1. What is BIM?
Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a digital representation of physical and functional characteristics of a facility. A BIM is a shared knowledge resource for information about a facility forming a reliable basis for decisions during its life-cycle; defined as existing from earliest conception to demolition.
A basic premise of BIM is collaboration by different stakeholders at different phases of the life cycle of a facility to insert, extract, update or modify information in the BIM to support and reflect the roles of that stakeholder.
As a practical matter, BIM represents many things depending on one’s perspective:
- Applied to a project, BIM represents Information management—data contributed to and shared by all project participants. The right information to the right person at the right time.
- To project participants, BIM represents an interoperable process for project delivery—defining how individual teams work and how many teams work together to conceive, design, build & operate a facility.
- To the design team, BIM represents integrated design—leveraging technology solutions, encouraging creativity, providing more feedback, empowering a team.
2. What does that mean?
BIM is a building development tool that is based on a 3-d model of a building created in an object-oriented (intelligent) modeling software. Once the model is created, it can be used to assist with design, construction and operational tasks; it can also be used as a communication tool. Different uses of BIM may require different software applications to utilize the model, so BIM requires software to be interoperable.
3. What does 5-D mean?
5-D refers to all of the current dimensions of BIM, where the 3rd dimension is considered space, the 4th dimension is considered time and the 5th dimension is considered cost. In the future, the reference will be modified to include 6-D (procurement applications) and 7-D (operational applications).
4. What are some of the uses of BIM?
Most contractors are likely to start using BIM through “partial uses.” The list of partial uses of BIM seems almost infinite. For contractors already using BIM, the list seems to grow daily. For those getting started, the following list represents some of the more common “early” uses that most contractors experience in their experimentation with BIM:
- Visualization
- Scope Clarification
- Partial Trade Coordination
- Collision Detection/Avoidance
- Design Validation
- Construction Sequencing Planning/Phasing Plans/Logistics
- Marketing Presentations
- Options Analysis
- Walk-throughs and Fly-throughs
- Virtual Mock-Ups
- Sight Line Studies
5. How is BIM implemented?
Let’s starts the process by creating a BIM strategy with clear use cases and improvements. Ensure that you have insight relevant departments that are responsible for facility and property management. Then developer an employer information requirement with desired objectives and fulfilments from contractors to suit helps you define these BIM requirements and set up a common data environment a central data project and process portal that allows all stakeholders and contractors to collaborate and work on one single source of truth. This saves time during the decision-making process and project collaborations.
6. How is digital prototyping with BIM different from 3D?
Use BIM to attach various information to models such as time schedule and costs known 5D BIM. As well as dedicated facility management and operational information with design authoring simulations and asset optimizations during design stage, if possible, through BIM. This helps prevent errors before construction allowing the final asset to become truly transparent and optimized. With the as-built BIM you ensure that the project information models has used as digital twins to achieve maximum operational excellence. As you leverage from 3D to 7D BIM you can save much more than the classical capex loss by the running clash detection during the design stage. You save time and money during the design construction and operation.
7. What are the benefits of implementing BIM?
With time schedule simulations operational scenarios and simulated lifecycle costs you can optimize design construction decades of cost intensive operations. A digital protype increase the functionality of you building and reduces CAPEX and OPEX.
Those who are using BIM will almost universally tell you that the number of new benefits they continue to discover seems endless. Here are a few:
Those who are using BIM will almost universally tell you that the number of new benefits they continue to discover seems endless. Here are a few:
- Assisting with scoping during bidding and purchasing
- Reviewing portions of the scope for analyses such as value engineering
- Coordinating construction sequencing (even if just for two trades)
- Demonstrating project approaches during marketing presentations
- The ability to identify collisions (e.g., identifying ductwork running into structural members).
- The ability to visualize what is to be built in a simulated environment
- Fewer errors and corrections in the field
- Higher reliability of expected field conditions, allowing for opportunity to do more prefabrication of materials offsite, which is usually a higher quality at a lower cost
- The ability to do more “what if” scenarios, such as looking at various sequencing options, site logistics, hoisting alternatives, cost, etc.
- The ability for non-technical people (clients, users, etc.) to visualize the end product
- Fewer callbacks and thus, lower warranty costs
8. Is it possible to implement BIM during an ongoing project?
Ideally BIM should be used either during the programming phase or before construction design. So that potential clashes may be avoided. This ensures that your upcoming asset is optimized by spaces layouts materials and operational processes. However, it is also useful when post implemented in projects as it helps minimize maintenance costs and efforts.
9. What kind of projects are suitable for BIM implementation?
BIM can be beneficial for complex buildings with a high density of technical infrastructure such as hospitals, laboratories, airports, residential projects with sophisticated architecture and large linear projects such as railroads and pipeline projects. Diasphere provide digital prototyping to design, simulate and optimize constructions projects and assets by combining them consulting BIM engineering and BIM management. We bring maximum value to your project. Ultimately helping you minimize capital time and risks to ensure effective implementation and fully leverage on our knowledge and global expertise in BIM. Speak with us today to find out how we can support you.
10. What are some of the barriers to industry implementation?
The paradigm shift: BIM will change the way we work. The typical top-down organizational chart won’t work for BIM because more collaboration is required. This becomes a barrier because old practices die hard.
Technology & software – without industry standards and interoperability, it can be difficult to share building models. This poses a problem because BIM requires collaboration.
Legal issues – there is a perception of increased liability within both the architectural and construction communities that is hindering industry implementation of BIM.
Technology & software – without industry standards and interoperability, it can be difficult to share building models. This poses a problem because BIM requires collaboration.
Legal issues – there is a perception of increased liability within both the architectural and construction communities that is hindering industry implementation of BIM.
11. What type of barriers will I encounter while implementing BIM?
Initially, fears: everyone needs to overcome the legal & risk fears, fear of change, fear of the unknown, etc.
- Software learning curves
- Lack of support from company leadership
- Lack of support from operational staff
- Initial investment costs
12. How much does it cost to implement BIM?
There isn’t a single correct answer to this question. However, to get an idea of the cost, consider what it takes to implement BIM: software licenses, new hardware, new staff, software training, etc.
Implementing BIM can be expensive; however, keep in mind the major cost (and headache) savings associated with the use of BIM. Not to mention the coming wave of client recognition of bottom-line benefits to them—a fact that will drive BIM capabilities onto the center stage of near future selection criteria for both designers and builders.
Implementing BIM can be expensive; however, keep in mind the major cost (and headache) savings associated with the use of BIM. Not to mention the coming wave of client recognition of bottom-line benefits to them—a fact that will drive BIM capabilities onto the center stage of near future selection criteria for both designers and builders.
13. Who should pay for the model?
The most common question asked is, “Who’s receiving the most benefit and therefore should bear the cost of developing the model?” The growing consensus is that everyone benefits and therefore everyone should bear some of the cost.
As alluded to above, the out-of-pocket expense, even after spreading out the initial technology and training investment, is generally believed to be much less than the cost benefits. Research efforts are underway to prove this point, but until results are in, the biggest challenge is aligning who is receiving the benefit versus who is paying the out-of-pocket expenses. The delivery method, the contract type and the basis of reimbursement may dictate how and to whom the cost benefits will flow.
As alluded to above, the out-of-pocket expense, even after spreading out the initial technology and training investment, is generally believed to be much less than the cost benefits. Research efforts are underway to prove this point, but until results are in, the biggest challenge is aligning who is receiving the benefit versus who is paying the out-of-pocket expenses. The delivery method, the contract type and the basis of reimbursement may dictate how and to whom the cost benefits will flow.
14. How do I get started with BIM?
For design and construction firms alike, the first step is the same: pick a first project to test the process on. Both types of firms also need to invest in BIM software, hardware, staff and training.
Design firms can immediately start using the software to develop designs for their prototype project. Unless they are working with a design firm using BIM, construction firms will need to create a 3D model of their pilot project (utilizing a process referred to as a 2D conversion).
Some firms find it helpful to have a BIM consultant assist with training and implementation.
A BIM steering committee can help the team stay focused on their tangible goals. Including senior management and end-uses can be an effective way to gain their buy-in and support.
Design firms can immediately start using the software to develop designs for their prototype project. Unless they are working with a design firm using BIM, construction firms will need to create a 3D model of their pilot project (utilizing a process referred to as a 2D conversion).
Some firms find it helpful to have a BIM consultant assist with training and implementation.
A BIM steering committee can help the team stay focused on their tangible goals. Including senior management and end-uses can be an effective way to gain their buy-in and support.
15. What team members will need to be involved in the BIM process?
Because BIM is a collaborative process, the entire project team would ideally be involved: the owner, architect, engineers, consultants, GC/CM and specialty contractors.
However, implementation of BIM doesn’t always happen in an ideal environment, so remember to keep the owner and other non-BIM project participants aware of developments and updates.
However, implementation of BIM doesn’t always happen in an ideal environment, so remember to keep the owner and other non-BIM project participants aware of developments and updates.
16. What type of Software might I need for BIM?
Keep in mind that each firm doesn’t need each of these software types:
- Object-oriented 3-D modeling software for creating and manipulating models (i.e. Autodesk Revit )
- Point cloud (i.e. Autodesk ReCap)
- Central construction cloud (i.e. BIM360)
- Coordination software (i.e. Navisworks )
- Estimating software
- Middleware (i.e. Procore, BIM Track, Revizto, Bluebeam)
17. How do I learn all of this software?
Training – from a BIM consultant, software tutorials, coworker or an authorized training center.
18. What is a “2D Conversion”?
According to the AGC Contractor’s Guide to BIM, a 2D conversion is:
A 2D Conversion is the process of taking the traditional CAD files (such as .dwg) and using the attributes necessary to add the third dimension that allows the 2D design to begin taking its 3D form.
The Contractor’s Guide’s definition simplifies the process somewhat; a 2D conversion is not a process that occurs automatically with the click of a “2D Convert” button. A 2D conversion requires that a modeler digitally trace the 2D documents in an object-based modeling program.
A 2D Conversion is the process of taking the traditional CAD files (such as .dwg) and using the attributes necessary to add the third dimension that allows the 2D design to begin taking its 3D form.
The Contractor’s Guide’s definition simplifies the process somewhat; a 2D conversion is not a process that occurs automatically with the click of a “2D Convert” button. A 2D conversion requires that a modeler digitally trace the 2D documents in an object-based modeling program.
19. How do I complete a 2D Conversion?
Anyone with the right software and training can convert 2D Designs into 3D; most modelers have been able to make remarkable progress with less than a week’s worth of training. The length of time it takes to do a conversion is of course proportional to the amount of experience the modeler has, the complexity of the project and the level of detail of a model. Conversions can be done by the contractor or by a growing number of third-party service providers.
20. How do I complete a 2D Conversion?
Anyone with the right software and training can convert 2D Designs into 3D; most modelers have been able to make remarkable progress with less than a week’s worth of training. The length of time it takes to do a conversion is of course proportional to the amount of experience the modeler has, the complexity of the project and the level of detail of a model. Conversions can be done by the contractor or by a growing number of third-party service providers. But for quality BIM 3D model you need to have special knowledge of each system which you convert.
21. What do LOD and IPD mean in terms of BIM?
Interest in BIM has produced several new concepts which often originate from the USA. The most frequently used include:
LOD: Level of Development
This describes the various developments levels of a project, from LOD100 to LOD500 (there is a link with the level of detail originally from the world of gaming). The higher the LOD, the more details there are. A comparison may be made with our PP (provisional project) and PD (final project plan), working plans and reviewed plans scale.
IPD: Integrated Project Delivery
A collection of documents, including contracts, which establish the collaboration between partners involved in construction. The aim is had complete documents for a project in which all participants draw upon their knowledge and experience in order to launch a successful project. It originates from the AIA – American Institute of Architects. It is worth knowing that there are organizations that assess whether or not it would be appropriate, in our construction culture, to re-use this American terminology and these types of contracts, adapting them where necessary.
LOD: Level of Development
This describes the various developments levels of a project, from LOD100 to LOD500 (there is a link with the level of detail originally from the world of gaming). The higher the LOD, the more details there are. A comparison may be made with our PP (provisional project) and PD (final project plan), working plans and reviewed plans scale.
IPD: Integrated Project Delivery
A collection of documents, including contracts, which establish the collaboration between partners involved in construction. The aim is had complete documents for a project in which all participants draw upon their knowledge and experience in order to launch a successful project. It originates from the AIA – American Institute of Architects. It is worth knowing that there are organizations that assess whether or not it would be appropriate, in our construction culture, to re-use this American terminology and these types of contracts, adapting them where necessary.
22. What are the key MEP & FP deliverables of BIM?
Through careful consideration of project requirements BIM delivers improvements to the planning, design, process, technology, team, procurement, delivery and F.M. stages of a project. In terms of engineering deliverables BIM can be utilized to deliver below outputs.
Integrated Data Rich 3D Modeling
Integrated Data Rich 3D Modeling
- MEP + HVAC +FP
- BIM Based Project Coordination & Communication
- Quantity Take-Off:
- Stage Wise, Floor wise, Customized, Project & Customer specific BOQ / Costing Reports / Plan Vs. Actual
- MEP Coordination / BIM Coordination
- 3D Model Based Coordination (MEP & FP Trades)
- CDR (Clash Detection and Resolution Support)
- Project Status / Progress Monitoring
- Plan Vs Actual Status Reporting
- MEPF Drawings From Clash Free Model, Fab / Shop Drawings
- HVAC-Ducting, M & E
- Spool, Prefab, Builder’s work drawings
- As-Built Model & Drawings
- As-Built for O & M
- FM Integration. COBIE Reports.
23. Why are building information models important?
Buildings cost more than they should to design, build and sustain and they take too long to deliver. We must do a better job of collaborating between the many stakeholders involved in the building process. In a recent NIST study lack of interoperability was identified as an additional cost to the owner of $15.8B annually but most in the industry feel that this number is significantly higher as the business opportunity of improved interoperability was not included. This aspect of our business can be improved greatly with better information management and business process re-engineering to create standard information exchanges between the stakeholders. This improved business model will not detract from the creative nature of facility design, but in fact profoundly improve the customer experience.
There are some immediate actions we must take in order to change:
There are some immediate actions we must take in order to change:
- Improve collaboration between information suppliers and users in the facility business
- Provide more accurate fundamental information to support decision making
- Provide a standard way of storing information so that it survives the test of time
- Build data collection and sustainment of information into our business processes
BIM is the evolutionary business transformation step needed to reform the capital facilities industry. Using BIM principles and practices, elements of the capital facilities industry are represented and exchanged digitally. Digital representation means that computers can be used to ‘build’ the capital facility project virtually, view and test it, revise it as necessary, and then output various reports and views for purchasing, fabrication, assembly, and operations. In many cases paper output may be avoided altogether when the finalized digital designs are sent directly to procurement systems and/or digital fabrication equipment.
24. What BIM means to me?
BIM standards mean different things to different people.
To the owner it means that all the collective information about the mission and how a facility was intended to perform, its creation, the incorporated pieces and parts, its operational requirements, its planned and actual performance, its occupants, etc. are securely available for use and analysis throughout the life of the facility.
To individual vendors and project team members it means that facility information and the basis for contractually exchanging it in order to accomplish efficient commerce is transparently and consistently defined. It also means that during the course of commerce, required information can move quickly from one party to the next and from one application to another without requiring manual interpretation, re-keying, or risk of misinterpretation.
To all participants in the facility lifecycle it provides the opportunity to use computer-based applications to view data in three-dimensional pictures, to view performance tables in easy-to-understand visual diagrams, to discover problems and conflicts while designs are still conceptual instead of waiting until they are discovered during physical construction, to predict a lifetime of utility consumption for each of several design and engineering options in order to select the most desirable one long before the facility details are specified and built, and a host of other highly desirable opportunities. In short, it provides the opportunity to design in ‘virtual’ space before committing limited resources to the creation, care and feeding of a facility that will exist for perhaps fifty years or longer.
To the owner it means that all the collective information about the mission and how a facility was intended to perform, its creation, the incorporated pieces and parts, its operational requirements, its planned and actual performance, its occupants, etc. are securely available for use and analysis throughout the life of the facility.
To individual vendors and project team members it means that facility information and the basis for contractually exchanging it in order to accomplish efficient commerce is transparently and consistently defined. It also means that during the course of commerce, required information can move quickly from one party to the next and from one application to another without requiring manual interpretation, re-keying, or risk of misinterpretation.
To all participants in the facility lifecycle it provides the opportunity to use computer-based applications to view data in three-dimensional pictures, to view performance tables in easy-to-understand visual diagrams, to discover problems and conflicts while designs are still conceptual instead of waiting until they are discovered during physical construction, to predict a lifetime of utility consumption for each of several design and engineering options in order to select the most desirable one long before the facility details are specified and built, and a host of other highly desirable opportunities. In short, it provides the opportunity to design in ‘virtual’ space before committing limited resources to the creation, care and feeding of a facility that will exist for perhaps fifty years or longer.
25. What happens if the BIM execution plan isn’t used?
Individuals in business and individual project teams will continue to repetitively create and re-create local, non re-usable, non-interoperable solutions to the same problems.
Businesses will continue to take longer than necessary to get to market with new products and services because it will take far longer than necessary for parties collaborating on a project to share their ideas and communicate specific results.
More errors and omissions than necessary will be incorporated into designs only to be discovered during construction where they are very costly to correct.
Information will continue to be re-entered an average of seven times rather than entered once and used many times.
Many more resources than necessary will be consumed during the life of a facility because the combined performance of materials and components wasn’t known until a facility was built and operated for many years.
Facility occupants will work less efficiently because built-in functional and environmental constraints were not designed out during pre-construction virtual design and operations testing.
Businesses will continue to take longer than necessary to get to market with new products and services because it will take far longer than necessary for parties collaborating on a project to share their ideas and communicate specific results.
More errors and omissions than necessary will be incorporated into designs only to be discovered during construction where they are very costly to correct.
Information will continue to be re-entered an average of seven times rather than entered once and used many times.
Many more resources than necessary will be consumed during the life of a facility because the combined performance of materials and components wasn’t known until a facility was built and operated for many years.
Facility occupants will work less efficiently because built-in functional and environmental constraints were not designed out during pre-construction virtual design and operations testing.