Although BIM is characterised by object-based modelling, the suite of tools extends beyond design modelling tools, such as Revit, some of the software tools are based on the project process (i.e. through briefing, design, analyse, plan, manage, review, cost and FM). The CDE solutions underpin all project processes. BIM is not one single tool.
The Design Review process includes systems and techniques to visualise and review Project Information Model. This BIM Use includes further sub-activities such as technical design review and management visualization. Visualization serves a critical function to ensure the design, construction and use of the project can be clearly reviewed for compliance with the standards and requirements set out by the Appointing Party. The outcome of the review shall be used as a collaboration tool, in the form of 3D models, simulations and visual renders. Additionally, the Contractor shall utilise BIM to review, examine and highlight safety and environmental risks.
‘Design Coordination’ describes the process of overlaying and coordinating Project Information Model. The BIM coordination model enables users to View how elements of architectural, structural, civil and MEP engineering systems are coordinated in a 3D space. The coordinated model is mainly used for carrying out clash detection.
Within a project, the designer and contractor are responsible for providing the systems required to coordinate models and conduct clash detection. The governance of clash detection is defined within the BIM Execution Plan (BEP). The goal is to achieve a coordinated model feasible for construction before the start of any construction activity at site.
Hard Clash – when two objects take up the same space, such as ducting running through a beam or when two different disciplines have modelled the same object. Clearance Clash – Clearance may be for insulation or accessibility.
An IFC file is a model file created in the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) format, which is an open file format used by Building Information Modeling (BIM) programs. It contains a model of a building or facility, including spatial elements, materials, and shapes.
Drawing Production is the activity of producing 2D drawing material to capture the design/construction intent, based on the available Project Information Model utilising defined templates. Drawing production expects that all elements, as appropriate, will be developed in 3D within the Project Information Model, from which views can then be extracted and details added as appropriate. When done correctly, changes are reflected automatically in the defined views, which can then be extracted as drawings.
‘Engineering Analysis’ covers a range of additional specialist sub-activities such as structural, hydraulic modelling, traffic etc. The Project Information Model will be used as the basis for conducting analyses and analytics (e.g. structural load analysis, pressure models or traffic simulations) to support better decision making and to predict and optimise project cost, schedule, value engineering, sustainability and safety of assets. Depending on the analytics tool, the interface may be automatic/semi-automatic or manual, but the Project Information Model data will be the input for analytics, and/ or the analytic results will be fed back to the Project Information Model.
Project Information Model should be intelligent models that have the ability to link individual elements to the material it represents. This BIM Use includes additional sub-activities such as Bill of Quantity (BOQ) take-off and Bill of Material (BOM) creation. The expected maturity of the measurements derived from the model must be aligned with the applied LOD (Level of Detail). The higher the Level of Detail provided by the model, the more mature/secure the measurements are.
‘Cost Management’, also referred to as 5D modelling, includes sub-activities such as cost forecasting, cost estimation and cost control. This BIM Use allows linking the model to project costs. This BIM Use is relevant from the end of the design stage to the end of the construction stage.
Quantity take-off and cost estimation (using CostX): • Load model • Calculate cost (E.g. windows, doors) • Update revisions – update cost estimation results
HS2 may need over 500 full-time tippers at the construction peak.
• HS2 showed that utilisation rates are as low as 30% • Crossover of equipment requirements between work • Packages causing three to five times equipment duplication/redundancy, • And site congestion resulting in H&S risks and unnecessary overspend
Reluctant to integrate the technologies into their business processes.
• 4D planning, scheduling and simulation are currently used within the industry. • It requires the planners to have extensive experience and knowledge. • What does not provide real-time reactive solutions.
4D BIM involves time-related information being associated with different components of an information model. For a specific element or work area, that could include details on its lead-time, construction sequence or future tasks/activities: • 4D BIM technologies focus either on the past (what has happened) • Provide a look-ahead/forecast plan based on experience • Currently only shows Baseline Vs Actual for the filtered set of tasks • Need to provide a visual context • Equipment ID’s to tasks to visualise work by equipment • Demonstrate baseline and actuals (scrolling through time)