MCM ` Project Report

2011

BIM and Construction

Management
A research & experimentation work
This report probes Building Information Modelling (BIM) for its perception in
AEC industry and examines various definitions developed by the professionals
involved in this field. It mainly concentrates on Construction Management
aspect of the industry, and what role BIM has to play within different
procurement systems. The report examines major BIM applications with deep
analysis on the usability and interoperability of the services. It further studies
the methods of implementation of BIM and integration of standards covering a
wide spectrum of services within AEC industry. The analysis is supported by the
application of BIM technology on a live commercial project. The report
concludes itself with the study on future uses of BIM.

Imran Mohammad Imran Mohammad1

MCM ` Project Report

Acknowledgement
This dissertation work has been undertaken as part of the fulfilment of the Masterof
Construction Management (MCM) and the research work is done in co-operation with
Jasmax Ltd., New Zealand. This study was carried out at the School of Engineering
which comes underthe Faculty of Design and Creative Technologies at the Auckland
University of Technology (AUT).

First and foremost, I would like to take this opportunity to express my profound sense
of gratitude to Supervisor DrJohn Tookey, Program Leader of MCM, for whose
encouragement, supervision and support from the preliminary to the concluding level
enabled me to develop an understanding of the subject.

My gratitude is expressed for Mr Richard Harris, Director of Jasmax Ltd., who

cleared my way to establish a research platform at Jasmax Ltd.

I would also express my deep gratitude for Mr Andy Anderson, Managing Director of
Jasmax Ltd, for authorising me as a research candidate and providing me with all
necessary tools and freedom to work in a professional environment.

MsMichelle Leonard, BIM Specialist at Jasmax Ltd, is deeply thanked for providing
guidance, support, inspiration and assistance for this study, which nevertheless was
exciting and offered me an exposure which instilled in me the confidence and
definitely helped me in my learning process.

I am grateful to MrTony Shaw of Exactel Ltd. for his unconditional support in

assisting me to understand the working of estimating application of CostX.

I am also thankful to Mr John Boon, Associate Professor at Unitec, who as a mentor

provided me with an insight to adopt a clear direction in my research work.

I owe a deep sense of regard for my friends, Farid and Saltanat, for their continuous
support and encouragement.

I take the opportunity to thank my wife and all my family members for their love and
moral support, which kept me motivated and determined throughout.

ImranMohammad

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Executive Summary
The Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a data-rich, object-oriented, intelligent
and parametric digital representation of the facility, from which views and data
appropriate to various users’ needs can be extracted and analysed to generate
information that can be used to make decisions and improve the process of delivering
the facility (ACE, 2008).

The way the process of BIM is being understood, it leads towards Integrated Project
Delivery system. However, BIM has the role to play in every type of procurement
system. This report considers some of the procurement systems such as ‘Design &
Build’, ‘Construction Manager at risk’ and ‘Integrated Project Delivery’ and
establishes a direct relationship with the use of BIM and working methodology of
these procurement systems.

BIM has been a buzz word of AEC industry in this decade, and many firms, software
vendors and individuals of high calibre and understanding have immersed themselves
in the understanding of BIM process which resulted in vertical ascension of technology
advancement in developing BIM tools. BIM promoted industry wide collaboration
which gave rise to interoperability of applications and universal acceptance of a neutral
format of Industry Foundation Class (IFC) which most BIM applications comply to.

With the development of BIM processes and technology it is imperative to formulate

implementation and integration strategies to make BIM a way of life in AEC industry.
This can be accomplished firstly by educating the professionals about the benefits of
adopting BIM to deliver their services and secondly by allowing the BIM Stages of
adoption to mature within one stage and with the help of small incremental steps
promote to other advanced stages finally leading to complete integration of services
network.

These small steps can be in the form of experimentation to test and analyse the various
aspects of BIM technology and how interoperability of different applications can help
performing complex task of scheduling, quantity take-off and estimating with relative
ease. With the cooperation of Jasmax Ltd, one of the leading architecture practices in
NZ, experimentations were performed on a live commercial project to test few
important aspects of BIM technology. From the point of view of a Construction

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MCM ` Project Report

Manager, BIM model was tested in an interoperable application for ease of navigation,
clash detection and to create a simulation to analyse construction sequence. The same
model was also tested in a visual estimating application for quantity take-off and
preliminary cost estimates.

The results were astounding and provide ample encouragement towards the
formulation and development of New Zealand BIM authoring standards and then to
gradually implement BIM in the general work atmosphere while engaging broader
AEC community.

BIM is a continuously evolving ‘technology’, ‘process’ and an ‘attitude’ with a

promising future and intelligent techniques to minimize waste and increase efficiency.
3D concrete printing, laser scanning and augmented reality buildings along with many
other technologies possess deep affinity with BIM. Thesefuture developments may
provide an advanced insight into massing of building, possibility of completely
computerised and mechanized modular construction, rapidly creating a BIM model of
existing buildings of historical, political and material importance and augmented
reality buildings for advanced facility management systems.

Overall an interesting and hallucinatory future of BIM is in anticipation.

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MCM ` Project Report

Table of Contents
1 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................... 9

1.1 What is BIM .............................................................................................................................. 9

1.1.1 The concept ..................................................................................................................................... 10

1.1.2 BIM 4D, 5D to nD .......................................................................................................................... 11

1.2 A brief social history ............................................................................................................... 11

2 PROJECT PROCUREMENT AND ROLE OF BIM WITHIN THE
PROCUREMENT SYSTEM .................................................................................... 13

2.1 BIM as a new concept of delivery (IPD) ................................................................................. 14

2.1.1 IPD at Preconstruction stage ........................................................................................................... 14

2.1.2 Communication and Collaboration in IPD...................................................................................... 15

2.1.3 Types of Documents in IPD ............................................................................................................ 15

2.1.4 Clarification of information ............................................................................................................ 16

2.1.5 Project Closeout .............................................................................................................................. 16

2.2 BIM in Design & Build method .............................................................................................. 17

2.2.1 D&B at Preconstruction stage ......................................................................................................... 17

2.2.2 Communication and Collaboration in D&B method....................................................................... 18

2.2.3 Types of Documents in Design & Build ......................................................................................... 18

2.2.4 Clarification of information in D&B .............................................................................................. 18

2.2.5 Project Closeout .............................................................................................................................. 19

2.3 BIM in ‘Construction Management at risk’ (CM @ Risk) method ......................................... 19

2.3.1 CM @ risk at Pre construction stage............................................................................................... 20

2.3.2 Communication and Collaboration in CM @ risk method. ............................................................ 21

2.3.3 Types of Documents in CM-at-risk method.................................................................................... 21

2.3.4 Clarification of information in CM @ risk ..................................................................................... 21

2.3.5 Project closeout in CM @ risk method ........................................................................................... 22

3 SCOPE OF BIM IN AEC INDUSTRY.................................................................... 23

3.1 Conceptual design and preliminary analyses ........................................................................... 24

3.1.1 3D sketching tools: ......................................................................................................................... 25

3.1.2 Space Planning:............................................................................................................................... 25

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MCM ` Project Report

3.1.3 Environmental analysis ................................................................................................................... 25

3.2 Building System Design and Analysis .................................................................................... 27

3.2.1 Analysis and Simulation Software: ................................................................................................. 27

3.2.2 Structural Design Analysis: ............................................................................................................ 28

3.2.3 Energy Design Analysis:................................................................................................................. 28

3.2.4 Lighting and Acoustic Analysis: ..................................................................................................... 29

3.2.5 Building Function Analysis: ........................................................................................................... 29

3.3 Construction-Level Building Models ...................................................................................... 31

3.3.1 Drawing and Document Production ................................................................................................ 32

3.3.2 Specifications .................................................................................................................................. 34

3.4 Major BIM Authoring Tools ................................................................................................... 35

3.4.1 Revit Architecture: .......................................................................................................................... 35

3.4.2 Bentley Systems .............................................................................................................................. 36

3.4.3 ArchiCAD ....................................................................................................................................... 37

3.4.4 Digital Project ................................................................................................................................. 38

3.4.5 AutoCAD Architecture ................................................................................................................... 39

3.4.6 Tekla Structures .............................................................................................................................. 40

3.5 Conclusion ............................................................................................................................... 42

4 IMPLEMENTATION OF BIM AND NETWORK-BASED INTEGRATION ... 44

4.1 BIM versus traditional approach (MacLeamy Curve) ............................................................. 44

4.2 Benefits of BIM for strategic implementation ......................................................................... 46
4.2.1 Preconstruction Benefits to Owner ................................................................................................. 46

4.2.2 Design Benefits ............................................................................................................................... 46

4.2.3 Construction and Fabrication Benefits ............................................................................................ 48

4.2.4 Post Construction Benefits .............................................................................................................. 49

4.3 BIM implementation Stages and Bridging Steps..................................................................... 50

4.3.1 Stage 1: From 2D to 3D transition .................................................................................................. 50

4.3.2 Stage 2: From modeling to collaboration ........................................................................................ 51

4.3.3 Stage 3: From collaboration to integration...................................................................................... 51

4.4 BIM Steps ................................................................................................................................ 52

4.5 Conclusion ............................................................................................................................... 54
5 BIM FOR A CONSTRUCTION MANAGER ........................................................ 55

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5.1 Application of BIM technology on a Live Project (Sharpac Properties Ltd.) ........................ 55
5.1.1 Exploring model on Revit ............................................................................................................... 56

5.1.2 Estimating on CostX ....................................................................................................................... 57

5.1.3 Navigation, Clash Detection and Simulation on Naviswork. .......................................................... 62

5.2 Conclusion ............................................................................................................................... 67

6 FUTURE USES OF BIM .......................................................................................... 69

6.1 3D concrete printing ................................................................................................................ 69

6.2 3D Laser Scanning................................................................................................................... 71
6.3 I-Pad and Augmented Reality Buildings ................................................................................. 72
7 REFRENCES ............................................................................................................. 74

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1 INTRO
ODUCTION
N

1.1 What is BIM

BIM
M is a proccess of integ
grating appplications, thoughts
t and managem
ment tools into
i a
singgle cohesivee project deelivery systeem, primarilly in the con
nstruction in
industry. In other
worrds, as Jackk (2009) staates, BIM iis a processs of demon
nstrating botth graphicaal and
nonn-graphical aspects of a full buildding life cy
ycle by creaating a singgle reposito
ory of
desiign and connstruction do
ocuments, sspecification
ns and schedules.

Chaarles Eastm
man, an indu
ustry analysst who is credited
c to popularize
p the term ‘B
BIM’,
desccribes it as

ng process to facilitatte exchangee and

“a digiital represeentation of the buildin
interoperability off informationn in digital format”
f (Eastman, 19999).

Thee design community, engineers and owneers benefit from the reliable digital
d
reprresentationss, which com
me out of B
BIM, to mak
ke critical decisions aboout a projecct and
its ffeasibility. BIM’s
B abiliity to keep uup-to-date information
i n accessiblee in an integ
grated
envvironment helps
h in dev
veloping a cclear vision
n about a prroject and aalso enables fast
andd informed decision
d maaking.

Smiith & Tarddif (2009) state that the core attribute

a off the Buildding Inform
mation
Modeling, thatt distinguish
hes it from tthe design technologie
t s that preceeded it, is no
ot the
threee dimensioonal geomeetric modelling but is the structu
ured inform
mation, whiich is
orgaanized deffined and exchangeaable. BIM is a well-organizedd collectio
on of
infoormation which allows to
systtematically pull out any
a relevannt
piecce of inforrmation as and when
requuired and all
a in one place
p or to
be m
more speciffic, embedd
ded in one
moddel. BIM is
i also a means
m by
whiich efficienccy of buildiing design
andd construction is inccreased andd
wasste is reduceed.

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MCM
M Introduction
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1.1.1 The concept

BIM
M demandss to have one
o and onnly one cen
ntrally accessible and database driven
d
virtuual represenntation of all
a the aspeccts of a buillding. The central
c dataabase enablees the
desiign team, contractor,
c subcontracctors, facilitty managerrs and ownners to tracck all
channges withinn the single model and gain real-tiime access to
t volumes of data far more
effeectively thann current methodologi
m ies allow. The
T results can be seenn in the forrm of
reall gains in industry productivitty, building
g life cyclle cost annd sustainaability
(Exxactel,2010).

S
Source: Vision
ns in Architectu
ure, 2010

“It is important to understtand that the BIM app

proach is not a piecce of
hardwaare or softw
ware, althoough it is enabled byy new technnology. It is an
overarcching conceept of inforrmation sha
aring which
h engages all parties in a
collaboorative desig ”(Elting, 2009), as show
gn process” wn in the figgure above..

Thee core featurre of Buildiing Informaation Modelling which differentiatees it from earlier
e
desiign technoloogies is nott only the thhree dimenssional geom
metric modelling, but alsso the
struuctured inforrmation poo
ol where infformation iss organized, defined annd exchangeeable.
Smiith and Tarddiff (2009) state that unnstructured information
n when com
mpared to BIM
B is
diffficult to mannage, identiify and exchhange. They
y give the analogy
a of a needle wh
hich is
storred in the haaystack of objects
o and locating it might conssume a conssiderable am
mount
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MCM Introduction Project Report

of time and efforts which eventually cost more than the needle’s resale price. Hence
needle is a cost centric object, instead of profit generator. Comparing to traditional
style of documentation in AEC industry where enormous amount of information exist
but is difficult to find, BIM provides an organized setup of information documentation
which can straightaway and precisely be extracted from the model as and when
required.

1.1.2 BIM 4D, 5D to nD

To distinguish between many processes and procedures, terms like 4D BIM and 5D
BIM are being used. When a feature of time related factors such as scheduling is added
to a 3D parametric model, it is called a 4D BIM, and when cost related factors are
linked with 3D model such as linking real time labour and building cost to the model,
makes it a 5D BIM. It is not necessary that at first time bound schedule is attached to
the model to make if 4D and then only cost related data is linked to it to make it a 5D
model. In fact cost estimation is often done prior to scheduling. For this reason 4D and
5D are sometime used interchangeably. Adding another dimension to a 3D model does
not mean adding another axis to the 3D space like X, Y or Z axes, but it simply
denotes that a model is not simply a parametric architectural model, but it also contains
information about other services too.

As new applications with different functions and increased interoperability are

introduced, nearly all the AEC services can directly be linked with the BIM model and
can be called by various dimension names such as 6th Dimension (6D) can be
attributed to Facility Management, 7th Dimension (7D) can be linked with Fire Rating,
and 8D can be dedicated to Sustainability and Green Star Rating system. Thus the
functionality of a BIM model has the prospects to incorporate upto Nth Dimensions
(nD) to represent various services.

1.2 A brief social history

BIM was earlier known as ‘Building Product Model’ which was extensively used by
Charles M. Eastman (Yessios, 2004). Although the process of information collection
was discussed as early as in the 70s, the term was later coined by Jerry Laiserin in his
online letters LaiserinLetterTM. Since then BIM has been through many hills and
crest,some calling it just a buzz word and other calling it a fad. Many architecture

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MCM Introduction Project Report

firms and applications started associating their names with BIM considering it a huge
technological advancement. But in an interesting note, Yessios (2004) argues that BIM
is not a technological advancement, but with the computational speed and memory
available today, the digital form of information modeling has become a lot more easily
accessible. He further refers BIM as an "attitude" a lot more than it is a "technology".

The first application capable of creating a parametric model was ArchiCADwhich was
launched in 1987. At that time, BIM was not known in its current form. In 1995
Bentley introduced MicroStation 95 with 3D modeling capabilities. Until this time
Charles Eastman’s term called ‘Building Product Model’ was used to describe these
applications. Revit was launched in 1997 with similar 3D parametric capabilities as
ArchiCAD and MicroStation. Autodesk acquired Revit in 2002 and from this time the
term ‘Building Information Model’ started gaining momentum with Jerry Laiserin
extensively using and promoting it on his online newsletter The LaiserinLetter
(Laiserin, 2002).

With this other CAD vendors, such as Digital Project and Tekla structuresalong with
Autodesk other tools with 3D modeling capabilities in their packages, started to link
BIM with their applications and continued to enhance the performance of the
Modeling platform to incorporate functions such as energy analysis, design analysis,
visual estimation, clash detection, etc. with increased performance on quantity takeoff
and interoperability with other applications.

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MCM BIM and Project Procurement Project Report

2 PROJECT PROCUREMENT AND ROLE OF BIM WITHIN THE

PROCUREMENT SYSTEM

For a construction manager, BIM is a virtual construction of a building or structure

that contains intelligent objects in a single source file, which can be shared with project
team members and ultimately increase the amount of communication and collaboration
(Hardin, 2009).

The current situation in the construction industry is very competitive. This demands
higher interoperability amongst various teams and also amongst various software
packages, which results intobetter tools, fewer change orders and fewer questions on
the field. Clearly BIM emerges as the solution to this situation.

A study conducted by McGraw Hill Construction examines the advantages of BIM and
the factors influencing the use of BIM. The data provided by the study is represented
in the form of the graph below.
Figure 1: Factors influencing the use of BIM
Lean Construction Techniques enhanced by… 16%
Safer worksites because of BIM 19%
Compliance code checking 25%
Improved scheduling capabilities with BIM… 26%
Reducing insurance claims because of BIM 31%
Clash detection capabilities of BIM tools 33%
Opportunity to reduce construction time 37%
Improved budgeting/cost estimating… 38%
Improved document version control 38%
Reduced number for information request 39%
Improved interoperability 41%
Opportunity to reduce construction cost 43%
Parametric modification of designs with BIM 45%
BIM's ability to improve communication… 47%
Owners demanding it on their Projects 49%
Less time drafting more time designing 68%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%

Source: McGraw Hill Construction Research and Analytics, 2007

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MCM BIM and Project Procurement Project Report

The most obvious advantage is the convenience in drafting and designing, which saves
enormous amount of time. Interestingly, the second highest benefit comes from owners
demanding use of BIM on their projects. The third most important factor at 47% usage
is BIM’s ability to improve communication with clients/others during the design and
construction phase of a project.

2.1 BIM as a new concept of delivery (IPD)

BIM and Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) are complimentary to each other. IPD is
again an evolving concept and according to theInternational Alliance for
Interoperability (AIA), California Council, it can be defined as

a project delivery approach that integrates people, systems, business structures

and practices into a process that collaboratively harnesses the talents and
insights of all participants to reduce waste and optimize efficiency through all
phases of design, fabrication and construction.

A Working Definition- Integrated Project Delivery

Hardin (2009) studies few key procurement methods under five categories where BIM
plays a major role:

a) Preconstruction
b) Communication and collaboration
c) Type of documents
d) Clarification of information and
e) Project closeout

2.1.1 IPD at Preconstruction stage

The AIA report calls for an early contribution of knowledge and experience, and
requires proactive involvement of key participants. It also suggests that BIM is
essential to efficiently achieve the collaboration required for an Integrated Project
Delivery. Hardin (2009) also believes that IPD allows for a greater degree of potency
in the process and promotes project balance.

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MCM
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2.1.2 Commun
nication and
d Collaboration in IPD
D

Sim
milar to BIM
M’s basic ap
pproach, IP
PD requires a completee integration
on of teams from
the onset of a project, allowing the tteam as a whole
w to become a colllaborative group
g
thatt focuses on leveragin
ng the latesst technolog
gy to foster flexibilityy and succeessful
projject outcom
mes (Hardin,, 2009).

Sourrce: AIA Califoornia Council 2007

Thee AIA reporrt acknowleedges team aassembly ass a key to successful Inntegrated Prroject
Dellivery. This team is com
mmitted to collaborativ
ve processes and is cappable of wo
orking
togeether effectiively (AIA, 2007).

Harrdin (2009) observes th

hat IPD proomotes the concept
c of sharing thee risk and reeward
of a project thrrough targett project gooals, which means
m that compensatiion may inccrease
or ddecrease deppending on results. If tthe project goes
g under budget, team
m memberss may
enjooy higher compensatio
c on, or if it is over bu
udget, the risk
r of loweer compenssation
wouuld be shareed by all. Hence,
H by hholding otheers accountaable, IPD aaims to elim
minate
issuues in the fieeld that resu
ult in signifi
ficant cost overruns lateer in the prooject.

Harrdin (2009) also assesses that by uusing a shared knowled

dge databasee, contributed by
all pparties, inclluding subccontractors, consultantss and local building
b coonsent autho
orities
(BC
CA), IPD aims to elimiinate issues in the field
d that result in significaant cost oveerruns
lateer in the projject.

2.1.3 Types of Documentss in IPD

Thoough the AIIA report claims that IP

PD can be implemente
i BIM process, but
d without B
Harrdin (2009) believes th
hat IPD is ddriven by BIIM technolo
ogy. IPD reelies on BIM
M not

Imraan Mohammaad 15
MCM BIM and Project Procurement Project Report

only to be more collaborative and integrated but also to be a quick and efficient means
of developing a project. BIM is meant to reflect a change done in one element in all
other related documents, which according to Hardin (2009) means that the technology
is flexible enough for a design to be developed, tested, altered and updated during
preconstruction to eliminate coordination issues later.

In IPD process, the documentation is a combination of profession specific models such

as architectural and engineering models. Or it can also be extracted from a composite
BIM model. This BIM documentation can be used for various purposes such as
estimate revision, constructability reviews, clash detection, site coordination and many
other critical requirements (Hardin, 2009).

2.1.4 Clarification of information

In a truly integrated project the information flow from conceptualisation through

implementation and closeout differs significantly froma non-integrated project.
Conventional terminology, such asschematic design, design development and
construction drawings, creates workflow boundaries that do not align witha
collaborative process(AIA, 2007). Information flow in an IPD process continuously
informs the team and allows the project stakeholders to have a say in the project and
make informed decisions as a whole. In this process, architects and contractors do not
litigate each other, but work collaboratively for a comprehensive solution to a building
project, where the focus is ‘understanding between the parties’ and early issue
resolution (Hardin, 2009).

2.1.5 Project Closeout

IPD at this stage involves facility manager to use BIM as a tool to better maintain the
facility. AIA (2007) report on IPD states that a more complete building information
model will be provided to the owner for their long term use for building maintenance
and up-keep and that the BIM model will be integrated into the building operating
system. Also the BIM model can be used to compare actual to planned performances.

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2.2 BIM in Design & Build method

Thee design andd build (D&

&B) processs was deveeloped to co
onsolidate rresponsibilitty for
desiign and construction
c n into a ssingle conttracting en
ntity and tto simplify
y the
adm
ministration of tasks forr the owner (Beard, Loulakis&Wu
undram, 20005).

In tthis model, the owner directly coontacts the D&B team

m to developp a well-deefined
buillding prograam and a scchematic deesign. Eastm
man, Teicho
olz, Sacks annd Liston (2
2008)
in ttheir BIM Handbook,
H acknowleddge the design & build
d approachh as an excellent
oppportunity to exploit BIM
M technologgy. The reasson is that a single entiity is respon
nsible
for design and constructio
on and both stakeholderrs participatte during thee design ph
hase.

D&B firmm develops

Own
ner selects
design baseed on owner
D&
&B firm
requirementts and selects
other designers as needed

D&B firm selects

Owneer approves
subcontractors based on
design, cost and
project requirements and
tim
me budget
prior experiience or low
bid

D&B firm
f and
Adopted from BIM Handbook

subcontracto
ors construct
buillding

Figure 2 Design & Build proocess flow

2.2.1 D&B at Preconstruc

P ction stage

Harrdin (2009) sees D&B as efficientt in overlapp

ping the design and coonstruction phase
p
to shorten scheedule and reeduce projecct cost. He thus
t argues that to efficciently use D&B
deliivery methood, one need
ds a balancee among thee team mem
mbers, built upon a sch
hedule
thatt enables the use of BIM processees. He furth
her cautions that BIM i s not necessarily
a faast-track meeans of deliv
vering a prooject, instead
d it is a tech
hnology thaatallows for more
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MCM BIM and Project Procurement Project Report

coordination before the project is constructed due to streamlined documentation

processes.

2.2.2 Communication and Collaboration in D&B method

It is very rare for the first design to be chosen and built. In a D&B system, the process
of making changes and communicating it to the estimator is easy onlyif done in the
same office premises. BIM plays a major role here: As soon as the designer introduces
any changes to the model, it is communicated to the whole team. This makes easy for
contractor to identify exactly where the change has occurred and updates the estimate
accordingly, instead of revisiting the whole estimate from the beginning.

Also the construction of a building while design documents are being completed is
unique to a design and build process, Hardin (2009) observes that while this is an
opportunity for BIM to shine in this type of delivery, it is also a challenge to constantly
update the composite BIM with new information from the architects and engineers.

2.2.3 Types of Documents in Design & Build

Documents in a typical D&B project involve printed construction documents and

specifications, CAD and PDF files. These files in D&B atmosphere are readily shared
because the team is responsible for building a project together (Hardin, 2009). This
requires to ease down the strict file sharing rules among team members, which is
contrary to design-bid-build method where a certain level of secrecy and copy right
practices are observed.

To protect the sensitive data and design information from reaching the competitor, it is
imperative for architects or engineers to arrange a media release or a nondisclosure
agreement to be signed by the project team. Hardin (2009) also insists that a similar
agreement is required for BIM integrated project. BIM documentation should be
planned and coordinated in a design-build process and should be introduced in the
initial contract negotiation meetings.

2.2.4 Clarification of information in D&B

The Design & Build system relies heavily on the integrity of the contractor to deliver
the project on time and within the budget. This may be difficult as the quality and
interpretation of design documents leaves room for misinterpretations and

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MCM BIM and Project Procurement Project Report

assumptions(Hardin, 2009). With BIM integrated project, this problem can be

addressed closely by clarifying the information precisely through means of 3D
illustrations, fine details, and other visual aids.

The clarification of information can be further strengthened by integrating other trades

such as mechanical, electrical and plumbing in house and producing a composite BIM
model.

2.2.5 Project Closeout

Provided that the transfer of ownership of BIM model is included in the contract, BIM
in D&B presents a unique opportunity by allowing facility managers to define early on
what they expect to see as deliverable at closeout including the level of details within
the documentation. Digital Operation & Manual (O & M) has become a buzz word:
it’s a concept of embedding all the relevant information, specification, cut sheet,
photos, shop drawings and URLs into a BIM model (Hardin, 2009).

2.3 BIM in ‘Construction Management at risk’ (CM @

Risk)method

CM @ risk entails a commitment by the construction manager to deliver the project

within a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) (Hardin, 2009). During the early phases
of a project, CM acts as a consultant to the owner who works with the architects to
produce a more manageable and predictable product. By addressing challenges during
development and design, CM helps the owner avoid costly changes during
construction, therefore keeping the project on schedule. For example, CM may advise
the owner to stay on course with a particular design concept, or to modify the design
due to cost restraints, or to spend more money to maintain or expand design goals
(Heeri, 2009).

CM @ risk delivery methods can be customized to a BIM process. Hardin (2009)

analyses that CM @ risk as a BIM process has two key ingredients;

a. Belief in the industry that a more integrated process equals a more

profitable one.

b. The perceived value in leveraging BIM technology with the team.

Imran Mohammad 19
 MCM
M BIM annd Project Proccurement Project Report
R

OWNER
R

CM @ Risk
k
under GMP
P

Architect Sub-
Engineers Contractorr
Eleect
Architect

Struc BIM
M BIM Other
Constructioon
Desig
gn
Other

Plumb
Civi Mecch

BIM
Composit
Processs flow in CM
C @ Risk
k

Facility
M
Manager

2.3.1 CM @ risk at Precoonstruction

n stage

Thee CM @ rissk model pu

uts the burdden of delivering the prroject at thee proposed GMP
on the contraactor’s sho
oulder and thereby gives
g the contractor
c a stake in
n the
devvelopment of
o the projeect. This typpe of delivery brings the contracctor on the same
tablle as the dessign team (H
Hardin, 20009).

This is impoortant becaausebased uupon curreent documentations tthe CM model

m
conntinually infforms the deesign team oof costs. Ussing the design-to-budgget approach
h, the
conntractor rem
moves thee value engineering
g period associatedd with prroject
deliiverymethodds which ty
ypically com
mes over-bu
udget. Hard
din (2009) aargues that value
enggineering is a flawed concept sinnce it only
y indicates that the prroper estim
mating
proccedures werre not in plaace prior to the design being comp
pleted. Use of BIM earrly on
in thhe project helps
h CM to
o monitor chhanges and to keep a reegular checkk on the pricce.

Imraan Mohammaad 20
MCM BIM and Project Procurement Project Report

2.3.2 Communication and Collaboration in CM @ risk method.

The architect, who contractually may be under the contractor or the owner, through
communication and collaboration tries not to exceed the project budget but still deliver
a project that programmatically and aesthetically pleases the owner. CM provides up-
to-date estimates and material costs, which enables the owner to make informed
decisions and to make changes affecting cost or aesthetics hence, making it easier to
move forward without altering the project timeline (Hardin, 2009).

By seeking project balance and collaboration in the flow of information and

management of the project, CM @ risk can effectively utilize team integration and
BIM technologies. With proper up-front coordination and planning, the CM @ risk
delivery method is an effective means of bringing all team members to the table and
sharing responsibilities equally among them (Hardin, 2009).

2.3.3 Types of Documents in CM-at-risk method.

In this delivery method, Hardin (2009) suggests that quickness and rapid transfer of
data is of extreme importance and BIM is the solution for it. BIM, as a composite
model, can hold multiple design changes and can easily be imported to replace
obsolete data. BIM holds an enormous advantage over CAD in this type of delivery.
The BIM holds information that may be used early in the process to establish
preliminary estimation and coordination.

2.3.4 Clarification of information in CM @ risk

Hardin (2009) lays special emphasis on clarification of information in this type of

method because the whole system is integrated and project focused. A direct input is
required from all subcontractors and design teams as these trades are responsible to
clarify a number of issues including budget, estimate breakdown, trade coordination,
and constructability. With GMP playing a major role, it induces a vested interest in
contractors to provide the design team with accurate information.

BIM according to Hardin (2009) fits well into the CM @ risk method of delivery. The
BIM tools allow for the ability to test and coordinate designs andto estimate and
assemble prior to construction, thus limiting the need for clarification.

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MCM BIM and Project Procurement Project Report

2.3.5 Project closeout in CM @ risk method

The owner is provided with information just as in any other procurement method.
Hardin (2009) suggests that the facility manager should be involved early on at the
project closeout who can define what the expectations of the project closeout
deliverables might be. This will also maintain the continuity of flow of information
from the contractor team to the facility management team. It is the responsibility of the
facility manager to gather all the documentations, information and correspondence as
part of the job. A composite BIM model can be transferred as a part of the model
ownership transfer agreed upon in the contract.

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MCM Scope of BIM Project Report

3 SCOPE OF BIM IN AEC INDUSTRY

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is one of the most promising developments in

the architectural, engineering and construction (AEC) industries. With BIM
technology, an accurate virtual model of a building is constructed digitally. When
completed, this model contains precise geometry and relevant data needed to support
the construction, fabrication, and procurement activities needed to realize the building
(Eastman et al. 2008). To make BIM a working reality International Alliance for
Interoperability (IAI) has come up with a solution for data exchange from one
application to another through Industry Foundation Class (IFC). Purpose of IFC is to
create a neutral format with open specification, which is not controlled by any vendor
or group of vendors.

Bentley IFC White Paper document describes and defines this new format as below;

“IFC”

“Specified by the International Alliance for Interoperability(IAI) building

SMART, IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) is a vendor-neutral BIM data
repository for the semantic information of building objects, including geometry,
associated properties, and relationships, to facilitate

 Cross-discipline coordination of building information models, e.g. architecture

and building services (MEP),
 Data sharing and exchange across IFC-compliant applications,
 Extraction and re-use of data for analysis and other downstream tasks.

Adopted as an ISO standard, this object-oriented database of information

enables data sharing via ifcXML and aecXML. IFC-compliant applications can
import IFC files and (re)use ‘intelligent’ data created in other IFC-compliant
application, and export ‘intelligent’ model information as IFC files for (re)use
in other applications. This is especially effective for interoperability between
authoring applications, such as Bentley Architecture, and analysis
applications, for instance to calculate heat loss, cooling loads, lighting
requirements, etc”.

IFC Position Paper (2008) from Bentley

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MCM Scope of BIM Project Report

BIM for Architects Engineers and Construction industry (AEC)

Professor Charles (Chuck) Eastman is the Professor at Georgia Institute of Technology

in Atlanta, teaching and researching in the areas of Building Information Modeling,
solids and parametric modeling, engineering databases and product models and
interoperability. He views BIM to be an epochal transition in design practice. Unlike
CAD, which primarily automates aspects of traditional drawing production, BIM is a
paradigm change.

A building project usually goes through 4 stages involving design, documentation and
construction and BIM has its own role in all these stages. Eastman et al. (2008) calls
these four stages as

 Conceptual design and preliminary analyses

 Building system design & analysis
 Construction –level building model
 Design-Construction integration

“BIM handbook- A guide to Building Information Modeling” does a detailed analysis

of these stages and attempts to answer what BIM application tools are used and how
each stage is integrated and streamlined with others?Since BIM is a fast evolving
‘process’, ‘technology’ and ‘attitude’, which entails the entire metamorphosis of a
building from evolution to its deconstruction, there have been many more advances in
this field from the time Eastman et al. (2008) wrote their book. This study attempts to
include the latest dimensions added to the field of BIM.

3.1 Conceptual design and preliminary analyses

At this stage, designers work on generating the basic building plan, its massing and
general appearance, determining the buildings’ placement and orientation on the site,
its structure and how the project will realize the basic building program. There are
many easy to use tools and applications which are light weight and intuitive and are
merged with a designer’s thoughts.

These BIM tools are now emerging to bridge the huge gap between visualization and
modeling tools. Tardif (2008) examines a distinct characteristic of these applications
which is to generate information for design decision making by referencing statistical

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MCM Scope of BIM Project Report

data circumscribed by a set of project-specific design assumptions, rather than by

rigorous analysis of project-specific data in fully developed project model.

Conceptual design tools are not full-featured authoring tools, per se, but they do
generate conceptual BIM models that ostensibly can be imported into a BIM authoring
tool at a later stage (Tardiff, 2008).

3.1.1 3D sketching tools:

Eastman et al. (2008) call Form.Z as the grandparent in the category of 3D sketching
as this is one of the oldest applications for 3D design. According to Khemlani (2006),
Form.Z has emerged as one of the most sophisticated tools which can produce
anything imaginable. Along with this, other applications such as Google Sketch-up
have become an industry name for 3D concept generation. Though Form.Z is not very
much interoperable with many BIM authoring tools, nonetheless, its functionality with
AutoCAD makes it an important BIM ally. Some of these tools are listed in table 3.1.

3.1.2 Space Planning:

Space planning involves organizing the spatial needs defined by the client and
expanding them to include storage, support, mechanical, and other ancillary spaces
(Eastman et al. 2008). Software applications such as Vectorworks Space Planning tool,
Trelligence and Facility Composer have emerged to cater with the needs ofspace
planning. Trelligence in particular hasgot prominence in space planning as it has
bidirectional affinity with Revit and ArchiCAD, the two main BIM authoring
applications (Khemlani, 2010). Some of the space planning tools and their
interoperability with other applications are listed in table 3.1

3.1.3 Environmental analysis

Green design approach and environmental analysis is taking the lead in all the new
construction worksaround the world. To assist with this, several applications have
provided solutions which can be integrated along with thedesign evolution. IES Virtual
Building, Ecotect and Green Building Studio are three main applications in this area.
With BIM, the interfaces to applications can be automated allowing almost real-time
feedback on design actions. These environmental analysis applications incorporate to
form an interface of a set of energy, artificial and natural lighting analysis, fire egress

Imran Mohammad 25
MCM Scope of BIM Project Report

and other assessment applications, allowing quick analysis of schematic-level designs

(Eastman et el. 2008).

The table below lists important space planning applications, their functions and
interoperability with other applications especially with BIM authoring tools.

Table 3.1-Space & Concept Design Applications

Concept & Space

Primary functions Interoperability with
planning applications
3D sketching, 3D Studio Max, and
Google Sketch‐Up
Modeling anything imaginable Maya
3D form synthesizer, AutoCAD
Form.Z
Model anything imaginable
Solar analysis IES, Energy Plus, Radiance,
Lighting analysis Daysim,
Thermal analysis Revit
Eco‐Tect
Acoustic analysis ArchiCAD
Ventilation and Airflow Other IFC compliant
Building Regulation Compliance Applications
Creating an architectural program Not formed
Creating a programmatic facility design
Facility Composer
Selecting project specific criteria and
requirements.
Architectural programming Bi-directional affinity with
Trelligence Schematic Design Google Sketch-Up
Possible configuration of building blocks Revit andArchiCAD
Green design analysis Revit,
IES Virtual Building Energy analysis AchiCAD
Google Sketch-up
Cost Analysis and Revit, ArchiCAD
Dprofiler Cost Estimate Bentley Architecture
Sage Timberline
Vectorworks space Space analysis IFC formats
planning Sun-path analysis
Determine energy use and carbon footprint gbXML export interfaces
Alternatives to improve energy efficiency supported by Revit,
Weather analysis ArchiCAD,
Green Building Studio
Carbon emission reporting
Daylighting
Water usage and costs
Predictive Planning Direct link with ArchiCAD,
Tabulate programming requirements Revit, Google Earth, Google
Onuma Project Management SketchUp and
Allow for multi user collaboration IFC compliant

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MCM Scope of BIM Project Report

Autodesk has been quick to snatch Green Building Studio and Ecotect, signalling its
intent to integrate Green Building Studio's web-based analysis tools and Ecotect's
energy analysis tools with Revit.

All the applications and tools discussed above, only do the part of the overall task
which further requires translations between each other and needs further plug-ins to be
integrated with major BIM authoring tools. None of these tools provide full support for
conceptual designs, which require all the functionalities shown in table 3.1. A designer
has to gain and maintain competency in numerous software programs which are
different with each other in terms of interface and operational ease. Eastman et al.
(2008) suggests to integrate the different functionality needed for conceptual designs
and for this purpose, they propose 4 different ways to achieve this

 The development of a single application which can take care of all the
functionalities discussed in table 3.1
 A suite of integrated applications using a set of direct translators or plug-ins.
 A neutral public exchange interface which is supported by all applications
and the model created on one can be interchangeably used on others.
 Last and possibly the best solution proposed is to make BIM authoring tools
such as Revit or ArchiCAD to expand their capabilities to include the
functionalities discussed in table 3.1.

3.2 Building System Design and Analysis

At this stage, detailed specification about the project is established and designed, and
other services such as mechanical, electrical and plumbing services are also considered
for early inputs. The software applications used in this phase are complex and require
technical speciality to operate them.

3.2.1 Analysis and Simulation Software:

There have been many computerised programs to perform several analyses, long
before the emergence of BIM. In order to integrate these programs with BIM authoring
tools there has to be an effective interface between these applications with the
following three aspects, as also identified by Eastman et al. (2008);

i. Models from the BIM authoring tools must have special attribute
associated with them to perform required analysis.
Imran Mohammad 27
MCM Scope of BIM Project Report

ii. Methods for compiling an analytical data model that contains

appropriate abstractions of building geometry for it to function as a
valid and accurate representation of the building for the specified
analysis software. The analytical model that is abstracted from the
physical BIM model will be different for each type of analysis.
iii. A mutually supported exchange format for data transfer, such as IFC
to allow association between abstracted analysis model and the
physical BIM model and include ID information to support
incremental updating on both sides of exchange.

Eastman et al. (2008) call these aspects as the core of BIM’s fundamental promise to
do away with the need for multiple data entries for different analysis applications,
allowing the model to be analysed directly and within a very short time cycle. The
following design areas are increasingly using software based analysis which is further
linked to one of the BIM authoring tools.

3.2.2 Structural Design Analysis:

As architectural design applications do not generate or represent structural members in

a way that is suitable for performing structural analyses, some software companies
offer separate versions of their BIM software to provide these capabilities. Revit
Structures and Bentley Structures are the leading applications in this area, but they are
mostly used for structural drafting, rather than analysis. SAP2000, ETABS and
STAAD-Pro are some of the pure structure analysis and design applications which are
interoperable with main drafting tools like Revit. Some of these applications are listed
in table 3.2 with their primary functions and ability to interoperate with other BIM
tools.

3.2.3 Energy Design Analysis:

With sustainable design and construction gaining momentum, energy analysis has
become an important aspect of building design evolution. Several energy analysis
programs are now available which can import a BIM model and perform the necessary
analysis based on the data embedded within the model. DOE-2, EngeryPlus and
Apache are few of the leading energy analysis software, many of which are
interoperable with Ecotect and can work interchangeably with Revit or other BIM
authoring applications. Table 3.2 lists some of these applications.
Imran Mohammad 28
MCM Scope of BIM Project Report

3.2.4 Lighting and Acoustic Analysis:

Increased awareness about efficient lighting design and noise control has added
another parameter to BIM with software tools enabling deep analysis on these issues.
Radiance is one such tool used for lighting analysis and creates simulation to give a
better idea of the lighting needs of a building. It can be directly linked with ArchiCAD
and to work with other applications, Radiance can export its files in dxf format, which
is accepted by most BIM applications. ‘Ease’ and ‘Odeon’ have established themselves
as providers of acoustic solutions for buildings. Both of these applications can export
their findings in DXF format which is readily acceptable by BIM applications. Refer
table 3.2 for more information on these tools.

3.2.5 Building Function Analysis:

Modeling in BIM authoring tools is just not enough. A BIM model is known as a data
mine, and there are many chances that a model contains many errors in both modeling
and designing. Solibri Model Checker performs the function of verifying model
contents, deleting the duplicate entry, and identifying errors in design and model
making. This has emerged even more powerful with the use of interoperable formats
like IFC through which it can import models from various BIM authoring tools. A
similar application called Autodesk Naviswork is also very popular for its function of
model navigation, clash detection and simulation.

Clash detection is increasingly becoming popular for its usability and its ability to
avoid clashes between services before the construction starts. Both Naviswork and
Solibri are capable to find clashes by virtual collision of BIM models from different
services. Solibri surpasses the Naviswork in some of the functions like quantity take-
off and finding design errors. Both these applications are listed in table 3.2 with their
primary functions and ability to interoperate.

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MCM Scope of BIM Project Report

The Table below lists applications used in design analysis stage along with the
functionality and interoperability with BIM tools.

Table 3.2: Building system design and analysis applications

Building system and

Primary functions Interoperability with
Analysis tools
Structure analysis Revit Structures
SAP2000
Structure calculation Support IFC formats
Structure analysis, Visualization Tekla Structures
STAAD‐Pro
Structure calculation& Verification Bentley
Structural design, foundations, Masonry Support DXF export & direct
Risa and concrete Structure design. link with Revit Structures

Uses a single model to perform Analysis, Bi-directional affinity with

RAM from Bentley Structural Design, Modeling and Bentley Structural Modeler and
Documentation. Revit Stuctures
Energy Analysis for heating, cooling, Indirect link to Revit via Ecotect
lighting, ventilation, other energy Direct bidirectional affinity with
Energy+ ArchiCAD. Support IFC Import
flows, and water use & Export

Ecotect
Analysis for thermal, visual and
acoustic performance of buildings
ESP‐r and the energy use and gaseous
emissions associated with
environmental control systems.
Odeon Acoustics Analysis Support only DXF import
Design analysis & error report
Allows direct import from
Modeling analysis and error report
ArchiCAD. Import via IFC
Rule based Clash Detection highlighting
formats models from All major
severity of clash
Solibri Model Checker BIM authoring tools. No options
Quantity takeoff with integration to Cost
for direct linking.
Estimating applications
Model version comparison

Real time design analysis & navigation

Model import from Revit via
File and data aggregation
native format. Allows
Visualization, animation and 4D
AutoCAD, Microstation and
Naviswork Scheduling
IFC formats. Direct link with
Clash detection
scheduling softwares like MS
Project and Primavera

There are many other applications worth mentioning while discussing design and
analysis of building components. Applications like ‘Radiance’ and ‘Ease’ for lighting
and acoustics analysis, ‘Flovent’ and ‘Fluent’ for airflow analysis, ‘TRNSYS’and
‘Carrier E20-II’ for mechanical equipment analysis, do not support or form any link

Imran Mohammad 30
 MCM
M Scope of BIM
M Project Report
R

withh BIM authhoring tools,, therefore, these appliccations need

d to be deveeloped furth
her to
be iincluded in BIM family
y.

3.3 Constru
uction-Levvel Buildiing Modeels

In a BIM envirronment, Eastman et aal. (2008) su

upport the idea
i of Dessign Model to be
the starting pooint of elabo
oration by tthe construction team. A partiallyy detailed model
m
from
m a design team is fu
urther transsferred to a contractor team for iinputs of details
d
regaarding consstruction, planning
p annd fabricatiion. This idea is gainning groun
nd for
succcessful impplementatio
on of BIM in variouss kinds of procuremeent methodss. As
disccussed in previous chaapters, mosst of the pro
ocurement systems cann be adjustted to
adoopt BIM but conversely, BIM briings most of urement sysstem to work on
o the procu
andd follow thee integrated method off delivery to
o some exteent. The vieew supporteed by
Easstman et al. (2008) thaat the designn model sh
hould be traansformed iinto constru
uction
moddel is alsoo gaining momentum
m at the loccal industry
y level, whhich this author
a
witnnessed whiile working max Ltd (a leading architecture ppractice in New
g with Jasm
Zeaaland). The flow diagraam below i s extracted from BIM Best Practiice Guide issued
by JJasmax Ltd.

Figure 3.1: B
BIM flow diagrram (with perm
mission from JJasmax Ltd)

Thee idea represented throu

ugh this diaagram is still not in fulll practice. T
The main reeason
for this originaates from th
he architectts who wantt to eliminaate liability for constru
uction
issuues,which iss madeappaarent from the text dissclaimers in
n the drawiings; hencee, this
trannsfers the reesponsibility
y for dimennsional accu
uracy and co
orrectness too the contraactors
(Eastman et al. 2008). This prompts the contracctors to deveelop their oown models from
scraatch to avooid any disccrepancy inn the archittect’s drawiings. The w
whole procedure
invoolves repeatted round of submittalss, design rev
views and corrections.
c

Imraan Mohammaad 31
MCM Scope of BIM Project Report

Nevertheless, these issues are now being addressedfor bigger projects, and design
firms like Jasmax Ltd are taking initiatives to break the barrier and pave the way for
BIM integration to a meaningful level.

Construction-level building model goes through two stages of information addition.

 Drawing and documentation production

 Specifications

3.3.1 Drawing and Document Production

With BIM finding place in interdisciplinary construction departments, Eastman et al.

(2008) guess that at some point, drawings will stop being the design information of
record and instead the model will become the primary legal and contractual source of
building information. This may soon become a reality with an array of programs
available to design and document various functions of a building project.

Hardin (2009), Eastman et al. (2008) and Smith &Tardif (2009) all believe that a
single model representation which guarantees consistency and automates most aspects
of drawing production can significantly reduce the documentation production time
which is evident from a single model being able to generate all plans, sections,
elevations, structural, mechanical, electrical and other systems drawings.

There are issues with interoperability and compatibility within the BIM tools which
sometime restrict the free flow of information between applications. With the
development of different exchange formats, these issues are being addressed. Smith
&Tardiff (2009) see the long term goal of BIM revolution to completely automate the
production of drawings from the model.

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MCM Scope of BIM Project Report

Below is a table listing important applications, their functions in drawing and

documentation production, and their interoperability with other BIM authoring tools.

Table 3.2: Construction Drawings & Documentation tools

Drawing and Document

Primary functions Interoperability
production tools
Design and Modeling of Air-Handling Bentley Architecture
and Plumbing Systems Bentley Structures
Bentley Building Automated Drawing Production and Supports all major BIM formats
Mechanical Systems Coordination including IFC
Integration with Analysis and Fabrication

A complete building design package Full support for IFC format

Vectorworks Architect which also include Mechanical & HVAC
Electrical and Piping design function.
Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing Interoperable with other Revit
Revit MEP (MEP) system design, engineering, and apps. Support IFC data
analysis. exchange format
Design and modeling of electrical Links with all other Bentley
Bentley Building
subsystems Apps, Supports all major BIM
Electrical Systems
formats including IFC
General 3D modeling, Piping, & project Support AutoCAD formats
ProCAD 3D Smart
management tools
Design & analysis of Transportation, Interoperable with Revit and
Civil & Environmental project. Microstation via XML format.
Geospatial, surveying & Storm water
Autodesk Civil 3D
analysis
Hydraflow Storm Sewers
Quantity Takeoff and Machine Guidance again via XML
during construction
Land development, Site modeling, Native support to AutoCAD,
Survey, drainage, water and sewer, road, Civil 3D, Microstation. Support
Bentley Power Civil
and earthworks design and Analysis, XML data for export.
subdivisions.
Full comprehensive design & analysis of
Support data exchange via
structures in 3D
Tekla Structures XML, IFC, DWG, DXG and
Perform 4D scheduling
DGN

Full comprehensive design & analysis of

Full support for DWG, DXF
structures in 3D
Bentley Structures and DGN and IFC 2X
Quantity and Costs performance
compliant.

Full comprehensive design & analysis of Full support for Autodesk

Revit Structures structures in 3D Applications like Revit
architecture & AutoCAD.

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MCM Scope of BIM Project Report

3.3.2 Specifications

Eastman et al. (2008) analyse that a detailed 3D model does not yet provide
sufficiently definitive information for constructing a building. For instance, the model
does not provide information on preliminaries which set out the procedures for site
access and safety protocols. Also as Eastman et al. (2008) state that the model omits
technical specifications of materials, finishes, quality grades, construction procedures
and other information for managing the realization of a desired building outcome.

Contrary to this, Dillon (2005) observes that with today's object-oriented technology,
the graphical model components can themselves contain non-graphical information
that further defines their function and structure. For example, a wall in Architectural
Desktop can have any number of non-graphical "properties" assigned to it that contain
information about fire rating, framing parameters, estimating information, etc., that
would not be obvious from simply viewing the model or a 2-dimensional view. This
information can be displayed in a schedule or exported to a 3rd party or complimentary
application for downstream use by another discipline.

Dillon’s (2005) assumptions are now in fruition in the form of advanced IT

applications such as e-SPECS. With the new version of E-spec, an affinity with Revit
has been developed, where specification can be synchronized with BIM model. Insert a
wall, door, window, or any other building object into a project’s Revit model and
instantly update the project manual with the appropriate specifications. Any changes
made to the designs will automatically be incorporated into the specification manual.e-
SPECS automates the preparation of construction specifications by extracting the
product and material requirements directly from BIM and instantly updating the
project specifications to the requirements of the building model (e-SPECS, 2010).
Eastman et al. (2008) also mention e-SPECS to be one of the earliest specifications
systems to cross-reference with a BIM design model. Specification can also be
associated with library objects, so that a spec is automatically applied when the library
object is incorporated into the design.

As per e-SPECS website, “if you added a brick wall to your project and later changed
it to concrete, e-SPECS for Revit would remove the unit masonry section and add a
concrete section to the project manual”.

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MCM Scope of BIM Project Report

There are few other specification development software programs which can be
hyperlinked with BIM applications and help generate the specs documents side by side
the design development. The table below lists few major applications in this area;

Specification building
Primary functions Interoperability
tools
Master Specification documentation Directly links with Revit,
e‐SPECS
All product information libraries AutoCAD
Construction Project Management Direct link with BIM
Uniformat II
Building Standard applications under development
Products data organization & collection Customised linking with Revit
MasterFormat Construction requirements by adding Specs Family
Activities and product usage
Overall Construction Classification IFC compliant
OmniClass
System
Table 3.3: Specs tools

3.4 Major BIM Authoring Tools

BIM authoring applications are the platform for design development in all aspects.
Each tool is different from the other in a way that it is created on separate language
bases and technologies. Each BIM application has at least one unique property or
function which is not present in other tools. Similarly, to maintain a degree of market
monopoly, these tools are deliberately kept apart from each other in terms of
interoperability. The system, language and technology used to create such tools also
vary to a great extent, which again makes these applications different from each other
thus, limiting the interoperability.

A dynamic model created in Revit Architecture loses a good amount of its properties
when imported in any other BIM authoring tools. Nevertheless, each of the BIM
authoring tools discussed in the subsequent sections has many other supporting
applications which together form an interoperable BIM environment.

3.4.1 Revit Architecture:

Revit was developed specifically with Architecture in mind and was purpose built for
Architects by Architects. To that point, the majority of the product development teams
were architects or came from a design and construction background (Arkin, 2007). The

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Revvit Buildingg application

n has been ddeveloped as
a a purpose built tool for Architeecture
andd is one of thhe widely used parameetric BIM ap
pplications.

Woorking with Revit

R mean
ns a change anywhere iss a change everywhere
e e.

Revvit was acqquired by Autodesk

A
in 2002 andd since th
hen has
launnched 29 releases of Revit,
eachh time with ncreased
in
funcctionality and advanced
a
intuuitive BIM
M authoring
g tools.
Revvit is a faamily of in
ntegrated
F
Figure 3.1: Lattest Revit Release
prodducts whichh includes Revit
R Archittecture, Stru
ucture and MEP
M (Eastm
man et al. 2008).
2
Revvit supportts a large number oof differen
nt file formats whicch increasees its
inteeroperabilityy with man
ny other appplications forming
f BIM
M environm
ment. Its native
n
form
mats DWF and DXF are
a now widdely accepteed by BIM and non-B
BIM applicaations.
In aaddition, it supports gb
bXML interrfaces whicch are used for energy simulation
ns and
loadd analysis. It forms direct links with ROBO
OT and RISA for struuctural analyses.
Easstman et al. (2008) listt many otheer formats such
s as DG
GN, DWG, IIFC, SAT, SKP,
VI etc whichh further increase Reviit’s ability to be exchaanged withoor exchange and
AV
view
w files froom other BIM appllications. Refer
R table 3.4 for advantagess and
disaadvantages of Revit app
plications.

3.4.2 Bentley Systems

S

Benntley was founded

f by
y Bentley bbrothers in 1984 for the develoopment of CAD
appplications foor personall computerrs. To enteer in the BIM
B enviroonment, Beentley
launnched their BIM centric parametriic applicatio
on called Beentley Archhitecture wh
hich is
the upgrade of
o their ownTriforma application
n for design
ning and ddrafting. Beentley
Arcchitecture is closely integrated
i with its siister appliccations whiich are Beentley
Struuctures, Buiilding, Mecchanical, Buuilding Elecctrical Systems, Faciliities and Beentley
Pow
werCivil appplications. In compaarison to Revit,
R Bentlley system
ms consumee less
com
mputer resoources resulting in lessser loads on memorry hence, pproducing faster
resuults. As per AECbytes review, Benntley Archiitecture is more
m compleex to use, and its
inteerface for ann ordinary person
p is nott user friend
dly (Khemlaani, 2009).

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Benntley providdes an array

y of applicattions caterin
ng to the neeeds of diffferent discip
plines
in A
Architecturee, Engineerring and Coonstruction industry. Itt seems Benntley is thee only
closse competitoor to Autod
desk, who byy the meanss of vigorou
us acquisitioon have acq
quired
andd developed many softw
ware relatedd to BIM tecchnology. Table
T 3.2 in previous seection
listss many of the Bentley
y’s softwaree applicatio
ons and thee diagram bbelow (extrracted
from
m Bentley’ss website) further
f orgaanises thesee software to
t show theeir relevance and
position in the BIM cycle..

Furtther strengtths and weaknesses of B

Bentley Arcchitecture are discussedd in table 3..4.

3.4.3 ArchiCA
AD

ArcchiCAD is one of the oldest BIM

M applicatio
ons as it was
w launcheed in 1987, with
paraametric funnctionality of 3D m
modeling. It is the only
o objectt-model-oriiented
archhitectural CAD
C system
m running onn MAC operrating systems (Eastmaan et al. 200
08).

Graaphisoft hass been emp

powering thhe broadesst communiity of archhitects to deeliver
moddel based projects
p thatt are better designed, more
m predicctable to coonstruct and
d less
exppensive to operate (Graphisoft
( .com). Graaphisoft was
w acquireed by Geerman
Nem
metschek Group
G in 2007 whhich alread
dy owns strong Civvil Engineeering
Appplications. ArchiCAD
A has
h opened the arena for
f BIM plaayers who ar
are obsessed
d with
theiir favourite operating systems
s succh as MAC, to continu
ue working on BIM wiithout
channging their operating system.
s

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Kheemlani (2010) discussses a signifficant break

kthrough in
n the AEC
C industry in its
trannsition from
m CAD to BIM.
B Regarrding this she
s writes that
t Graphiisoft, throug
gh its
releease ‘ArchiC
CAD 13’, has
h providedd first of itss kind, server-based BIIM collaborration
capability, avaailable to users at no addditional co
ost. With a flexible
f elem
ment reserv
vation
systtem (a technnology that detects andd transmits only
o the chaanged eleme
ments betweeen the
clieent computeers and the server) andd a revampeed Teamwo
ork interfac e for the seerver-
baseed collaborration, the new technnology allo
owed projecct team meembers to work
togeether more easily
e and quickly
q in reeal-time on modeling projects.
p

Anoother new Teamwork-r

T related featture Releaseed in ‘Arch
hiCAD 14’ is a BIM Server
S
perfformance monitor
m funcction, whichh provides feedback
f to server admiinistrators on
o the
perfformance of
o the serveer computerr and the BIM
B Serverr applicatioon. It provides a
pictture of the server’s current statuus, as well as a recen
nt history oof server-reelated
evennts, enabliing the ad
dministratorr to contin
nuously monitor
m thee BIM Serrver’s

Figurre 3.2: Latest ArchiCAD

A Rellease
perfformance and
a memory and deteermine if any
a changess need to be made to the
harddware or sooftware for optimal
o servver perform
mance (Khem
mlani, 2010)).

ArcchiCAD suppports a wide range off formats and

a forms direct
d links with Maxo
on for
curvved surfacees and with SketchUp for concep
pt design. Apart
A from tthis, it can form
direect links wiith Ecotect, Energy+ A
ARCHiPHISIK and otthers for suustainable design
d
andd analysis. Major
M advan
ntages and ddisadvantages are discu
ussed in tablle 3.4.

3.4.4 Digital Prroject

Gehhry Technollogies' Digiital Project™

™ is a suitee of powerfful 3D buildding inform
mation
moddeling and managemen
nt tools bassed on the power of DassaultSyst
D temes' CAT
TIA-a
com
mprehensivee design and m
manufacturin
ng platforrm (Gehrry Techno
ology
Webbsite).Gehryy Technolo
ogy is now calling Dig
gital Projecct as the paarametric Prroject
Lifeecycle Management (PLM) softwaare becausee of its closee integrationn with Prim
mavera
whiich can be innterfaced with
w digital pproject on th
he same screen.
Imraan Mohammaad 38
MCM Scope of BIM Project Report

Laiserin (2010) states on his website that until recently BIM implementations mainly
focused on using 3D models to improve drawing production, but the real promise of
BIM lies in its application across the entire project team, especially in the area of
improved building performance which is attributed to Gehry’s Digital Project(DP).

DP has mostly been used for very large and complex projects because of its ability to
handle such projects without crashing, but at the same time it requires most powerful
workstations to run on. Eastman et al. (2008) observe DP to be very complex for
ordinary people and requires steep learning curve to be able to use it efficiently.

It supports large number of formats including Uniformat and Masterformat for

embedded classifications which facilitates the generation of specifications for cost
estimation and quantity takeoff. Other interoperability formats and major strengths and
weaknesses are discussed in table 3.4.

3.4.5 AutoCAD Architecture

Previously known as Architectural Desktop (ADT), AutoCAD Architecture is now

only a semi-BIM application. It can create parametric objects and provide 3D
visualizations, but Onstott (2008) on AEC Bytes predicts AutoCAD Architecture can
never be a complete BIM application because it has CAD at its core. Eastman et al.
(2008) call it a good transition from 2D CAD to BIM. Because of the familiarity of the
interface it is easy for AutoCAD users to switch to 3D in AutoCAD. It has a
predefined set of architectural objects, and while not fully parametric, it provides much
of the functionality offered by parametric tools, including the ability to make custom
objects with adaptive behaviours. For those who prefer the AutoCAD-based workflow,
AutoCAD Architecture will remain their design application of choice, and it will allow
them to derive at least some of the benefits of BIM, which AutoCAD alone cannot
provide (Onstott, 2008).

AutoCAD Architecture has increased its interoperability with the inclusion of IFC
format and by allowing other BIM authoring applications such as Micro Station’s
DGN model to be imported into it.

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3.4.6 Tekla Strructures

Tekkla Corp was

w founded
d in 1966 pproviding solutions
s in
n building aand constru
uction
induustry. Theirr flagship ap
pplication X
Xsteel was introduced
i in mid 19900s from wh
here it
capttured a considerable market
m of steeel designin
ng applicatio
ons througho
hout the worrld. In
20004, they launnched Teklaa Structuress which exteended the seervices to coover wider range
of ddesign areass including precast conncrete, timb
ber, reinforcced concrette, and strucctural
enggineering. Inn their own words,Teklla Structuress describe itts applicatioon as

Figure 3.3: Tekla Structu

ures (Courtesy Tekla.com)

Buiilding Information Modeling

M (B
BIM) softw
ware that enables thhe creation
n and
mannagement of accurattely detaileed, highly constructiible 3D strructural models
m
regaardless of material
m or structural
s coomplexity. Tekla modeels can be uused to coveer the
entiire building process fro
om conceptuual design to fabrication, erection and constru
uction
mannagement (T
Tekla.com, 2010).

Tekkla Structurres supportts interfaces with IFC

C, DWG, CIS/2
C DGN
N and DXF
F file
form
mats. Further interoperrability with
th advantag
ges and disaadvantages are discusssed in
tablle 3.4.

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 MCM Scope of BIM Project Report

REVIT ARCHITECTURE 2011

Advantages Disadvantages Interoperability
 Easy to learn  Requires a powerful Direct integration with
 Well designed & User friendly workstations o Revit Stucture
interface  Files are of larger sizes o REvit MEP
 Third party object libraries  Limitations with parametric Direct interfaces with
 A preferred interface widely rules dealing with angles. o gbXML
recognized  Lacking server based o ROBOT
 Bi-directional affinity with many collaboration capability o RISA
other BIM applications  No support for multiprocessor Direct import from
 Concurrent multi user operations operation o Google SketchUp
 Vast collection of interoperable object o Ecotect
liberary Support other formats such as
DGN, DWG, DXF, IFC, SAT
BENTLEY ARCHITECTURE V8I
 Broad range of building and modeling  A very complex application Interfaces with applications as
tools  Requires steep learning curve o Primavera
 Easy to model complex curved  Less extensive object libraries o STAAD
surfaces like NURBS and Bezier compared to other BIM o RAM
 Multi level support to develop custom applications Full integration with other
parametric objects called generative  Poor help files and support Bentley applications such as
components  Difficult to explore new o AutoPipe,
 Has its own wide range of other BIM features in latest releases o Building systems
applications which are fully o AXSYS etc
integrated with Bentley Architecture along with the support for
 Efficient in handling large projects DGN, DWG, DXF, PDF,
STEP and IFC
ARCHICAD 14
 Relatively simple to use with intuitive  Lacks conceptual design Interfaces with
interface capabilities. o Ecotect
 Large object libraries  Lack of freeform modeling o Energy+
 An only BIM application available tools for complex structures. o gbXML
for MACINTOSH operating systems  Lack of an associative option o Strong support for
 Server based collaboration unique in for editing building elements IFC. Allows import
Archicad. which would maintain their & export to and from
 Provides interactive training guide relationships when all major BIM
 Multiprocessor support modifications are made authoring tools via
 Inbuilt features for MEP design, IFC.
Virtual building explorer, and ECO
design.
DIGITAL PROJECT
 Ideal for complex project.  The complexity of application
 Based on entirely parametric
Interfaces with
requires steep learning curve
modeling.  Complex user interface o Primavera
 Created by Architects for Architects  High cost of implementation o Support IFC format
 Can create any form imaginable  Limited object library for interoperability
 Supports free-style Surface  Drawing capabilities for with other BIM
Modeling(NURBS) documentation is not well applications.
 Project Organization and developed. o Support formats like
Coordination DWG, DXF, IGES,

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 MCM Scope of BIM Project Report

 Generative surface design SDNF etc.

 Inbuilt cost estimation and quantity
takeoff.
 Inbuilt MEP and clash detection
AUTOCAD ARCHITECTURE 2011
Advantages Disadvantages Interoperability
 Easy to learn  Not a complete parametric Direct integration with
 3D free-form design tools application o Alias sketching
 Easy for existing Autocad users to  Limited interfaces to other o Supports IFC
switch from 2D to 3D applications. o Can import DGN files
 Integrated sketching interface from  Need to propagate changes
Alias manually across the drawings
 Point Cloud support sets.
 Decent material library for
visualizations
TEKLA STRUCTURES
 Versatile in modeling complex  Complex interface, not user Interfaces with applications as
structure. friendly. o Supports IFC for
 Incorporates all kinds of structural  Requires steep learning curve. interdisciplinary BIM
elements  Lacks advanced file applications.
 Can support large projects with management system o Efficiently convert its
relative ease  Poor dimensioning procedures models to IFC for use in
 Allows multiple users to work on  More expensive than other Revit and other BIM
same project at the same time. BIM solutions. authoring tools.
 Allows to create custom parametric
components and creates library
 Provide inbuilt construction
management support.
 Provides in-built clash detection using
multiprocessor functionality

3.5 Conclusion

Object based parametric modeling is a major change for the building industry, which is
significantlyenabling the move from a drawing-based technology to a one based on
digitally readable models that can be exchanged with other applications (Eastman et
al., 2008). The BIM authoring tools listed in the above tables differ from each other in
one or the other aspect. These applications are closely analysed for varying levels of
parametric nature and their ability to import, export and interoperate with other BIM
applications. The high degree of compliance with these behaviours puts an application
in the BIM category. For instance ‘Chief Architect’ is also a parametric application
widely used for residential constructions, but is not considered as a BIM application
because it does not support interoperability to a considerable extent. It is capable to
perform 3D design & drafting, quantity take-off and has huge collection of library

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objects, but lacks intuitive interface, design analysis and ability to interact with any
external applications.

Eastman et al. (2008) also emphasise that the ability to extract geometric and property
information from a building model for use in design, analysis, construction planning
and fabrication or in operations, will have large impacts on all aspects of the AEC
industries. This cannot be realised with a model created in Chief Architect, hence it
does not fall in the category of BIM application.

The analysis done in this chapter focuses on the scope of BIM in AEC industry. The
study reflects that BIM is still being defined at various capacities by different trades
involved in the construction industry. There is a little BIM for all the sub trades and
there is a bigger BIM for all the major trades. BIM now exists at every stage. The
chapter can be concluded in Brian Lightheart’s (2010) words who wrote about BIM on
AECbytesin the following words;

BIM as we know it today is really a teenager. It was only named a few years
ago. It barely knows what it is yet. There just hasn't been time for it to mature
or stabilize its development so people can get to know it. Further exploitation
of its potential requires that massive amounts of information be identified and
systematized in great detail. Nevertheless, the unsurprising result is that
various groups have engaged in advancing solutions to the particular problems
and opportunities that they see as most pressing.

(Lightheart, 2010)

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4 IMPLEMENTATION OF BIM AND NETWORK-BASED

INTEGRATION

Towards the implementation of BIM the key decision for the directors and
management of most of the architectural firms is to decide on what BIM software to
deploy, what are the cost implication and what other firms are using? The other major
decision is to decide on how many licenses of any Particular BIM software to buy
followed by the number of personnel to be sent for training. These three decision
making points dictate the formation of entire BIM implementation strategy. A
conservative strategy in technology adoption will only yield marginal gains.

Yet again there are issues with model exchange and data sharing. Issues of owning a
model comes in the forefront when there are variations or disputes found in the model.
This whole scenario needs to be addressed and a new form of contract is required for
seamless integration of BIM and data exchange between parties involved in the
construction project.

Initial implementation cost of BIM is definitely high, but it is subdued by long term
benefits which comes with the use of collaborative model sharing and information
exchange which results in ‘more time designing rather than drafting’, less RFIs, and
fool proof construction with no or minimal errors.

4.1 BIM versus traditional approach (MacLeamy Curve)

The MacLeamy curve is known after PartickMacLeamy who is the CEO of one of the
world’s largest architecture firms with more than 2000 employees. This firm
implemented BIM and integrated other services to essentially form an ‘Integrated
Project Delivery’ model to exploit full potentials of BIM (Khemlani, 2008).
MacLeamy made presentation at the General Session on BIM at the AIA 2005
National Convention where he presented his study on implementation of BIM and
introduced the graph which has gained popularity among BIM enthusiasts and
academics and is now known as ‘MacLeamy Curve’.

This graph represents the relationship between efforts and cost against the project
timeline. It establishes that decisions made early in a project especially during design
phase can be made at lower cost and with greater effectiveness.

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Effort / Effects
MacLeamy Curve

Pre-Design Schematic Design Construction BID Construction

Time
Design Development Documents

In traditional drafting methods, Design, Analysis and Documentation are disconnected

processes. In this type of method, ‘What if’ scenario is inefficient and cost-prohibitive.
Since BIM is completely parametric model based solution it generously allows ‘what
if’ possibilities during design development and documentation stage.

In the above graph the blue curve (BIM curve)demonstrates that by dynamically
connecting design, analysis and documentation in a BIM workflow, most of the effort
in any design project is shifted back into the schematic and design development phase
when the ability to influence project performance is high and the cost of making
alterations to design is low. This allows Architects to spend more time on optimizing
and increasing design efficiency and less time in construction documentation.

The reference to MacLeamy curve for strategic implementation of BIM helps firms
understand the importance and benefits of this emerging process. Also the risk of
implementing BIM technology as assessed by Smith and Tardiff (2009) is far lower
than the risk of implementing CAD technology a generation ago, because it is much
easier to align available BIM technologies with an organization’s internal business
processes and core competencies and measures the results.

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4.2 Benefitss of BIM ffor strategic implementation

n

Easstman et al. (2008) asssert that aalthough thee AEC and

d
Faccility Managgement indu
ustry is in eearly days of
o BIM use,
signnificant impprovements have alreaddy been
reallized. Therefore as a part of w
working
straategy towarrds effective implemenntation
of B
BIM it is important to explain and to
som
me extent display
d the potential users and
broaader AEC community
c including owners
andd Facility Managers
M about
a the bbenefits
andd advantages of adoptin
ng BIM booth as a
proccess and ass a technology. Some of these
bennefits as alsoo discussed by Eastmann et al. (200
08) are
disccussed below
w.

4.2.1 Preconstrruction Ben

nefits to Ow
wner

Design Benefits:With the help oof analysiss and

a) Conceppt, Feasibillity and D
feasibillity tools su
uch as Facillity Composer, owner can decide about the scope
of the project
p and determine w
whether thee project wo
ould fall und
nder the allo
ocated
budget.. This can save
s a consiiderable am
mount of tim
me and monney which would
w
otherwiise be spent in engaginng an archiitect to conduct a feasiibility study
y. On
the flipp side, this benefit caan only be realized by
y an inform
med and caapable
owner who
w has thee means to rrun such stu
udy.
b) Increassed building ality: By ussing tools suuch as form
g performannce and qua m.Z or
Googlee Sketchup, a schemattic model prior
p to gen
nerating a ddetailed buiilding
model allows forr a more careful evaaluation off the propoosed schem
me to
determiine whetheer it meeets the bu
uilding’s fu
unctional aand sustaiinable
requirem
ments (Easttman et al. 22008).

4.2.2 Design Beenefits

a) Earlierr and morre accuratte Visualizzations of a Designn: BIM makes

m
oncepts fairrly easy as a 3D modeel is also ccreated alon
visualizzation of co ngside
drawingg of the co
oncept. BIM
M authoring
g tools creatte parametrrically conssistent

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MCM Implementation of BIM Project Report

models which can be viewed at any time of design development (Eastman et al.
2008).
b) Automatic low-level corrections when changes are made to design: A very
significant benefit of parametric modeling is that making a change at one place
reflects in all other drawings automatically. For instance, changing ceiling
heights will automatically bring down the roofs to the new baseline on walls.
c) Generate accurate and consistent 2D drawings at any stage of the Design: This
is another important feature of the BIM application that an accurate 2D
drawing can be extracted for any set of objects or specified view of the project.
Comparing to traditional method of drafting, BIM significantly reduces the
amount of time and number of errors associated with generating construction
drawings for all services and disciplines (Eastman et al. 2008).
d) Earlier collaboration of multiple design disciplines: With the advent of central
server based data management and network capability of BIM application such
as ArchiCAD to concurrently access the model by multiple teams, it is easy to
collaborate with external consultants to simultaneously work on the project.
Eastman et al. (2008) note that this feature reduces the number of errors and
omission and provides early insight into design problems which allows the
design to be continuously improved.
e) Early check against the design intent: 3D visualizations often lead to revisit
the design intent against space requirement and providing services. For
instance 3D visualization and operation simulation can provide a clearer idea
allowing for earlier and more accurate cost estimate.
f) Extract cost estimates during the Design Stage:BIM technology provides the
opportunity to extract Bill of Quantities (BOQ) at any stage of design
development. For instance, BIM application Revit can export its preliminary
model to CostX from where exact BOQ and estimate can be obtained at any
stage of project development.
g) Improve Energy Efficiency and Sustainability: Many BIM tools like EcoTect
and Green Building Studio import the BIM model through interoperable format
such as IFC and can perform energy efficiency analysis which can help select
the appropriate materials and provide the direction for best building orientation
allowing better ventilation and sunlight utilization.

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4.2.3 Construction and Fabrication Benefits

a) Synchronize design and construction planning: Latest BIM applications such as

Revit Architecture allows the model data to be exported to a project planning
tool such as Microsoft Project, where with the help of the exported data, project
planning and schedule can be prepared. This schedule can be imported back
and directly be synchronized with the BIM model allowing it to show various
phases of project as programmed by the schedule in different color schemes.
This would greatly enhance construction detailing stage for all services in AEC
industry. Another important feature of BIM technology is to create a
construction sequence simulation which can be done on tools such as
Naviswork Manage 2011 which allows importing multiple BIM models and
provides a platform for bi-directional affinity with project scheduling software
to sync with the Model.
b) Discover design errors and omissions before construction: Advanced BIM
tools such as Solibri Model Checker and Naviswork allow Models from
different services to be checked against each other for hard and soft clashes.
For instance, two interfaces from Structural and Mechanical services can be
virtually collided to identify conflicts and clashes between them before they are
discovered during the construction phase. This would reduce considerable
amount of rework which is generated by wrong or conflicting installations of
services.
c) Use design model as basis for fabricated components: BIM model at the stage
of producing shop drawings is also referred as “Fabrication Information
Model” (AceCad, 2010) which contains an accurate representation of the
building objects for fabrication and construction (Eastman et al., 2008). Since
components are already defined in 3D, their automated fabrication using
numerical control machinery is facilitated. This allows and encourages vendors
world-wide to elaborate on the model, to develop details needed for fabrication
and to maintain links that reflect the design intent (Eastman et al., 2008).
d) Better implementation and Lean Construction techniques: BIM has significant
contribution in evolving and implementing Lean Methods in Construction.
Lean Construction advocates minimizing waste and increasing productivity and
efficiency of the resources. With BIM model ready with construction

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MCM Implementation of BIM Project Report

scheduling and details of quantities, onsite material inventories can be

completely avoided and Just in Time strategy can be well implemented.
e) Synchronize Procurement with design and constructions:Since a BIM model
can be completely integrated into Visual Estimating programs such as CostX or
Innovaya through Sage Timberline, which can generate accurate quantities of
materials and objects contained in the design, therefore these specifications and
reports can be used to procure materials from product vendors and
subcontractors in a very organized fashion.

4.2.4 Post Construction Benefits

a) Better manage and operate facilities: A Building Information Model at the

time of handover to Facility Manger contains all the information about the
services and equipment installed in building. It also contains the information
regarding warranties and ‘service due’ period of the products installed along
with the details of Equipment Company and responsible contractor. This makes
it extremely helpful for the owners and facility manager to look after, maintain
and manage the building assets in their charge.
b) Integrate with Facility Operation and Management Systems: Building
Information Model also acts as Operations and Maintenance Manual. Eastman
et al. (2008) state that a BIM model provides an accurate source of information
about the as-built spaces and systems and provides a useful starting point for
managing and operating the building. BIM provides supports for real-time
control systems, provides a natural interface for sensors and remote operating
management of facilities.

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4.3 BIM im
mplementaation Stag
ges and Brridging Stteps

Bilaal Succar iss a BIM straategist, facillitator and researcher

r at
a Universitty of New Castle
C
(NS
SW, Austraalia) working towardds his PhD
D in BIM
M. His ressearch on BIM
impplementationn is based
d on BIM ‘Stages’ th
hrough wh
hich professsionals in AEC
induustry pass thhrough befo
ore fully inttegrating BIIM in their work
w practicce. These stages
s
wheen viewed individually
i y are isolateed practices but the deliverable froom one stag
ge can
be uused in otheer. These staages are;

 BIM Stage 1: Object-bbased modeeling

 BIM Stage 2: Model-bbased collab
boration
 BIM Stage 3: Networkk-based inteegration

Theese stages inn isolation are

a distant aapart, but are connected
d by small inncremental steps
whiich form seaamless conn
nection from
m one stage to other.

4.3.1 Stage 1: From

F 2D too 3D transiition

Manny architectture firms after

a practiccing 2D metthods of documentationn and depen
nding
on externally prepared 3D visuallization tak
ke a movee to deplooy 3D draafting
appplications. This
T move remains moostly unplaanned, whicch results inn generatin
ng 2D
doccuments andd 3D visualiizations from
m the so caalled BIM model
m but thhe parameter-rich
moddel itself is not shared with other discipliness (Succar, 2008). Term
ms like DWF
F, 3D
PDF
F and NWD
D become th
he new phraases among
g the colleag
gues and peeers. Throug
gh the
adooption of BIIM applicatiions, these firms are able
a to undeergo as Succcor (2008) states
‘mild’ process change as they
t start geenerating 3D
D views in excess,
e start
rt getting thee idea
on qquantities, specification
s n and utilizee ‘what if’ benefits
b of using
u a BIM
M applicatio
on. At
thiss stage a BIM
B model is a singgle discipliinary propeerty which produces CAD
doccuments andd is bound under
u the traaditional con
ntractual ob
bligations.

Source: ChangeAgents
C s.com.au

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4.3.2 Stage 2: From

F modeeling to collaboration

Firm
ms after rem
maining on Stage 1 foor some tim
me may reallize the neeed to collab
borate
withh other connsultants to harness m
more of the BIM poten
ntial. Regardding this Succar
(20008) explainns that two disciplines,
d who each own
o a Param
meter rich m
model, deciide to
colllaborate by exchanging
g and sharinng models databases.
d This
T collabooration may be in

Source:
S Chang
geAgents.com.aau

the form of co--authoring a single dattabase or to link two diifferent appplications su

uch as
linkking Revit with
w MS Pro
oject or to eexchange in
nteroperablee file formatts such as IF
FC or
CIS
S2 etc. This collaboratiion with thee help of in
nteroperabiliity enables them to perrform
4D time-studiees, interdiscciplinary claash detectio
on and to geenerate an iimpressive array
of aanalysis-driiven deliverrables (Succcor, 2008). At this sttage, strongg need arisses to
channge the natuure of contrract but stilll remains sh
hort of clearr policy guiddelines.

4.3.3 Stage 3: From

F collab
boration to
o integratio
on

Succcor (2008)) argues th

hat the fulffillment off this stagee requires aall the theories,
phillosophies annd standard
ds on BIM tto come tog
gether. It iss at this stagge where a BIM
moddel is centrralized on the
t server bbased systeem. Playerss from varioous servicees are
enabbled to acccess and add informaation to thee BIM model
m
all at the sam
me time. Liv
ve links arre
form
med with the
t main model
m and
otheer BIM toools such as energy,
spacce and dessign analyssis tools,
ME
EP tools, structure,, visual
estim
mation, prooject schedu
uling and
Faccility Managgement toolls. It is at
thiss stage wheere current contractuaal

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form
mats are reendered useeless. Succcor (2008) states that they lose their sync with
techhnological possibilities
p s, and a new
w form of prroject deliveery system eevolves wh
hich is
knoown as Integgrated Projeect Deliveryy.

dware or networks whiich are discussed

Succcor (2008) concludes that the sofftware, hard
in tthis sectionn are emerg
ging and m
maturing qu
uite rapidly. Processess are also being
form
mulated as innovative companies increasing
gly ally togeether and ppush the fro
ontier.
How
wever Succcor (2008) is
i concernedd with the slow rate of
o response from the Policy
P
Makkers who are slow to
t generate the necesssary guideelines, reguulations, liaability
prottection andd education
nal program
ms necessary for sy
ystematic ggrowth of BIM
techhnology andd process.

Source: ChangeAgents.
C .com.au

Thee above diaagram also demonstrattes the Integ

grated Project Deliverry (IPD) method
whiich is basedd on networrk integratioon. This typ
pe of integraation causess constructiion to
starrt at the sam
me time as the design developmeent. In this regard Jaaffari (1997) states
thatt all project activities are integraated and alll aspects of
o design, cconstruction
n and
opeeration are concurrently
c y planned too maximizee the value of
o objectivee functions while
optiimising connstructability
y, operabilitty and safetty.

4.4 BIM Steeps

M stages as discussed in previous section are not usable for BIM im

BIM mplementatio
on on
theiir own. Succcor (2008)) suggests that furtherr subdivisio
ons are reqquired whicch are
smaaller increm
mental chang
ges that eacch organizaation has to
o make to eeffectively move
from
m one stagee to other, but
b before thhat it has to
o mature witthin the stagge it is in. These
T
smaall incremenntal changess Succor (20008) calls “BIM Steps””.

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Thee passage between

b BIM Stages iis populated by many
y smaller stteps that caan be
idenntified and thus
t fulfilleed by willingg organizatiions.

Theese steps aree categorizeed in three ttypes which

h lead to BIIM maturityy transition from
onee stage to othher. Succorr (2008) putt these
stepps as
IPD
D

Integrated Prroject
Stage 3: Network Delivery. Loong term
based integrration goal of BIM
M
Stage 2: Modeel Based implementattion
Collaboration
C

Stage 1: Object
Based modeling DDiagrammatiic representation of Succoor (2008)
BBIM Stages and
a Steps req quired for Traansition
Staatus of AEC inndustry ffrom one stag
ge to other
beffore the
Imp
mplementation of BIM

 Technoology Stepss: Technologgy Steps are milestonees in softwarre, hardwarre and

networrks. For example, the availability
y of a BIM
M tool allow
ws the migrration
from drafting-base
d ed to objectt-based worrkflow (Succor, 2008).
 Processs Steps: Th
hese steps innvolve effecctive leaderrship, Infrasstructure, Human
Resourrces and Prroducts/Servvices. For example,
e ollaborationn procedures and
co
database-sharing skills are necessary to allow model-based
m d collaboraations
(Succoor, 2008).
 Policy Steps: Poliicy steps aree contractuaal, regulatorry and prepparatory chaanges.
For exxample, alliaance-based and risk-sh
haring contrractual agreeements aree pre-
requisiites to achieeving integrrated practicces.

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4.5 Conclusion

BIM stages as discussed in the previous section are the natural way of maturing BIM
capabilities by working and testing with a set of new tools. BIM steps may be the
planned progression for transition from one stage to other.

National BIM Standard (NBIMS) of US is the collection of standards to be followed

while implementing and authoring BIM models. BuildingSMART Alliance
hasrecently prepared BIM execution guide and Template following which a planned
BIM implementation can take place in any work environment.

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5 BIM FOR A CONSTRUCTION MANAGER

BIM advocates early involvement of contractors and construction managers in a

project right from its evolution and conception stage. The benefit of this is that the
contractor understands the design intent better than before and they can use their
knowledge and experience in construction to further inform the design team about
decisions that involve actually constructing the design. The better understanding which
comes with the early involvement of the construction team reflects in the form of
reduced contingencies.

Integration using technology permits the contractor and subcontractors to be familiar

with what is to be built (Hardin, 2008). This requires contractors to gain good
understanding of overall BIM process, and need to improve competencies in running
the applications and extracting information from BIM.

This chapter focuses on a live project on which BIM processes were implemented
during the research for this report. The research was conducted under the patronage of
Jasmax Ltd on one of their medium level commercial projects. The experimentation
conducted was to study the implementation and results of BIM processes at various
stages of the project. The role of BIM starts from the early phase of a project, but for
this report, the research was limited to test the broad applications involving design
analysis, navigation, schedule visualization, construction simulation, clash detection,
quantity take-off and cost estimation.

5.1 Application of BIM technology on a Live Project

(Sharpac Properties Ltd.)

For the purpose of this study, Jasmax Ltd provided a live project which was under its
design development and documentation stage. This was a medium size commercial
project for retail tenancies and office spaces. The details of the project are as under;

o For Sharpac Properties Ltd

o In the City Centre, Tauranga, NZ
o Designed by Jasmax Ltd in conjunction with other consultants
o Site & Infrastructure development (1002M2)

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o P
Parking strructure Basement 1 & 2
((1568M2)
o R
Retail areaa on grou
und floor level
((641M2)
o O M2)
Office areassonLvl 1, 2 & 3 (2073M
Deck on Lvvl 4 (200M2)
o D
o $$9.4 Millionn Constructiion cost
Figu
ure 1.1: A rend
dered view of SSharpacBIM (w
with permissioon)
o P
Piling and excavation,
e basement
b flloors
aand Groundd level floor complete too this date (5
( Nov 2010
0)

5.1.1 Exploring
g model on
n Revit

Witth the basicc knowledg

ge of Revit,,
onee can movee around an
nd positionn
the model foor viewing
g and forr
enhhanced unnderstanding
g of thee
moddel, giving a better und
derstandingg
of the scope of the project
p andd
show
wing uss any potentiallyy
incoomplete coomponents around thee
struucture. The picture on the right iss
the screen shot fro
om Revitt
Arcchitecture 2010, showing Sharpacc Figure 5.1
1: Screen shot from
f Revit

Model throughh the sectio

on-box featture of the application
n. Revit prrovides feaatures,
suchh as Navigaation Wheeel and Orienntation Box
x, which aree excellent ttools to nav
vigate
around
d the modell. Orientatioon view box can
give alll the isomeetric views, plan, elevaations
and 3D
D views ju
ust by clickking on rellevant
spots on the box itselff, whereass the
Navigaation Wheeel providdes a detailed
navigaation in and around the model.

Witth little exttra effort, a walk-throough can allso be creaated as a ppart of advaanced
navvigation. Thhis action will
w require a good sysstem configuration as ccreating a walk-
w

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through is similar to creating a movie on a per second frame rate basis and processing
hundreds of frames in a second consumes good amount of resources of the computer.

5.1.2 Estimating on CostX

Introduction to CostX from Exactel

 Supports scanned, PDF, CAD drawings and 3D BIM models; all

without the need to buy CAD software
 CostX is a new emerging application for visual estimation
 Supports BIM’s ‘5D’ cost aspect by using digital data from model to
accurately estimate quantities and cost.
 Spreadsheets based workbooks from CostX are live-linked to the
drawings.
 These workbooks are linked with user defined rate libraries.
 CostXrevision mode helps compare the design versions which highlight
the changes to be quantified.
 Free CostX Viewer allows third parties to view estimates and reports
without paper copies.
 Network capabilities allow multiple users to work on the same project
at the same time.
CostX has recently started shining on the horizon as a cost-estimating and quantity
take-off solution provider. It has moulded itself to be integrated in the BIM
environment and now promoting itself as a BIM based cost and quantity solution
provider. Below is the extract from ExactelWhite Paper on BIM;

With so much design information available in digital form, and its capacity to
change the way the industry works, the benefits of BIM to Cost Engineers and
Managers are impossible to ignore. CostX® from Exactal supports BIM by using
digital design data to accurately estimate quantities and costs, within a live
electronic environment (Exactel, 2010).

The next logical step – Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) via an integrated BIM
platform – will enable estimators using CostX® to play a central role in a new
industry paradigm, characterised by better industry productivity and improved
building design, efficiency, performance and whole of life cost (Exactel, 2010).

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Expperimentatioon with CosstX has shoown that it cuts-short

c th
he long tradditional approach
andd also breakks down ind
dustry barriiers towardss digitizing the estimaating proced
dures.
CosstX allows users to prrovide instaant itemised budgets or valuatioons for prop
posed
buillding at anyy stage of the
t design pprocess and
d with any revision in the design
n, it is
capable to idenntify any design
d changge andinstaantly re-evaaluate the ccost and quaantity
wheen the revisiions are maade.

Exaactel (2010)) provides th

he followingg flow charrt to work with
w BIM moodels and fo
orm a
cyclical link foor informatio
on exchangge.

External Cost Data Sorurce

Parametric
Project Team

Digitaal Generrate
Imporrt Obbject Live Link Quanttities
Dataa in 3D from
Object
Data
Live Link
Digiital Costt Plan,
Expport Estiimate,
BOQ In hou
use
Live Link Cost Library
L Im
mport

Figure 5.4
4: Information flow throuugh CostX (S
Source: Exacttel White Pap
aper, 2010)

CosstX is similaar in interfaace with thee 2007 onw

wards versions of Revitt, AutoCAD
D, MS
Woord, Excel or
o MS Projeect, which ggives a sense of familiiarity to a nnew CostX user.
CosstX also prrovides the similar nav
avigation sty
yles as Rev
vit or AutooCAD. Witth the
moddel orientattion box feaature, viewiing a 3D model
m from different anngles is sam
me as
provvided by Reevit or Auto
oCAD.

Thuus, followinng the flow diagram ab ove, experimentation was

w done onn Sharpac model
m
by exporting itt from Rev
vit in DWF format and
d importing
g it back intto CostX, which
w
savees it in its native
n file format.
f A puure parametric BIM model
m contaiins a databaase of
infoormation reggarding eveery aspect oof the build
ding project. And this m
model simp
plifies
or rreduces the amount of work to bee done inCo
ostX. To wo
ork on CosttX for estim
mates,

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onee needs to have the dim

mension gro ups linked with the ratte list whichhthen createes the
finaal estimates.

Th
he imported BIM modeel in CostX brings alonng with it a set of
Dim
mension Grroups, as sh
hown in this screen captture.

Dim
mension Grroups: Thesse are the set of dimennsions of vaarious
buiilding elem
ments. The dimension could be in length, area,
vollume or num
mber of objjects. Dimen
nsion groupp for floor carpet
c
is the
t area of floor. Simillarly, dimen
nsion groupp for Doors is the
num
mber of a pparticular ty
ype of doorr in the projject. To quaantify
thee amount off concrete, dimension
d group
g will bbe the measu
ure of
Vo
olume suchh as the con
ncrete in floor
fl is Areea multiplieed by
Th
hickness.

For a non BIM

M project, these
t dimen
nsion groupss will have to be
creeated manuually. CosttX has thee ability too select siimilar
maaterials or oobjects in on
ne instance. It also haas a good co
ontrol
on drawing layers as well, so creating
c dim
mension groups
mannually is not
n a tediou
us task as compared to the trad
ditional waay of comp
puting
diffferent areas and volumees.

Quaantity take-ooff is ready

y with the ddimension groups.
g Any made to the BIM
y changes m
moddel will auttomatically update thee dimension
n groups, hence
h the uupdate in Bill
B of
Quaantities (BO
OQ). A BOQ
Q report cann be created
d in PDF or XML
X formaats.

Rate List: Thesse are the rate assembllies for matterials, labours, furnituure and any other
objeect or resouurces which
h are to be pprocured. This is a onee-time tedioous task to create
c
the rate list onn CostX, altternatively, the rate listt assemblies can be im
mported from
m the
thirrd party appplications su
uch as Sagge Timberlin
ne. This is a database of materiaal and
resoources’ costt and is updated on a reegular basis. Timberline creates a rrate list based on
a paarticular areea and any change
c or uupdate taking place in Timberline
T aassembly will
w be
reflected in theeCostX rate list.

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Thee screen shoot on the rig

ght shows a rate list used
u
for Sharpac project.
p Som
me of the categories are
exppanded to shhow how a componentt is priced and
whaat dimensioon type it is based uponn, for exam
mple
lenggth or area.

Theese dimension groups are

a then linkked with a rate
r
list through an Excel like work bookk, which can
n be
direectly linkedd with MS project or Primav
vera
Schhedule. A deetailed work
k break dow
wn structuree in
a pproject scheedule usuaally containns informattion
suchh as type off work, or a type of parrticular activ
vity
andd categoriess for each kind of diifferent trad
des-
peoople workingg on the pro
oject.

Thee next step is

i to generate a workboook, which can
be imported from MS
S project Schedule as
expplained earliier. The Sccreenshot bbelow show
ws a
triall workbookk created for
f Sharpacc project. This
T
worrkbook is still not exhaustive and based on Figure 5.6: Screennshot from CostX
C
showing Ratelist
sam
mple work-bbook provid
ded by CostX
X help sectiion,
but neverthelesss it certainlly gives an iidea of how
w estimating
g is done inC
CostX.

Bassed on the type of caategory, a correspond

ding dimenssion group is dragged
d and
droppped over the ‘Unit’ column of the work book.
b Each
h group of work activ
vity is
subcategorizedd into severral smaller ttasks to eassily assign a cost to thhem. An acctivity
withh a subcateggory is show
wn in blue and is hypeerlinked. Th
his can be ddone in relattively
mucch lesser tim
me compareed to a tradittional way of
o take-off.

Afteer quantitiees and resou

urces are asssigned to the
t tasks, raates can bee applied to each
taskk to get a final estimate. This is ddone by sim
mply draggin
ng and droppping the co
ost on
corrresponding tasks and th
he estimate is calculateed instantly.. With any cchange or update
u
in thhe rate list, the work-b
book will uppdate itself too.
t Similarrly, any chaanges done in
i the
draw
wing will be
b reflected in the dimeension grou
ups, which eventually
e uupdate the work-
w
boook to show new estim
mate almostt instantly. This bi-diirectional aaffinity link
ks the
moddel and worrk-book together.

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CosstX also proovides the faacility to asssign per un

nit rate direcctly to a grooup of tasks. This
is reepresented by
b column E: Rate. Coolumn I: Trrade links th
he activity tto correspon
nding
tradde contractoor. This faccilitates to get instant information about thee contractor and
storres all the coorresponden
nce to and ffrom a contrractor.

Innoovaya Visuual Estimattor is also a popular application

n for quanttity take-off
ff and
estim
mation. It even
e workss better withh Revit and
d Tekla stru
uctures in thhat it proviides a
speccial plug-inn within the BIM authooring appliccations whicch completeely integratees the
estim
mating appplication with
w BIM ttools. Innov
vaya’s strength lies iin its abiliity to
maiintain stickyy memory for model objects, that have beeen linked tto the timbeerline
asseembly costss, which con
ntinuously pprovide the updated cost related da
data to the model,
m
hennce an accurrate estimatee is availablle at all times.

This Author tried to acquire the evalluation verssion of these softwaress, but the reequest
wass declined by
b Sage Tiimberline w
which eventtually ditheered Innovaayato provid
de its
ownn evaluationn copy.

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5.1.3 Navigation, Clash Detection and Simulation on Naviswork.

Navisworkis a‘collaboration’ software that allows a design team to share, combine,

review and correct a BIM model and 3D files using a 3D viewer. Features of
Navisworkfrom the Autodesk website are as follows;

 Project Review; Combine design, construction, and other project data into a single
integrated project model.
 Incorporate files in many major 3D design or laser scan file formats.
 Integrate all project models, even the largest datasets.
 Read intelligent data from original design files and view it beside the model.
 Import live data from external databases and display it within the model.
 Model Simulation and analysis: Develop compelling 3D animations and imagery
for project presentations.
 Use environmental backgrounds to add real-world scenery.
 Choose from more than 1,000 built-in materials to create a photorealistic look.
 Add rich photorealistic content (RPC), such as people and trees, to scenes.
 Add smooth shadows and natural lighting with HDRI lighting.
 Create believable night-time imagery with light-scattering effects.
 Coordination: Anticipate and avoid potential problems before construction,
reducing expensive delays and rework.
 Perform clash detection tests against specified geometry to find and resolve
conflicts.
 Check as-built laser scan data against 3D designs.
 Open current clash in many original design software applications.
 Make all non-clashing items transparent to easily locate clashes in the
model.
 Create Hard, Clearance, and Duplicate clash tests to support multiple
coordination scenarios.
 Analyze space and time by linking clash tests to 4D simulations and object
animations.
 Project Viewing: Explore your integrated project model using advanced
navigation tools.
 Enable gravity, solid-object recognition, and customizable third-person
avatars for a realistic, real-time experience.
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 Usee compreh
hensive navvigation tools, includ
ding Walk, Look Around,
Zooom, Zoom Box,
B Pan, O
Orbit, Exam
mine, Fly, an
nd Turntablee.
 Access the Au
utodesk® V
ViewCube®
® and Autod
desk® SteerringWheels®
® 3D
navvigation wid
dgets and thhe navigatio
on bar for a consistentt user experrience
acrross Autodeesk® applicaations.

Thee navigatioon featuress, as

desccribed by Autodesk, were
tested on Sharrpac model. The
easee of interfaace, which is on
the same patttern as Revit,
R
makkes navigatiion

Shaarpac Envelopee Only

SharpacStructu
S ure Only

veryy easy withh added feattures,

suchh as grravity enaabled
wallking, fly-thhru the model,
m
Vieew Cube and Steering
Whheel Featurre. One off the
disttinguishing characterristics
SharpaccComposite model
m
of N
Naviswork is theredu
uced file
sizee of the Moodel. On on
ne side, Revvit is infamo
ous for creaating resourrce hungry large
file sizes and on
o the otherr hand Navviswork redu
uces the sizze of the moodel to only
y few
hunndred kilo bytes, which
h makes the entire proccess of navig
gation, simuulation and clash
deteection quitee manageablle on ordinaary computeers such as field
f Laptopps.

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Apaart from thee ease of naavigation,

expperimentatioon was conducted to
perfform clashh detection
n and to
creaate a connstruction sequence
sim
mulation based on Micro Soft
Projject 2007 scchedule.

a) Clash D Naviswork
Detection:N
performs geometry
g baased clash
detection with its ability
a to
bring multtiple modelss together
and save them into a single,
highly-com
mpressed NWD
N file
format. T
To perform clash
detection on the Sharpac
project, thhe BIM mo
odel from
the archiitects wass virtuallyy
collided with
w the BIM
M model froom the strucctural engineeer. The Sccreen Shot above
a
shows Navviswork Cllash Detectiive panel with
w differen
nt models iinserted intto the
same file. Clash detection can bbe performed by selectiing the archhitects’ mod
del in
the left panne and the engineer’s
e m
model in th
he right panee. There aree various op
ptions
to avoid or
o exclude certain
c objeects to be tested
t for clash conflicct. For exam
mple,
ceiling cann be excludeed from cla sh detection
n as it will be
b intersecteed and piercced at
many places by ME
EP servicees resulting
g in large number oof clashes. This
experimenntation resullted into eigght clashes, as shown in
n the figure above.

The test iss done only for hard cllashes. A haard clash is the physicaal intersectiion of
two 3D coomponents, whereas a clearance clash
c will reeport compoonents whicch are
within a specified
s dimension oof each oth
her. Duplicaates in the drop down list
identify tw
wo objects th
hat are idenntical in typee and in possition.

Imraan Mohammaad 64
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R

Navisworkkhas the abiility to expoort

all the claashes in XML
X or PD
DF
report form
ms, which also incluude
the picturee of the classh, its locatiion
and the teaam responsiible.

The adjoinning screen

nshot is takken
from a Claash Detectiv
ve PDF repoort
created forr Sharpac prroject.

mulation: The
b) Constrruction scheduling sim T purposee of a schedduling anim
mation
is to shhow in 3D the buildinng being bu
uilt from staart to finishh. Hardin (2
2008)
stressess that the quality
q of aanimation is
i directly related
r to tthe quantity
y and
accuraccy of the model
m compoonents. Thiis fact was clearly refllected durin
ng the
experim
mentation do
one on Sharrpac Project. Modeling
g on Revit w
was not based on
any BIM standard
d. Though,JJasmax hav
ve their own
n standardss which mu
ust be
observeed during drafting annd modelin
ng of a pro
oject. Unlikke the Nattional
Buildinng Information Modeliing Standards (NBIMS
S) in USA, which is seetting
up the appropriatte modelingg procedure and stan
ndardsto auuthor a Buiilding
Informaation Modeel and to w
work with other
o BIM compliant application
ns, no
such staandard is in
n pipeline ffor New Zeaaland’s AEC industry. For this reeason,
models produced by
b Revit or any other application
a lack consisstency in sty
yle of
modelinng and speccifically the nomenclatu
ure of build
ding componnents.
The Schheduling sim
mulation prrepared for Sharpac pro
oject faced ssimilar prob
blems
with thhe nomenclaature of varrious compo
onents and categorizattion of elem
ments,
includinng the layeers managem
ment. Howeever, the ex
xperimentattion proved
d that,
provideed a BIM model
m is autthored on a particular standard, pperforming clash
detectioon and pro
oducing a ssimulation on Navisw
work is a qquick and result
orientedd process.

Imraan Mohammaad 65
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R

Below is the screeenshot of pproject schedule Gantt chart creatted on Micrrosoft

Project 2007. This is only a rough sch
heduling bassed on Enggineer’s buiilding
sequencce of basem
ment floors.

Thee Screenshoot below sho

ows Sharpacc model in Naviswork
N Manage 20 11.

Navviswork alllows a bi-d

directional affinity with MS Pro
oject. The pproject sch
hedule
creaated on MS project can
n be directlyy linked witth the modeel imported from Revit. Any
channges done in MS projject will bee directly reeflected in Naviswork
N n. The
simulation
Imraan Mohammaad 66
MCM BIM for a Construction Manager Project Report

lower panel in the screenshot above shows the MS project schedule, the panel on the
right shows the search sets of model components required to create simulation. If these
search sets are so named by matching with the corresponding tasks in schedule,
Naviswork allows these sets to be directly linked with corresponding tasks, and
simulation can be created instantly.

5.2 Conclusion

Sharpac project was just used for experimentation and testing of BIM processes in a
professional environment. Since the project was not conceived with the intention of
implementing BIM for the project delivery, the main model was not authored on any
set BIM authoring standard. Other consultants also worked independently and the
model created on Revit just remained within the architectural premises. To make
Sharpac project complying with BIM technology and processes, the following issues
observed during the research work should be addressed;

1. A strategic BIM implementation plan must be adopted at the onset of project.

BIM Project Execution Planning Guide Version 1.0 (October 2009) prepared
by BuildingSMART Alliance can be helpful in this regard.
2. Jasmax Ltd has prepared its own BIM Best Practice Guide but along with it a
comprehensive standard similar to US NBIMS must also be implemented.
United States National Building Information Modeling Standards, Version 1,
Part 1 was published in 2007 and currently being revised for second edition.
3. Various trades in AEC industry, such as Estimators, Engineers and Architects
must prepare a common methodology to work on their respective BIM tool.
For instance, if the Revit model is authored with its material nomenclature
which is common with estimator’s dimension groups or rate list, the BIM
imported in CostX will be able to deliver its dimension groups and element
nomenclature matching with Estimators Database which will make the BIM’s
information meaningful for estimating purpose.

Research work in collaboration with Jasmax Ltd provided this author with a broad
perspective on the reality and status of BIM in AEC industry in New Zealand.
Architects and Technicians at Jasmax Ltd have in general a good understanding of
BIM but the information level within a team as a whole is not uniform.

Imran Mohammad 67
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The experimentation helped prove that BIM is not a fad but a reality and it is the way
the future of design and construction is heading to. Jasmax Ltd is implementing the
BIM technology slowly but systematically. Its recently prepared ‘BIM Best Practice
Guide’ is the first stepping stone towards making BIM a working tool and to harness
all its potential for AEC industry.

BIM, as Hardin (2008) calls, is the greatest technological advancement in the AEC
industry of our generation. The full potential of BIM is still being realised in the form
of processes and applications and the full capabilities are being measured. There is the
need from professionals and experts to share and distribute amongst their peers the
procedures and best practices that educate users about BIM, which Jasmax Ltd is doing
in its best capacity.

Imran Mohammad 68
MCM Future uses of BIM Project Report

6 FUTURE USES OF BIM

Building industry has always been slow in adopting change, but with early
implementation of BIM it is expected to play even more crucial part in building
documentation. BIM as a virtual model is passed on from design team to contractor
and sub-contractors and eventually it reaches the owner through facility manager and
each party add its own discipline-specific information and tracking of changes to the
single model. This procedure results in reduction of information loss at the stage of
hand-over from one team to another.

In the future, with the further advancement of computer software, the Industry
Foundation Class (IFC) is expected to play a greater role. IFC is being accepted as an
open specification system for Building Information Modeling and it acts as a neutral
format among various BIM applications. Along with this Green Building XML
(gbXML) is emerging as a subset of Building Information Modeling which focuses on
sustainable building design and operation. gbXML is now being supported by a large
number of energy analysis tools.

There are other potential areas where BIM is expected to play a role in the future.
Some of these areas which are directly or indirectly related to building construction
industry are the subject of discussion in this chapter.

6.1 3D concrete printing

3D printing is the production of physical models from 3D data which are more
accurate, affordable, durable and quickly produced than traditional handcrafted
models. A 3D printer, which has nothing to do with paper printers, creates an object by
stacking one layer of material — typically plastic or metal — on top of another, much
the same way a pastry chef makes baklava with sheets of phyllo dough (NY Times,
2010). STL Exporter for the Revit Platform generates a high quality STL file from
models created in Revit Architecture 2011, and other Revit platforms for easy 3D
printing.

a) 3D Concrete Printing:The technology of 3D printing has been around since a

decade, but the future consideration and potential of 3D printing is now
reaching to actually build the life size building structures.

Imran Mohammad 69
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B Project Report
R

Centre for Rapid Automated

A Fabrication
n Technolog
gies (CRAFFT) at University
of Soutthern Califo
fornia is deeeply involv
ved in the research
r onn 3D printin
ng of
mega structures.
s The overaarching vission is to develop th
the sciencee and
engineeering needed for rapid automated fabrication
n of objects of various sizes
up to mega-scale
m oats, industrrial objectss, public arrt and
structures such as bo
whole building
b stru
uctures. Thee future goaals before CRAFT
C are aas follows;
 Buildinng a custom-designed hhouse in a day
 Drastically reduciing the coosts, injuriees, waste and
a enviroonmental im
mpact
associaated with traaditional connstruction teechniques.
 To builld emergy housing
h for tthe victims of disastorss.
 3D prinnting constrruction of eextra-terrestrial buildin
ng construccted from in
n-situ
materiaals.
 Contouur crafting teechniques
b) 3D Hollographic Printing:
P A
Another high
hlight of 3D
D printing iis 3D holog
grams
technollogy presen
nted
by Zebbra Imaging
g at
Autodeesk University.
It alllows hig
ghly
detailedd and
a
photoreealistic 3D
models of buildin
ngs
in vaarious CA
AD
formatss to be
captureed in a dig
gital
holograam on a sh
heet
that is only sligh
htly
thicker than a poster-board, making it very easy to store. K
Khemlani (2
2010)
describes that it was
w fascinatiing to see the
t 3D mod
dels literallyy popping out
o of
each shheet as it waas unveiled.. One will be
b tempted to
t reach outt to touch itt with
the excception thatt it is nothhing there except air. One can, however, move
around the image to
t view it frrom a wide variety of angles.
a No sspecial glassses or
other viiewing aidss are neededd. Khemlani (2010) describes this new techno
ology
as the future of 3D
3 presentaations to th
he client, an
nd for Dessign team’s own

Imraan Mohammaad 70
MCM Future uses of BIM Project Report

understanding. It is at the moment very expensive to afford a 3D holographic

printer as it reaches a million dollar range, however, as the technology
advances, it is expected to be in affordable range.

6.2 3D Laser Scanning

Laser Scanning is the process of shining a structured laser line over the surface of an
object in order to collect 3-dimensional data. The surface data is captured by a camera
sensor mounted in the laser scanner which records accurate dense 3D points in space
(DDI, 2010). This technique can be used to gather data about an object or environment
which can be used to create a 3D model or detailed reconstruction.

This technology too has been around for a decade, but its use in relation with BIM is
comparatively new. White the Green revolution taking over construction business, the
need arose to analyse energy consumption and usage of existing and historical
buildings. This would be really easy if Building Information Modelsareprepared for
these structures. This formed a strong basis to use 3D Laser Scanning to reconstruct a
3D model which can be imported into Revit or any other BIM analysis tool to convert
these into Building Information Model.

Governement Services Administration (GSA) in USA is the owner of all government

buildings in several uses all around the country. Total floor area of these buildings is
estimated to be around 350 Million Sq Ft. GSA being a government body felt the
obligation to be a part of Green Revolution taking place around the world. It decided to
re-evaluate its existing buildings for energy efficiency analysis, better security
planning and efficient construction process and all these can be achieved by creating
BIM models of its buildings and infrastructure. Once BIM models are produced, they
will also be used for facility management in future.

GSA immediately saw the potential cost, schedule, accuracy, and collaboration
advantages of laser scanning for establishing a building’s accurate geometry and
helping BIM modellers create intelligent models (Jacobs, 2010).

Imran Mohammad 71
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M Fuuture uses of BIM
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Sourrce: Profession
nal Surveyor Magazine
M

GSA
A conducteed pilot programs to crreate BIM models through 3D laaser scannin
ng on
few
w of its builddings, and the
t results aas per Jacob
bs (2010) were
w deemedd successfull, and
in O
October 20009 a contraccting vehiclle to procurre BIM and
d laser scannning servicees for
GSA
A projects over
o the nex
xt five yearss was put in
n place.

So far creatingg BIM mod

dels throughh 3D laser scanning
s haas been lim
mited to only
y few
projjects arounnd the world. But it iss expected that as thee technologgy improvess and
affoordability inncreases, th
he 3D laser scanning will
w be a fu
uture phenoomenon to create
c
BIM
M models of all pro
ominent buuildings of historical, political aand of maaterial
impportance.

6.3 I-Pad an
nd Augmeented Rea
ality Build
dings

Auggmented Reeality (AR) is one of thhe latest inn

novations th
hat has beenn a buzz wo
ord in
BIM
M communiity. A latestt known exaample of AR
A building is Tokyo’ss ‘N’ Buildiing in
Japaan. Its frontt façade is part
p of the A
AR technolo
ogy and its windows arre equipped
d with
QR
R codes that contain info
formation abbout the con
ntents insidee the buildinng. QR cod
de is a
Mattrix Barcodde readable by QR sccanners and
d other insttruments suuch as I-Ph
hones,
cam
meras, and I--pad. QR sttands for Quuick Respon
nse as it is meant
m to alllow its content to
be ddecoded at high
h speed (Wikipediaa, 2010). Th
hrough AR technology,
t a user can stand
Imraan Mohammaad 72
MCM Future uses of BIM Project Report

outside the building and point the mobile device with scanning applications installed,
snap a picture of one of the windows which will display the information about the
contents of the building or of a shop (Creative Applications, 2010).

So far AR technology is being used for commercial purposes in building like shopping
malls. The future utilization can include BIM fused with Augmented Reality. An I-Pad
fitted with a QR scanner can display information related to equipment and services
fitted in the building. A thoroughly authored BIM model should already contain
information about the services and equipment fitted in the building and information
regarding any of these services can be extracted through a BIM model. But with
Augment Reality Building, onsite check of these services would become very easy.
Also accurate navigation to reach a particular service area can also be achieved
through AR technology.

AR technology research in the field of mechanical engineering is creating a vision

according to which it might be possible to slip on a pair of Augmented-reality goggles
instead of running through the pages of bulky instruction manuals while repairing a car
engine. According to Grifantini (2010) of Technology Review sponsored by MIT in
US, instruction overlaid on the real world would show how to complete a task by
identifying, for example, exactly where the ignition coil was, and how to wire it up
correctly.

Grifantini (2010) further writes that a new AR system developed at Columbia

University is attempting to achieve AR goal as discussed above, and testing performed
by Marine mechanics suggests that it can help users find and begin a maintenance task
in almost half the usual time.

A similar approach can be taken towards facility management of complex buildings

and structures such as factories where a BIM model fused with AR technology can
facilitate to repair, restore or inspect complex network of Plumbing, Electrical and
Mechanical services within the building. In this case, instead of AR goggles an I-pad
which comes with AR applications can assist to locate the problems or areas requiring
maintenance or service.

Imran Mohammad 73
MCM References Project Report

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