FAQ

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Two short videos cover the most common questions we hear — whether you’re a project manager outsourcing BIM modelling or a manufacturer creating BIM content for your products.

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MEP BIM Modelling: What Project Managers Need to Know

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Revit Families: Key Answers for Manufacturers

What is BIM (Building Information Modelling)?

BIM, or Building Information Modelling, is an integrated process that relies on coordinated and reliable information. It goes beyond just 3D CAD or a new technology application; it's about creating coordinated digital design information and documentation. With BIM, you can predict performance, appearance, and cost, ultimately delivering projects faster, more economically, and with reduced environmental impact. At its core, BIM ensures that there's always a single source of truth throughout the project lifecycle. It fosters value-creating collaboration by utilizing shared 3D models and intelligent, structured data. In essence, BIM is not a future concept—it's here and now, revolutionizing how we approach construction projects.

Is BIM just a 3D model?

There is a misconception within the industry that the building information model is a single 3D file, filled with information. In fact, BIM encompasses a variety of files and components. It includes graphical models that evolve from conceptual shapes into detailed 3D models with linked 2D elements. Additionally, BIM incorporates non-graphical data like properties, specifications, and cost information, often managed in databases. Documentation, such as floor plans and schedules, is also part of the BIM. Together, these elements form the comprehensive Building Information Model, essential for both project development and ongoing asset management.

What are the primary advantages of adopting BIM?

Adopting BIM offers several key benefits. Firstly, it enhances collaboration among project stakeholders, leading to improved communication and coordination. Secondly, BIM enables better visualization, allowing stakeholders to understand complex design concepts more intuitively.

When beginning their BIM journey, contractors often encounter a range of initial applications. Here are some typical early uses frequently observed as they delve into BIM exploration:

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

What is meant by dimensions in BIM?

In BIM, we deal with multiple dimensions. incorporating aspects such as 2D, 3D, 4D, and 5D. Each dimension adds unique aspects to project management and planning in the construction industry. These dimensions work together to enhance project planning and management, enabling stakeholders to visualize, schedule, and estimate costs effectively.

What does the term "2D" signify in the context of BIM?

In BIM, "2D" refers to the basic line work similar to traditional drafting. It involves creating geometric representations without depth, commonly used for floor plans, elevations, and sections.

How is "3D" defined within the scope of BIM?

"3D" in BIM represents objects with depth and attached data, allowing for detailed specifications. It enables the creation of comprehensive 3D models, facilitating visualization and coordination among project stakeholders.

What is meant by "4D" in BIM methodology?

"4D" in BIM integrates time into the project by linking project schedules with the 3D model. This dimension enables stakeholders to visualize the construction sequence and plan project phases more effectively.

What does "5D" entail in the context of BIM?

In BIM, "5D" incorporates cost estimation into the digital model, utilizing additional software for accurate expense assessments. This dimension enhances project planning and management by integrating cost considerations with the 3D model and schedule.

What are the different levels of BIM maturity? make bullet point for each level 0, etc…

BIM maturity is categorized into several levels, each representing a stage of adoption and integration. These levels include Level 0, Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3.

Level 0: Organizations typically use unmanaged CAD systems.
Level 1: Managed CAD is introduced within a common data environment.
Level 2: Managed CAD in a 3D environment with federated models and data attachment, incorporating 4D and 5D elements.
Level 3: Fully open process and data integration, enabled by frameworks like IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) and IFD (Industry Foundation Dictionaries), facilitating collaborative model sharing and concurrent engineering processes.

What is UK BIM Level 2?

UK BIM Level 2 involves a structured approach to BIM implementation, supported by a series of documents and standards. It includes managed CAD in a 3D environment, with federated models and data attachment, incorporating aspects like 4D and 5D elements. Key documents include PAS1192-2 for information management during the capital phase, PAS1192-3 for information management during the operational phase, and other supporting standards like BS1192 and BS8541 series. These standards aim to remove adoption barriers and ensure consistency and efficiency in BIM implementation across the UK construction industry.

What is openBIM and Industry Foundation Classes (IFC)?

OpenBIM facilitates collaborative design through open standards, enabling seamless information exchange among various software tools. It promotes data sharing and interoperability, fostering innovation in the construction industry. Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) serve as an open data format, ensuring comprehensive data exchanges without loss of information, thus enhancing interoperability among different software tools.

What are Employer's Information Requirements (EIR)?

Employer's Information Requirements (EIR) outline the specific information that the client or employer needs from a construction project. These requirements include details on project objectives, deliverables, standards, and desired outcomes regarding information management and exchange throughout the project lifecycle. Essentially, EIR serves as a roadmap for how information will be managed, structured, and delivered to meet the client's needs and expectations.

What are BIM Execution Plans (BEPs)?

BIM Execution Plans (BEPs) are crucial documents drafted at the initiation of a project, detailing the management and exchange of project information throughout its lifecycle. Divided into pre-contract and post-contract phases, BEPs outline project objectives, milestones, strategies for information delivery, and responsibilities within the supply chain. They ensure alignment with Employer's Information Requirements (EIR) and facilitate seamless collaboration among project stakeholders.

What are the consequences of not utilizing a BIM execution plan?

Failing to utilize a BIM execution plan means businesses and project teams will continue creating local, non-reusable, and non-interoperable solutions repeatedly. This results in prolonged time-to-market for new products and services due to inefficient sharing of ideas and results among collaborating parties.

Moreover, designs may contain more errors and omissions than necessary, leading to costly corrections during construction. Redundant data entry becomes prevalent, requiring information to be inputted multiple times instead of being utilized efficiently.

Additionally, the absence of comprehensive performance insights during the design phase may result in increased resource consumption throughout the facility's lifecycle. This could lead to decreased efficiency due to overlooked functional and environmental constraints that could have been addressed during pre-construction testing.

What does LOD (Level of Development) mean?

LOD, or Level of Development, refers to the degree of detail and accuracy of a BIM model at different stages of a project. In the UK, LOD levels are commonly categorized as LOD 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500. Each level represents increasing detail, from conceptual to highly detailed models suitable for fabrication and construction.

What is LOD 100 in BIM?

LOD 100 represents the conceptual design stage in BIM. It involves basic geometric representations, indicating the general shape, size, and orientation of elements within the model.

What does LOD 200 signify in BIM?

LOD 200 corresponds to the schematic design phase in BIM. It entails more detailed geometry with approximate quantities, sizes, shapes, and locations of elements within the model.

What does LOD 300 represent in BIM?

LOD 300 denotes the design development stage in BIM. It involves accurate geometry with specific quantities, sizes, shapes, and locations of elements within the model, suitable for coordination.

What is LOD 400 in BIM?

LOD 400 refers to the construction documentation phase in BIM. It includes accurate geometry with detailed information necessary for fabrication and construction purposes.

What does LOD 500 mean in BIM?

LOD 500 signifies the as-built phase in BIM. It represents the real-world physical characteristics and arrangement of elements within the model, furnishing accurate geometry and comprehensive information post-construction.

What is a Common Data Environment (CDE)?

A Common Data Environment (CDE) is a centralized digital platform where project teams collaborate and manage project information throughout the construction lifecycle. It includes areas for work in progress, shared data, and archived records, with defined gateways between them. Utilizing standardized naming and revision conventions, the CDE ensures efficient information exchange and version control among stakeholders. For example, a CDE could consist of folders on an extranet or a cloud-based platform like BIM 360 where approved files are stored and accessed by authorized team members.

What is COBie?

COBie, short for Construction Operation Building information exchange, is a structured method for capturing non-graphical data from the information model. It enables the exchange of information between various phases of the construction lifecycle, including design, construction, and maintenance. COBie facilitates standardized data sharing among different software tools and supports efficient communication and collaboration throughout the project.

What are the benefits of BIM for the construction industry?

By utilizing BIM, you can utilize time schedule simulations, operational scenarios, and simulated lifecycle costs to optimize design and construction processes, thereby diminishing the expenses associated with decades of cost-intensive operations. Additionally, a digital prototype enhances the functionality of your building while simultaneously curbing capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operating expenses (OPEX).

Those who employ BIM universally report uncovering a plethora of new benefits. Here are just a few examples:

BIM assists with scoping during bidding and purchasing.
It facilitates reviewing portions of the scope for analyses such as value engineering.
BIM aids in coordinating construction sequencing, even for two trades.
It enables the demonstration of project approaches during marketing presentations.
With BIM, identifying collisions such as ductwork running into structural members becomes possible.
The ability to visualize what is to be built in a simulated environment is enhanced.
BIM leads to fewer errors and corrections in the field.
There's a higher reliability of expected field conditions, allowing for more prefabrication of materials offsite, usually at a higher quality and lower cost.
BIM allows for more "what-if" scenarios, such as examining various sequencing options, site logistics, hoisting alternatives, cost, etc.
It enables non-technical individuals like clients and users to visualize the end product.
BIM is particularly beneficial for complex buildings with a high density of technical infrastructure, such as hospitals, laboratories, airports, and residential projects with sophisticated architecture. It's also beneficial for large linear projects like railroads and pipeline projects.
BIM capabilities are increasingly becoming a key criterion in project selection for both designers and builders, driving its importance in the construction industry forward.

Is it feasible to integrate BIM into ongoing construction projects?

Yes, integrating BIM into ongoing construction projects is feasible and beneficial. While it may require adjustments to existing workflows and collaboration among project stakeholders, BIM can enhance project efficiency, coordination, and communication. By harnessing BIM tools and digitalizing project information, teams can streamline processes, identify and resolve conflicts early, and improve decision-making, ultimately leading to better project outcomes.

What types of projects are most suitable for BIM implementation?

All projects that involve complex designs, tight schedules, large teams, and high coordination requirements are most suitable for BIM implementation. Examples include large-scale infrastructure projects, commercial buildings, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions. BIM's ability to enhance collaboration, detect clashes, and improve project visualization makes it particularly beneficial for such projects.

Is BIM only for large-scale projects?

No, BIM is not exclusive to large-scale projects. While it's true that BIM offers significant advantages for complex and sizable constructions, it can be equally beneficial for small to medium-sized projects. Even smaller projects can benefit from BIM's ability to streamline processes, improve collaboration, reduce errors, and enhance project efficiency. BIM's scalability allows it to be adapted to projects of various sizes and complexities, making it a valuable tool across the construction industry spectrum.

What are the common obstacles to adopting BIM in the industry?

Some common obstacles to adopting BIM in the industry include initial investment costs, resistance to change from traditional workflows, lack of expertise and training, interoperability issues between software platforms, and the need for standardized processes and protocols. Additionally, concerns about data security and privacy may also hinder BIM adoption. Overcoming these challenges often requires a strategic approach that addresses both technological and cultural barriers within organizations. BIM Outsourcing can provide tailored solutions to help overcome these obstacles and facilitate a smoother transition to BIM adoption.

What specific challenges might arise during BIM implementation?

Some specific challenges during BIM implementation include integrating new technology with existing workflows, ensuring adequate training and skill development for staff, addressing interoperability issues between different software platforms, managing the initial investment costs, maintaining data consistency and accuracy throughout the project lifecycle, and overcoming resistance to change from traditional methods. These challenges require careful planning, stakeholder engagement, and a strategic approach to effectively navigate the transition to BIM. BIM Outsourcing can offer customized solutions to tackle these hurdles and ease the transition to BIM adoption.

What are the key factors that impact the cost of implementing BIM?

Understanding the cost of BIM modelling involves considering various factors such as project scale, complexity, time requirements, level of detail, building type, quality standards, coordination needs, and project information. Pricing methods can vary, including price per square area, per hour, or lump sum. Each method has its pros and cons, but it's crucial to ensure that key factors like time, detail level, and quality are adequately addressed in any pricing approach.

For more details on pricing, visit our pricing page. Additionally, you can utilize our online price calculator to estimate the potential costs associated with implementing BIM.

Additionally, you can utilize our online price calculator to estimate the potential costs associated with implementing BIM.

What are the key software tools required for successful BIM implementation?

For MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) aspects, essential software tools include Revit MEP or AutoCAD MEP for modelling and design. Architectural and structural aspects typically utilize software like Revit Architecture, Revit Structure, or Tekla Structures for modelling and analysis. Navisworks is crucial for clash detection and coordination across all disciplines. Collaboration platforms such as BIM 360 or Trimble Connect are also essential for project coordination.

What key deliverables are associated with MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) and FP (Fire Protection) disciplines in BIM projects?

In BIM projects, primary MEP and FP deliverables include detailed 3D models of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems, along with associated documentation such as equipment schedules, clash detection reports, coordination drawings, and construction-ready drawings. These deliverables are essential for accurate system design, clash detection, coordination, and efficient installation on-site.