Building Information Modelling (BIM) 0
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Building Information Modelling (BIM) 1
BIM Introduction
Building Information Modeling is a technology application tool that combines a myriad of
associated processes to produce, communicate, and analyze various building models. From 2D
computer aided designs (CAD) generating vectors, more complex surface 3D modeling, and
additional attribute data has been a constant scenario in all designs (Azhar, 2011). Moreover,
sharing of information among different applications has been a constant necessity amongst all
parties concerned in a construction project. CAD systems became more intelligent and inevitably
resulted in the formation of BIM tools for handling both 2D and 3D data models and information
therein.
To achieve such an integrated form of delivery, a BIM technology has to exhibit the following six
key characteristics:
Must rely on digital input, output and presentation methods
3 Dimensional /Spatial
Measurable - quantifiable, dimension-able, and ability to respond to queries,
Comprehensive - must show its ability to communicate design intent, construction aspect,
building performance and structural stability
Must be accessible to the owner and entire Architectural, Engineering and Construction
community through an interoperable user friendly interface
It must demonstrate its usability through all phases of a project
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Fig. 1 Communication, collaboration and visualization with BIM model (NIBS, 2008)
BIM and supporting Technologies
Current state of the building industry
The adoption successful adoption of new practices in the AEC industry has been slow paced both
for the designers and construction professionals. This is further compounded by the fact that the
industry players are many and extremely fragmented in their areas of specialty. However, they all
require to work together so as to pull off the execution of a building project as indicated in the
contract documents. More often than not, it has necessitated the reverting of 2D paper or CAD
presentation of concepts among stakeholders. This comparison is contrasted to the manufacturing
industry`s advancement in BIM technology owing to their industry involving long term
partnerships, thus allowing for improvements through consistent learning (Azhar, 2011).
The Design-Build approach has been deemed an excellent avenue for applying the BIM technology
because the design and construction phases are managed by a single entity.
Interoperability in BIM
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Interoperability is the ability to share data among applications to enable multiple users and
applications to add their input to a current project. Incompatibility between systems and
stakeholders in the construction industry often inhibits rapid and accurate information sharing,
resulting in numerous difficulties among them added costs.
A proprietary exchange file formats are used to interface applications. These can be developed by
a firm for its own use, or for industrial use across multiple companies. File exchange formats can
be grouped in terms of their usage. 2D raster format is used to present images, 2D vector format
is used to draw lines, and 3D based formats represent solid shapes.
Some of the most used proprietary exchange file formats in the AEC industry are enlisted below,
with each format being discussed in brief.
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Table 1 Exchange formats in AEC applications
One of the most commonly applied file exchange format is the DXF (Data eXchange Format) by
Autodesk, SAT by Spatial Technology, STL for stereo lithography and 3DS for 3D Studio and
IGES. Each of these addresses specific functional attributes of a design and there is a need to apply
a common file format that can be read by multiple applications. E.g. DXF and IGES exchange
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only geometry. This is where the interoperability issue needs to be addressed. The IFC (Industry
Foundation Class) has come up with public level exchange formats such as IAI 2007, or CIS/2
2007) for steel design (Eastman et al, 2011). These two formats are public and internationally
recognized standards, offering crucial integration for projects involving many participants.
The IFC currently remains the only non-proprietary and de facto international body for
interoperable data models. It was reconstituted as a non-profit alliance with the goal of
establishing a neutral AEC data model in response to the needs of the industry. It is comprised of
chapters and domain committees that are responsible for revising their models every two years.
The domains formed include:
AR Architecture
BS Building Services
CM Construction:
CM1 Procurement Logistics,
CM2 Temporary Construction
CS Codes and Standards
ES Cost Estimating
PM Project Management
FM Facility Management
SI Simulation
ST Structural Engineering
XM Cross Domain (Khemlani 2004).
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Other data exchange formats such as XML SCHEMASXML are an extension of the HTML
language that is used to transfer data over the internet. XML borrows from HTML by allowing
for user defined tags to accompany transmitted data. Another schema is the gbXML (Green
Building XML) developed to transfer preliminary energy analysis of buildings and the
surrounding zones. aecXML on the other hand, can represent construction resources including:
project documents like (Request for Proposal (RFP), Request for Quotation (RFQ),
Request for Information (RFI), specifications, purchase orders, materials, parts,
meta data of participants involved on form of organizations and professionals
Project activities such as design proposals, estimating, bills of quantities, scheduling and
construction.
Computer applications that use parametric modelling concept
BIM objects have different properties that can be read and manipulated by the user. Presentation
is in the form of elevation views, plan views, cross sectional views, and 3D models. Dimensions,
size and shape can also be modified as well as internal object attributes such as color and
materials. In addition, parametric objects can be managed at different levels of hierarchy and
linked or separated as desired.
1. Revit
Revit Architecture is the most famous and current market leader for the use of BIM in architectural
design. It is currently owned by Autodesk and operates on a separate platform, code base, and file
structure from its predecessor, AutoCAD. Revit family of BIM products currently includes Revit
Architecture, Revit Structure, and Revit MEP, compatible with each other. It has file modeling
formats such as the gbXML interface, ROBOT and RISA structural analyses, and viewing
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interfaces including: DGN, DWG, DWF , DXF , IFC, SAT, SKP, AVI, ODBC, gbXML,
BMP, JPG, TGA, and TIF (Eastman et al, 2011).
2. Bentley Systems:
Bentley Systems offers a wide range AEC of related products. Fused together with Bentley
Architecture are applications such as: Bentley Building Mechanical Systems, Bentley Building
Electrical Systems, Bentley Facilities, Bentley Structural, and Bentley PowerCivil. Interfaces data
exchange formats with other applications include: STAAD and RAM for structural analyses and
Primavera scheduling system (Eastman et al, 2011). Its viewing interfaces are: DGN, DWG, DXF
, PDF, STEP, IGES, STL, and IFC. Bentley`s parametric modeling plug - in, Generative
Components is most known for enabling the design of complex shaped assemblies
3. ArchiCAD
ArchiCAD by Graphisoft began marketing it`s architectural design tool in the 1980s and sits as
the oldest BIM tool in the market today. It is stands at a good position in the BIM tool market,
owing to its monopolistic compatibility with the Mac operating system (OS) as well as the
Windows OS.
ArchiCAD supports a range of civil engineering design interfaces such as Maxon for animation
and surface modeling, ArchiFM for facility management and Sketchup. Energy consumption
modelling interfaces include the gbXML, Ecotect, ARCHiPHISIK and RIUSKA. ArchiCAD
allows for definition of custom parametric objects are using the GDL Geometric Description
language scripting language, containing an extensive variety of library tools for users.
4. Tekla Structures
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This AEC tool from Tekla Corp. comes with three divisions: Building and Construction,
Infrastructure and Energy. Its debuting construction product was Xsteel, which was so successful,
it grew to be the most widely used steel detailing application throughout the world. In response to
precast concrete fabricators` demands, the softwares functionality was significantly extended to
support fabrication level detailing of precast concrete structures. At the same time, direct links to
finite element analysis packages STAADPro and ETABS were added to increase support for steel,
precast concrete, timber, reinforced concrete, and for structural engineering (Eastman et al.,2011).
This tool can interface with: IFC, DWG , CIS/2, DTSV, SDNF, DGN, and DXF file formats.
It also boasts export capabilities to CNC fabrication equipment and software such as Fabtrol for
steel detailing and Eliplan for precast concrete works.
BIM as used in various disciplines
BIM for owners
Owners can utilize BIM technology to realize significant benefits on projects in terms of
efficiency in delivery and performance of services, time savings, and cost savings. Among the
many potential areas that owners can use this modeling tool include:
Adding the value of the building to increase its overall performance through
operations such as energy design and structural analysis
Manage project schedule from approval to completion by coordinating all partners
through model visualization e.g. on time supply of pre-fabricated components
Feedback from the modeling tool can help obtain reliable and accurate project
character such as cost estimates from automatic quantity take off, ultimately resulting
in informed and correct decisions during actual execution
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The owner can counter check the model for compliance of the required codes of
practice through BIM code analysis tool
The owner through his application, can access product catalogues from different
manufacturers and thus select the latest technologies or finishes
BIM for designers
In addition to its predecessor, CAD, BIM automates the detailing of building drawings for
construction and also allows for consistency across all drawings and reports, automating spatial
and 2D parameter changes to the whole model, analysis, simulation, cost and visualization at all
scales (Eastman et al., 2011).
The impact of BIM on design can be examined from the following perspectives:
Conceptual design in this stage of consideration, the building plan is generated
alongside, the 3D model, its general position on site, the visual appearance, structure,
and orientation on the site. An execution program can then be outlaid for this particular
project. This is the first stage of any construction process that has had the most unknown
aspect to it while using the traditional approach. The application of BIM at this stage has
been seen to have great impact in terms of the quick feedback now possible at one stop
and prior to commencement of any such endeavor.
The integration of engineering services; engineering services in a building are what goes
on behind the scene and or visual appeal of a building. It is the careful, systematic
application of scientific principles and tools to create a functional, safe and conducive
environment for human occupancy. Analysis in this respect include operations to measure
or determine the physical combination of matter that can be used to create the above
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describe building. Since the building has many components and functions, the type of
analysis can vary from, lighting, energy consumption and distribution, waste disposal,
structural integrity, temperature control, ventilation, circulation, acoustics, water supply,
under varied loading conditions. This stage calls for collaboration of concerned
professions involved as well as the integration of supporting software analyzing tools.
Design - construction integration this construction stage or viewpoint stands to gain
most from the use of building information modelling software. From pre-defined
construction documents, to tools for modifying the same BIM allows for competitive
tendering process and streamlined procurement of components. In addition, the labor can
be sourced and managed from a single tool. Sub-contractors, building progress, special
equipment, and stakeholder meetings can be accessed from this tool. The overall effect is
the reduction in unforeseen circumstances, clearer project perspective, and speedy
expedition of the construction. More so, the construction documents will be as a direct
product of the building model, especially when it comes to the specifications and
tendering process. Designers can get to work with manufacturers from the onset to
prepare pre- fabricated products thus encouraging collaboration beyond what is involved
with drawings.
BIM for general contractors
The building industry employs a wide range of contractors who vary in order of scale of
operations and/ or the kind of services offered. The majority bid for a project and upon being
awarded the contract begin executing the job with help from sourced sub-contractors. Others
limit their involvement to the managerial level and hire sub-contractors to execute the actual
construction from start to end. Almost all types of contractors end their duties upon successful
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completion of the project, with a limited few extending their services in the turnover and
management phases of the finished building.
Given this diversity, there exists a wide range of BIM tools and processes currently in use. To
permit these capabilities, a good BIM model should provide contractors with the following
categories of information:
Detailed building information -a 3D model that provides presents a buildings
components graphically and with the ability to extract information about the material
quantity and component properties
Temporary components- allows for the representation of temporary components that are
necessary for the planning, sequencing, and execution of a project. These include tools
for equipment and formwork.
Building specific information- a tool for categorizing each component of the project by
its own thus ensuring that the contractor purchases or construct the exact thing
Analysis - data related to overall building performance including structural loading,
support reactions, values of moments and shear, heating and cooling allowances and the
level of luminous intensity. This data is used for fabrication and detailing of civil and
mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP)
Design and construction status of each component such information is very good for
tracking and validation of the construction aspects such as procurement, installation, and
testing in accordance to the design. This data is added to the model by the contractor to
support his work in estimating, coordinating professions, planning and fabricating
components offsite.
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BIM for sub-contractors and fabricators
Subcontractors and fabricators are mostly identified by the type of work they do or the type of
components they fabricate. The level of engineering design for each sub-contractor can be used
as a classification criteria in evaluation of how they may benefit or apply BIM tools (Eastman et
al.,2011). In AEC aspect building components can be classified as belonging to one of three
types:
Made - to - stock components- these include standard parts like pie sections, plumbing
fixtures, and wall panels
Made - to - order components these include components that are specified by the client
having selected from available options from a manufacturer`s catalog.
Engineered - to - order components includes members that are customized specially for
a particular project such as the steel frame members, pre -cast concrete parts, and custom
kitchens cabinets.
The first two classifications apply to general uses and as such, can be listed in manufacturer`s
catalogues. Most BIM systems provide a platform for manufacturers to display their products
to allow designers choose and also provide direct links to the supplier.
BIM trends now and future potential
Design
The AEC scenario has experienced a great paradigm shift from the concept of BIM, with
changing roles and activities. The novice professional will be expected to show some level of
BIM proficiency as a condition of employment. This same scenario was witnessed in the 1990s,
after the adoption of CAD in the construction process. Shifting roles will be seen to be on the
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decline in terms of now redundant roles, and an increase in BIM related roles. The first, will see
some laying off and or re training of staff members, while the latter will require prior
introduction in the respective training institutions of learning as discussed below.
Construction
Construction companies will strive to advance and dwell on BIM capabilities both in the field
and in the office so as to gain a competitive edge. In addition to the executing th building model,
they will apply 4D BIM for clash detection, client briefs, collaboration, procurement, and
production management. Without a shadow of a doubt, construction personnel employing this
tool stand to rip maximum economic benefits in terms of accuracy and efficiency in contract
execution, in comparison to those using the traditional CAD and paper approach.
Education
In tandem with the advancement and application of BIM, institutions of AEC training have
gradually incorporated BIM into their curricula. Undergraduate students are being introduced to
the concept as early as first year with basic programming skills leading the charge (Volk et
al.,2014). This campaign needs to gather much more momentum so as to fill the lack of BIM
savvy personnel currently in the industry. It is hoped however, that with this type of approach, it
will only be a matter of time before design professionals are fully conversant with creation and
manipulation of building models.
References
Eastman, C. M., Eastman, C., Teicholz, P., Sacks, R., & Liston, K. (2011). BIM handbook: A
guide to building information modeling for owners, managers, designers, engineers and
contractors. John Wiley & Sons.
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Azhar, S. (2011). Building information modeling (BIM): Trends, benefits, risks, and challenges
for the AEC industry. Leadership and management in engineering, 11(3), 241-252.
Volk, R., Stengel, J., & Schultmann, F. (2014). Building Information Modeling (BIM) for
existing buildingsLiterature review and future needs. Automation in construction, 38, 109-127.
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