). These standards were developed stimulating International Collaboration between Tahir Sharif WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM to support a transparent, open worklow between all organisations. We are very pleased with the progress Founder The BIM Hub project participants regardless of the software tool so far and look forward to seeing some very positive and BIM Journal, they use. Our experts are actively working with the outcomes generated by both rooms.When it comes to Founding President, Government and Construction parties to support open standards for information sharing in construction buildingSMART and facilities management, buildingSMART is the them and ease their BIM transition. In particular MENA & India the IDM and IFD standards are well behind IFC ‘only show in town’. Our aim is to make the brand standards and will have to catch up. universally recognized alongside Open BIM as the key to improved performance. To help us we need high profile competitions like Build London Live and lots of well publicized case studies. 3 Selection of articles from 2011 - 2012 Selection of articles from 2011 - 2012 4 BSI Newsletters BSI Newsletters ORA VL - 2011 - 3 VOL JOURNAL BIM BIM JOURNAL VOL 3 - 2011 -2012 NEWSLETTER • No 5 • August 2011 NEWSLETTER • No 6 • November 2011 This is an article extracted from Issue 5. The content of this article is identical to the story as it appeared in the original issue. This is an article extracted from Issue 6. The content of this article is identical to the story as it appeared in the original issue.
Open standards for Public sector demand for BIM infrastructure Government adoption is often extended requirement for BIM is expected and government targets to reduce seen as key to ensuring a to have a big impact – the carbon emissions by 80% by 2050. The wider potential of buildingSMART has swiftly city of Copenhagen alone Eighteen ‘delivery groups’ shot up with early proposals for extending the wider uptake of BIM. Three owns 2.2 million sqm of real are being set up. -2012 IFC standard to infrastructure. A meeting of near-neighbours in Europe – estate – and around 400 Stakeholder projects a year are expected across the groups have also buildingSMART members was held in Paris on Denmark, UK and Netherlands – are making progress as IFC whole country. been created to 8 July to share experiences of modelling for And in the Netherlands, BIM is to become cover the infrastructure and identify next steps. BIM becomes mandatory at a mandatory requirement in central interests various levels in their public government projects in the offices sector. As from 1 November 2011, procurement Paul Morrell Source: ICE Leading the meeting were members of the French chapter sector projects. contracts worth more whose involvement in the infrastructure pro ject, Communic, has of,among others, software vendors, Most advanced of the three than €10 million will be made them eager to stimulate international efforts. institutions, supply chain, training countries is Denmark. Since covered. ‘Some of the big players in the French industry – Vinci, and education, and media liaison. 2007, central government ‘BIM will allow us to Bouygues and my own company, Egis – are accustomed to Mobilisation has begun and the 18 projects (or projects with a manage our real estate working together collaboratively,’ explains Christophe Castaing. delivery groups will help to develop 50% state subsidy) have required the use better,’ says Dr Alex ‘This created the oppor tunity for us to develop a project and get the processes. Government In future, bridges such as those in South Korea (above) and of the country’s ‘digital standard’, which Vermeulen, director funding for it. Our own contributions were matched by government will set objectives and allow the Salford, UK (below left) may benefit from IFC for infrastructure includes IFC BIM. Implementation was of Rgd, A&A. Once funding.’ supply chain to determine how Source: Jindo bridge, South Korea: Buckaroo Jeans, 19 October, 2008, under cc-by-sa-2.0 slow at first – in 2007–08 the economy Dr Alex Vermeulen Source: created, any BIM of best to meet them. Government was strong and the government didn’t Jan Willem Houweling, In The Picture an existing building departments will be trained to Communic was a €2 million multi-partner project that ran between 2007 and 2010. want to overheat the market – but will be kept live. ‘The information must articulate their needs better, while The wide-ranging initiative had the overall aim of identifying ways in which infrastructure Q&A with Pierre Benning since then, the situation has changed cover the whole life-cycle of the building,’ firms that are not yet BIM-proficient projects could be managed more efficiently over their whole life-cycle. Communic took Pierre Benning, Bouygues, was dramatically and government agencies he adds. are preparing for change. ‘This real-world projects, including part of the new A19 toll motorway in France, and found that involved in the Communic project to are now active in procuring new buildings. explore open-format modelling for The retrospective modelling of the is the moment for BIM,’ says traditional data structures did not respond to actual needs. But it was possible, as Jean- As the new system beds in, the use of infrastructure and is participating in Sydney Opera House served as a trigger Baptiste Valette of Vinci showed during the meeting, to ‘hijack’ IFC objects – and that Paul Morrell, the government’s project websites has been a particular and persuaded the Dutch government of might offer a way forward. openINFRA. chief construction adviser, who is success. ‘The positive involvement by the benefits of BIM in efficient FM. ‘Many Communic recommended that an open data exchange standard and collaborative What is the vision behind leading the change programme. the professional organisations has also in the industry are very supportive,’ says platform should be developed. ‘Civil engineering needs definitions of a data model and openINFRA? helped the industry to adopt BIM,’ says Alexander Pastoors of BNA, the Royal specific entities,’ says Pierre Benning of Bouygues, who was also involved in the project. We have a vision of interoperability buildingSMART Nordic chairman Jan Society of Dutch Architects, but he admits Visit www.detdigitalebyggeri.dk/english Other countries are also starting to build knowledge of standards and modelling for and efficient data management. Today (Denmark); www.rgdBIM.nl (Netherlands); we have expert tools to help us in the Karlshøj. that smaller firms will find it harder to take infrastructure. In Korea, IFC is being used in nuclear and power plants. Japan has done www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk (UK) various processes, but tomorrow we State-level adoption was just the the plunge. Meanwhile, both suppliers work on product models for bridges and shield tunnels. Germany’s ForBAU project will need to integrate all the processes start of things. In June 2011, the and government procurement personnel created 3D parametric road and bridge models, while in Norway the Public Roads into a central database. Danish Parliament voted to extend are bracing themselves for culture change Administration is committed to use open format models by 2015 (the format to be Who stands to benefit most? the mandatory use of BIM to all local and the need – as Dr Vermeulen says – to decided). In the US, the National Institute of Standards and Technology believes that and regional projects worth over ‘reframe’ their perspectives to meet the infrastructure delivery must be improved. And an international It takes five years to build a highway that will be in use for 50 years. DKr20 million (€2.7 million) – buildings new requirements. project of 2004–06, IFC Bridge, following an earlier French So most of the benefits will be felt such as schools, libraries and sports The UK government has project which had used the IFC and OA-EXPRESS formats, during operation and maintenance. facilities – with implementation of the embarked on a five-year explored a data model for bridges, delivering proof of concept and Nonetheless, all the disciplines will various requirements beginning programme to introduce BIM an IFC view. benefit, from client brief onwards. in 2012. Central government into all public sector projects by 2016. Its The Paris meeting brought together members with an interest Will there be any quick wins? projects have a lower threshold strategy is set in the context of rising asset in developing IFC for infrastructure. There was agreement that a Yes. During construction openINFRA of DKr5 million (€677,000). management costs (where government big open-ended project would deter potential funders and that will help us avoid errors on site. And, Different requirements will be aims to reduce whole-life costs by 20%) chapters should identify four or five use cases – areas of work – of of course, a complete model, with all set up for public sector housing, particular interest to them. ‘The bridge part is the most feasible,’ its attributes, will help at the design WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM
further stimulating the use WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM stage. says Thomas Liebich, who leads buildingSMART’s Model of BIM. The Support Group. ‘So much work has already been done.’ What would you say to A steering group was set up, with representatives of someone thinking of getting buildingSMART chapters and France’s Club Communic, involved in openINFRA? the network set up in the wake of the project. Defining the Come on in! This is an ambitious prospective scope will be among the first steps to be project. We need the goodwill taken. Members were asked what the IFC Infra project of everyone – and efficiency should be called – and the name openINFRA was improvements are to the benefit of all. agreed. 5 Selection of articles from 2011 - 2012 BSI Chapter activity around the world 6 BSI Newsletters ORA VL - 2011 - 3 VOL JOURNAL BIM BIM JOURNAL VOL 3 - 2011 -2012 NEWSLETTER • No 6 • November 2011 NEWSLETTER • No 5 • August 2011 This is an article extracted from Issue 6. The content of this article is identical to the story as it appeared in the original issue. This is an article extracted from Issue 5. The content of this article is identical to the story as it appeared in the original issue.
London 2012 – Olympic dreams and realities Olympic stadia of times past… New chapter for Canada The Olympic Stadium was completed A new chapter of buildingSMART has been launched in Canada. Until now, practitioners in London in March 2011, on time and in Canada were involved in the work of the North American chapter, the buildingSMART under budget – and with a little help Alliance, but the Institute for BIM in Canada was eager to create its own Chapter and took the lead in setting it up. -2012 from BIM. There are practical and cultural differences between Canada and the US. Canada is The 80,000-seat stadium covers an area of 40 acres, lying towards the a dual-language country, with a legal system that is closer to that of the UK, Australia south of the Olympic Park. It is not as striking as the Bird’s Nest Stadium and Singapore than to the US system. And unlike the US, it uses the metric system. in Beijing but it is a building that matches British reserve and is suited to a Athens 1896: The first modern Olympics were held at These differences – combined with a strong interest in facilitating the adoption of BIM in recession. Sustainability has been a key concern and with around 10,000 the Panathinaiko stadium, which took the elongated form of the ancient games and even recycled marble Canada – are behind the creation of an independent chapter. Co- tonnes of steel, it will be the lightest Olympic Stadium constructed to date. from the ancient stadium operation with other chapters is anticipated, and a close link The project was designed and constructed by Team Stadium, a will be maintained with the buildingSMART Alliance on North consortium led by Sir Robert McAlpine, together with architects American matters. Populous and structural and services consultants Buro Dave Pelletier of D&G Mechanical is chairman of the Dave Pelletier, president of D & G Mechanical Happold. The project would have followed a traditional new chapter. Other roles are being taken by Pierre and chairman of the new Canada chapter. He path without the inspiration of Sir Robert McAlpine, who was formerly president of the British Columbia Boucher, Canadian Construction Association, as were intent on having a fully integrated team approach, Construction Association and has served as and believed that a central point of information, like a business manager, and John Hale, Department of National chair of the Canadian Construction Association’s standard practices committee building information model, would add value. Defence, as technical co-ordinator. It was at this point that buildingSMART member Fulcro was brought in. Fulcro provides solutions Amsterdam 1928: The stadium was built in the to ease information transfer and get projects built Amsterdam style – a local variant of European styles – Jordan pledges commitment to BIM with long horizontal lines smoothly on-site – bridging the gap between design and construction. A buildingSMART forum has been set up in Jordan as part of buildingSMART Middle East. The two ‘We created a 3D model to validate the service information,’ explains Ben main players in Jordan are the Ministry of Public Works and Housing and the Jordan Engineers Amman Haldin, business development director at Fulcro. ‘It comes down to a team Association (JEA), who have entered into an agreement with the Middle East chapter and will be understanding of what you’re trying to achieve.’ running the forum. ‘The ministry will support ambitious initiatives which enhance the construction The next step for Fulcro was to get involved with the design sector,’ said minister Yahya Al Kasbi. Sharing his commitment, Abdulla Obaidat, head of the JEA, Jordan added: ‘This is an important agreement as it will introduce international concepts of modern buildings management function and enable the team to utilise the 3D Model for and increase the competitiveness of Jordanian engineers across the international and regional team review and meetings. The aim here was to de-risk parts of the market.’ project before the MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) contracts were let. All the architects and engineers for the project were co-located at Berlin 1936: The 1936 stadium reflected the NEWSLETTER • No 6 • November 2011 the site. Co-location, combined with the BIM, offered a belt-and-braces authoritarian architecture of the Third Reich; since approach. Designers had the benefits of having project colleagues right renovated, it hosted the World Cup final of 2006 This is an article extracted from Issue 6. The content of this article is identical to the story as it appeared in the original issue. there, as well as working via the BIM. Weekly workshops, comprising design reviews, clash prevention and clash detection, were run by Fulcro Singapore supports BIM and were treated as working opportunities to carry the design forward. A buildingSMART Industry Day – the ‘BIM-finitive Way to SMART Con struction’ – was held Some of the team members were doubtful or wary about the value on 21 September as part of the Singapore week of events and meetings. The aim was to share of BIM at first but saw the benefits as the model developed. The model under standing of BIM, and the day brought together local delegates, representing architects, provided visualisations that helped them to see their work in 3D for the engineers, contractors and government, along with international participants – some 280 in all. first time. There were challenges in the routing of the internal sanitation Back in 2008, a survey revealed that fewer than 10% of firms in Singapore were using BIM; systems, as the drainage pipes had to be threaded through pre-cut holes today the figure is probably around 25–30%. The local chapter is targeting a figure of 80% uptake in the beams – and design changes were ongoing. Using the model to Munich 1972: The 1972 stadium showed Germany in by 2015, and the government is introducing a series of strategies to stimulate BIM use. The verify these features ensured the design was fully validated. a happier light and pioneered lightweight tensile and public sector is taking the lead, helping build BIM capability through training and certification and membrane construction The BIM brought clarity at the construction phase, reduced risk and incentivising adopters with subsidies from a government BIM fund. Work is being done on pilots won the support of team members. ‘We did something simple that really and to help the industry become BIM-ready. Larger projects will be required to use BIM for their added value,’ says Ben. architectural designs by 2013 and for engineering designs by 2014; smaller projects, both public WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM ‘But then, any project would and private, will be covered by 2015. The Singapore Building and Construction Authority runs WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM benefit from a little bit of workshops and roadshows to raise awareness. BIM.’ International speakers set out progress in BIM use in their home territories, while case studies covered examples from the local region, such as the Singapore Sports Hub and a new block at Another version of this article, Singapore’s School of Medicine. Construction company and project owner Woh Hup described a with additional information, Beijing 2008: The Bird’s Nest Stadium used an IFC- based tool, known as 4D-GCPSU 2006, to manage the residential complex at Keppel Bay, Australia, where the use of BIM ensured that the design intent appears in BuildingSMART UK construction schedule, resources and site layout of the roof crown of the six towers could be realised in practice. News 27. Sources: London Olympic Stadium – London 2012; BIM – ODA Press; Athens ‘The conference served to educate the audience on the challenges and benefits of using BIM,’ (Top left) London Olympic Stadium; (above) the BIM – Pierre de Coubertin, The First Olympiad, London 1897; Amsterdam – public (Above) Keppel Bay complex; (below) Singapore domain; Berlin – Hoffman, Deutsches Bundesarchiv Bild 183-R82532; Munich – concluded Cheng Tai Fatt, auditor, buildingSMART Singapore. ‘The aim was to reinforce the point used in construction Arad Mojtahedi (public domain); Beijing – Chen Zao (CCA2 Generic) School of Medicine See Singapore Industry Day – www.buildingsmartsingapore.org/events.htm that BIM is the definitive way to “smart” construction.’ 7 BSI Chapter activity around the world BSI Chapter activity around the world 8 ORA VL - 2011 - 3 VOL JOURNAL BIM BIM JOURNAL VOL 3 - 2011 -2012 NEWSLETTER • No 7 • March 2012 NEWSLETTER • No 8 • May 2012 This is an article extracted from Issue 7. The content of this article is identical to the story as it appeared in the original issue. This is an article extracted from Issue 8. The content of this article is identical to the story as it appeared in the original issue.
of high activity for the chapter. ‘The level At the leading edge in Finland Busy agenda in Korea of BIM implementation is going up and Finland has been pioneering the use of data sharing and interoperable In the early days of we are contributing to the transformation,’ The Korean chapter is active in stimulating says Inhan Kim, chief vice-chair of working for over a decade, punching way above its weight for a small BIM in Finland, a decade BIM uptake, offering guidance and showcasing buildingSMART Korea. country. From 2001, a series of projects was carried out, using a shared back, expectations were achievement through annual conferences, technical building information model. Among them, Aurora 2 – a mixed-use facility unrealistic. ‘Many people
-2012 seminars and BIM awards. The chapter has helped at Joensuu University – showed how BIM offered the chance to create a thought you simply had to develop national BIM guidelines for public sector less expensive, more energy-efficient building. press a button to retrieve use and specific guidance for individual projects and A milestone was passed in 2007 when Senate Properties, the Finnish the information you needed,’ adds Tomi. ‘Today, companies. For the new HQ of the Korea Power property services agency, required the use of IFC-compliant BIM – open we have moved from theory to practice, with Exchange, it developed design competition guidelines. BIM in other words – in its projects. ‘In the public sector, nearly all projects a better understanding of how to use the main It has also provided consultancy for the Lotte Super Tower project, a 123-storey tower block in Seoul – now are built using BIM,’ explains Tomi Henttinen of Gravicon and chairman of model and the discipline-specific models. The under construction – establishing step-by-step BIM buildingSMART Finland. next step is to ensure our processes and the new procedures. Now Finland is approaching another milestone. In March 2012 new technologies are aligned.’ Since 2009 the chapter has run a BIM project BIM requirements will be published. Existing guidelines, which cover Contact Tomi Henttinen, chairman of buildingSMART registration service to gather better data and architecture, mechanical and structural engineering, quality assurance, Finland, at: [email protected] encourage adoption. The annual BIM awards are made quantity take-off and HVAC, among other things, will be upgraded and in four categories (vision, design, construction and made mandatory, while whole new areas of activity are being brought into green building), with two separate student categories. the requirements. Its BIM professional training course nurtures BIM New HQ for the Korea Power ‘We will see BIM-based project management and the required use of practitioners, and the chapter was co-organiser, along Exchange: BIM guidelines were with buildingSMART Singapore, of Build Asia Live established and open BIM used BIM on-site and in FM,’ says Tomi. The coverage is wide, taking in the 2011, a virtual design competition. All in all, a period from the start Source: Solibri Magazine whole building cycle, from planning permission to operations. Finnish software companies are rising to the challenge and developing the tools the industry needs. Tekla has developed a new site collaboration NEWSLETTER • No 7 • March 2012 tool (Tekla BIMsight), while Solibri released version 7 of its Model Checker This is an article extracted from Issue 7. The content of this article is identical to the story as it appeared in the original issue. in September 2011. Gravicon has developed a web-based management tool, Modelspace, which spans the different disciplines. Movement for open BIM
Ten software companies have joined forces to promote Open BIM. The collaboration is led by Case study ‘We use a BIM process for all of our projects,’ says Paolo Emilio Serra of buildingSMART International, Graphisoft and Tekla, and supported by several leading software Building with BIM in Italy ACPV. ‘Quality means not making vendors including Nemetschek and Trimble. The buildingSMART strategy, Roadmap 2020, Porto Nuovo in Milan lies just to the north mistakes. It means finding and correcting includes the promotion of Open BIM. ‘As buildingSMART’s open standards become more widely of the city centre, close to the Garibaldi errors before the design process is implemented, it is important that the value of open sharing and exchange of data is promoted and Centrale railway stations. The area completed and the construction phase across the global construction industry,’ says Chris Groome, bSI’s business manager. was severely run down and a regeneration has begun. That’s how we save a project, with an emphasis on pedestrian considerable amount of time and The benefits of open (as opposed to a proprietary) BIM are clear. Project participants can work with the best-of-breed access and green living, is underway. resources. BIM makes it possible.’ ACPV software solutions in their own field, co-ordination errors are greatly reduced, and data can be accessed throughout the life- Architects Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel and won an Autodesk BIM Experience award cycle of the asset. Partners (ACPV), have designed the new for its work on this and other projects. cultural centre for the project: a three-storey The companies involved are incorporating the promotion of 3,000sqm building which includes a library, Open BIM into their marketing efforts and collaborating with offices and retail gallery. other organisations. Further companies are welcome to join the The faceted roof and wall surfaces required movement, both on the software and design/construction side. close co-ordination with the structural The group has trademarked its Open BIM logo, which can be engineer, and the Revit platform was used. used on products and projects as a promise that they meet the requirements of open collaboration. WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM
This enabled both teams to develop design WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM options, documentation, cost estimates and visualisations more quickly. The architectural model also helped ACPV collaborate with the exterior design consultant to develop a scheme for the building’s glass façade that can be efficiently manufactured and Visit: http://www.openbim.com or contact Chris Groome installed. (cg@buildingsmart.org.uk) 10 BIM JOURNAL VOL 3 - 2011 -2012 WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM Gerard Couturier, Oger International Abu dhabi have developed detailed BIM requirements, and state BIM requirements, have developed detailed following suit. governments also are in all government BIM is required In Norway and Finland equivalents’ (Statsbygg managed by their ‘GSA projects Properties in Finland) managing in Norway and Senate meters of over 10 million square a combined total of property. handled by in projects In Denmark BIM is required various government as The Palaces and agencies (such University and Property The Danish Properties Agency, Agency and Defence Construction Service), and specific now forming part law. BIM requirements of Danish has made innovative step towards Singapore encouraging BIM adoption in the industryconstruction adopting subsidies to organisations that are by offering the and technologies, and through BIM processes of their e-Plan checking platform (where introduction to the municipalities as directly can be submitted BIM’s Organisations part process. of the development approval also eligible for government adopting BIM are elective tool subsidies). Rather than being seen as an could prove not deploying BIM productivity, to increase case in the US suggested to be detrimental. A recent could on out-dated traditional processes that relying and ‘best practice’. of care’ indicate a lack of ‘standard In this particular ultimately settled case, which was out of court, an independent the legal team engaged a virtual of the industry to create model professional based on the original 2D construction project troubled the problems documents. The 3D model clearly showed in the field. The legal team argued that eventually arose for the construction that if the entities responsible had made a Building Informationproblems Model the before issues would have been identified and addressed they manifested in the field. Employers can avoid such disputes and lead the transition to integrated practices by mandating BIM as for proposals). (request component of a RFP’s a core Contract documents must consequently be amended to conditions. accommodate the changed project Although in the past building industry professionals their Models for fear have been advised not to share of being sued, as James Salmon, of Collaborative (a legal consultant engaged in Construction Resources it is possible dispute) warned;the aforementioned “now, to be sued if you do not use Building Information in a manner consistent with emerging Modeling software industry standards.” This level of culpability may be some way in the future nevertheless for the Middle East construction industry, BIM is set to shake up our existing business and from With mounting pressure contractual processes. clients, competitors and potentially the legal system, companies ought to consider seriously whether they want to go BIM or bust. Architecture, Engineering and Construction firms Engineering and Construction who are Architecture, to building informationnot making the jump modelling to see business get a whole lot can expect (BIM) now, five years. BIM is swiftly to tougher in the next three and will partbecoming an integral of the AEC industry, obsolete. traditional processes no doubt make many table. In BIM is to CAD, what CAD was to the drafting not going to see CAD as a viable five to ten years we are Those with their means of operation for the AEC industry. be to make this shift will head in the sand who refuse sidelined. seeing a concerted to in the GCC we are push Already advanced stipulating are for major projects RFP’s BIM. by Consultants, General to be delivered BIM processes Subcontractors. The demands are Contractors and and BoQ stringent - not your typical clash detection seeing in the we are extraction. Among the requirements the following: UAE are • integrated RFI reporting • integration with cost estimation and project management software management and variation order • procurement Reporting • Progress • work package divisions & Planning • 3D Control • Digital Fabrication little possibly a are requirements of these Some struggle aspirational. Many AEC firms would in the region to meet these demands, due to a lack of capabilities Nevertheless a number of or adequate resources. companies, primarily General Contractors, have made a good head start gaining significant ground and are achieving these goals. towards Government bodies and associated entities in the Middle East have also taken some significant steps to promote building information modelling as an integral part of the In the Middle East and Northconstruction process. Africa, The Kingdom of Jordan’s is leading the way. Jordan Ministry and Housing (MPWH) and the of Public Works Engineers Association (JEA) signed an agreement Jordan Forum to found the buildingSMART with buildingSMART In Kuwait some governmentin Jordan. agencies have their supportdeclared of BIM, and one could expect to In the in the near future. see BIM become a requirement UAE government-owned developers, such as Masdar, as BIM requiring increasingly TDIC and Mubadala, are part process. of their prequalification In other parts part of the world BIM is already of standard practice. in all projects In the United States BIM is required managed by the General Services Administration (GSA), US Army Corps, US Department of Veteran local municipalities Various and US Coast Guard. Affairs BIM OR BURST OR BIM Corporate Member • Integrity checking and rule-based assessment and design • Reviewing analysis engineering Construction Management Construction and construction logistics sequencing • Site • BIM-to-field and supervision deployment & Quality Assurance Auditing Building Information Modelling Building Information BIM in realised of experience years Oger several International has of the in many pro ciencies With the world. projects around leading BIM software Oger International is actively pioneering is the A key focus and deployment. in BIM processes developments for such as BIM of BIM with other specialist areas, integration building certi cationsustainability and Estidama). (LEED and green Oger and a projectbrings International experience extensive and coordination modelling, to approach construction-focused BIM project management. Oger Dhabi International Abu UAE – Saudi Arabia – Lebanon – India - Morocco – Philippines – Tunisia – France Tunisia – – Philippines – IndiaMorocco - – Lebanon – Saudi Arabia UAE ISO Certi ed 9001 (2008) + ISO 14001 (2004) - US Green Building Council - Emirates Green Building Council Green - Emirates ISO Certi ed Building Council + ISO 14001 (2004) - US Green 9001 (2008) Offices: P.O.Box 61576, Abu Dhabi, UAE - Tel. +971 2 635 9777 - Fax +971 2 681 1309 - Email [email protected] +971 2 635 9777 - Fax Tel. - Dhabi, UAE 61576, Abu P.O.Box
Model Production and Deployment Structure and MEP models • Architecture, and BoQ extraction• Shop drawing BIM Project Management BIM Project development and process • Strategy • Model and coordination management BIM SERVICES BIM Company Pro le Company Architecture recognised Oger an internationally International is in Building capabilities with advanced company and Engineering of heritage on a years 50 of ModellingInformation (BIM). Drawing Services, divisions of Engineering and with specialist operation, Building Buildings, Intelligent Sustainability, Management, Project Oger Modelling, Information and Building Management Systems most in some of the world’s involved International has been construction projects within both the public and prestigious sectors. private 11 12 MEETING THE UK BIM CHALLENGE www.causeway.com Transforming Construction Processes with Causeway The UK Government Construction Strategy was published back in May 2011 and signalled the next phase of the process improvement agenda. software for the built environment software for the built environment The UK Government Construction Strategy was exchange and optimised transaction processes. This may Reducing carbon emissions should no longer be and integrated project teams that will ultimately deliver published back in May 2011 and signalled the next sound cutting edge but, in reality, it is nothing new. seen as a cost, but as a saving. In the words of Barry such an outcome. BIM is a key element that provides the phase of the process improvement agenda. Gardiner MP at June’s Carbon Reporting seminar, information platform upon which such improvements can Electronic trading has been around for over a decade “what gets monitored gets managed”. be built. The Strategy underlined the importance to the UK and is actually considerably less complicated than the economy of the £110bn of annual construction spend, traditional exchange of paper trading documents. Many Actively monitoring emissions is the Within Causeway solutions, we are able to use a BIM 40% of which is in the public sector. However, it of the Top 100 contractors within the UK construction first step towards making significant model to transform access to the data within. This challenged the entire industry to address business industry are already utilising Causeway’s eTrading hub, is further enhanced through integration with related models and practices to deliver a step change in cost, Tradex, and reporting enormous savings. As far back savings; National Grid, for example, processes, including cost planning and estimating. quality and carbon performance. as November 2010, for example, the Sunday Telegraph saved £200,000 at a single plant, Through open access to BIM models it will be possible reported that Carillion expect to save over £80 million to increasingly share data and transform traditional There are countless ways to save small amounts of through the introduction of electronic invoicing! by monitoring and managing their processes money throughout the construction process. However, carbon emissions. the challenge is to transform rather than simply speed “Electronic trading should be grasped and enjoyed in To Conclude software for the built environment up the process. This requires a deep understanding the knowledge that it delivers improved integration, Though it can yield great benefits, monitoring and By embracing innovative technology,software working for the built environment of the construction domain alongside the ability strengthens partnering, cuts costs and improves managing carbon isn’t hard. Causeway Sustainability collaboratively and deploying BIM processes to help save to transform the lifecycle of projects from concept sustainability.” – Tim Cole, Causeway Executive Vice iQ, for example, provides a single platform from which on time, cost and carbon emissions, companies across through to construction, operation and maintenance. President, Strategy. to accurately measure and manage carbon emission the built environment will be able to deliver projects of a reductions, whilst validating all the information higher quality and within an environment of lower risk. Building Information Modelling People can be resistant to change. That’s why we believe necessary for the formulation and implementation of it’s important to keep things simple; we advise companies CRC EES policies. Author : (BIM) has been identified as a key to support their suppliers throughout their move to Tim Cole Eur.Ing., C.Eng., BSc.(Hons), M.I.ChemE e-lnvoicing, but to be bold and stand by their decision. “Sooner or later the industry will realise that component to achieve the desired Executive Vice President, Strategy, Causeway Technologies embracing the green agenda isn’t a cost – it’s a step change by transforming Following this advice, McNicholas achieved a 90% e-lnvoicing adoption rate across their vast supply chain saving.” – David Bell, Executive Vice President, the information process right within just twelve months of implementing Tradex. Customer Services, Causeway. through the lifecycle of the built 8 About Causeway “The key to our success was following Causeway’s advice Mandatory BIM
environment. to be bold within a supportive framework. Suppliers Paul Morrell has also announced that, by 2016, Causeway is the only global
need to believe you’re serious about the implementation every government project will require model data to But this should remain in context with the wide software provider to support project.” – Miles Gibson, Financial Controller of be provided. This effectively requires the adoption range of process elements that underpin business the complete life cycle of McNicholas. of Building Information Modelling (BIM) across the operations. This article looks at some of these ... industry. Essentially, this will require the sharing of the built environment, from including BIM. Cutting Carbon Emissions “If cash is king, hereafter information models within increasingly collaborative feasibility, through construction,
carbon has to be its queen.” So says Paul Morrell, the project environments. From reducing risk by predicting Let’s start with financial accounting. Although to facilities management. Government’s Chief Construction Adviser, claiming the project performance before the construction process, construction-specific financial accounting solutions are Specifically designed to reduce construction industry needs to “start putting a proper to improving the quality of data delivered to a Facilities now relatively widespread, most are still incapable of price on carbon”. The problem is that – though money is Manager, BIM will change the way projects are the cost of construction and delivering the project-specific functionality that drives incentive in itself – there doesn’t seem to be an equivalent designed, built and maintained. maintenance, their products true profitability. What construction companies require reward for keeping carbon costs low: “There is no reward is dedicated, project-specific commercial accounting form an interoperable end for taking due account of lifetime carbon, so not enough is From a business point of view, leaving aside the applications that can integrate within the overall being done” Morrell claims. need to comply with Government requirements, it to end solution for improving process. It is important to enable the interrogation is the reduction of risk, improved partnering and the profitability and improve of information across all project-specific activities, This is not, however, strictly true. Though it may be the inherent cost savings that will make BIM stand out. resources and transactions. environmental performance of case that the Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy As more projects are completed using BIM elements, the clients. Efficiency Scheme (CRC EES) no longer actively rewards it is clear that significant advances are available. Then there are all those business transactions those who keep their emissions low, there are actually However, the objective to deliver a step change we can’t live without. Research has shown that significant cost savings to be made by embracing the improvement to construction costs and carbon will Find more of our articles at: organisations can save up to 2% of their total turnover carbon agenda. In other words, a company stands to not be achieved through BIM alone. It will be the www.causeway.com/news simply by replacing paper invoices with electronic data reward itself by reducing its carbon emissions. process improvements, earlier contractor involvement
Corporate Headquarters Causeway Technologies Ltd Comino House, Furlong Road, Bourne End, Buckinghamshire SL8 5AQ t: +44 (0)1628 552000 f: +44 (0)1628 552001 e: [email protected] Middle East office Causeway Middle East 1202 Tower B, Business Central Towers, Dubai Internet City, Dubai UAE t: +971 (0)443 42119 e: [email protected] software for the built environment www.causeway.com
software for the built environment BC-015_09_11_build_design_construction.pdf 1 11-09-20 1:57 PM
13 TOGETHER ORA VL - 2011 - 3 VOL JOURNAL BIM BIM EASES SEATTLE’S WE DO IT ALL COMPLEX ROAD TUNNEL FOR THE GENERAL CONTRACTOR Three great brands, united as one, focused on providing complete, LASER end-to-end solutions for the building construction industry. Now, SCANNING PROJECT Trimble is revolutionizing the building construction landscape by ® providing everything from estimating, design & collaboration, TrimbleTrimble CX Laser Scanner In Seattle, HNTB used Tekla BIMsight for the project management, asset management, 3D laser scanning, and State Route 99 tunnel project by easily combining construction layout solutions, all under one company umbrella. -2012 models from all disciplines, reviewing those models with smooth navigation features and capturing areas of interest with ease. resources from Meridian, Tekla, and Trimble, enable you to save money while working faster with greater accuracy and control. 3D MODELING TTeklaekla StructuStructuresres C CONSTRUCTION Abdelrahman M Muneer, LAYOUTLAYOUT BIM OVER DRAWINGS Y PR & Communications State Route 99 Tunnel is an extremely complex ® CM TrimbleTrimble Field Link Officer, Tekla BACKGROUND project which combines civil engineering, structures, Middle East The Seattle Tunnel Partners design-build contractor architectural elements, mechanical & electrical MY systems, and traffic management. When the workflow team hired HNTB as the designer for the State Route CY CLASH DETECTION 99 Tunnel project which will replace the Alaskan Way is model-based, the design team can view the PROJECT Viaduct section of State Route 99 along Seattle’s integrated project elements as a whole and find CMY & PROJECT design and coordination issues between each MANAGEMENTMANAGEMENT waterfront with a 16-meter inside diameter bored K COLLABORCOLLABORATIONATION tunnel beneath downtown Seattle. The existing discipline. The traditional method of reviewing the ® project using drawings does not allow for this complex PrologPr Softwaree Alaskan Way Viaduct section is an elevated roadway TTeklaekla BIMsight that is at risk of failure from earthquakes. As a interface and collaboration process. Tekla Structureses member of the Seattle Tunnel Partners, HNTB is providing the design services for the tunnel and the two associated operations buildings. Initial construction activities began in fall 2011.
TO LEARN MORE, VISIT WWW.TOGETHERWEDOITALL.COM
HNTB IN A GLANCE The US-based HNTB Corporation is an employee- owned infrastructure firm serving federal, state, municipal, and private clients. Professionals
provide award-winning planning, design, program RTPHONE management and construction management services. CUT AND COMBINE MODELS For nearly a century, HNTB has helped create Tekla BIMsight allowed HNTB to easily combine infrastructure that best meets the unique demands of its environment. With client relationships spanning models from all disciplines and view models with
decades, HNTB understands infrastructure life cycles SMA WITH AN Trimble Building Construction Division 937-245-5587 smooth navigation features and capture areas of
and has the perspective to solve technical challenges SC WWW.BIMTOFIELD.COM © 2011 Trimble Navigation Limited. All rights reserved. BC-015 interest with ease. In BIM collaboration, HNTB utilized with clarity and imagination. The company sees and the model in weekly all-discipline coordination helps to address far-reaching issues of financing, WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM meetings to discuss the two buildings, cut and cover legislation, design, construction, community outreach areas, and the tunnel with the sub-consultants, and ongoing operations. As employee-owners architects, and engineers. With all of the discipline committed to the highest levels of performance, HNTB models loaded into Tekla BIMsight, HNTB and project enables clients to achieve their goals and inspiring participants were able to see conflicts and possible visions. design changes. In this project, the Tekla BIMsight feature HNTB found most useful was the ability to quickly cut sections and turn off pieces of the model to clearly see the interworking of the design within the model. 15 issue 24 16 ORA VL - 2011 - 3 VOL JOURNAL BIM BIM JOURNAL VOL 3 - 2011 -2012 ARTICLE 1 project – linking directly into and cost estimation or facilities management software. 1 The value of BIM space entities is being continuously eSMART redefined and expanded. In some cases bi- The electronic Spatial Management and Reporting Spatial directional associations have been developed Tool (eSMART) provides a national web-based where, in a concept phase, the designer can Computer-Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) make changes in the schedule that directly impact system for managing and maintaining the drawing the building volume in the model. In other cases and assignment data for GSA’s federally-owned designers develop algorithms reflecting predefined definition and design requirements (for example the relationship buildings. eSMART is the cornerstone of the PBS -2012 of circulation space to retail space) and allow these SDM (GSA’s Public Buildings Service Spatial Data algorithms to generate preliminary massing objects. Management) program and an essential tool for PBS’ business. This web-based technology permits GSA Downstream, space elements can contain huge users to quickly retrieve real-time assignment data calculation amounts of design data - finishes schedules, FF&E and CAD drawings with the convenience of point- inventories or HVAC design requirements. These and-click capability. eSMART also allows users to edit PRACTICES FOR AREA CALCULATIONS drawn to the wrong side of a wall or overlap with parameters are not merely records of the design Area calculation is rightly considered by clients other spaces and these are hard to see by visual intent but form mechanisms for verifying and driving and modify drawings stored in the database and to as a critical design output, informing decision- inspection. the development of the model. generate standardized reports and floor plans. making from feasibility phase through to facilities 2. Spatial definitions and standards may not always Providing increased accuracy, convenience, and management. Traditional processes are subject be followed when done manually, leading to further standardization, eSMART helps to achieve GSA’s goals to human error both in spatial definition in the CAD variation. Are columns and freestanding walls of responsible asset management and to operate environmental and in transferring that information included or not? more efficiently and effectively. to external spreadsheets. BIM affords a controlled 3. Space boundaries were usually approximate. ARTICLE 2 Chuck Eastman, process for spatial definition (as areas or volumes, Unless the space polygon was carefully snapped 1. http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/102284 BIM-BASED AREA CALCULATION Director, and by preset definitions) and a reliable mechanism to the proper vertices defining the corners of the Chuck Eastman, Director of the Digital Building Lab at Digital Building for outputting this data for direct usage in the project polygon, the space polygon was only a visual Georgia Tech (Georgia Institute of Technology) USA, Lab, Georgia environment. approximation of the actual net space. discusses the current state of spatial definition in BIM Tech According to Chuck Eastman, Director, Digital BIM-BASED AREA SCHEDULING software, some developments that have been made Building Lab, Georgia Tech, ”Owners should in the application of this in the US, and areas of future “Owners demand that space calculations on their projects be development. should demand based on smart BIM space objects. Older methods BOMA (Building Owners and Managers that space based on hand drawn polygons are typically Association, USA) recognized this I thank the General Services Administration (GSA) for stub in most restaurant bills, check cashing and other financial operations, calculations on why do we still accept manual operations in rental space calculation that inaccurate and can lead to significant error. In this issue by recommending consistency demanding that BIM design applications be capable their projects of automatically deriving and updating space areas have only limited validation? computer age, we should not accept practices that between space areas being inherently be based on naturally involve errors and approximation.” and volumes beginning in 2007. Most current BIM smart BIM space variable (in drafting systems) and design applications represent a building space Instead of holding onto the past, we should work towards improving the objects... In BIM has brought the computer age to construction. acceptable if within two percent of as an automatically generated and automatically future, figuring the next steps to make Architecture-Engineering-Construction this computer The previous generation architectural CAD systems each other. updated extruded polygon whose plan boundary and Operations more predictable. More work is needed. Currently, there age, we should were able to compute the area of a polygon, even is defined by the wall intersections with a floor slab. are written rules for deriving the gross area for a building. It addresses such not accept GSA (General Services Administration, with columns and other interior occlusions. However, USA) uses the same acceptance level The polygon is then extruded to the average ceiling issues as calculating external ramps and stairs, the distinction between practices they were not able to represent building space height or possibly trimmed to a sloping ceiling sun screens and structural elements, and so forth. But I am not aware of that naturally explicitly as parametric objects. Space objects were of tolerance. “what’s the issue for a surface. If a bounding wall is moved, the space an automated and validated implementation of such a perimeter-defining involve approximated as user-defined polygons with an million dollar lease – only 20 thousand object is automatically re-generated, guaranteeing its operation. errors and associated space name as attribute. The schedule a year?” consistency with the plan layout. approximation.” of net space areas could be calculated from the The current BIM object model for spaces is not perfect. The definition works named polygons and used in checking layouts in Today, most (not all) BIM design applications provide for vertical walls and flat floors, but ignores vertical changes in wall surfaces, comparison to the project space program. Like The process for area scheduling in the BIM this capability, However, GSA still accepts the drawn and floors and ceilings made of complex surfaces (such as sloping walls, other aspects of computer drafting, this did the environment is controlled and customisable. In the polygons from so-called BIM compliant software stars or ramps). These are also not easily addressed by humans so ignoring calculations, but left to the operators all questions of BIM environment spaces exist as unique entities. (www.gsa.gov/bim). In part, this is because of history. them is thought excusable. We still are missing effective algorithms in our accuracy and correctness. They are defined by dynamic association to building Before BIM technology became mainstream, GSA BIM tools for dealing with the volume of air in a building. How far off are elements – floors, walls, ceilings. This means, on the invested in its eSmart facilities management system, our energy calculations because of sloppy numbers? How much volume is This method was the best achievable in drafting one hand, that as these elements are modified in which is based on 2D drawings. filled with furniture and equipment, reducing the actual volume? The volume systems, where all so-called “building components” the model the area calculations are updated, and on calculation is readily available in most geometric modelling libraries but were collections of graphic entities interpreted by the the other hand, that if the spatial definition needs to eSmart is used by all GSA regions to manage space, hasn’t been demanded by users. beholder. However, this computer representation of be changed (eg Gross floor area is to be calculated leases and for planning renovations. eSmart relies
WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM spaces carried with it all the baggage of traditional by centre line of a wall, rather than outer face) the on manually drawn polygons for estimating space The larger issue is that with building information modelling, we have moved WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM drafting systems: spatial entities can be redefined. boundaries and leasing areas. Discussions are past hand-drawn accuracy for design and construction. We have the ongoing to move the eSmart functionality to a BIM- potential of using laser scan accuracy for all our work, leading to fewer RFIs, 1. Consistency of the design was the responsibility BIM spaces can more accurately represent complex based system, but that has not been undertaken yet. less air leakage, more accurate leases and operating costs and improved of the user; if a wall was moved, the affect on spaces spaces than traditional methods – particularly Hand drawn polygons still widely exist in GSA and in construction quality. Buildings are occupied by people and uncertainty on both sides of the wall were the responsibility of irregular and curvilinear volumes. Most significantly new projects undertaken by most building owners. will always exist about some aspects of building performance. But there is the draftsman. Inconsistency between wall layouts these spaces have direct links to schedules that This is unnecessary and crude. Leases, maintenance no need to be sloppy when objective measures can be generated in our BIM Journal wishes to thank and space were highly likely in large projects with contracts, insurance and other continuing costs computer tools. The automatic calculation of spaces is also several orders Chuck Eastman, Director of update automatically as the design parameter the Digital Building Lab at many spaces, such as hospitals. Consistency change. The schedule data can be exported out of all relay on those hand drawn polygons, with their of magnitude faster than a human drawing polygons. Let’s spend the time Georgia Tech, for his invaluable management is hard. A space polygon may be inherent errors. While we regularly affix the calculation being more productive. contribution to this issue. the model environment for broader usage across the 17 issue 24 18 ORA VL - 2011 - 3 VOL JOURNAL BIM BIM JOURNAL VOL 3 - 2011 -2012 CASE STUDY DYNAMIC RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN MODEL Some of the recipes for calculation in the schedules AND SCHEDULE included: In the master plan project Burt Hill developed Mixed use conceptual models that were configured to • Gross Floor Area (GFA) automatically extract preliminary area calculations • Gross Lettable Area (GLA) according to preset ‘recipes’. Burt Hill commenced • Floor Area Ratio (FAR), this process by using a series of predefined building • Units Required mass prototypes. The prototype massing objects • Parking Requirements community in were preconfigured with specific spatial parameters. • Landscaped area (soft or hard) These included: -2012 Embedding such rule-based associations into the • Building Footprint design software enables one to freely and rapidly • Building Summary develop design options knowing that the underlying the UAE • Parking Demand relationships will be maintained. • Parking Supply • Land Uses • Open Spaces • Plot Summary
The prototype objects were directly linked to area schedules that would reflect the specific spatial composition. Any changes to the the massing objects would be updated automatically in the area schedules.
The next step of the process was for the planners to configure the mass prototypes into the locations and push/pull them into the required shapes. As these modifications were being made to the models the schedules were constantly being updated, reflecting the actual area calculations based on the rule-based ‘recipes’. This is the great differentiator of BIM versus a CAD/Spreadsheet methodology. The results were instant, and the data was In a new master planning project in the UAE, Burt spatial environment that expanded the traditional centrally located and easily manipulated and verifiable. Hill deployed a BIM-based area scheduling process information feedback loop to provide rich that not only insured accuracy of information, but computable data. A further benefit of generating the BIM model for this type of project was was also able to dynamically inform the design In an advanced BIM process one is further able the ability to render the schemes to our visualization team without waiting process. The building information model developed In a traditional CAD environment the ‘information to establish a bi-directional relationship, where for the masses to be generated. Once again saving time for our delivery at concept phase was linked to area schedules feedback loop’ would involve developing changes in the schedule would cause modification team that were automatically updated with each design a conceptual CAD plan and then manually of the model itself. This is clearly a more complex iteration. More significantly, however, the model was performing area calculations to verify that the relationship, and certain ‘rules’ must be established controlled with specific rule-based associations, spatial design requirements have been met. as to how the mass will adapt ensuring that as the design changed the spatial Invariably the design would need to be tweaked zones were modified according to predefined design to correct the spatial relationships (eg reduce built requirements. up area, or maximize residential area compared to retail space). This process typically involves RULE-BASED RELATIONSHIPS It is a priority of Burt Hill to streamline workflow multiple iterations (to-ing and fro-ing between The prototype objects were configured according processes for planning projects that have design and area calculations) continually revising to specific ‘recipes’; that is, rule-based associations traditionally been disparate and unconnected. the design until the optimal spatial relationships that determine the relationship of the various With a focus on preliminary area calculations, The have been achieved. parameters. The relationship of these parameters, design team created reusable model prototypes and was dependant on the particular function of the WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM developed schedule-based associations to generate In the BIM environment this information feedback prototype (eg. ‘High Density Residential’ or ‘Mixed WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM environmental outputs earlier in the decision loop is completely transformed. There are two Use’) and also reflected building code and client process. Using BIM for planning allows one to aspects to this. requirements. For example parking spaces should create very accurate and rapid models that eliminate 1. The relationship between model space and be determined at 1 space per every 100sqm of redundant handling and replication of project data. area schedules are dynamically linked, providing lettable office space, or 1 per dwelling unit. Or that BIM further enables one to explore rapid design accurate data dynamically updated as the model High Density Residential space should be equal alternatives and make informed decisions on those progresses. to 23% of total built up area. Alternatively these options earlier. 2. Rule-based relationships can be established parameters could be fixed figures, such as minimum This particular project of a mixed use community in to control the relationship between different dwellings required. the UAE allowed Burt Hill to define a coordinated parameters. 19 issue 25 20 ORA VL - 2011 - 3 VOL JOURNAL BIM BIM JOURNAL VOL 3 - 2011 -2012 ARTICLE 1 ARTICLE 2 CONCEPTS OF PARAMETRIC MODELLING 1 Parametric modelling is the design concept in which Functions of the absolute values of a model or part of it - like the height of the structures, the loading at the top surface, the thickness of a web, the grade of the concrete or the time of casting - are replaced by relative parameters, see Figures 1 and 2. These parameters may be defined in all kinds of models: Parametric Modelling either analysis, detailing or structural. After the parameters are defined, they can be easily adjusted
-2012 BIM VS 3D SO WHY CHANGE? by the engineer to new values/settings,see Figure 3. To the layperson a building information model Spatial coordination of 3D models has limited Consequently, the engineer obtains either a relatively is often seen as little more than a geometric value. Areas can be visualised, however volumes small or maybe even a big change in the structure. representation of a building. BIM, however requires or surface areas cannot be extracted. Elements The initial design shape, however, is not changed sophisticated task-specific software, highly trained have limited identity in a 3D model. A clash may be fundamentally. operators and complex processes to integrate, detected between two entities, even automatically, Theoretically it is possible to parameterize any input manage and collaborate the information. What is the however there is no identity to the elements, nor any data of a model element, be it geometric, analytic added benefit of a BIM, what makes it different to a association between them. or descriptive. The control of the parameters is fully Figure 1: General drawing 3D model, and why should organisations invest in open to the user, no programming is needed since this intricate and multifarious process? This is dramatically different in the BIM environment the user interactively indicates the parameters in the where one is not simply interested in detecting object properties interface. the collision of entities, but more the relationship WHY DO I NEED BUILDING INFORMATION between them. Rule-checking assessments can be The use of these parameters within the BIM 2 MODEL IF I HAVE A 3D MODEL? undertaken on a BIM to manage a sophisticated environment leads to: A 3D model is a static geometric representation level of associations: that doors have sufficient swing of an object. It may be spatially accurate, it may opening clearance, that stair landings achieve their • A rapid design (new design models are easily even have a photo-realistic material representation, minimum required length, or that handrails achieve rebuilt however it has little or no meaningful association to their minimum height. from similar shapes / parametric parts can be re- the object that is supposed to represent. used in other objects or projects) Construction sequencing is a similar example. A • Access to more complexity (parameters are 3D models are typically created in non-industry- 3D model can be linked to a construction schedule, calculated out of formulae or derived from other specific software. An object is constructed as an such that the model can appear to develop as the parameters, e.g. generation of the geometry of arrangement of geometries – the identity of the programme progresses. However there is limited repetitious structures) element is irrelevant. logic behind this. The script is simply to link a • Sensitivity studies (by studying the effect of scheduled task to an object, and as the programme changing parameters). A 3D model is a valuable asset in its own right, and progresses the linked model elements become can be used for: visible or change colour. The link between the task Using parametric objects one is able to perform a and the element is arbitrary. The task could be linked rapid design through the adjustment of a predefined • Photo-realistic visualisations (including fly easily to a steel truss as to a light-bulb, without set of input data. More complex elements can be through animations) affecting the programme. designed by using parameterised user templates, or Figure 2: Choice of parameters BIM Journal wishes to • Limited spatial coordination (visualising the so-called ‘blocks’. Using the parametric blocks like acknowledge and thank In the context of BIM the scheduling software will Ing. Emiel Peltenburg and relationship of the different facility entities) Lego pieces, the engineer can assemble repetitive, Nemetschek Scia (www.scia- • Limited integration to construction programming ‘read’ the identity and properties of an element. but iterative, structures very rapidly. This approach online.com) for the provision of For example, if a task is linked to a concrete this article. applications for construction sequencing. is of great value for structures such as tower masts, footing, the duration of that task will correspond to 3 portal frames or prefabricated concrete systems – the volume of concrete represented in the model where a simple element is duplicated with multiple and the production rate associated to the task. If alterations and in various configurations. the footing is reduced in size in the model, or the see Figure 4 ( Next Page ). production rate is increased, the task duration will be diminished. Using mathematical formulae the user is also able to obtain relatively complex structures in an easy way. The main user, mostly the lead eng ineer, defines WHAT MAKES A BIM TICK? the formulae once, and entering the proper input A building information model is fundamentally different to a 3D model. At the core of a BIM are data for the formulae bothers only the engineer parametric objects - objects that have dynamic or draftsman. The lead engineer uses parametric geometric and non-geometric properties and templates for different parts of the structure, the behaviours. These properties control how an object basic users can assemble the complex structure is formed and modified (for example increase the based on the parameterised block, width of a window, and the area of glass widens, see Figures 5 and 6 ( Next Page ). WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM not the window frame) and how they interact with WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM other objects (insert a window into a wall and an Parametric modelling enables the creation of Figure 3: Regenerated model with changed values for the parameters opening is created, increase the window size and user-libraries of frequently used construction the opening increases correspondingly, remove the components: beams, walls, joists, trusses, braces, opening and the wall is made good). foundations, etc... This creates maximum flexibility for the design and detailing. The data structure This is discussed in detail in the following article: underlying the parametric model is such that Concepts of Parametric Modelling. changes propagate throughout the entire model; the change engine ensures that related elements reflect the changes of chosen parameters. 21 issue 25 22 ORA VL - 2011 - 3 VOL JOURNAL BIM BIM JOURNAL VOL 3 - 2011 -2012
EXAMPLES OF PARAMETRIC DESIGN To give an example of parametric modelling in 6 detail, let us consider the design of a single span post-tensioned bridge from the perspective of the engineer. The cost-efficiency requires the minimal (optimal) amount of concrete mass and the minimal depth of the bridge. However, the number of parameters influencing those two main design criteria is quite big: concrete quality, height of the cross-section, number of tubes in the cross-section
-2012 (to reduce weight), diameter of the tubes in the Figure 8: Optimal economic design based on adapted Figure 9: Optimal economic design based on adapted cross-section, size of the cross-section near the parameters – part 1 parameters – part 2 supports, concrete cover, etc. In Figure 7 you can review the initial cross-section used in the design.
Figure 6: An assembled complex lattice mast (action performed by the 4 basic user). Example composed of more than 10 different parametric blocks. Screenshot Scia Engineer.
7
Figure 10: Open connections in structural modelling and design from Scia Engineer
Figure 4: Typical example of a precast concrete building (from diktaat ‘Gebouwen in geprefabriceerd beton’ by Prof.dr.ir. J.C. Walraven & Ing. J.P. Straman, TU Delft)
5 Figure7: Cross-section for a post-tensioned single span bridge from Scia Engineer
ONGOING DEVELOPMENTS Parametric modelling can be used create customised and adaptive components, such as connections for steel, concrete, etc... One can enhance the connection intelligence by adding behavioural descriptions and rules to the different parameterized connection parts (e.g. stiffener, bolt) Figure 5: Example of a parameterized arm of a lattice tower: and by adding operations (in general Boolean, in the various hooks and angles are parameterized, the complex practice cutting, drilling, …), see Figure 10. geometry is calculated out of ‘hidden’ formulae.
We assume that the loading of the bridge is Parametric independent of the cross-section shape and that the engineer bases the required number of CONCLUSION tendons and possible soft steel reinforcement on Parametric modelling is the foundation of BIM. both the allowable stresses in the concrete and the It recognises and orders model elements as bending moment capacity. Then the design of the controlled and adaptive property-driven entities, WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM
Design WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM reinforcement will easily follow the input parameters rather than static geometric representations. set by the user. The user changes the location of Understanding the power of parametric the weight reducing tubes and the diameter of the modelling enables the correct operation of a tubes. Immediately complex calculations are run in building information model as a dynamic and the background and detailed checks are performed. responsive database of information. This opens The new data become available to the user, enabling up a world of powerful functionality and activity a quick validation of the results. The user proceeds integration. until he has achieved enough insight in the structural behaviour and an optimal design is achieved within the design criteria. 23 issue 25 24 ORA VL - 2011 - 3 VOL JOURNAL BIM BIM JOURNAL VOL 3 - 2011 -2012 CASE STUDY DESIGNING PARAMETRIC ORIGAMI: THE UNFOLDING OF THE “MASHRABIYA” The Abu Dhabi The Mashrabiya is a modular, dynamic, solar shading system comprising 1049 modules per tower that individually open and close in response to the movement of the sun throughout the course of a day. The opening mechanism, a linear screw-jack actuator Investment Council and electiric motor, in the center of each module that causes the triangular facets of the Mashrabiya to fold into the center, is automatically controlled by a -2012 Building Management System (BMS) that computes the state of each module in response to data sent Headquarters’ by light sensors and anemometers—sensors for measuring wind speed. Instead of a binary “on-off” condition, each module in the facade varies smoothly between the open and closed states, allowing the facade to obtain an optimal balance between outside Dynamic Facade conditions and interior requirements throughout the building’s floor plan. Parametric modelling and BIM processes supported The Mashrabiya effectively forms a second skin the design, coordination and construction of the Abu around the building that reduces solar gain and Dhabi Investment Council Headquarters (ICHQ), still enhances energy efficiency. It regulates the under construction in the UAE. sunlight and glare entering the buildings, improving comfort conditions inside, and avoiding the dark This case study focuses on critical challenges faced glazing—common in Middle Eastern buildings—that in the design, construction and future operation of greatly reduces interior sunlight regardless of the the dynamic “Mashrabiya” façade. It demonstrates light conditions outside. Moreover, given the great Figure 1: Abu Dhabi how parametric modelling can be used to tune the Investment Council (ADIC) deal of energy that goes into thermal control, the complexities of an optimal, energy-efficient design Headquarters facade is expected to significantly reduce electricity so that it also takes into account the constraints and consumption and carbon emissions of the building— imitations of fabrication. by around 20%—by smartly controlling the solar gain. This multi-dimensional, non-linear approach, enabled by parametric modelling, informs and enhances the The design of the Mashrabiya facade’s physical design process resulting in more compelling and structure—and behavior—was shaped by parametric energy-efficient links between the built and natural technologies and processes. During the competition environment.The Headquarters for the Abu Dhabi stage the architects wrote algorithms to describe Figure 3: Parametric Mashrabiya Model Investment Council (ICHQ) is a 147m high twin-tower the geometry of the Mashrabiya facade within development located in Abu Dhabi, UAE. traditional CAD systems. Immediately after, during the development stages, the definition of the mechanical One tower will be occupied by Abu Dhabi Investment and kinematic details of the modules demanded Council (ADIC), and the other by Al Hilal Bank. In an a more robust approach. Parametric modeling innovative and captivating gesture to moderate the environments were key to develop the proof of impact of the severe climate, the architects (AEDAS) concept critical to advance the project. An important conceived a kinetic facade composed of elements aspect of this stage was to parametrically capture the that fold like origami in response to external changes movement of the module from the open to the closed states (See Figure 3). The parametric modeling team in light and wind. Figure 2: ADIC towers under construction iterated over the module’s design with architecture The modules—called “Mashrabiya” by the design and engineering teams until reaching an optimal team in a nod to Islamic culture—make a responsive QUICK FACTS ICHQ BUILDING solution. shading system that variably filters the light and heat • Project Name: Abu Dhabi Investment Council entering the building at all times during the day. (ADIC)Headquarters At the module level the team of BIM consultants • Type of Project: Commercial Offices developed detailed parametric models to account The facade even has the “intelligence” to react to • 25 storeys + 2 Basement levels, Ground, Podium, for the unique motion of the components. At the unusual weather conditions. Mezzanine, and CrownLevels facade level, the by-product of the parametric model, WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM If the weather goes beyond the norm, the facade will • 147 m high allowed studies to be conducted to test the lighting WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM respond by deviating from its preset programme to • Size: 75,000 sqm total built-up area performance, energy performance, and the facade’s offset the impact of the unusual conditions outside. • Owner: AD Investment Council open vs. closed optimization. These studies fed The engineers estimate that this kinetic and • Design Architect: Aedas back to the module, helping designers realize how responsive facade, which is controlled automatically • Main Contractor: Al-Futtaim Carillion even very small changes in the module—perhaps of by a system that processes information from sensors • Parametric and Building-Information Modeling only a few millimeters—affected the overall energy measuring light and wind-speed, will reduce the (BIM): Gehry Technologies performance of the facade. Moreover, the BIM building’s electricity consumption and carbon consultants developed computational methods of emissions by 20%. surface evaluation that helped designers optimize the size and shape of the glazing elements to maximize flatness and rectangularity of glass—a crucial budget factor. 25 issue 25 ORA VL - 2011 - 3 VOL JOURNAL BIM
SCRIPT-BASED PARAMETRIC DESIGN The shape of the ICHQ towers is deceivingly simple. Tekla BIMsight will change Rather than a perfect circumference, the tower’s floor plan follows a series of arcs varying subtly from floor to floor. As a result, the connections between the casings of the hexagonal honeycomb steel structure members that support the facade are different at the way you manage Figure 8: Visual Mockup and testing the Mashrabiya each point along the perimeter of the building. In operation order to avoid clashes between the casings—and between the casings and each floor’s ceilings—and -2012 produce accurate descriptions for the fabricators, construction projects the team of BIM consultants developed intelligent connections that automatically measure the angle at the joint and check for potential clashes, rotating and trimming its pieces accordingly (See Figure 5). Figure 5: ‘intelligent connection’ to resolve non-repetitive details
By analyzing the ratio of rotated elements throughout the facade in different scenarios, and the global amount of rotation, the team of BIM consultants was able to fine-tune the behavior of the intelligent connection to simplify both fabrication and assembly (See Figure 6).
Similarly, the team developed intelligent connections between the interior facades and the radial partition walls. The connections measured the angle between the facade and the partition walls and adjusted automatically to their particular condition. When these “smart” models were placed in its specific location in the facade, both the structure and the partition connections were updated and the extraction of data to support shop-drawings was automated: accelerating the flow of information to the fabricator (See Figure 7). Figure 7: Automatically generated unfold fabrication drawings for column casings
Free BIM software for project collaboration Download Tekla BIMsight at www.teklabimsight.com WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM
We love models. And we believe that once you download the new Figure 6: Measuring performance in terms of required rotation. Tekla BIMsight, so will you. Combine models, check for clashes and enjoy seamless communication - Tekla BIMsight will change the way you manage your construction projects. 27 issue 26 28 ORA VL - 2011 - 3 VOL JOURNAL BIM BIM JOURNAL VOL 3 - 2011 -2012 ARTICLE 1 Each of these parties require access to the same particularly useful if the ‘secondary data’ is highly reference elements (ie the building components) specialised, as may be the case with specifications, but not necessarily the same depth of information and the information need not be contained in the or functionality. For example, a window element model element itself. Synchronized may be simultaneously accessible to the This methodology achieves multiple ends: architectural modeller, the specification writer and the energy analyst. The specification writer 1. Increases the over-all data content of the BIM may have access to a level of information that (without over-burdening the original database) may not, in all cases, be relevant to the other 2. Enables multiple users to have access to different Specifications parties, such as details about protective coatings levels of information and functionality, depending -2012 or sealant types. Each party should have control on their role in the project team. over changing the content within their domain, 3. Ensures that all project parties have access to the MODEL ATTRIBUTES As a rule of thumb, one could say that each model Parametric objects are the building blocks of a element should be defined to a level that enables confident that the other parties will access these same core project data, at the same time. building information model. Although historically it to be precisely identified and referenced. The changes, and without fear that the other parties the term ‘parametric’ referred to the definition of level of detail would correspond to the phase of could make unauthorised modifications. LINKING THE DATABASES geometry (form) by controlled values, it has now, the project. For example at an early design stage How can these domains be managed in the Linking two databases (for example the BIM and more accurately, come to refer to any manner of defining a window element by category (window) BIM environment, where multiple parties are the specification) must occur at a component level. content that can be attributed to an object - and type (casement) and over-all dimensions may be collaborating on a single model? Furthermore, the association must be flexible enough in fact need not relate to a geometric object at all. sufficient, however to be issued for tender the to accommodate changes in either database, while One is tempted to think that the more parameters an element must contain more detailed information One way of managing, as will be discussed in maintaining and updating the link. object contains the greater its value. This is true to such as frame material and profile, glazing type and the following article, is through a multi-database The link between the model elements and the a point, however there is an equally valid concern hardware. At a construction level the detail ought to set-up . While the model remains the central specifications can be a semi-automated process. that a data model may become overladen with be even higher. and authoritative source of project data it need One strategy is to pre-define relationships by binding superfluous content that does little to benefit the not contain the full extent of project information. individual model elements to related sections from project and much to hinder it. Model elements may also be defined differently Rather, the model acts as a placeholder that a specification master document, prior to project for different project disciplines. Multiple users can link bi-directionally to other synchronised modelling. As the elements are placed in the model databases. This ensures consistency between the corresponding sections are drawn from a master PARAMETRIC OBJECTS may need access to the same building element, The original concept of a parametric object referred however each requiring varying levels of information the databases, and at the same time allows for specification database and compiled in the project to the ability to define and control the geometry of and functionality. For example, a window may be flexibility in functionality and accessibility of specification manual. Throughout the life of the an object by modifiable parameter values. The most modelled by an architect, priced by a quantity information. project, a live link is maintained between model basic parameters of an object would be those of surveyor and specified by a specification writer. and specification, so that changes in the model will dimension - height, width, depth. In more complex Each of these contributors would require access to be automatically reflected in the specification, and objects, the parameters would include finer elements the same general properties of the object ‘window’, vice versa. Depending on the ‘rights’ of the project of the object, such as glazing type, frame profile and however requirement for additional ‘domain- member, they would be able to access, review mode of operation (eg casement, awning sliding) specific’ information and functionality may vary. and even redline the specifications associated to as well as associative behaviour (such as the a particular assembly by clicking on the element instance in the building information model. Viewing automatic joining of adjacent perpendicular walls). ACCESS AND EXCHANGE In today’s BIM lexicon geometric properties are only Preparing coordinated construction documents linked specifications via the selected instance in the one set of attributes among a virtual sea of possible across even a small team requires a significant model can be very useful for downstream functions descriptors. Other parameters may include material amount of effort and tightly managed processes such as estimating, construction management and composition, thermal properties, location, product to ensure quality and completeness. There facilities management. type, unit cost, schedule number or erection status. are typically many disciplines involved in Most BIM authoring software allow for customised the preparation, review and approval of the ARTICLE 2 parameters. Typically this is fairly open-ended construction documentation which could allowing for the user to create un-controlled include: dedicated specifiers, project architects INTEGRATED SPECIFICATIONS parameter fields and value entries. Adding custom and engineers, program managers, external Integrating the specifications with a building parameters can be valuable in defining detailed consultants and owner representatives. In addition information model fulfils one of the great promises of descriptors of the element (such as manufacturer there are draftspeople, modellers and other BIM; to be able to use a single point of reference to details, hardware, finishes). However they can project team members who may not be directly facilitate and coordinate complimentary processes. equally become overloaded with arbitrary or highly- involved in the specification review but certainly However it also raises fundamental questions specific information that is of little or no value to the have a role in coordinating the information on the regarding information management. For example, broader project team. models and drawings. how can multiple parties access the same model element simultaneously, and what is the (useful) THE BIM DATABASE extent of information that can be embedded in a The richness of a model is determined by its model? inherent data content, however only to the extent that that information helps identify and describe the In reality it is not possible for two parties to modify WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM essential characteristics of the element. Beyond the same element simultaneously, however it is WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM this, additional data may become excessive and possible for different parties to access distinct burdensome. The value of a database is not only in parameters within the one component. One Depending on the ‘rights’ of the project member, the quantity of the information contained, but rather way of achieving this is by locating certain they would be able to access, review and even in the clarity, quality and organization of the data, parameters outside of the central database. The redline the specifications associated to a particular as well as the mechanisms to filter, exclude, retrieve ancillary parameters are live-linked to the original assembly by clicking on the element instance in and utilise that data for ancillary functions. component, but can be worked on independently. the building information model. Viewing linked BIM Journal wishes to In short, the level of content to be incorporated into A building information model can be linked to external databases, Essentially one is establishing a multiple database specifications via the selected instance in the model acknowledge InterSpec for their such as specifications. One can activate the spec through the model structure; a central database of core project can be very useful for downstream functions such as extensive contribution to this a model should be relative to the required function element (for example by double-clicking a window assembly) which article. estimating, construction management and facilities of the BIM and the proposed processes of model can be reviewed and even redlined from within the BIM authoring information – ie the building model - and secondary management. software. databases of domain specific information. This is management. 29 issue 26 30 ORA VL - 2011 - 3 VOL JOURNAL BIM BIM JOURNAL VOL 3 - 2011 -2012
HOW IS THIS ACHIEVED? - MODEL MAPPING PROJECT CONTEXT is added to the specification manual as required. AUTOMATION AND SYNCHRONISATION Building models are typically described as The BIM-integrated specifications process should Furthermore, one is able to associate specification Automating the preparation of the project specification manual can be assemblies, based on internationally recognised ‘construct’ the specifications according to project- sections to elements that are not modelled. It is often of significant value to a project team in increasing speed and efficiency, standards of classification such as UniFormat, specific conditions, such as location or building not practical to model detailed elements, although however the greatest benefit is in ensuring that the models and MasterFormat or OmniClasss, among others. Such type. This accommodates the variation in specifying the relevant specification sections would still be specifications are synchronised. Even the slightest oversight or ambiguity classification systems provide a consistent way to a particular element depending on whether the required. This can be overcome by manually binding in the construction documents can lead to time consuming and costly define building model components, regardless of the building were a gaol or a school, or whether the the additional spec sections to the model assembly change orders if these things are not discovered before construction complexities of the assemblies or model elements project were located in Abu Dhabi or Zurich. The as required. A more controlled way of dealing with this begins. that they represent. process involves defining specific ‘accounts’ (eg for would be to include the detailed elements within the school or gaol) and then activating these accounts, model assembly as parameter field, with no geometric BIM integrated specifications provide an example of the one of the great
-2012 It is also a very logical way to categorise building like a filter system, to modify the individual bindings. counterpart. The specifications can then be bound to promises of BIM, to be able to use a single source of information to model elements as we tend to think about the these parameters. facilitate and coordinate complimentary processes. It also demonstrates components of the building as assemblies rather a practical data management process, where content and functionality than constituent parts. General specifications sections that have no can be managed to respond to distinct requirements of the various project component reference can also be bound to a project. participants. UniFormat is an industry standard This could be a manual process, or it could be classification system, developed in part structured to reference general project information, by the Construction Specifications Institute such as facility type. (CSI), used primarily as a way of categorizing information about building elements which may contain multiple detailed parts. As defined by the CSI, “UniFormat is a method of arranging construction information based on functional elements, or parts of a facility characterized by their functions, and often The context option is a powerful function. It can be used to provide referred to as systems or assemblies. It is a increased or customized content for specific project requirements, way to organize information about an entire such as LEED accreditation. assembly with multiple detail components.”
Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design Specifications, on the other hand, are structured (LEED) is, according to the U.S. Green Building according to products, activities or construction Council that developed it, “an internationally requirements. In North America specifications are recognized green building certification system based on MasterFormat, a 50-division, material- that is providing third‐party verification that a specific organizational format which, according building or community was designed and to the CSI, is an “organizational standard for built using strategies aimed at improving specifications and is a master list of titles and performance across all the metrics that matter numbers classified by work results for organizing most: energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 data about construction requirements, products, and emissions reduction, improved indoor activities.” environmental quality, and stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts.” The mapping tool must understand the logic of both databases and establish a flexible association. This can be achieved by creating ‘bindings’ - logical LEED certified designs require additional associations between the model assemblies and the information to be incorporated into the construction corresponding sections of the specification master specifications which can add to the time and cost document. to prepare the specifications as well as to increase the chances that the models and specifications will be misaligned and out of sync. BIM-integrated specifications can reduce the additional cost and complexities associated with LEED projects by automatically filtering the master specifications for LEED specific language. MasterSpec, for instance, includes hundreds of sections with LEED requirements text and commentaries, including six Division One LEED‐related sections. By setting up a Client Account for LEED projects, this specific LEED WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM
language can be associated through additional WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM bindings to model elements that in one way or another require additional LEED information to be incorporated into the specifications. For instance, in the Wood Window section, there is additional specification language required for “manufacturer’s qualification” and for “certified wood” if the wood windows are to be LEED certified. The simple The bindings consider the individual components of the assemblies (eg if it is a steel or wood inclusion of these additional options in the LEED frame) and references the relevant section for the master specification document. Client Account bindings will insure that the language JOIN OUR BIM NETWORK COMMUNITY WWW.THEBIMHUB.COM PROMOTE
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Visit www.thebimhub.com and register to become a member of our community! 33 issue 26 34 ORA VL - 2011 - 3 VOL JOURNAL BIM BIM JOURNAL VOL 3 - 2011 -2012 CASE STUDY SYNCHRONISATION Gilfillan Callahan Nelson found one of the great benefits of using integrated specifications was Gilfillan Callahan the speed and convenience of the automated preparation of the project specification manual. The most significant benefit, however, was the assurance that the models and specifications would remained Nelson Architects synchronised. This was monitored through a series of reporting
-2012 GILFILLAN CALLAHAN NELSON ARCHITECTS, that the model, drawings and specification were mechanisms, such as the Assembly Report, which a Chicago-based full-service architectural firm, all synchronised. The filtering was based on a tag provided a summary of all the model elements and deployed a BIM integrated specification system and mapping process integrated into the master resulting specification sections. Any elements in the that enabled the update of building specs in real specification documents. Gilfillan Callahan Nelson model that were identified as having no specification time as design decisions were made. The main noted that the coordination and automation afforded link could be assigned to the relevant spec section benefits of the systems were the semi-automated by this process greatly reduced their manual editing through the binding manager. Similarly, if any section Figure 2: Illustration of how the model elements can be linked to required specification production of specification documents driven by requirements of each section. of the specification project were found not to be information. the content of the building information model, and associated to the model, it would also be identified the direct synchronization and verification tools that ‘The ability to query the … model as you’re making as such and could be reassigned or deleted. ensured that modifications in either the model or the design decisions is worth the price of admission,” Gilfillan specification were synchronised. says Pat Callahan, Senior Partner, Gilfillan Callahan “These features have greatly increased our ability to Callahan Nelson Nelson produce specifications faster and more accurately, THE CHALLENGE not to mention delivering true integration of plans “uses a BIM- In the past, Gilfillan Callahan Nelson Architects MODEL AND SPEC DETAIL and specs,” said Senior Principal Pat Callahan. integrated found that specification documents were not A unique benefit of the integrated process was that process to consistently produced at the high quality levels the the detail of the specification could be gradually accelerate the firm demanded and its clients deserved. The firm’s progressed corresponding to the development spec writing standard front-end requirements were not always of the model. In cases where it was desirable to process on correctly written into spec documents and the have coordinated specifications from the earliest projects like required product sections were frequently omitted. stages of the project, one could create preliminary RESULTS this 72,000 This lack of coordination resulted in extensive specifications from the initial assembly components, Gilfillan Callahan Nelson achieved significant time square foot addenda hindering the entire project. and then increase detail as the model was refined. savings, cost reductions and improved productivity fitness & aquatic and quality with the adoption of BIM-integrated complex.” THE SOLUTION Parameters such as operation type, fire rating and specifications. Gilfillan Callahan Nelson sought out a software insulation properties may not have been specified solution that read the model’s assembly parameters initially, however as the modelled progressed these The first time Callahan used it was on a 40,000 to determine the relevant product and material details could be extracted from the model and square foot municipal building. “It was an specifications required. mapped to the corresponding section from the Architectural BIM Model, so integrating non-linked master specification database. spec sections was crucial,” Callahan said. “With The process was analogous to a document the help of our support staff we managed to import management system that facilitates filtering complex specification sections from multiple consultants, master specification documents to the specific query the … model, insert additional sections, then requirements of the project and in doing so, ensured review, edit and publish the specification manual — over a long weekend! That would normally have taken 1-2 weeks” Already in use by Project Architects and Project Figure 3: Managing and validating the Project Keynotes directly in the BIM Models. Managers in all of the firm’s offices, the integrated solution promises even higher productivity in the future. Gilfillan Callahan Nelson is also coordinating and managing their cost estimating software to make design changes in real time, knowing their specifications are coordinated.
THE NEXT STEP - SYNCHRONISED KEYNOTES AND ANNOTATIONS. Another feature to be explored is the generation of annotations and keynotes by directly referencing the specifications. This function further ensures WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM that outputted drawings are synchronised with WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM the specification through a semi-automated and synchronised plug-in application that runs inside the This “round trip” information, starting with information on the model which architectural authoring software. With the component is used to generate the specification language, which is then provided binding already established, one is able to double- back to the models for keynoting and annotations, helps ensure that the click an element within the model to activate the entire construction documentation package is accurate and complete. spec section, and place synchronised keynotes and annotations (as illustrated below). The software also verifies that all the keynotes in the model (including those on re‐used details or newly created annotations) have a Figure 1: The Binding Manager is used to manage the associations from the model object corresponding reference to the specification documents if required. Assembly Codes to the specification tags. 35 issue 27 36 ORA VL - 2011 - 3 VOL JOURNAL BIM BIM JOURNAL VOL 3 - 2011 -2012 ARTICLE 1 Thus the buildingSMART standard for processes is further challenged by the need for standards that offers a common understanding for all the parties: are flexible enough to ‘translate’ between different when to exchange information and exactly what cultural backgrounds and languages. is needed. The linked Model View Definition or Interoperability MVD turns the prerequisites and outcomes of OVERVIEW OF THE IFC DEVELOPMENT the processes for information exchange into a PROCESS formal statement. Software developers can take In general, in order to share information, the the standard and specific Model View Definitions following three specifications should be in place. that derive from it and incorporate them into their Standards applications. 1.An exchange format, defining HOW to share the
-2012 BIM is a business process that promotes hold and exchange relevant data between different information. The IFC is such a specification. collaboration between disciplines (this is something software applications. that was discussed in BIM Journal Issue 5). The IFC data schema comprises information ARTICLE 2 2.A Reference Library, to define WHAT information Collaboration is ensured by using a common covering the many disciplines that contribute to a UNDERSTANDING INDUSTRY FOUNDATION we are sharing. The International Framework of language, however, interoperability issues in the building throughout its lifecycle: from conception, CLASSES Dictionaries (IFD) serves such a purpose. AEC industry cannot be easily resolved without through design, construction and operation to ‘Open’ is the key to the real value of buildingSMART a set of rules and principles for classification of refurbishment or demolition. IFC is the primary standards. Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) can 3.Information Requirements, defining WHICH information requirements into data exchange buildingSMART data model standard, and is be used to exchange and share BIM data between Information to share WHEN. The Information specifications. These issues are magnified by the registered by ISO as ISO/PAS 16739 and is in applications developed by different software Delivery Model (IDM)/Model View Definitions complexity of the building information models, the the process of becoming an official International vendors without the software having to support (MVD) approach forms that specification. Winn Gomez, wide range of specializations and vocabularies Standard ISO/IS 16739. numerous native formats. As an open format, IFC buildingSMART in the AEC industry, the increasing amount of does not belong to a single software vendor; it is The specifications supporting the IFC development MENA & India computer software applications, and the varying DATA DICTIONARY - INTERNATIONAL neutral and independent of a particular vendor’s management practices employed. FRAMEWORK FOR DICTIONARIES (IFD) plans for software development. have to be defined according to the needs of the As industry professionals design and construct involved users. The development of the IFC address This paper looks at buildingSMART openBIM buildings, they need to work interoperably with Every implementation of an IFC exchange should four main areas standards that seek to bring coherence and each other. But how does a software application follow what is known as an ‘exchange requirement’. consistency to the often fragmented BIM process. talk to a product database? How can a designer be This requirement specifies the information that - Business requirement specification It explores the challenges with data exchange sure that the engineers understand the attributes needs to be present in an exchange or sharing of - IFC extension modeling rules and formats, and the future of IFC based attached to his design? How can design standards data at a certain stage in a project. It is important - Use case implementation interoperability. from overseas be incorporated? to be specific about the information needed. The - End user guidance exchange requirement prevents woolliness and BuildingSMART STANDARDS EXPLAINED The buildingSMART Data Dictionary is the uncertainty. The IFC development process, in the above order, buildingSMART develops, maintains and supports a mechanism that enables this to happen. It creates starts with the requirements and ends with users family of corresponding standards, namely: a catalogue of what objects are called (the guidelines. ‘vocabulary’) and brings together disparate sets •The Data Model Standard – Industry Foundation of data into a common view of the construction THE NEED FOR ADDITIONAL STANDARDS Classes (IFC), project or asset, whether information from a product The IFC data model is comprehensive , supporting a •The Data Dictionary Standard - International manufacturer, typical room requirements, cost wide range of data to be transferred. The IFC allows Framework for Dictionaries (IFD) data or environmental data. It can also cope with for various data to be exchanged in various ways, •The Process Definition Standard - Information different languages. without losing any information. But downstream Delivery Manual [IDM] users usually require specific information that is The Data Dictionary is based on a concept usually a subset of the Information stored in the IFC. developed by the standards organisation These users would prefer to receive specifically the ISO, notably in ISO 12006-3: 2007 (Building data they need, rather than the entire data model. construction: Organization of information about The IFC, however, does not capture the methods in construction works, Part 3: Framework for object- which data is created and shared by users. The lack oriented information). of specific data exchange requirements for different users, also makes it difficult to implement solutions Thanks to the Dictionary, an open BIM model can to this problem. be linked to data from many sources, improving interoperability and paving the way for analysis and How can designers and other software users be design checks at an early stage of the project. sure that the software in use is compliant with the open IFC standard and truly interoperable? PROCESS - INFORMATION DELIVERY buildingSMART run a certification schemes that MANUAL (IDM) test software products to check that they meet The buildingSMART standard for processes (also the IFC standard and clarifies the scope of their IFC - THE BUILDINGSMART DATA MODEL known as the Information Delivery Manual or IDM) WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM
interoperability. The scheme was revamped in 2010 WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM buildingSMART is all about the sharing of specifies when certain types of information are to make it more stringent and indicates precisely information between project team members required during the construction of a project or the what parts of the product work interoperably. and across the software applications that operation of a built asset. It also provides detailed they commonly use for design, construction, specification of the information that a particular user IFC development is faced with various challenges; procurement, maintenance and operations. Data (architect, building services engineer etc) needs such as, providing a data structure that is able to interoperability is a key enabler to achieving the to provide at a point in time and groups together fulfill the information requirements of specialized BIM Journal wishes to thank goal of a buildingSMART process. buildingSMART information that is needed in associated activities: disciplines, as well as supporting the implementation Winn Gomez for his contribution has developed a common data schema Industry cost estimating, volume of materials and job to this issue. of a data structure that exceeds the scope of typical Foundation Classes (IFC) that makes it possible to scheduling are natural partners. domain specific design applications. Interoperability 37 issue 27 38 ORA VL - 2011 - 3 VOL JOURNAL BIM BIM JOURNAL VOL 3 - 2011 -2012 ARTICLE 3 UNDERSTANDING BUILDINGSMART The IDM development process targets both BIM The IFD creates a catalogue or dictionary of objects STANDARDS users and solution providers. For users, the IDM and brings together the data into a common view, define the requirements for the information to be associating the correct information from a product The Information Delivery Manual (IDM) provided and is simple to understand, usually manufacturer, requirements etc, while also coping An Information Delivery Manual (IDM) responds describing the building construction processes. with different languages. Put simply, it’s a standard to the problems identified in the previous article For BIM solution providers (software develoeprs), for terminology libraries. The IFD also opens up by proposing a methodology that captures IDMs identify and describe in detail, the functional opportunities for advanced analysis very early in business processes in projects, and developing breakdown of the process and the requirements of the design. It also allows for the creation of an IFC- specifications of detailed user information the IFC with respect to this process. BIM for operational and maintenance purposed, exchange requirements. The IDM defines, in the while linking existing knowledge systems, product
-2012 language and perspective of the professional THE MODEL VIEW DEFINITION (MVD) specific data and the IFC – BIM. participant, what information must be contained A Model View Definition (MVD) maps the exchange in the contracted exchange. The Process maps requirements defined above to the IFC, to How the Standards work together. generated as a result of identifying the IDM, understand how the exchange of the required data Before the users begin to perform data exchanges, defines selected activities throughout the project and related constraints can be accomplished using the vendors of the preferred software have to delivery process and the information exchanged the IFC. An MVD tells the software implementer implement IFC interoperability; that is the vendors between them. The IDM is usually developed by which IFC elements to use, as well as how the have to enable their software to read and write domain experts, independent of the data exchange implementation should function and what results the IFC format. For repeatability and reliability, standard. are expected. MVDs define a logical and coherent this interoperability should support ‘contracted subset of the IFC fulfilling a specific use or exchanges’ ie. information exchanges that serve The IDM consists of three parts application type. a particular transfer. IDM defines the user’s contracted exchanges and the MVD defines the 1.The Process Maps The aim of the supporting IDM and MVD processes implementations in software. – The Process map describes the flow of activities are to specify exactly which information is to for a particular business process. It enables exchanged in each exchange scenario and how to Once implemented in software, any software understanding of the configuration of activities that relate it to the IFC model. For Example, an architect should be fully capable of exchanging the required are required, the users involved, the information designing a building needs to be sure that they information for the specific process to process required, consumed and produced. receive information from the structural engineer scenario. The certification (by buildingSMART) about which walls are load bearing and which are of the software ensures that the software meets 2.The Exchange Requirements not. At the same time, the structural engineer needs the requirements as specified in the MVD. The – All details of the requirements are described to know the function of each space to calculate the software is then tested by users to ensure that the according to business concepts that have to right design loads. user’s business requirements are fully met by the be mapped to IFC or other data structures. This implemented software capability. information structures requirements, defining INTERNATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR further details about the concepts, highlighting DICTIONARIES (IFD) Visit http://buildingsmart-tech.org for more the difference between required ,mandatory and Professionals need to work interoperably with each information. optional information requirements. other, while they design and construct buildings. How can a designer be sure that the engineers 3.Functional parts and Business Rules understand the attributes attached to his design? – The functional part is a unit of information used How can design standards from overseas be by the solution providers to support an exchange incorporated? requirement. It is usually a schema in its own right, but also a subset of the full standard on which it is based. WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM 39 issue 28 40 ORA VL - 2011 - 3 VOL JOURNAL BIM BIM JOURNAL VOL 3 - 2011 -2012 ARTICLE 1 ARTICLE 2 BUILDING INFORMATION MANAGEMENT This is common practice for activities such as cost Information management is at the core of project- estimation or construction scheduling, where Cost and construction-management processes . Building and labour data, in the first instance, and task Information Modelling does not replace the need scheduling, in the second, must be linked to the Not Just for effective data management; on the contrary, building model, but remain in the domain of the it magnifies it. BIM processes are at their most respective specialist. However it is still in a testing effective when they extend beyond the realms of phase for most other domains. design and coordination to ‘information logistics’. The question then becomes how is this information CAD++ For those undertaking the first foray into virtual managed? Who authors the information and how
-2012 When BIM software began emerging in the project parties in a ‘flat’ format (DXF, DWG, XLS, design and construction the primary concern is exactly is it tagged to the model? How is the data mainstream market some seven years ago, it was PDF etc…). often for model creation and management. Certainly ordered, searched for and verified? And how can regarded by many as CAD++. That is an enhanced for the architect and engineer, the preoccupation one create user-specific access rights, so that the and more efficient way of doing exactly what was Furthermore all comments received have to be is often with the mode of production and quality of various project members have specific levels of being done before. The misconception was that reinterpreted by the authoring party and updated in the model: how does one ensure that the model access to the data?. This significant area of ‘data nothing really had changed. the BIM. As in traditional 2D processes, this creates accurately reflects the design requirements? what management’ is possibly the most intensive domain duplication of work and allows for greater human level of detail should be modelled? and how does of building information modelling, and comprises Steel fabricators were among the earlier adopters error. one account for elements that are not modelled? the third strata of the BIM pyramid (as indicated of BIM software; many firms having made the below). transition to 3D modelling for fabrication some Without inter-disciplinary model exchange the true However, this is really just the tip of the iceburg (or years earlier. Architectural firms were notably using value of collaborative BIM is lost. pyramid, as is illustrated below). When models are exchanged between multiple parties the process Jan Karlshøj 3D modelling software for visualisation and design becomes manifoldly more complicated. How can M.Sc. IDA, CTO, review, so it made sense for them to invest a little COLLABORATIVE BIM one streamline the process between model design Partner extra effort to obtain drawings and schedules from Through the open exchange of models and model and analysis? How does one compare multiple buildingSMART the same model. However the real value of BIM data, every project participant can be assured revisions of models? Should revisions relate to the Nordic, Chairman was, for the most part, not yet appreciated. that they have the most current and complete entire model, or only to object elements? How can International information. More valuable than this, however, is one effectively track and trace coordination issues IDM coordinator that the integration of models allows for a previously unimaginable array of collaborative activities; and their resolution? “Basically integrated inter-disciplinary design review, multi- It becomes increasingly evident that the model BCF [The BIM model coordination and clash detection, and geometry is one small aspect of building Collaboration realtime integration with other specialist disciplines information modelling. As depicted in the ‘BIM Format] for cost estimation, construction management etc… Pyramid’ diagram below, the data behind the introduces model becomes a much greater concern. A a workflow The various disciplines are dependently linked, single geometric object (created by one authoring Figure 1: the BIM Pyramid. Source: Steve Jones, Product Manager - communication and changes to any discipline are reflected in the party) may be referenced to various databases of Tekla BIMsight capability respective models of all other parties. For example information from multiple disciplines; specifications, connected to SILO BIM if the architect repositions a wall, the structural cost estimation, construction management, IFC models. The next phase of BIM development was the ‘BIM engineer will be alerted to the discrepancy in his operation and maintenance. BIM Journal Issue 29 ‘BIM Integrated Lifecycle The idea is to in Silos’ phenomenon. ‘BIM in Silos’, sometimes model and will be promoted to adjust the structural Management’ explores in greater detail how various separate the termed ‘littlebim’ , refers to the practice of BIM elements accordingly. This process can be further activities, grouped under the term ‘project lifecycle “communication” within a single discipline, exclusive of multi-model automated in the case, for example, of the management’ can be consistently linked to the BIM. from the actual / multi-discipline collaboration. Truth be told, this is quantity surveyor, Activities included within this theme are, among model.” where much of BIM practices are currently at. who extracts others: The benefits of this process are nonetheless substantial; both for the authoring party and • Scheduling and Costing other project members. ‘Silo BIM’ • Scope definition and bidding harnessing the benefits of a • Construction sequencing central model for the • Clash detection and RFI reporting rapid production • Submittal and shop-drawing approval Figure 1: the BIM Pyramid. Source: Steve Jones, Product Manager - of accurate Tekla BIMsight and quantities However there are other areas that are not yet so from the well defined, these include: model and links to his The model presents an inviting opportunity to • Model collaboration synchronised cost estimation be the repository of an almost endless amount • Data searching drawings, spreadsheet. If the of project related data. Single elements can be • File sharing WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM schedules and model is changed the embedded with detailed design properties, material WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM other data, however quantities also change, and specifications, operation and maintenance manuals, only within a single this is automatically reflected in cost data, construction, sequence data… As was discipline. There is no model the cost estimation software, without discussed in Issue 26, ‘Integrated Specifications’, exchange, and therefore no the need for intervention by the quantity the preferred workflow is not always to contain this true BIM collaboration. Although surveyor. information within a single model, but rather to have documentation is produced in a multiple linked databases. live BIM environment, all drawings and This realm of BIM data content is the subject of documentation are published to other the following article. 41 issue 28 42 ORA VL - 2011 - 3 VOL JOURNAL BIM BIM JOURNAL VOL 3 - 2011 -2012 CASE STUDY BIM Collaboration -2012 Format
Tekla Corporation and Solibri, Inc. introduced to looked in the ap-plication where the issue was last the buildingSMART organization an idea of using addressed. open standards to enable workflow communication The close connection to the IFC model positions it between different BIM (Building Information as a capability extension of the existing IFC format Modelling) software tools. These firms have with focus on workflow and processes (close developed an XML schema, called BCF, to encode relation also to IDM). messages that inform a software package of issues found in the BIM model by another software tool. The BCF format is independent of which IFC The implication is that only those issues, and not schema version being used. The full specification the entire BIM, need to be communicated between can be found in the GTDS workspace software and that this simple capability will enable (http://gtds.iabi.eu/), and further information can a degree of collaboration. This XML schema and be found at http://www.buildingsmart-tech.org/ Figure 2: A possible future of BIM collaboration. Source: Steve Jones, capability have already been built into several specifications/bcf-releases/bcf-intro. Product Manager Tekla BIMsight software package including, Tekla Structures, Tekla BIMsight, Solibri Model Checker, DDS MEP and Steve Jones, Product Manager for Tekla BIMsight, Architecture, CQ-Tools for Revit and other software. notes although there have been tremendous advances in the development of BIM software, In most real-life projects the user of open, multi-party collaboration is still cumbersome a tool for one discipline will import and inefficient. Jones references the astounding IFC models from other disciplines. developments of social media and cloud-based If there is an issue related to one of collaboration tools, accompanied by an equally the imported models, the efficient astounding competence and adoption by the process will be to raise that issue general population. Why can’t BIM technologies, so they can be resolved in the BIM which have been underdeveloped for much longer, authoring application from where this progress at a similar rate. model originated. The responsibility for maintaining and updating this Why aren’t models, documents and other data model will in many/most cases be published into the ‘cloud’ as easily as we publish a assigned to the author of the model. Youtube video? We should be able to search project Instead of adding information directly databases as quickly and as efficiently as we make into an IFC model as a “property a Google or Wikipedia search. We ought to be able set” or whatever and send the whole to communicate with other project members, form thing back (which could be an Figure 3: Imported IFC model in DDS-CAD Viewer meetings and or create shared files as easily as we alternative), the issues are described do in Facebook or Dropbox. using BCF with direct links to objects in the model(s) with the issue(s). These networks have pushed developments in technologies, but most significantly they have The BCF format is extremely simple pushed us in the way we use technology. They have and easy to implement. The basic forced a cultural shift. content is that you create an issue, add comment and refer that to the The construction industry has not transitioned at object(s) in question (using IFC such a pace, nevertheless there are pockets of mechanisms for Global Unique
WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM innovation both in technology developments, and ID’s (GUIDs)). The format also WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM in the way they are used within the industry. The supports comments and status as following article will explore one such development. this issue may be referred to and answers/suggestions added by receiving ap-plications. In addition to text, comments and the list of objects, each issue can also have camera and viewport attached and BIM Journal wishes to thank Figure 4: Viewing the ‘BIM Collaboration Format’ comment in Jan Karlshoj for his contribution even a snapshot of how the model DDS-CAD viewer to this issue. 43 issue 29 44 ORA VL - 2011 - 3 VOL JOURNAL BIM BIM JOURNAL VOL 3 - 2011 -2012 ARTICLE 1 ARTICLE 2 INTEGRATING THE BIM Building Information Models are key components that are present throughout the entire project lifecycle. For any program or project, Building BIM Integrated Information Modelling (BIM) provides a complete lifecycle perspective of design and spatial data, while Infrastructure Lifecycle Management (ILM) provides a complete lifecycle of operational business data. Integrating BIM and ILM across Lifecycle multiple touch points creates business value by
-2012 reducing costs and schedules in the planning, building, and operating of capital projects and facilities. Management And today’s integrated team environment requires a solution that can overcome the challenges A NEW ERA OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT together. For example, during the plan phase the imposed by software interoperability. Converting As projects are becoming more complex, and building owner determines the financial feasibility files, waiting for downloads and spending countless project management more onerous, there has been of a project and hires architects and engineers to hours with technical support. Added complications an increased demand for more sophisticated and design the project. During the build phase, a general brought by geographically dispersed teams, holistic project management solutions. Infrastructure contractor is selected to construct the facility, while different software applications and increased Lifecycle Management (ILM) has emerged as one the owner and design teams provide oversight. And network security creates a further impediment to the of these solutions. Such tools are not without their finally, during the operate phase, the owner takes one commodity needed, which is access to timely own challenges, and their success is reliant on over the newly completed facility and manages this and accurate information. As risks for profits rise, the Figure 3: Integration Touch Points between BIM and ILM Frank Sarno, disciplined collation and organisation of multiple new asset through preventative, predictive, and need becomes ever greater to do more with less. levels of information. A building information model corrective maintenance. Director of (BIM) serves as a mechanism to gather and order By integrating BIM with construction project construction multidisciplinary data during the course of project Currently, BIM is most prevalent in the plan phase management and ILM solutions, project and executives one-click access to BIM without specialised software or applications, life. Integrating the rich, and well structured, data as architects and engineers can digitally design stakeholders can gain new efficiencies across the training. Ryan Companies content of a BIM with the powerful processes of BIM models that create huge efficiencies in the entire project lifecycle. Certain solutions operate via a Web-based BIM platform that links ILM promises to go some way in addressing these iterative design process. But once rich BIM models intelligent 3D object data to project and program management systems. “Increasingly challenges. have been designed, downstream value is created INTEGRATION TOUCH POINTS BETWEEN BIM Data from the BIM program is pushed to the collaborative platform, which sophisticated for both the contractor and owner through cost AND ILM takes the data attribute information to link objects in the model with line technologies Over the years, the discipline of construction reductions, and by providing a more accurate model There are at least seven key integration points items in the project management software. are improving project management has evolved from AEC- of the final finished building. between BIM and ILM applications. The diagram our centric applications to broader use across the below illustrates different types of BIM models that The functionality of such web-based BIM management platforms include: Infrastructure capital projects industry. This evolution led to the Plan Build Operate are appropriate to integrate with different operational Lifecycle introduction of Infrastructure Lifecycle Management > Platform for live BIM streaming and object data Infrastructure . Project Pipelines . Contracts & Charges . Asset Management business processes. These seven integrations Management (ILM) software solutions. ILM is an expanded Lifecycle . Budget Development . Scheduling . Equipment Assets naturally occur during all three phases of the plan, exchange (geometry + attributes) processes, and successor to Project Management because it is Management(ILM) . Scope Development . Bidding and Buyout . Location Assets build and operate lifecycle. > Integration between BIM authoring tools and PPM . Budget Approvals . Design Distribution . Maintenance Mgmt designed for those companies that manage the Operational Business (Project and Portfolio Management) systems enabling us to Processes and Data . Funding Approvals . RFIs & Submitals . Work Orders leverage BIM plan, build and operate lifecycle for both new and The value of integrating to each touch point will > Workflow support from design through construction existing buildings and facilities. and operations. in a much more Building . Conceptual Design . Construction Sequencing . As Built Model vary depending on a company’s specific role. For powerful way.” Information . Iteractive Designs . 4D Modeling . As Built Equipment example, an owner or program manager may be > Easy accessibility for all stakeholders Modeling(BIM) . Architectural BIM . Clash Detection . Complete Virtual Bldg primarily interested in the touch points involving > Centralised project, model and user management Structural BIM Fabrication BIM Digital Design Model . . MERIDIAN SYSTEMS CASE STUDY . MEP BIM . Spatial BIM Installation budget development, 4D schedule integration, and asset management integration. A general contractor Plan Build Figure 2: There are several opportunities to synchronize ILM with BIM may be interested in procurement integration, 2D Combine models using open methodology across the plan, build, operate lifecycle standards such as IFC to Manage project pipelines, Track budgets, contacts, drawing integration, fabrication integration and import models directly from site development and changes, schedules, Request for Information (RFI) integration. Similarly, an organization goes through various the BIM authoring application. entitlements scopes and quality business processes during the same three phases. As the market continues to adopt both BIM and ILM Task items for clarification Companies must make go/no-go decisions on methodologies, the value propositions will begin to during coordination review a pipeline of projects, and they must iteratively shake out as more companies experiment with each and synchronize action items. develop a budget and funding strategy sufficient touch point opportunity. to execute on each project. The business process continues during the build phase where managing BIM-ILM FUNCTIONALITY AND BENEFITS Operate costs, schedules, scopes, and quality become Such integration enables the model review team to paramount. Once construction is complete, the Direct asset management, work orders automatically task action items such as RFIs and business process of managing all the assets within and maintenance management submittals to the project management team for WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM a building, and the maintenance of those assets, is response. The transparency between BIM objects WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM key to maintaining a high-performing facility. and the project management system makes it the Figure 1: Three phases of Infrastructure Lifecycle Management (ILM) only base technology where model analysis such With BIM providing a complete lifecycle perspective as clash detection, estimates, submittals and RFIs Assign responsibility to action items such as of design data for a building, and ILM providing a CONNECTING ILM AND BIM ALONG THE can all occur within the same live model. Finally, this RFIs and Submittals and route through PPM complete lifecycle of operational business data for PLAN, BUILD AND OPERATE LIFECYCLE coordination process provides project managers System for response. Diving deeper into the plan-build-operate a building, the two used in conjunction together Figure 4: BIM ILM Integration screenshots project lifecycle, one can see many synergistic create many integration touch points that lead to opportunities for ILM technology and BIM models to even greater business value. The following article come addresses the key processes and benefits of BIM- ILM integration. Select projects using Meridian software solutions: 45 issue 29 Software for Construction Project Control and Visibility ORA VL - 2011 - 3 VOL JOURNAL BIM ARTICLE 3 AEC | Commercial | Public EXAMPLE OF BIM-ILM INTEGRATION given geometry, but they can save properties around specifications for materials. The systems also have With BIM providing a complete lifecycle perspective the ability to calculate the quantities of material at of design data for a building, and ILM providing a various levels of assembly-type hierarchies. complete lifecycle of operational business data for This detailed level of modelling provides the ability Knowledge Economic a building, the two used in conjunction create many to produce a bill of materials for various building City, Saudi Arabia integration touch points that lead to even greater systems within the model. Building owners, construction, energy and engineering firms, and public agencies use Meridian business value. This article presents a series of examples of the value of BIM-ILM integration in the The integration of this data is a natural fit to buyout software to effectively manage capital building and facility renovation programs. Design, Build and Operation phases of a project. items within a project management system. These
-2012 buyout items can quickly start the procurement and 1. DESIGN PHASE EXAMPLES bidding process of: 1) bundling multiple buyout items into a bid package, 2) determining which Design to Budget Development Integration companies should be invited to provide quotes, and Building information models typically progress 3) ultimately analysing quotes from multiple bidders. iteratively from a design phase (comprised of cores discipline models produced by the Architects and This level of integration streamlines the design to St. Clare Health Center, engineers) to construction phase (comprised of procurement process and facilitates a higher degree Fenton, Missouri, USA numerous trade models developed by the various of accuracy in the bidding process. subcontractors). As the model progresses, the individual model elements develop in detail and 2. BUILD PHASE EXAMPLES complexity, forming rich, intelligent virtual design To learn more, visit www.meridiansystems.com. models. 4D Schedule Integration 4D schedule integration involves linking tasks on a Even at an early design phase project managers “critical path method” schedule to various objects +1 (800) 850 2660 USA and owner representatives can access the data to within the model. The challenge is to break up the +971 50 451 79 43 UAE develop preliminary cost estimates. Typically the schedule into a set of tasks that can realistically +966 535 29 37 66 Saudi Arabia project budget does not get created at one time, but demonstrate an animation over how materials get is developed via multiple budget scope documents. installed, and directly drive the schedule document. © Copyright 2012 Meridian Systems. All rights reserved. New Doha Port, Qatar This process allows for certain aspects of the project to be known and thus management can provide The base design model can be appended with partial approvals over a budget or a set of funding. temporary works such as cranes, man lifts, scaffolding, traffic routing and other equipment and A key integration scenario would be to take a logistics required to construct the building. The cost-loaded BIM and export the data to populate a time-based view provides a much higher level of scope document. The scope document can then be construction logistics planning. routed through a workflow process to the owner or project manager who then approves it and creates a Fabrication BIM with Submittals baseline budget for that part of the project. Submittals are an operational business process In the example above, the BIM cost model was where subcontractors and fabricators must submit defined enough to export multiple scopes of work shop drawings and material specifications for on different dates, while the rest of the mechanical, approval. The submittal process, typically involving electrical, and plumbing were still being designed. multiple project stakeholders, is critical in order Once these scopes are imported into the budget to gain designer approvals prior to fabricating and cost management application within an ILM materials off site, as well as ensuring that materials software solution, the individual scope documents are delivered in a timely manner for construction. can be approved, creating an original approved budget. Many fabricators are already creating their shop drawings using BIM methodology. Structural BILL OF MATERIALS INTEGRATED WITH steel and mechanical trades are designing their BUYOUT ITEMS production models to interact with designer models. BIM models not only manage parametric objects in a Bringing together the business submittal process with these fabricator BIM models creates another valuable integration point. The table below illustrates an example over a timeline.
Date Description Scope Amount Budget Column 6/10/2008 BIM Export 1 A10 - Foundations 4.335.000 Approved Original Budget
WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM 7/25/2008 BIM Export 2 B10 - Superstructure 10.201.000 Approved Original Budget 8/2/2008 BIM Export 3 B20 - Exterior Enclosure 6.088.000 Pending Approval 8/12/2008 BIM Export 4 C10 - Interior Construction 5.125.000 Pending Approval
Current Approved Budget 14.536.000 Current Pending Budget 11.213.000
Figure 5: Progressive cost modelling 47 issue 29 HOCHTIEF ViCon ORA VL - 2011 - 3 VOL JOURNAL BIM
BIM Integration with Requests for Information One of the key benefits of a virtual building model is to eliminate problems downstream in the ONE STEP AHEAD. construction phase. While this means more effort up front to create accurate, multi-discipline models, BUILD DIGITALLY FIRST. problems discovered virtually are much cheaper to resolve than problems discovered once materials are fabricated and partially installed.
The design team can interact with the general contractor, key subcontractors and fabricators to
-2012 consolidate all of their models, invariably creating more “virtual” conflicts earlier in the building process. With more parallel virtual designs occurring, the RFI business process can also move Figure 7: Integration for asset management upstream to document these virtual conflicts, and provide documented answers on how these virtual This hierarchy can include “location assets” like the conflicts will get resolved. Providing the ability to first floor or the roof, to specific equipment assets have visual links from a business process of an RFI like VAV boxes or HVAC units. This hierarchy also directly to the virtual conflict allows the entire team must include an entire portfolio of buildings where to understand the issues sooner and with greater owners need to identify what assets are installed clarity. in multiple buildings. The owner must also have a maintenance management business process that 3. OPERATE PHASE EXAMPLES is integrated with the asset management piece to properly maintain the building and all of the Spatial and Equipment Models Integrated with components within the building. Asset Management As a BIM model progressively becomes more Integrating the building and equipment detailed, it can evolve into an as-built virtual specifications within a BIM model can occur at model for the owner to operate a new building. the completion of the new building, and then For example, the BIM can store specifications pre-populate an owner’s asset hierarchy and data about each and every fixture, wall type, and maintenance plans. Contractors and designers can piece of equipment within the building. These differentiate themselves to owners by providing a detailed specifications can be added to the model more fully developed turnover package through throughout the process by the designer, the general this integrated BIM and ILM approach. The facility contractor, subcontractor, or fabricator. operations team can also benefit from integrating a BIM model and an ILM solution, as they can interact From a business process perspective, an owner using both systems. The facility manager could must have an asset management system to select a piece of equipment visually in the BIM catalogue all these assets in a hierarchy. model, locate where that piece of equipment fits within the asset hierarchy, then view the maintenance plan against the item. Conversely, a user could view the asset hierarchy in the asset management system, and then view in 3D where that piece of equipment is located within the building. This interaction makes facility maintenance much more proactive, reducing ongoing maintenance costs.
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Figure 6: 4D Schedule Integration 49 issue 30 50 ORA VL - 2011 - 3 VOL JOURNAL BIM BIM JOURNAL VOL 3 - 2011 -2012 ARTICLE 1 ARTICLE 2 INTEGRATING BIM AND LEED It is important here to be realistic about the This article presents one possible approach to capabilities and limitations of BIM. Some LEED credit developing a LEED-BIM integration. items are outside the scope of BIM (for example the participation of a LEED Accredited Professional). Green is Good The LEED-BIM process is complex in that it is Other items require very limited BIM involvement, Sustainability, as an area of discussion and practice, LEED, like most green building rating schemes, interfaces with multiple, simultaneous activities or are more effectively served by other means. is noticeably shifting from the periphery to the defines a matrix of credits that a building must attain across various disciplines. It may not be feasible to This worksheet consequently seeks to determine centre of the construction industry. Whether driven to achieve progressive levels of certification. In integrate all LEED activities in the BIM environment. only those items that are deemed valuable within by legislative requirements, pragmatism to reduce LEED for Green Building Design and Construction, One should, therefore, make a preliminary the BIM process. Whether they are valuable and/ waste and costs, or a genuine desire to minimise 2009 Edition, there are a possible 120 credits assessment of what activities are to be targeted or achievable to the project as a whole should be
-2012 one’s ecological footprint, sustainability is now a achievable, grouped into the following seven prior to project commencement. This may include assessed independently. primary concern of the built environment. However categories: identifying the LEED activities that hold the highest as buildings become increasingly more complex, credit weighting, and assessing how easily these Another important consideration is that most construction processes more fragmented, and green 1. Sustainable Sites (maximum 26 points) can be achieved in a BIM, versus a non-BIM, activities involve multiple disciplines. The role of building rating schemes more stringent, ‘going 2. Water Efficiency (maximum 10 points) workflow. the LEED-BIM consultant is typically in verifying green’ is getting harder to achieve. 3. Energy and Atmosphere (maximum 35 points) information in the building information model. The Alexander 4. Materials and Resources (maximum 14 points) DEFINING THE SCOPE OF LEED authoring of the information (typically the bulk of the Kolpakov 5. Indoor Environmental Quality (maximum 15 points) The scope of LEED is can be defined in a Checklist, work), is undertaken by the various departments. (Mech. Eng. 6. Innovation in Design (maximum 6 points) such as the one illustrated below. Each Credit Item Therefore, to make an accurate assessment the level LEED AP, PMP) 7. Regional Priority (maximum 4 points) of the checklist has an associated activity. Many of BIM involvement most be assessed across all BIM Project of these activities are similar, and we can form phases of the project and in all relevant disciplines. Manager, Each category has both requisite and elective groupings of like-activities, which we call here This can be represented in a spreadsheet, such as Oger credits. The higher the number of credits achieved ‘Activity Groups’. the ‘LEED Activity Analysis’ illustrated below. International the higher the rating. There are four levels of building Abu Dhabi certification that requires achieving the following Each LEED activity group must have at least one LEED ACTIVITY ANALYSIS Value to Responsible Value to BIM Non-BIM BIM Additional Resources / Proceed BIM function associated to it. These functions LEED Activity Notes total amount of points through the certification Project Party Resp Party Capability Capability Weigting Competencies Required to with Use Rating Rating Implement “Managing define what is necessary to achieve the desired Rating from High / Med / Scale 1-3 Scale 1-3 1 = Full BIM YES / NO / process; prev. worksheet Low (1 = Low) (1 = Low) 0 = No-BIM MAYBE sustainability LEED output within the scope of BIM. For example, enc y enc y enc e enc e pe t pe t ou rces in the BIM - Certified 40-49 points, the LEED Credit Item for the provision of bicycle ou rces Res Com pe ri Ex Res pe ri Ex Com storage and change rooms is classed in the etiS noitceleS DEEL environment - Silver 50-59 points, Arch Transport Provision activity group. The BIM functions Client requires one to - Gold 60-69 points, etiS tnempoleveD DEEL Arch to achieve this would be spatial programming Civil strictly define The cross-over between sustainability and - Platinum 80 points and above. Construction (allocating the space) and specification (identifying Client BIM project BIM is significant; both seek to reduce waste, tropsnarT snoisivorP DEEL the requirements). Arch optimise building performance, and promote lean The following articles will present some preliminary Specification requirements Client
construction and integrate practices. Consequently, strategies for integrating ‘green’ / ‘BIM’ processes, retaW tnemeganaM DEEL from the Arch The activity groups are diverse and varied, and Specification outset, and there is tremendous advantage in the integration as well as examining specific touch-points between Construction of ‘green’ and ‘BIM’ processes, however, as both the LEED rating system and building information each must be individually evaluated in terms of Client have the ygrenE ecnamrofreP DEEL value and achievability. It is also necessary to make Arch domains are broad (covering design to operation) modeling. MEP necessary Specification an assessment of the activity in terms of effort Procurement complex (engaging virtually every discipline in the Construction mechanisms to required to achieve the end result as a BIM function Client construction process) and continually developing, roodnI ytilauQ DEEL ensure these Arch compared to a conventional process. This evaluation MEP this is no easy undertaking. Specification are fulfilled. Procurement process can be summarized in the following way: Construction In most cases Client ytilauQ roodtuO ytilauQ DEEL SUSTAINABILITY Arch the party • Value Rating Construction Sustainability is a broad term that covers a range Client inputting - aggregate credit points against perceived lairetaM noitceleS DEEL of applications. In the context of building design Arch Specification design data achievability (complexity, available resources and Procurement and construction, the applications can be roughly Construction upstream, would capability) Client grouped into the following categories: noitcurtsnoC gninnalP DEEL Construction not be the Client same as the • BIM Weighting noitcurtsnoC secruoseR DEEL • Sustainable siting Arch Procurement party analyzing - Degree of effort required as a BIM process, Construction • Energy performance Client this data • Water efficiency compared to effort required as downstream. • Indoor environmental quality a non-BIM process (given existing resources, Consequently • Material and resource management experience and capability). it demands a • Lean construction and site utilisation coordinated Possible Points LEED Credit Item LEED Activity Grouping BIM Function collaborative There are numerous green rating systems in approach. ” operation around the world; most of them structured according to the categories listed above. Among 26 Sustainable Sites the more recognized green building rating schemes required Construction Activity Pollution Prevention Required Construction Planning Site Utilisation Planning are: LEED (North America and many parts of the 1 Credit 1 Site Selection Site Selection Site Analysis WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM Middle East), BREEAM (UK, Netherlands, Spain & 5 Credit 2 Development Density and Community Connectivity Site Development Programming Germany) and Green Star (Australia, New Zealand 1 Credit 3 Brownfield Redevelopment Site Selection Site Analysis & South Africa). The majority of these are voluntarily 6 Credit 4.1 Alternative Transportation - Public Transportation Access Transport Provisions Programming, Design applied, however there is an increasing trend to 1 Credit 4.2 Alternative Transportation - Bicycle Storage and Charging Rooms Transport Provisions Programming, Design make minimum ‘green rating’ a requirement for 3 Credit 4.2 Alternative Transportation - Low-Emitting and Fuel-Efficient Vehicles Transport Provisions Programming, Design development approval. For the purposes of this article, we will refer to the LEED rating systems 2 Credit 4.4 Alternative Transportation - Parking Capacity Transport Provisions Programming BIM Journal wishes to thank 1 Credit 5.1 Site Development - Protect or Restore Habitat Site Development Design Alexander Kolpakov for his developed by the United States Green Building invaluable contribution to this Council (USGBC). 1 Credit 5.2 Site Development - Maximize Open Space Site Development Design issue. Figure 1: Example of Individual Credit Items (from LEED Checklist) assigned to LEED activity groups. Refer to Appendix for complete worksheets. 51 issue 30 52 Phase
ORA VL - 2011 - 3 VOL JOURNAL BIM THE ROLE OF THE LEED-BIM CONSULTANT BIM JOURNAL VOL 3 - 2011 -2012 As mentioned above, the role of LEED-BIM consultant should be restricted to the verification of Record Model information, rather than authoring content. Design authoring will remain the responsibility of the primary disciplines. It is, however, the role of the LEED Record Model department to do the following: Model Compile Record Contractor Operations 1. Provide necessary information to the relevant departments at the outset of the project to ensure the inclusion of appropriate BIM content. 2. Verify (at progressive stages) that this information Final LEED Assessment
-2012 has been successfully incorporated into the BIM Method Analysis so that the desired outcome is achieved. Planning Engineering Assessment Construction Construction Performance Procurement Analysis Planning Selection Resources
DEFINE THE STRATEGY Assess Final Certify Material Documentation LEED LEED LEED LEED LEED Building System Assess Construction Assess Construction
Once the proposed LEED credits have been Construction Construction Construction Construction Construction identified, the project team should develop an execution plan. This states the targeted LEED-BIM ` Civil Model activities, the process and parties involved, and the MEP Model Structural Model Architectural Model information exchn\ages necessary at each phase of Site Issued to
the project; namely as the model is progressed from ` Finalised Planning 3D Macro LEED Criteria Coordination Site Utilization one party (or one activity) to another. Construction & Drawings & Planning & Coordinate Shop Synthesis A good illustration of this, and a practical primary Contractor Construction Control Construction Construction Subcontractor reference point, is the project process map. Fabrication Models The example below is a high-level process map for a theoretical LEED-BIM project. LEED-BIM
Activity process maps provide a detailed plan for Progressive implementation of each LEED activity. The final LEED Assessment Writing Design Analysis Authoring Engineering execution plan would include the LEED Overview Specification
Map (Level 1, illustrated below) of all LEED-BIM Criteria Analysis Selection Check Material Assess Design Perform Energy activities, a Detailed Map of each activity (Level LEED LEED LEED
2), and a description of elements on each map, as Construction Documents Construction Documents Construction Documents appropriate. Civil Model MEP Model Structural Model Documents Architectural Model Construction Design Authoring Developed LEED Criteria Documents Author Construction All Disciplines Construction Documents Preliminary LEED Assessment Writing Analysis & Design Authoring Engineering Specification Site Analysis, Site Analysis, Programming Criteria Analysis Selection Check Material Assess Design Perform Energy LEED LEED LEED Design Development Design Development Design Development Civil Model MEP Model Structural Model Architectural Model Coordinated BIM Design Existing Authoring Conditions Modeling & Modeling Preliminary LEED Criteria Develop BIM All Disciplines Design Development Checklist Project LEED Programming Objectives LEED Determine LEED
WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM Planning
REFERENCE INFO. REFERENCE FUNCTION BIM INFORMATION EXCHANGE INFORMATION Level 1:Sustainability Process Overview Map Level LEED &
LEVEL 1 PROCESS OVERVIEW MAP LEVEL 1 PROCESS OVERVIEW 53 issue 30 54 ORA VL - 2011 - 3 VOL JOURNAL BIM BIM JOURNAL VOL 3 - 2011 -2012 ARTICLE 3 USE CASE OF BIM – LEED INTEGRATION - Energy usage (such us harvesting and utilising Example: Low-Emitting Materials (1-6 points) This article explores the application of BIM daylight, solar heating power, wind energy etc.) Similarly to the material and resourcing, the BIM processes for six of the seven possible LEED - Equipment, lighting, and HVAC systems. can be used to manage and verify procurement of categories. materials. Having material specifications tagged to For the purpose of this credit a BIM Energy the model elements allows for verification of critical 1. SUSTAINABLE SITES model must be developed where all of the data such as: The involvement of BIM for the Sustainable Site above mentioned parameters (HVAC systems, credits can only be loosely defined. Essentially wall materials, equipment, etc.) are included in • Adhesives and Sealants BIM can be deployed to support the design both “baseline” and “proposed” models. Energy • Paints and Coatings and demonstration of sustainable outcomes modelling software can run calculations to simulate • Flooring systems such as development configuration and density, • Composite Wood and Agrifiber Products -2012 building energy performance. This ought to include protection and restoration of the natural habitat, how all building systems interact and affect each • Furniture and Furnishings and connectivity to alternative transport and other other. For example, if designer wants to increase • Ceiling and Wall Systems amenities. fenestration area for one of the facades, it will bring more daylight in the rooms and therefore can reduce To earn credit for Low-Emitting Materials all the 2. WATER EFFICIENCY electrical lighting load. However, as more heat above mentioned materials shall comply with certain Example: Water use reduction (2-4 points) will be transferred through the glazing the HVAC requirements for content of harmful substances. Employ strategies that in aggregate use 20-40% less systems are affected and air conditioning load may This can be tracked by integrating specifications or water than the water use baseline calculated for the increase. All kind of scenarios can be simulated and design requirements with the BIM elements. building. assessed using the model. 6. INNOVATION IN DESIGN Calculations for this credit are based on water 4. MATERIALS AND RESOURCES BIM can support innovation in design through the consumption by building occupants and type of These credits require the calculation of cost or development and analysis of climate-responsive water fixtures. Water usage can be reduced by weight of reused, salvaged, refurbished, recycled, building elements, such as parametric shading using water efficient sanitary fixtures (water closets, or regional (locally produced)... materials compared devices (see BIM Journal Issue 25). urinals, kitchen sinks, showers, lavatory faucets with total value of materials on the project. and pre-rinse spray valves); and through the use of The BIM can be used to manage procurement of non-potable water (e.g. captured condensate water, materials. Having costs and weight assigned to rainwater or treated wastewater). materials in BIM, and distinguishing materials’ type/ content (reused, recycled, or regional...), allows This can be achieved by comparing baseline us to extract these costs for the calculation; for plumbing systems with design plumbing systems. example: Which will require assessment of Plumbing design models that would contain all required data; such as • Material Reuse. (1-2 points) plumbing fixtures flow rates, water tanks capacity • Recycled Content. (1-2 points) and overall system’s water consumption rate. • Regional Materials. (1-2 points) Incorporating this data in the BIM enables quick • Rapidly Renewable Materials. (1point) assessment by simulating different scenarios (e.g. • Certified Wood. (1 point) changing plumbing fixtures’ type will show resulted overall system’s water consumption rate). 5. INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY This category uses a combination of BIM function 2. WATER EFFICIENCY included energy modelling and material verification Example: Whole Building Energy Simulation. (3-21 points) Example: Increased Ventilation. For Naturally Ventilated Spaces, Option 2 requires This prerequisite and credit requires calculating to use analytic model to predict that room-by-room all buildings’ energy costs and comparing it with airflows will effectively naturally ventilate at least design building energy costs to demonstrate 90 % of occupied spaces. improvement in building performance rating. The LEED Reference Guide demands the creation of baseline and proposed design energy models using an approved energy simulation program. The baseline model has to be created in accordance to minimum requirements of ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2007. The proposed building model would be designed to optimize the building energy costs.
The following factors can be considered in proposed design model to optimize building energy WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM performance; Example: Daylight and Views - Daylight. (1-3 points) WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM Demonstrates through computer simulation that - Building geometry, geographic location and specific ‘regularly occupied spaces’ achieve certain orientation, daylight illuminance levels. - Envelope properties (glazing, thermal conductivity BIM software allows performing daylight analysis, of insulation, walls, roof, floors etc.), that show luminance levels across the rooms depending on such factors as building orientation, - Building usage including functional use, fenestration type, etc., occupancy, 55 issue 31 56 ORA VL - 2011 - 3 VOL JOURNAL BIM BIM JOURNAL VOL 3 - 2011 -2012 ARTICLE 1 ARTICLE 2 BIM AS A DATA MANAGEMENT TOOL BIM has the potential to radically improve project DID YOU quality by establishing good ‘information logistics’. BIM is about organising the information in projects in a Theme: new and improved way. Information logistics ensures KNOW...? that the right information is delivered in the correct format, on time and to the right people to enable INFORMATION MANAGEMENT good decision-making. If we are successful with the BIM is an abbreviation for both Building Information information logistics we almost certainly get a more Model (the model of a product) and Building Information efficient project execution, where we put decisions Information Modelling (the process of creating the -2012 behind us and move on. model). BIM uses digital building models in project development - in reality a 3D model connected to a ACHIEVE BETTER AND MORE SUSTAINABLE database of information about the building and the BUILDINGS components constituting it. Logistics In a Norwegian government white paper on Some people also have defined BIM as “Beyond innovation (Stortingsmelding 7 – 2008/2009), the Information Modelling” to focus on the fact that BIM INFORMATION DEFICIENCIES IN THE AEC MAKE THE RIGHT DECISIONS EARLY Norwegian Industry Ministry argued that the whole is all about conscious and controlled information INDUSTRY Owners need improved ‘information logistics’ to construction process can become a much more management. The prevalence of inaccurate and deficient obtain project information as early as possible from integrated process between all the different parties SECURE INFORMATION QUALITY information has become an increasing problem for which to base sound decisions. Building Information if they manage to share all their key information by ‘Closed-Discipline-BIM’ is when BIM is used as a the AEC industry. The most important requirement Modelling affords such a mechanism through the utilising the openBIM buildingSMART standards. modelling tool to contribute to solving a defined for making good decisions is information, and poor ability to construct digitally on a PC before going to design task within one discipline or one area. quality data limits the effectiveness of the decision- site. With virtual design and construction (VDC) one OpenBIM enables a much smoother information ‘Open-Team-BIM’ is used for open and standardised making process and significantly impacts project can test options and uncover problems and flaws that flow in projects and makes possible more analysis - exchange of information across disciplines and delivery. most likely would not have been discovered before especially environmental and lifecycle cost analysis between team members in a project in order to the actual construction takes place on site. In this way, - earlier in the life cycle of a project. OpenBIM also secure information quality and save time by re-using A good metaphor of a construction projects is to view VDC enables a “digital construction site”. contributes towards reducing miss-communication information. it as a ‘decision machine’ and the fuel of this machine and conflicts in construction projects, and towards Lars Chr is information. In a good project, information is made multiBIM Senior Advisor and former co-CEO of earlier discovery of design errors - thereby avoiding Christensen BUILDINGSMART available in a timely fashion and decisions are made buildingSMART International Lars Chr Christensen says costly construction errors. The benefit is more time Senior Advisor, buildingSMART (both as an organisation and as on time. When information is not available at the time “BIM is about organising the information in projects on design at an earlier stage of the project, and multiBIM a process) is concerned with how processes are required decision can be delayed, impacting the in a new and improved way. Yes, we can almost talk the result is cheaper, more sustainable and better organised and how closed-discipline-BIM and overall progress of the project. about establishing good information logistics in the buildings. “The important open-team-BIM is utilised in order to achieve better, project.” According to Christensen information logistics thing for the cheaper and faster project execution. This supports The AEC industry is often criticised for constructing ensures that the right information is delivered in the So far large institutional and government-owned owner is to make delivering more sustainable projects that creates prototypes in scale 1:1 every time. The industry correct format, on time and to the right people to organisations have been in the lead of utilising BIM sound decisions value both for the owner and the users. is disadvantaged in that almost every project enable good decision-making. “If we are successful and openBIM in their projects. The General Services as early as undertaken is a one-off. Certainly there is transfer of with the information logistics we almost automatically Administration (GSA), that manages $500 billion in possible TOOLS FOR IMPROVED INFORMATION knowledge from one project to the next, but within the get a more efficient project execution, where we put U.S. Federal property, and Statsbygg, the Norwegian utilising the LOGISTICS project environment there is very little opportunity for decisions behind us and move on.” analogues organisation, have been instrumental in decision support BIM combined with buildingSMART provides a product testing. challenging the industry and increasing the use of and improved platform for improved communication and improved Digital building models can show you a visual digital BIM and openBIM. The Norwegian Statsbygg has information decision support. The effect is better and more cost Good decision-making is based on the provision of prototype of your building at a very early stage. as a stated objective that from 2010 all their projects logistics that efficient buildings, less errors and more value for the information. In the traditional design and construction Combined with a database of information regarding should utilise openBIM. BIM can enable.” money. process the availability of information increases as the building itself and the components used to build the ability to make changes decreases – ie. as the it, one can, for example, calculate construction cost, multiBIM Senior Advisor and former co-CEO of project nears completion. Consequently owners are operations cost, life-cycle-cost, energy usage and buildingSMART International Lars Chr Christensen forced to make premature decisions and live with the carbon-footprint. BIM can also contribute towards has gained experience with BIM deployment in consequences, or make last-minutes changes and bear improved problem/task understanding (division of Norwegian and other international projects, and the cost. trade packages, deliverables, roles, responsibilities predicts that ”… in the coming 12 to 18 months and processes) increased cross-disciplinary respect, we will see a radical increase in BIM and openBIM increased product understanding and increased usage. If the Financial Crisis version 2.0 should enthusiasm in the project team. develop, cost control and efficiency improvement will
Availability of become even more important, and would motivate to information In traditional projects, without BIM, energy simulation is increased BIM usage” typically done six to nine months into the project. Even if these calculations can highlight that some technical
WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM choices and solutions are not optimal or adequately WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM energy efficient, often the project development has come so far that there is only time left to do minor adjustments to the solutions.
With BIM one can perform such analysis at an early design stage and also have a running control through Ability to BIM Journal wishes to thank make changes the project stages with energy usage. In this way of Lars Chr Christensen for his contribution to this issue. working we get early feedback on solution quality and can spend time on energy optimization of the building. CONCEPT DESIGN DOCUMENTATION CONSTRUCTION 57 issue 31 58 ORA VL - 2011 - 3 VOL JOURNAL BIM BIM JOURNAL VOL 3 - 2011 -2012 CASE STUDY SORBONNE FIELD COORDINATION PROCESS AT A GLANCE
Cast-in-place concrete Laser scan recorded work performed as-built conditions Sorbonne (out-of-tolerance)
Steel frames system Steel frames updated University, UAE delivered and installed per on-site conditions -2012
Cladding system Field data imported delivered and Cladding updated per into BIM platform installed) on-site conditions
to accommodate them into the steel and GRC fabrication process. By doing this the team avoided Curtain-wall delivered Curtain-wall updated further conflicts and potential delays on site and sped and installed per on-site conditions up the installation process.
DRAMATIC INCREASE IN PRODUCTIVITY “Productivity, efficiency and accuracy dramatically Coordinated increased since BIM was introduced in a later stage fit-up in the field University Paris-Sorbonne and the government of of the project;” says Brinkman. The amount of rework Abu Dhabi signed an international agreement in in the design, fabrication and erection of steel frames 2006 to bring French-speaking higher education and façade elements was massively decreased due to the capital city of the United Arab Emirates. to the as-built design validation of the main structural Joint Venture Main Contractor Al Habtoor elements: columns, beams and so on; which had Murray and Roberts (HMR) deployed BIM on already been constructed. site to remediate critical coordination issues. The second, and final, phase of the project was “By implementing BIM, I would say to have saved completed in August 2010 - ahead of schedule. almost 50% of the time… (H)ad we not used building BIM IS A MANY SPLENDID THING information modelling, each steel frame would have HMR is considered a pioneer in the Middle East HMR have been working with BIM since 2008, been installed, its variance to concrete measured, and in applying the BIM approach to tenders, pre- and the Sorbonne project greatly benefited from then it would have been sent back to the fabrication construction, construction, and as-built validation. The this expertise. Says Ron Brinkman, Technical yard to be modified before returning on site to be joint venture currently uses dedicated, knowledgeable, Manager at Murray and Roberts Contractors; finally re-installed.” and well-trained BIM teams to function as the design- “In the Sorbonne project we implemented BIM construction ‘hub’ in a project. Since adopting building to coordinate with the subcontractors between information modelling, it has been used in a number the construction of the main structure and the of important projects, such as the St. Regis Resort process of steel and façade (GRC) fabrication and and the Trump tower, as well as in multiple tenders. installation. In addition, we used BIM technology BIM is being applied to a magnitude of work phases at to validate the as-built status of the structure.” HMR, including quantity surveying and 5D estimating, 4D schedule simulation, model design coordination, MATCHING STEEL & CONCRETE ON SITE reinforced concrete drawing production, equipment and When the first structural elements were delivered construction planning, linking to surveying equipment, on the site of the new university campus, it was logistics and supply chain management, progress noticed that the precast concrete elements did not monitoring and reporting, as well as to as-built line up with the steel components. BIM software validation of structural elements. was taken into use by Al Habtoor Murray and Roberts Joint Venture (HMR) to enable as-built validation of the structures.
AS-BUILT VALIDATION Using laser-scanning surveying devices to get the as-built coordinates, digital as-built information was superimposed on the structural model. This
WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM was then validated against the theoretical exact WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM locations of the components as per the design.
Coordination between the main contractor, and the steel and façade subcontractors was a challenge that was overcome with the help of BIM. Changes to the as-built models from the design were communicated to the subcontractors 59 issue 32 60 ORA VL - 2011 - 3 VOL JOURNAL BIM BIM JOURNAL VOL 3 - 2011 -2012 ARTICLE 1 In the context of evacuation analysis, performance More weight is given to simulation-models and rule- is the measure of how well sub-systems fulfill the based checking in this article. requirements defined by aspect systems. Sub- BIM & Evacuation systems in an Evacuation System are comprised of It is argued that simulation models are best suited the physical components found in a building or the for measuring evacuation performance because site, such as: stairs, alarms, sprinklers, exit lights, they can handle multiple design situations varying in evacuation rooms, fire walls, smoke detectors, scale and complexity. corridors, materials, etc. It also includes the Performance occupants themselves [1]. SIMULATION MODELS Simulations are imitations of real world operations BUILDING PERFORMANCE FOR EVACUATION Performance-based analysis and evaluation of Performance measures of evacuation systems
-2012 and processes or systems over a period of time. Current BIM implementations in the AEC industry buildings is not new. Evaluation of performance in describe the expected nature of the evacuation seek methods to extend the utility of BIM models buildings helps develop more adequate, higher process. These measures are broken into six A “simulation-ist” tries to capture and study the to support design decisions through quantified quality design solutions, and validate prescription different categories including: behaviors of elements within a defined set of measures of performance. One of the many based- building code. variables using mathematical and symbolic aspects of buildings performances is evacuation. 1) number of un-trapped individuals; models .[2] Evacuation is becoming a major metric for design- EVACUATION 2) number of safe-evacuees; safety evaluation and obtaining building approval Evacuation is the process of escaping an enclosed 3) evacuation time; A model is a representation of an event and/or by authorities. In this series of articles, building space at times of emergency due to various 4) number of occupants evacuated within a certain things that are real (a case study) or contrived (a evacuation assessment methods are reviewed, (separate or combined) causes such as terrorist time period; use-case). It can also be a representation of an and a process for integrating them with BIM design attacks, earthquakes, floods, explosions, chemical 5) the remaining distance for an occupant to actual system elements and relationships. Models processes is proposed. hazards, fire breakouts, among others . In the AEC evacuate express certain aspects of reality at multiple levels of Maher El Khaldi, industry, analysis and evaluation of evacuation from a certain location to evacuation exit; abstraction . 6) and average redundancy number of safe paths . M.S.Arch PERFORMANCE deal with the validation of design proposals (Digital Design The increasing complexity of architectural design A model is divided into three components: against building code requirements to ensure In summary, the performance of an evacuation & Fabrication), renders Performance-based codes essential over sufficient occupant evacuation times and safety system is a measure of how well sub-systems 1) Context whose effects are neglected; S.M.Arch.S. classical Prescription-based. Performance-based characteristics of design proposals. fulfill the requirements defined by aspect systems, (Design and building codes support higher quality design 2) Context whose effects are considered; in respect to the given conditions (building 3) Things to be studied by the model . Computations), because they deal with the behavior of design under BUILDING DESIGN & EVACUATION characteristics, emergency specifics) and in B.Arch Project the specified testing conditions as opposed to the PERFORMANCE response to the expected nature of evacuation. Consultant at description of its geometric attributes, or material A building’s evacuation performance is influenced There exist various tools for analyzing and evaluating Evacuation Models are composed of four sub- Gehry compositions, as in Prescription-based code. by four categories of parameters: building’s physical the performance of evacuation systems. These can models: Technologies. characteristics; occupant behavioral characteristics; be grouped into three method categories - hand A performance-based view of design relies on occupant physiological characteristics; and the calculations, simulation models, and rule-based 1) Purpose Model including: optimization, simulation the analysis and evaluation of design features in surrounding environment fire characteristics5 . checking - introduced in the following article. and risk management; relation to a set of requirements, rather than a set 2) Enclosure representation model including: fine of regulations. Analysis is the process of examining Performance-based designs are those that closely network using nodes of various sizes and the the properties of a design proposal to develop an match and fulfill the requirements defined by the neighborhood ties connecting them; coarse stakeholders . In a performance-based design understanding of it; and evaluation is the process network using the actual structure. A node in a approach, buildings are described as combinations of verifying the analysis results against a spectrum coarse network representation can be a whole of two systems: ‘Aspect systems’ and ‘Sub systems’. of requirements. In this context, performance ARTICLE 2 room; Sub-systems are the physical elements in the 3) Population model to represent the effect of can be defined as the level of fulfillment a design design, aspect systems are the behaviors, functions HOW TO MEASURE EVACUATION proposal provides for a defined set of requirements; PERFORMANCE emergency on occupants. This can also be or tasks that are expected from or associated with represented in two shades: fine and coarse and Performance Indicators (PI’s) are rating Sub-systems. For example, signage in a building This article introduces the three methods of allowing for embedding of personal or generic mechanisms, which express the performance level is a Sub-system, where “way finding” is an aspect measuring evacuation performance - hand global attributes respectively; and of a certain design3 . system. calculations, simulation models, and rule-based checking -and briefly explains the current methods 4) Behavior model to represent how occupants to measure evacuation performance using BIM might respond to or interact with each other, the models. building structure, and the environment during an emergency . Hand calculations typically follow preset equations defined by a regulatory authority. In the United The availability of more than 40 evacuation models States, for examples, such equations are provided proves the complexity of analyzing and predicting by the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) . emergencies and human behavioral patterns, Hand calculations are limiting, longer to execute and and further stresses the importance of integrating error prone when analyzing complex designs with evacuation simulation tools with the design significant congestion situations. processes in the AEC industry .
Simulation Models on the other hand, can handle Many evacuation simulation tools, only work with more scenarios varying in complexity due to their 2D plans—which can be drawn or imported in structure, which also makes them easier to DXF or DWG file formats. Once 2D plans are WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM implement . available in a simulation tool, the user is required WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM to insert elements representing doors, staircases, Rules can answer different types of questions which and exits. Some tools provide the ability to define simulation models may not be able to solve directly. occupant numbers along with their type, age, Such answers include: True or False, or measures of and psychological characteristics. Unfortunately, minimum distances between certain locations, etc. currently available evacuation simulation tools do not Rules can be used to address both Performance- make full use of the object-oriented representation of building elements provided by BIM. BIM Journal wishes to based building codes, and classical Prescriptive acknowledge and thank Maher based building codes. Thus, they can be situated El Khaldi for the provision of Figure 1: Image of Simulex simulation4 this article. between hand calculations, and Simulation models. 61 issue 32 62
ARTICLE 3 ORA VL - 2011 - 3 VOL JOURNAL BIM RULE CHECKING BIM & EVACUATION TOOLS INTEGRATION experiment set up. These parameters can serve as Rule-Checking tool, where it gets inspected as BIM JOURNAL VOL 3 - 2011 -2012 While simulation models offer extensive features to PROCESS value ranges for running an array of experiments in per the rules interpreted from the building code mimic human behavior during evacuation times, The integration of evacuation analysis in a BIM- order to generate a large sample of results. requirements. Results from the rule-check tools are they do not necessarily fully address Building based design process is highly dependent on the The extracted 2D DXF plans, which are generated then exported, and evaluated through normalized code requirements. Especially, when designers representations that are shareable between the from the BIM model, are then imported into calculations if necessary. must provide answers such as: “True” or “False”, different tools. These representations include 2D the evacuation simulation tool of choice, or re- or “Yes” or “No”, etc. To provide such answers, plans (in DXF) for evacuation simulation tools, BIM drawn using the simulation tool drawing creation Finally, the simulation and rule checking results Building Rule-checking is needed. The complexity Models (in IFC) for rule-checking, and evacuation functionality of available. Data about the building are normalized and evaluated to help develop of architectural design and requirements of building and simulation attributes for controlling simulation evacuation and simulation parameters can be fed to performance indicators, PI’s. code generated a huge momentum for the creative experiments and informing rule-checking activities. the simulation tool manually or through automation automation solutions of rule-checking. routines by using a scripting language (if available) PI’s help give a global aggregated view of the Rule-checking deals with the assessment of While IFC files can carry the evacuation related or by programming custom applications. Then evacuation performance of the design. The PI’s
-2012 design proposals based on the configuration its attributes implicitly, we suggest that these attributes simulations are triggered a number of times using values can then be issued for decision makers to elements, their relations or attributes. Research and get also exported to spreadsheets so that they can reasonable simulation parameter ranges in order identify the need for further design adjustments, or development of rule-checking tools for buildings be manipulated and used as input data for setting to create a large sample of results. The results then the completion of the design phase. The process started two decades ago. However, effective tools up simulation experiments and running rules. evaluated through normalized calculations. diagram is included in figure 3. have just started to surface. The process starts by extracting the above Similarly, the IFC model gets imported into the mentioned representations from a BIM model. Eastman and his research team at Georgia Tech DESIGN SYNTHESIS suggests a 4-step process for implementing PROCESS automated rule checking [3]. These include:
GENERAL DATA FROM BIM MODEL
FLOOR PLANS IFC FILE
PREPARE AND CLEAN DWG PLANS BIM ATTRIBUTES IN SPREAD SHEET
CLEANED FLOOR PLANS
FEED DATA TO FEED IFC FILE & EVACUATION RULES TO RULE-CHECKING TOOL SIMULATION TOOL
SIMULATION RULE CHECK RULE-CHECKING RULES SETUP SETUP
RUN A NUMBER OF RUN RULE-CHECKS SIMULATIONS USING PARAMETERS RANGES
EXPORT NUMERICAL EXPORT NUMERICAL OR BOOLEAN Figure 2 : Image of Solibri rule-checking software ANALYSIS RESULTS ANALYSIS RESULTS
1) rule interpretation and logical structuring of rules 2D plans can be generated as 2D views and NORMALIZED CALCULATIONS TO for their application; exported in DXF file format. IFC files can be GENERATE PI’s 2) building model preparation, where the exported from the authoring BIM tool with implicitly
necessary information required for checking is embedded evacuation-related attributes, which can NOT ACCEPTED PHASE COMPLETED prepared; be also explicitly exported to spreadsheets. ACCEPTED Figure 3 : Process diagram for integrating evacuation 3) the rule execution phase, which carries out the EVALUATE checking, and; It is important to understand how the evacuation performance analysis and evaluation with BIM-based PERFORMANCE design process. INDICATORS 4) the reporting of the checking results. simulation tool, which is used in the process, work in Rule-checking tools use IFC (Industry order to preemptively embed the needed information Foundation Class) as a standard non-proprietary in the BIM model. file format to import CAD models. SUMMARY WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM Also, since the process deal with rule-checking, WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM we suggest that rules and BIM spatial attributes Evacuation is an important metric for measuring design safety. It is best appreciated when Rule–checking tools offer true-integration with be developed in parallel to ensure compatibility an unexpected disaster takes place. Evacuation is typically measured through analysis then BIM models. They operate on building elements of BIM data with the rule-checking tool. This can evaluation via hand calculations, simulation models, or rule checking. Not all of the current (objects) and provide built-in rules. Other tools offer be done by devising standards for space naming building evacuation analysis tools offer direct integration within BIM authoring tools. However, functionality to program custom building rules. Not conventions, model arrangement, embedded data, it is possible to use the sharable representations among BIM authoring tools and evacuation only can Rule-checking tools check for evacuation etc. The attributes are not limited to occupant simulation and rule checking tools. A process diagram was proposed to facilitate such integration issues, but also virtually any form of inquiry such as information, space type and operational hours, of evacuation performance analysis and evaluation with BIM-based synthesis process. correct naming conventions for building elements, or materials properties. They can also extend to locations, sizes, etc. include parameters pertaining to the simulation 63 issue 33 64 ORA VL - 2011 - 3 VOL JOURNAL BIM BIM JOURNAL VOL 3 - 2011 -2012 ARTICLE 1 PROCESS
The first mandatory component of BIM-supported construction is defining the right processes. The BIM Manager As the basis for all model based activities, the right processes can be the difference between the success and failure of a BIM Implementation. BIM processes should be defined and monitored A NEW ROLE IN THE CONSTRUCTION applied to those with CAD management experience, by the BIM Manager considering the project life-cycle, for example: INDUSTRY who are working with BIM related tools and software. The BIM Manager now, more than ever, plays a Today’s BIM Manager is often taking care of the • Design creation and coordination fundamental role in driving the entire project delivery model only – but there is much more to BIM than the • Quantity take-off and ensuring completion on time and in budget. model itself. • Cost estimation His core responsibilities comprise coordinating -2012 • Scheduling and progress monitoring the modeling works, reporting the BIM status and If as an industry we are to take advantage of all • Change management maintaining the model integrity. The transition some the benefits that can be garnered from utilizing 3D • Operation and maintenance years ago from CAD Manager to BIM Manager was models, we need to ask the following questions: • Asset management essential to the advancement of BIM processes within the construction industry. Today, however, a • Who is defining the right BIM processes? Robert Grys, more all encompassing BIM Manager is called for. • Who is taking care of the BIM related personnel? BIM • Who is responsible for choosing the right IT PEOPLE Implementation environment? • Who is checking the contract conditions to fit in the Manager at The team is the success. No achievement would be possible without the right people on board. BIM approach? HOCHTIEF ViCon Knowing that BIM is still a new frontier in the AEC (architecture, engineering, construction) • Who is leading the training and education required industry, the challenge of finding and nurturing the right team of people is ongoing. The BIM for personnel? Designer other Manager’s role is also responsible for: Specialist The evolution of virtual design and construction • Imparting knowledge and experience throughout the past decade is such that the existing CM/PM Cost • Defining the required team roles and responsibilities model centric BIM Manager’s role description is now Estimator • Facilitating efficient and effective collaboration and communication obsolete. To bring on all the desired changes, we • Instilling trust and commitment within the team must redefine the position. BIM • Fostering a supportive team culture Developer Con- structor c n oordinatio
Facility TECHNOLOGY Owner Manager ARTICLE 2 The conventional IT environment in construction projects today often requires enhancements BIM Manager MANAGING PROCESS, PEOPLE TE,CHNOLOGY to support the proper usage and utilisation of 3D models. An appropriate and cost effective AND POLICY set up of hardware and software has to be defined by the BIM Manager. Additionally, the data PRO LE JECT LIFECYC As the virtual representation of the real facility, the exchange and storage processes have to be defined and managed. The BIM Manager must be digital 3D model has a wide range of requirements in charge of the following: Figure 1: The BIM Manager as a key role in the project lifecycle which cannot be fulfilled by a standard construction team. Processes are constantly changing, new ones • Certifying appropriate hardware and software must be introduced, alternative technologies are While BIM is becoming an industry standard, BIM • Defining data formats and structure required and contracts need to be adapted. know-how and proven references for companies • Controlling and regulating data versioning It is logical evolution that the responsibility of the are now being seen as a pre-requisite for tenders. • Defining user specific workspaces BIM Manager has grown alongside the ongoing As projects grow in scale and complexity, industry • Ensuring clear internet connections, with minimum connection downtime, and sufficient development and acceptance of BIM in the professionals and group bodies are accepting that speed construction industry. Currently the BIM Manager is digital models and BIM processes are becoming steadily growing in to a multipurpose figure, taking the most effective way of reducing costs and risk care of several different management fields. while increasing quality. This forces the construction How have his responsibilities changed? And sector to develop its own knowledge to be which challenges is he facing with each new BIM POLICY competitive. implementation on a project, regardless of the size and type? Complete and successful BIM Implementation requires having BIM in contracts. The BIM Mimi Westhorpe, Adopting BIM means a new way of working. Along Manager should take care to create clear and thorough technical specifications to be the basis Virtual Design with this, the challenges of managing people, for the model development and exchange. Project conditions must at a minimum clarify the and Construction processes, policy and technology arise. Making following: Engineer at the task more complex, those individuals and companies adopting BIM methods must still be HOCHTIEF ViCon • The project guidelines and contracts in relation to BIM able to coordinate and work with those who are not • Building standards readily utilising it. They must be versatile, adaptive WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM
• The ownership of deliverables and associated intellectual properties WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM and quick on their feet. • Risks and insurance implications that could be encountered Not only does the model itself need its own Manager to ensure its integrity and proper use, such a For a successful BIM Implementation, the BIM Manager must be capable of integrating and significant change in the industry standards calls managing all those components. for a changed/evolved role which can act as a focal point for all BIM related activities on a project — The BIM Manager. BIM Journal wishes to acknowledge and thank HOCHTIEF ViCon for the Though the current role of BIM Manager already provision of this issue. exists in the construction dialogue, it is loosely 65 issue 33 66
CASE STUDY ORA VL - 2011 - 3 VOL JOURNAL BIM This explains that the modern role of the BIM Manager not only means taking care of the digital 3D model, but BIM JOURNAL VOL 3 - 2011 -2012 ensuring that all BIM related tasks are overseen in parallel; the new role is, in fact, many roles. An important BIM Implemenation in a Cairo aspect of this is the understanding that the BIM Manager supports the project life-cycle approach and is not only focussing on a particular project phase like the design. Now the role also includes supporting HR, IT and legal departments in their work. He is the “BIM Manager, 2.0”. city centre project
In light of the new requirements of the role of BIM Manager, his positioning within the project organisation is For a complex 38 storey hotel building located in the Cairo city centre, the client requested the use of sophisticated critical. The organizational chart in Figure 3 shows the BIM Manager in a central role, directly between the BIM methodology. The scope of desired applications for this project comprised design coordination, quantity client and the Project Management. The positioning enables him to ensure a life cycle BIM approach, get all estimation, construction progress monitoring, 4D simulation, and overall project visualisation. In order to realise a stakeholders involved, encourage a top down strategy, and measure the project performance independently of successful implementation of this comprehensive BIM scope and to accompany and manage all transitions from the client or developer. standard working practices to BIM centric methods with a minimum of friction, a dedicated BIM Manager was engaged for an integrated approach to all BIM related processes, people, technology, and policy amendments. -2012 Collaboration and communication Data security and user management Mana Knowledge and experience IM ger Certified hardware and software PROCESS PEOPLE Roles and responsibilities B Data formats and structure Trust and commitment Tec Data versioning le hn A centralised method of information exchange The scope of BIM for this project demanded p o Culture o l Internet demands commitment from day one, which the development of a stakeholder training e o g P needs to be followed at all times. Stakeholders concept, ranging from general BIM technology y need to know exactly what data in which introductions to detailed and individually format they should submit to whom, and when tailored user training on implemented BIM P BIM to update. The same way they deserve to systems and processes for all involved Cost estimation r o y know what kind of information at what times to employees. Quantity take-off c c e li expect from their counterparts. Hence, while Expectations from BIM can vary very much Change management s o Building standards s P producing and processing project information, among project participants. Especially in large Operation & maintenance Risks and insurance BIM always needs to be on people’s minds. groups there are invariably some skeptics not Design creation and coordination Ownership of deliverables The coordination of all these requirements was willing to trust the data derived from a digital Scheduling and Progress Monitoring Project guidelines and contracts led by the BIM Manager from the beginning. model which is in many cases created and Initial BIM introduction meetings served as maintained by others. Some reservations may platforms to address clearly and frankly stem from bad experience from other projects Figure 2: The Five Components of HOCHTIEF ViCon’s BIM methodology individual expectations and obligations to that did not have an integrated approach to Figure 2 shows four components that surround a successful BIM implementation: process, people, technology stakeholders in order to manage the transition BIM. and policy. Encircling them is the Management (in this case, the BIM Manager), who leads them to work in process on the project. Concerns and opinions The project offered training for all stakeholders unison. It is in these four key components, that we can identify the role’s evolved requirements. from affected individuals were welcomed in following a systematic scheme. Approximately these discussions. As a result, all stakeholders 40 individuals completed 100 training modules With this role progression, how does yesterday’s BIM Manager, become today’s new and improved BIM became aware of their benefits from a new in 10 weeks of lessons held across 6 months. Manager 2.0? Training and education become the key considerations. Along with prerequisite skills such as on- collaborative approach realized with BIM All training was led by the BIM Manager and site experience, CAD Software skills and the usual gamut of competencies, it is important to find someone who and were willing to commit themselves to carried out in a dedicated meeting room is proactive and willing to learn. Training on the job, and continued professional development (CPD) courses are a transparent and cooperative working using interactive boards. Student participation vital. Certification by BIM competent education centres and probationary periods for junior BIM Managers will approach. The discussions were documented was the key to a better understanding of the enable thorough understanding of the complexity of the role. by the BIM Manager in a set of project specific processes and systems associated with BIM, Process Manuals, clearly reflecting individual along with gaining confidence and trust in the As the AEC industry strives to develop and refine its standard roles and processes to continue to be roles and responsibilities in light of the BIM Manager and their role. competitive, so too does the BIM Manager need to grow. With the myriad challenges facing BIM implementation commonly agreed procedures. in construction today, the difference between success and failure will surely be a versatile BIM Manager.
Project Developer
BIM Manager
PM/CM WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM
Designer Consultant Contractor
Figure 3: Organisational Chart with BIM Manager 67 issue 33 NETWORK ORA VL - 2011 - 3 VOL JOURNAL BIM TECHNOLOGY POLICY
Implementing BIM to such an extent meant Working with centralised information, which coordinating a wide range of new technology is comprehensive and ideally available at any JOIN OUR BIM and systems as well as adapting several time contains risks e.g. data origin and access. processes to establish a transparent and • Who owns the Building Information Model? centralized working environment. People in the • Who is responsible for data correctness? construction business, however, are largely • Who is allowed to access what kind of not used to working in BIM environments and information in a complex project? hence a smooth transition from decentralised • Who is ensuring data safety and integrity at COMMUNITY PROMOTE to centralised communication and information all times? WWW.THEBIMHUB.COM exchange needs to be accompanied and -2012 managed. Maintaining a dedicated BIM Manager on Typically during early project phases, individual site allowed BIM to have a central focal point workloads on large scale construction projects where questions like these, among others, tend to be at their maximum. With BIM usually could be directed. In this project all roles, implemented at the project commencement obligations and responsibilities were clarified rather than later, spare time to aquaint with from the beginning with the support of the TRAIN new software, technology or processes is BIM Manager, and compiled in a set of central usually rare. In consequence learning curves documents. These documents comprised an need to be quick, and ideally any derived BIM initial implementation plan for BIM, contractual information should be easy to understand and specifications for sub contractors and detailed ready to be processed “out of the box”. BIM modeling guidelines, clarifying all relevant For this project, it was decided to implement processes, data exchange formats, data BIM step by step according to requirements update cycles, responsibilities, etc. arising during the project’s developing phases. The setup of collaboration and design The participants of the Cairo project had coordination tools marked the initial setup very different levels of competence in BIM C RESEARCH
of BIM onsite. An onsite meeting room was related processes, tools and technologies. M nominated, and equipped with interactive This resulted in a high demand for the BIM whiteboards for effective meeting support. Manager. Y Computer hardware suitable for using CM model and data viewer software, as well as His continued presense on site and tailored screensharing and other global communication education modules proved indispensible to MY facilities were selected and installed by the voluntary acceptance of BIM methods, and CY the BIM Manager. Tools and software user finally to a very successful implementation of interfaces were kept simple, and contained Building Information Modeling. CMY information that was current and reliable. Additionally, the BIM Manager upgraded the IT K SHARE network and associated equipment in order to ensure continuous availability of information.
The term Building Information Modeling (BIM) generates approximately 2.5 Million internet searches a month! With BIM gaining more and more hype and media coverage, thousands of websites and blogs are emerging bombarding users with information! WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM Whether you are a BIM newbie or an expert it is hard to find the time or the patience to wade through the plethora of information available online hence www.thebimhub.com. Our goal is to gather a very large BIM Community in one place" to network, educate, share and provide Information.
Visit www.thebimhub.com and register to become a member of our community! 69 issue 34 70 ORA VL - 2011 - 3 VOL JOURNAL BIM BIM JOURNAL VOL 3 - 2011 -2012 ARTICLE 1 6) Knowledge Management: Depending on the 16) Up-to-Date Data Exchange Support: The scope, users might need to embed, and often development of the IFC file format is constant. protect, certain parameters, information, formulas, Thus, it is important to support the latest IFC BIM Tool Selection and attributes in their BIM files. Thus, it might updates in order to harness the value of the open be essential that the selected BIM tool supports standards devised by BuildingSMART. For example, DEFINING EXPECTATIONS OF BIM A major result of scope definition is the ability methods controlling access rights or ‘knowledge the upcoming release of IFC 2X4 is posed to BIM is not new. Professor Charles Eastman, of to identify the data types needed to interface management’. support GIS data. Thus, it will open new doors for the Georgia Institute of Technology, pushed for between the different subcontractor packages. Data standardized file exchange with GIS software. representing buildings as “Product Information exchange methods, processes, and standards will 7) Interoperability: BIM modeling tools ought to Models” through “Building Description Systems” be identified; leading to the development of a clear support neutral file formats, such as IFC (Industry 17) Remaining Up-To-Date: AEC needs change in his papers and books since the late 1970s. Dr. understanding of BIM, and what is expected from
-2012 Foundation Classes) to facilitate data exchange as architects, engineers, and contractors continue Robert Aish coined the term “Building Modeling” BIM. Expectations are highly dependent on the BIM with other BIM modeling and BIM data management to interact with each other through BIM. Thus, it is back in 1980. The term was transformed quickly into service provider’s experience as well as the client’s tools. A sub-criterion would be the quality of important that the selected BIM tool supports new “Building Information Modeling” as we know it today. experience. exported data, how parametric is it, how well is it processes. For example, support for construction BIM tools started to surface in the late 1980s and attributed, and how well it imports other file formats. modeling, light design, MEP engineering design & are continuously growing in all directions, offering An important and more comprehensive strategy coordination, among others. varying levels of sophistication and functionality. for indentifying scopes (other than the divide and 8) Extendibility: For advanced tasks, users might Maher El Khaldi, conquer approach) is developing an execution plan. need to delve into the Application Programming 18) Data integrity: BIM models are required to M.S.Arch Even though the concept has existed under one This will be discussed further in a future BIM Journal Interface (API), or the scripting language to build be robust to survive not only the design and (Digital Design name or another for over 30 years, the technologies Issue (Issue 35). automation routines. Most of the currently available construction stages, but also facility management & Fabrication), of building information modeling are still developing. BIM tools offer such functionality, but at different and building maintenance. Thus, it is important that S.M.Arch.S. Personal computers have become more powerful, levels. They also support different programming the selected BIM suite of tools maintains the integrity (Design and project conditions more complex, and user ARTICLE 2 languages. of BIM objects. Different aspects can be reviewed for Computations), requirements more demanding. Most significantly, METRICS FOR ANALYZING BIM TOOLS this metric such as: backups and archiving methods, B.Arch Project the area of potential application is so vast, software After defining scopes and expectations, the BIM 9) Availability of Technical Support and Community: ownership and access rights control, robustness Consultant at developers are forced to tread the thin line between user can identify metrics for analysing how well Since the AEC industry is still in the transition of BIM modeling operations and methods and its Gehry specialization and generalization. The result has process to BIM, it becomes very important to select impact on the geometry and the embedded data, been the development of a plethora of BIM tools with a BIM tool may satisfy the scope expectations. Technologies. Analysis metrics can be developed from different BIM tools that come with a family of users and an among others. varying functions and varying levels of maturity. Thus abundance of local technical support and resources. selecting a BIM tool, or a suite of BIM tools, is not points of view. For example: general purpose, project-specific, scope-specific, or even software- an easy decision. This choice impacts production 10) Cost: BIM tools are considerably more expensive pipelines and the type of projects a BIM service vendor specific. Suggested below are some general purpose analysis metrics: when compared to regular CAD tools. Thorough provider can handle. feasibility studies of which BIM tool is more advantageous are highly useful. In this issue of the BIM Journal we discuss BIM tools 1) Pre-defined Objects: The availability of standard in three short articles: AEC objects at varying levels of detail and behavior is highly useful for production work. 11) Develop-ability: Availability of third-party 1-Defining Expectations of BIM extensions and continuous development. It is 2-Metrics for Analyzing BIM Tools important that BIM tools offer extensions to support 3-BIM Tool Selection 2) Custom Objects: The ability to construct user- defined objects and assemblies with high levels of additional functionalities that can facilitate data exchange with other team members. In addition, “BIM” is often defined as “Building Information intelligence through embedding parameters, rules, relationships and constraints. it is important the BIM tools receive continuous Models” or “Building Information Modeling”, and updates and corrections in order to keep up with the sometimes “Building Information Management”. BIM 3) Intelligent update: Intelligence in updating changing nature and growing demands of the AEC is perhaps best understood as various permutations industry. of the acronym: “B. I. M.” That is, “Building Models”, parametric relationships in models. Some BIM tools save all drawings in the same file as the “Building Management”, “Information Models”, 12) Portability: The availability of a free CAD viewer “Information Management 3D-information Model. Thus changing any object will trigger changes in all drawings sheets. This can for the tool’s native file format is highly desirable. ,“Buildings’ Information”, “Information Building”, This can enable sharing project information with “Modeling Buildings”, “Managing Buildings”, hinder the development of BIM models, especially for complex projects. It is important to understand different parties who do not have access to a full “Modeling Information”, and finally “Managing software license. Information”. how the different BIM tools update all of the model components to ensure that the fashion in which they work is suitable for the required application. 13) Learning curve: BIM tools offer different ways to The broad range of applications and even structure and construct objects, produce drawings, broader range of interpretations is indicative of embed information, etc. All this comes with a the complexity of choosing a BIM tool. Let alone 4) Performance: Technology will never be able to catch up with the demands and expectations of its learning curve, which must be considered when the challenge of integrating different aspects of evaluating BIM tools. BIM while collaborating with other AEC companies users, especially when it comes to performance. on design, engineering, or construction projects. Thus, it is important to have realistic expectations of BIM tools to be able to judge their ability to deliver 14) Support for Manufacturing: Depending on A divide-and-conquer approach is a very good the AEC sector, some BIM models are required strategy to tackle the selection problem. The main the required level of performance. Tool performance can be discussed in many terms such as: memory to support manufacturing such as metal sheet WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM drivers to this strategy are scopes and expectations. WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM handling, model update times, integrity of BIM data bending, nesting, score lines, etc. throughout the model life cycle, among others. Scope definition is often driven by project 15) Support for Collaboration: In addition to requirements, contractual deliverables, or by the 5) File management: One of the main goals supporting the IFC open standards, it is valuable services that a BIM provider aims to provide. This that BIM tools support the BIM collaboration format can vary from BIM-model, authoring, to BIM- behind embracing BIM is extracting data from a central source. Each tool has its unique structure (BCF). The BCF file format allows for exchanging data management, documentation, analysis and captions and views between BIM tools; facilitating simulation, construction coordination, project for supporting file control and management. This is important to consider in relation to multi-user documentation of design changes, construction BIM Journal wishes to delivery process design, optimization, facility issues, requests for information, variation orders, acknowledge and thank Maher management, sequencing, resource planning, and functionality – especially multi location scenarios – El Khaldi for the provision of and how to regulate access rights. etc. this article. even building demolition. 71 issue 34 ORA VL - 2011 - 3 VOL JOURNAL BIM ARTICLE 3 BIM TOOL SELECTION not only to special equipment providers and material After analyzing BIM tools by a number of scope- suppliers, but also to custom solution providers informed analysis metrics, it is important to who focus on building custom libraries of reusable translate the findings into understandable, logical, objects as a main income generator. evaluations; by which selection can be made. 4-Maintain the integrity of the BIM model and data. TOOL GRADING For BIM data to remain reusable throughout the Selection can be thought of as a small optimum- lifecycle of a project, users are required to learn how selection problem. This is suitable when evaluating to maintain its integrity. This is highly dependent combinations of BIM tools. In a highly simplistic on user skills and software capabilities. Thus, it is approach (which is probably more suitable to our important to understand the limitations and solutions -2012 purposes), the BIM reviewer will associate analysis one might face while modeling, updating, or editing results in certain combinations to create evaluation a BIM model. parameters. Then, evaluation parameters will be assigned different levels of importance. This will Training will give BIM reviewers deep insights help identify the evaluation parameters acting as into how the tool may satisfy the defined scopes, constraints, those acting as free/variables, and and thus will be evaluated for its fulfillment of the those acting as targets (measures). After that, BIM requirements. reviewers ought to explore different combinations of parameter creation methods (associating analysis ASK A FRIEND criteria for example), then different hierarchy Another method for selection can be simply made schemes, then generate different parameter values by seeking advice from trusted and experienced using the defined formulas. Following this the BIM users who can be reached via CAD/BIM forums and reviewer can examine different combinations of professional networks, or reading software reviews, evaluation parameter values based on all BIM examining BIM case studies, and taking a leap of tools. This will help the reviewer understand how faith in making a decision. certain collection of tools may satisfy the scope requirements in comparison to others. None of the above methods are exclusive of one another; nor are they defined by hard science. They Another method for tool selection is developing are only suggested as ideas to help identify BIM a rating system for how well a BIM tool satisfies tools that exist out in the market. the analysis criteria, then defining a hierarchy of importance for each criteria by giving it weight. Finally, picking the tool (or combination of tools), which score the highest in the overall rating system.
TRIAL AND TESTING Alternatively, another good selection method is seeking BIM tool training, prior to purchasing, from the software vendor or accredited service providers. This will help the BIM reviewer evaluate how suitable the tool is for their staff, office workflows, and client requirements. Suggested below are a number of topics to focus on when seeking BIM training.
1-Software Approach to BIM: Since software vendors offer different methods and processes to implement BIM, it becomes essential to understand how they approach BIM related concepts such as: Integrated Project Delivery, Collaboration, Product Lifecycle Management, Project Management, LEAN-Construction, and Open-BIM.
2-Collaboration and Data Exchange: In an open market, where AEC companies utilise different tools, it is highly effective to review how a specific tool integrates with other BIM tools as well as other non-BIM tools. Such situations often occur
WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM when performing engineering design and calculation tasks. Of course, data is not limited to geometry. It includes attributes, schedules, specifications, room data sheets, quantity take offs, sequencing, etc.
3-BIM authoring of standard AEC objects and customized parametric objects: Training must give equal weight to explaining procedures for creating standard AEC objects, as well as creating reusable and customized parametric BIM objects. This is especially important 73 issue 35 74 ORA VL - 2011 - 3 VOL JOURNAL BIM BIM JOURNAL VOL 3 - 2011 -2012 ARTICLE 1 Having a healthy understanding of these functions DEFINE STANDARDS AND PROTOCOLS enables one to make an informed decision about which functions one may want to deploy. It also The Execution Plan should be accompanied BIM Implementation gives an appreciation of the activities undertaken by by a comprehensive set of standards other parties, in which one may need to be indirectly and protocols that regulate everything involved (eg. in the exchange of model data). from modelling practices to file-naming conventions. This takes some of the burden The process of transitioning a building information & Execution Plans off individual stakeholders in defining model from one function to the next, and indeed the their own standards, and most importantly WHERE’S MY BIM IN A BOX It is somewhat of a step into the unknown, however progression of the model through various levels of ensures consistency across a project. A Perhaps you are intrigued by the proposition of there do exist an extensive source of project -2012 development, must be pre-conceived and well- useful reference for BIM standards is the Los BIM and want to take it for a ‘test drive’, or you may references, international standards and best structured. Angeles Community College District (LACCD) already be convinced of the benefits and are eager practices and numerous guides and references Building Information Modeling Standards. to roll it out. So how do you get started? Where is the documents to support the transition. For example, if one intents to perform accurate BIM in a box, and where are the instructions? cost estimations, specific data needs to be The following two articles provide a snapshot of the imbedded into the model objects at an early stage To the disappointment of many new-comers there process of BIM implementation, as well as offering a of development. buildingSMART International has is no ‘one size fits all’ solution. The applications of selection of references and practical tips. defined Information Delivery Manuals (IDM’s) to EVALUATE AVAILABLE SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS BIM are too broad, the needs of the users are too provide a framework for describing such model Mark Baldwin, diverse, and software development is in a fairly progressions. Each activity is described in a BIM Journal Software selection is a critical process in BIM continuous state of development and transformation. ARTICLE 2 unique IDM in the form of Process Maps, Exchange Editor implementation , and ought to be undertaken Building Information Modelling is - at least in its GUIDE FOR BIM DEPLOYMENT Requirements and Functional Parts. There are in consideration of specific user requirements. current state - a bespoke solution. This article introduces some basic strategies to currently over one hundred IDM’s being developed A useful guide for software evaluation and support organisations in implementing building by buildinSMART members worldwide. (Further selection can be found in BIM Journal Issue This throws much of the onus back on the user to information modelling. It suggests developing a information regarding IDM’s can be found at 34: Metrics for Analyzing BIM Tools investigate the possible applications of BIM, the familiarity of standard BIM functions and processes buildingSMART International IDM website.) available technologies and appropriate workflow from which to define one’s goals and implementation strategies. Benefits and limitations must be strategy. The article also provides practical DEFINE GOALS AND IMPLEMENTATION accurately appraised in respect to one’s business guidance on developing a BIM Execution Plan, STRATEGY model. This is can be an arduous process, but it setting standards and protocols, and launching a Once the desired BIM Functions and associated LAUNCH A PILOT OR PARALLEL BIM PROJECT need not be tackled all in one go. Specific steps can pilot project. processes have been identified an organisation can be taken to make rapid inroads into the world of BIM. define its goals and lay-out a roadmap for achieving It is advisable to start the transition to BIM with BIM FUNCTIONS AND PROCESSES these. Although the end-goal may be ambitious, it a pilot project that is neither excessively large The first question to ask is ‘what can BIM do?’, and BIM has a broad range of application; right cross is important to establish achievable milestones. It nor complex. Alternatively one may choose secondly, ‘what can it do for me?’. Once familiar with the design, construction and operation process. It may be advisable to initially pursue the ‘low-hanging to undertake a parallel exercise, where a the possibilities and the potential application in one’s is often impractical for any single BIM user to have fruit’ of BIM; functions such as 3D coordination and BIM team operates in parallel to the standard own business, one can begin to set some goals and expertise in all areas, nevertheless, it is important drawing extraction that yield the greatest return for project team (using traditional methods). This lay-out a roadmap. to be aware of the areas of application and thus the minimum effort. More complex functions and relieves the BIM team from the pressure of be able to select which BIM functions are most processes can be tackled as competency and meeting construction deadlines, while still The next question is ‘how do I implement this in my applicable to one’s own business confidence increases. supporting the construction team with benefits organisation?’ Specifically, ‘what are my current of 3D visualisation, coordination, construction resources and capabilities and what do I need?’ The Pennsylvania State University Building simulation, quantity take-off and other basic Information Modeling Execution Planning Guide functions. Thirdly we can ask ‘what are the processes and defines twenty-five distinct BIM functions. Branching FOSTER A BIM CULTURE infrastructure that can support me in achieving my into the specialist areas of BIM one could argue that goals?’ In posing this question we must recognise there are many more. buildingSMART International that processes will change as much as technology. currently has over one hundred BIM activities Transitioning to BIM is greatly benefitted by REFERENCE INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS It is not simply a question of software selection. defined as individual Information Delivery Manuals developing a healthy BIM culture within an by, AND BEST PRACTICES An organisation adopting BIM must be prepared (refer to following section for definition of IDM’s). for example, recognising BIM Champions and to experience a disruption (and of course an Regardless of how they are defined, BIM Functions forming steering committees. Organisation improvement) to existing processes. can be roughly grouped into five categories: may also choose to engage external BIM It is advisable to start the transition to BIM with advisors or develop strategic partnerships with a pilot project that is neither excessively large specialist consultants. nor complex. Alternatively one may choose to undertake a parallel exercise, where a BIM team operates in parallel to the standard project team (using traditional methods). This Category Example BIM Functions DEVELOP A BIM EXECUTION PLAN relieves the BIM team from the pressure of meeting construction deadlines, while still supporting the construction team with benefits DESIGN Existing conditions modelling, spatial programming, model authoring, design coordination Project processes can be mapped out in of 3D visualisation, coordination, construction WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM a BIM Execution plan. An execution plan WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM simulation, quantity take-off and other basic ANALYSIS Structural analysis, energy analysis, lighting analysis, model auditing, code checking establishes the project objectives, roles functions. and responsibilities of the various parties, CONSTRUCTION Site utilisation, construction sequencing (4D) cost estimation (5D), digital fabrication, BIM-to-field and required process maps and information exchanges. An excellent reference for OPERATION Asset & space management, maintenance scheduling, facility expansion developing a BIM Execution Plan is the NBIMS - National BIM Standards v2 (USA) Pennsylvania State University’s Building Senate Properties’ BIM requirements (Finland) Information Modeling Execution Planning DATA Collaborative platforms, change management, issue reporting & tracking, managing metadata, linking Statsbbyg BIM Manual 1.2 (Norway) MANAGEMENT databases, interoperability and file exchange Guide. NATSPEC National BIM Guide (Australia) 75 issue 35 76 ORA VL - 2011 - 3 VOL JOURNAL BIM BIM JOURNAL VOL 3 - 2011 -2012 CASE STUDY
BIM EXECUTION PLAN buildingSMART The afternoon of day-one introduces strategies on how organisations can plan for and implement building information modelling. Topics covered include assessing current BIM capabilities, establishing desired goals and developing a Level 2 Training BIM Execution Plan. The BIM Execution plan is a project specific document that identifies required
-2012 BIM functions, establishes project standards and protocols and develops specific workflows. These workflows include both process maps BIM Process and information exchanges that regulate model progression between various functions and across multiple disciplines and/or organisations.
The last session of day-one examines strategies Management for selecting appropriate software and necessary IT infrastructure. This includes an appreciation of buildingSMART Middle East has developed an ANALYSIS functional requirements (eg. authoring, analysis or openBIM training programme that addresses key refers to secondary applications, often undertaken viewing/coordination tools) interoperability issues concepts and issues surrounding BIM operation. by a party who may not have authored the model (within organisation and within potential project The Level 2 training certificate, titled ‘BIM Process themselves. Analysis activities include structural teams) and collaborative platforms and data Management’, is a two-day course that overviews analysis, energy analysis, ‘green building’ exchange BIM functions and processes, and examines how an certification, lighting analysis, mechanical system organisation can develop a customised strategy for analysis, as well as other specialty disciplines. DAY-TWO BIM deployment. This category also includes model auditing, that is Day two of the Level 2 course examines central validating model integrity (how well is it built?) and issues relating to BIM implementation both in an DAY-ONE verifying the model against design parameters and organisations internal structure, and in its external Day one of the course defines the various BIM building code requirements. operations - legally and contractually. Topics functions that may be deployed within a project covered in the morning session include developing environment. It also provides a strategy for CONSTRUCTION a training programme, managing changes to organisations to determine their current BIM functions refer to the deployment of BIM for internal processes (productivity, pit-falls and capability and future aspirations. The course construction management. This includes lessons learned) and changes to business process provides a framework in which participants can construction planning, (site utilisation, construction (resources and roles, extended capabilities, identify realistic goals specific to their area of system design and 3D control and planning) as contractual considerations). operations, and introduces a BIM Planning Template well as applications for construction sequencing through which participants can develop a roadmap (4D) and quantity take-off and estimation (5D). This The afternoon session will provide practical to achieve these goals. section also examines shop drawing production information on how to safely and efficiently support and integration with Computer Aided Manufacturing the transition to BIM. This involves setting achievable BIM FUNCTIONS (CAM). A significant part of this section addresses goals with realistic and incentivised milestones, and Building information modelling is a vast and varied ‘BIM to Field’ activities such as establishing providing appropriate support structure in terms of field, covering a broad scope of activities. These construction set-out points and recording as-built BIM champions within an organisation, developing activities, or ‘BIM Functions’, can be roughly data and construction status. steering committees, fostering strategic partnerships grouped into five categories outlined in the previous (consultants or advisory services) and initiating at an article: OPERATION appropriate scale, with parallel or pilot projects refer to BIM functions that support facility The final session of the Level 2 course addresses • DESIGN management. This includes record modelling (using reviewing and certification processes. This can be • ANALYSIS laser scanning devices to capture as-built data), an internal process by establishing mechanism for • CONSTRUCTION model maintenance and integrating the model with project auditing and progress tracking, identifying • OPERATION Facilities Management software for asset or spatial lessons learned and future best practices, and • DATA MANAGEMENT management, equipment tracking and maintenance developing internal process and procedure scheduling. The sections also examines how manuals. However it is can also be an external The Level 2 course provides an overview of the a model can be reactivated for future facility process by engaging a third-party auditor (‘peer various BIM functions, as summarised in the five expansion. sections below. For technical training of specific BIM review’) and by adhering to a recognised standards functions buildingSMART ME offers the Level 3 and such as ISO/PAS 16739-2005 (IFC - Industry DATA MANAGEMENT Level 4 trainings which are comprised of individual Foundations Classes), ISO 29481-1:2010 (IDM – WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM examine best practices for BIM data structure WWW.BIMJOURNAL.COM Information Delivery Manuals), ISO 12006-3:2007 modules of each BIM function. and exchange, and how multi-model data may be (IFD – International Framework Dictionary) and regulated. This section includes an introduction achieving buildingSMART project certification. DESIGN to collaborative platforms and electronic project applications relate to the pre-planning and planning delivery systems, as well as key sessions on model phase of a project. This section includes initial collaboration, change management and issue data collection (laser surveying, existing conditions reporting & tracking. This section also includes modelling and site analysis), spatial programming functions relating to interoperability and exchange and design authoring. It encompasses includes formats (such as IFC), managing metadata and design review and coordination. linking multiple databases (models and text files). NETWORK JOIN OUR BIM
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