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With the rise of digitization in the construction industry, most of us probably have come across the term BIM Objects in recent years. So what are BIM objects? and what information they contain and most importantly what standards are there? Let us delve into some of details.
BIM Objects are the cornerstone of the BIM Process. They are produced in a data file format and include geometric and functional information of the product. In a BIM model the objects simulate the specifications and real-world behaviors in a same way as product itself. There are two main types of BIM objects – layered and component objects. Layered objects do not have a fixed shape or size (walls, flooring, roof tiles). Component objects have fixed shape and size (a door, radiator, or window). When using BIM object by inserting it into the BIM application, the object is inserted with all its parameters and its different types. The name and use of the parameters are defined by the owner, according to their own logic. Thus, it is highly unlikely that two objects of same nature, created by two different people, have the same properties, making their use by a calculation application or a naming system impossible or quite complicated.
These objects are digital descriptions of the product of the model. Working in a BIM environment , and knowing that one of its peculiarities is building virtually, this object generally has a geometry in 3D that resembles his physical appearance . The concept LOD (Level of Detail) defines the level of detail of the representation of this object.
Likewise, the BIM model also seeks to contain information about each of the objects that make it up. These objects will contain as much information as you want. The LOI (level of information) concept defines the level of information that the object contains.
The specifications of PAS 1192-2 ( Specification for information management for the capital / delivery phase of construction projects using building information modeling ) define two components for the “level of development”:
Levels of detail of the model (LOD), related to the graphical content of the models.
Levels of information of the model (LOI), referenced to the non-graphic content of the models.
Although both concepts are generally related, it is necessary to understand that each one refers to a different type of information, therefore, we cannot limit ourselves to defining a BIM object using only one of the two concepts.
The metadata is embedded within whilst creating 3D model by the use 3D authoring software. The typical data include the description of the object (a door), what classification category (Uniclass 2015), what material is used (wood), expected lifespan (20 years) and fire rating etc. The information can be a link from the supplier website or can be included manually in the object file.
Because of the varying needs of the designers, manufacturers, and clients for the BIM models, hence there are certain standards available which serve the needs of the construction industry. These include:
Manufacturers can no longer ignore BIM today. Making their catalog available in BIM objects that designers can use for their digital models is a definite advantage. Indeed, if the objects are selected early in the design, there is a high chance that these objects will be retained throughout the design-build process of the structure. Manufacturers already have 3D models for manufacturing their products. These should be simplified so as not to burden the designers' models. A BIM object should not contain too many details and should not be able to be used in its manufacture.
It is imperative that manufacturers are trained in BIM and have a clear vision of what BIM implies in the short and long term for their company concerning among others: the benefits, the cost, the training, the IT equipment, the software, the integration of BIM into workflows, restructuring of product data to make them compatible with BIM.
Manufacturers have a vested interest in ensuring that their BIM objects are of good quality and meet the expectations of designers.
Manufacturers can produce the BIM objects themselves, although this will increase the costs as they will have to license themselves from several vendors, and reckon with the training costs involved. Otherwise they can also mandate a specialist who can create the company's BIM content.
A Bim manufacturer will first need to know what kind of BIM object they want to create before they begin using any BIM tool. They have two options here: either make BIM objects from scratch or modify an existing BIM model so that it will be useable with Bim software such as Revit and others. The latter option would be more cost-efficient than creating a Bim object completely from scratch but this may not be possible if the Bim manufacturer is working on Bim objects of their own.
It can be a daunting task to create the BIM objects library for the product manufacturers. Providing BIM library make it more likely for products to be specified by the clients, As a result It will also put the products ahead of competitors. However there are various aspects which need to be considered i.e. file types, data management and file transfer. on the other hand updating and modifying the BIM data during the life cycle of the product is also something which needs to be addressed. Its best to consult your main clients for your objects library and understand their requirements. Ask about the software platform they use, understand their requirements and expectation from the BIM objects library.
Once you understand the requirements and decided on the products requiring BIM library, However there are different ways you can create the BIM objects. You can create it in house or search for an Outsourcing partner. For the BIM file creation there will be a requirement for the 2D drawings in paper or digital format. BIM Outsourcing can provide parametric and non-parametric family creation services for the components used in the construction industry and these BIM families can be used in different projects as required and can be modified at a later stage depending on the project requirements.
For more information on how we can help with BIM libraries for your products. You can call us on 01622 – 296277 or alternatively email us at [email protected]
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