Building Information Modelling

Building Information Modelling#

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a digital process that encompasses creating and managing a building’s information throughout its entire lifecycle, enabling multiple stakeholders to collaboratively design, construct and operate a Facility in a virtual space.

The current constant search for solutions to reduce costs, improve productivity and make businesses profitable in the construction industry, in addition to the increasingly present discussion and application of sustainability, made all areas find technology a strong ally in this expansion. For this reason, the BIM methodology has proven to be the most efficient way of working in the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) industry that generates the best benefits.​

The BIM is the process and concept of creating and managing the physical and functional characteristics of the building, using digital representation systems. It is the digital information model that involves not only the 3D geometry of a building but contains data on the characteristics of all the elements that make up a building (for example, beams, walls, windows or electrical sockets), also including their properties and attributes, such as dimensions, materials, suppliers, costs, etc. This digital model serves as a shared repository of information that can be accessed and updated by all stakeholders involved in a construction project, including architects, engineers, contractors, and facility managers.

BIM as Information#

  • Construction of a model that contains the information about a building from all phases of the building life cycle (ISO 16757-1: 2015)

  • Discrete set of electronic object-oriented information used for design, construction and operation of a built asset (PAS 1192-5:2015)

  • A rich information model, consisting of potentially multiple data sources, elements of which can be shared across all stakeholders and be maintained across the life of a building from inception to recycling (National Building Specification (NBS))

BIM as Representation#

  • Shared digital representation of physical and functional characteristics of any built object (including buildings, bridges, roads, etc.) which forms a reliable basis for decisions. (BS ISO 29481-1 2010)

  • Digital representation of the physical and functional characteristics of a building over its life cycle. (BS 8536:20103) Digital representation of physical and functional characteristics of a facility creating a shared knowledge resource for information about it forming a reliable basis for decisions during its life cycle, from earliest conception to demolition. (RIBA, CPIC)

  • Digital representation of physical and functional characteristics of a facility. As such it serves as a shared knowledge resource for information about a facility forming a reliable basis for decisions during its lifecycle from inception onward. (NBIMS)

  • ISO 19650 defines BIM as the “use of a shared digital representation of a built asset to facilitate design, construction and operation processes to form a reliable basis for decisions“.

The definition used in this course

getting benefit through better specification and delivery of just the right amount of information concerning the design, construction, operation and maintenance of buildings and infrastructure, using appropriate technologies.

Building information modelling (BIM) according to the ISO 19650 series

BIM Benefits#

BIM enables better communication, coordination, and collaboration among project teams, reducing errors and improving efficiency throughout the entire building lifecycle, from design and construction to operation and maintenance. ​

  • Visualization and analysis in the same phase of the project;​

  • Better constructive solutions;​

  • Efficiency in coordination and compatibility;​

  • Improvement of the design and construction process;​

  • Energy performance analysis;​

  • Compliance with legal requirements;​

  • Greater precision and reliability in the project;​

  • Increased productivity;​

  • Collisions and overlaps detection;​

  • Decrease in working time;​

  • Decrease in costs.​

It allows for better visualization, simulation, and analysis of building performance, helping to optimize design decisions, detect clashes and conflicts, and identify and resolve issues early in the process. Also supports the integration of various disciplines and trades, such as architecture, structural engineering, mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic (MEP) systems, and construction sequencing, resulting in more accurate cost estimation, improved project scheduling, and enhanced sustainability and energy analysis.​

BIM allows for the creation of a virtual model that integrates various design and construction disciplines, such as architecture, structure, and MEP systems. Without BIM, coordination among different stakeholders may be more challenging, as it relies on manual exchange of information through drawings and documents. This can result in clashes, conflicts, and delays during construction, leading to costly rework and project delays.​

BIM enables clash detection and automated error checking, helping to identify and resolve issues early in the design and construction phases. Without BIM, errors may go unnoticed until the construction phase, resulting in costly rework and delays. Misinterpretation of design intent or lack of coordination among different disciplines may lead to discrepancies in construction documents, resulting in changes and modifications during construction, further impacting project costs and timeline.​

BIM allows for efficient collaboration among stakeholders in a virtual environment, enabling real-time updates, revisions, and coordination. Without BIM, communication and coordination may be slower, relying on traditional methods such as meetings, emails, and manual markups on drawings, which can result in delays and inefficiencies in decision-making and project progress.​

BIM provides 3D visualization and simulation capabilities, allowing stakeholders to better understand the design intent and make informed decisions. Without BIM, stakeholders may have limited visualization, relying on 2D drawings, which can be harder to understand, leading to misinterpretation, miscommunication, and potential design issues.​

BIM promotes a collaborative environment where stakeholders can work together in a coordinated manner. Without BIM, collaboration may be limited, relying on traditional communication methods, which can hinder effective teamwork, coordination, and information sharing among stakeholders, potentially leading to misunderstandings and delays in the project.

Pre-construction Benefits#

  • Benefits to owners

  • Increased building performance and quality

  • Improved collaboration using Integrated Project Delivery

Design Benefits#

  • Earlier and More Accurate Visualisations of a design

  • Automatic low level corrections when Changes Are Made to Design

  • Generation of Accurate and Consistent 2D Drawings at Any Stage of the Design

  • Earlier Collaboration of Multiple Design Disciplines

  • Easy Verification of Consistency to the Design Intent

  • Extraction of Cost Estimates during the Design Stage

  • Improvement of Energy Effi ciency and Sustainabilityd87e3fe8d4e6)

Construction and Fabrication Benefits#

  • Use of Design Model as Basis for Fabricated Components

  • Quick Reaction to Design Changes

  • Discovery of Design Errors and Omissions before Construction

  • Synchronization of Design and Construction Planning

  • Better Implementation of Lean Construction Techniques

  • Synchronization of Procurement with Design and Construction

Post Construction Benefits#

  • Improved Commissioning and Handover of Facility Information

  • Better Management and Operation of Facilities

  • Integration with Facility Operation and Management Systems

In summary, BIM is a digital approach to building design, construction, and operation that utilizes a collaborative and data-driven model to improve communication, coordination, and efficiency, leading to better project outcomes and more sustainable built assets.

MacLeamy Curve#

image

graph redrawn from original by (Davis, 2011) The MacLeamy Curve shows that the cost of making design changes is lowest in the early stages and increases exponentially as the project progresses. Therefore, it is more cost-effective and efficient to make changes and adjustments during the early design phases, when it is still easier and less expensive to implement changes.

For more context please read the amazing post by Daniel Davis on the MacLeamy Curve (Davis, 2011).

BIM Challenges#

  • Silos

  • highly differentiated software and tools.

BIM Adoption#

BIM adoption requires a holistic approach that encompasses people, processes, and technology and involves the integration of digital models and data throughout the entire building project lifecycle. It involves integrated digital models and data throughout the entire building project lifecycle, which implicates collaboration, digital modeling, information integration, lifecycle approach, process efficiency, and standardization. BIM process must include: Automatic manipulation of analyses;​

  • Automatic updates;​

  • Simulations;​

  • Parametric objects;​

  • Integrated database manager;​

  • Interoperability.

Federated Models#

A BIM model that combines multiple single-discipline models into one, but they remain linked rather than integrated, meaning that the files of each discipline are separate. The Federated Model keeps the models of different disciplines separate, with links established between them. This can allow for more independence and flexibility in managing individual disciplines’ models, with less potential for unintended changes or clashes affecting other disciplines. However, it may require more effort to manage the coordination and synchronization between the linked models, and clashes may need to be resolved manually.

Integrated Models#

A BIM model that combines multiple single-discipline models into one. Unlike the Federated Model, it consolidates all the properties of individual models into a single database. The Integrated Model combines all the properties of individual models into a single database, allowing for a more streamlined and coordinated approach to designing, analyzing, and managing the project. It facilitates interdisciplinary coordination, clash detection, and can result in a more seamless collaboration between different disciplines. However, it may require more effort to establish and maintain the integration, and updates to one discipline’s model may impact other disciplines.​

Integrated of Federated?#

The choice between an Integrated Model and a Federated Model depends on the specific project requirements, the team’s expertise and workflow, and the available software and tools for coordination and collaboration. Both approaches can be effective, and the suitability of either depends on the project’s unique needs and the preferences of the project team.

Traditional BIM roles#

Attribution:#

This page is based on information from the IBIMD project of which DTU is a participant.