BIM Summary

1_Introduction to BIM

What is BIM?
It can be understood as a product, a process and a culture.
As a product (Building information model) it is the integrated 3D representation of a building with information
about its parameters and all of its disciplines.
As a process (Building information modeling) is the documentation and standards involved in the creation and
management of the BIM 3D models.
As a culture (Building information management) it is the collaboration and interaction of different disciplines to
create such model.

It is essentially a database with 2D drawings, 3D, schedules, details, specifications and analysis that provides a
coordinated output of the project.

3D and BIM
3D is just representation of components, BIM also contains information about them. Revit is not BIM. BIM is
a system that relies on software like Revit.

BIM technology
An intelligent simulation of the project that is (DSMCAD) digital, spatial, measurable, comprehensive,
accessible and durable.

How can BIM help the AEC industry?

The most important contribution of BIM is management and handling of the information of a project.
It can help in all phases of a project. From its design to its operation.
It can increase the efficiency and productivity as it lets you archive knowledge for future projects, lowers
operation costs and supports digital and offsite fabrication.

BIM dimensions
3D spatial
4D spatial + time
5D Space + time + cost
6D Space + time + cost + energy analysis
7D space + time +cost +energy + lifecycle data

BIM maturity levels

0_ CAD
1_ 3D object based (sketchup)
2_ BIM (Revit)
3_iBIM integrated data for entire lifecycle

What is the level of BIM adoption in Canada?

The Canadian government has no official BIM mandate.
Canada knows about BIM (86% are aware and currently using it) mostly in Quebec than in other provinces.
Mainly used for coordination and visualization.
2_Delivery methods and parametric modeling

Internal and external stakeholders Design-Build (DB)

Internal (AEC team): architect + owner+ contractor Only one contract for the owner.
External: community +insurer +gov. agency + The owner has a budget and you build based on that.
financial agency One company designs and builds.
This method is fast and encourages collaboration
How does BIM support the team? (construction and design can start together).
BIM allows communication among parties (all No change orders needed as they are considered
disciplines) and helps the team make decisions. internal procedure.

It reduces the interaction complexities among various Integrated Project Delivery (IPD)
actors, by linking them to one another through the The risk is shared among the owner, designer and
digital model. builder so is the revenue.
All members are accountable.
Limitations of BIM Creates more incentives for innovation and
1. Upfront investment required (in terms of collaboration.
money and effort to adapt)
2. Everybody must be onboard (willingness) Which project delivery method(s) better fits BIM?
3. BIM adoption must happen in early stages (if
you want to integrate halfway through its The more collaboration the better.
going to be disaster)
4. Legal issues and ownership So DB and IPD would be the best suited. A single
5. Changes in mindset (everybody has to model which evolves.
understand info has to be shared)
What is parametric modeling?
6. Implementation issues (know-how, fees,
equipment) When you model with objects that have behaviour
parameters and information attached to them as
Project Delivery Methods in construction properties.
Contractual relationships between the project team.
Revit elements
Design Bid Build (DBB)
Has 3 phases (design, bid and build) The design has 1 Model (Host: walls, floors.., and components: doors,
contract the build has another contract. Both parts windows..)
don’t talk to each other. View (plans, sections and elevations)
Owner takes all the risk and has complete control Datum (levels and gridlines)
Accepted in every country. View specific (detail elements and annotations)
Construction Manager at Risk (CMaR)
Revit families
Tries to bridge the gap between the contractor and
designer. A group of elements sharing the same set of properties,
The contract has 2 parts: having similar uses.
A_ during design process the contractor acts as a
consultant to make it more realistic. They guarantee a How parametric modeling is implemented by
maximum price (GMP) based on their input. BIM can design software?
help on this part.
B_Construction based on part A The model is made of building elements called
The contractor must be brought in between the families which contain information about it.
schematic design and design development.

It is called at risk because of the GMP the contractor

agrees upon.

Owner takes all risk.

This one guarantees a realistic price but not the lowest
price.
3 & 4_BIM Execution Planning

How should BIM be written in future i.e. Team collaboration, model existing condition,
contracts? Design documentation, constructability,
Through the BIM Addenda. coordination with contractor, facilities
management.
BIM Execution plan
Action plan for success in applying BIM. Defining BIM uses
The BIM execution plan is guaranteed by the The tasks your team is going to perform with
contract and is referred in it. BIM according to the goals.
It is outside the contracts, it is defined by the Penn State defines 21
owner and team. To select them, think about the end goal of the
There are several templates: Autodesk, Penn State project and potential end users, and how that
University (Most commonly used). Penn State should impact the model. Start at the end and
guide was developed by Penn State + CII + move to the start.
Building smart Alliance + CIC
To define and assess them you must follow the
It defines: next steps:
1_How the team and software will communicate 1_Identify the potential uses
2_ What the expectations of the team are 2_ Identify the responsible parties for each use
3_Howthe information is organized. 3_ Rate the capabilities of each party to perform
it. (the party’s knowledge and know how regarding
How to Define a BxP the use)
1_ Identify BIM goals and uses 4_Identify additional value and risk associated
2_Design BIM Execution process 5_ Determine if the use should finally be
3_Define deliverables in form of information implemented or not.
exchanges
4_ Define supporting infrastructure STEP 02_ Design BIM Processes

This process is done through 3-4 meetings (Min. Understand the implementation process
3). This is done through process maps.
According to the steps above.
There are 2 levels:
STEP 01 _ Identify BIM goals and uses
01_ Overview map: One for the whole project.
Defining BIM goals It’s a two-row table. Shows sequencing between
BIM goals are defined at a strategic level; BIM BIM uses.
uses are set at an operational level.
Has only 2 lanes:
Literally asks: What is the model for? 01 BIM uses__(arranged by project sequence)
02 Info Exchange__(with resp. parties on each
They must be measurable, specific to the project process)
and improve success.
The party who can do the exchange with the
Divided in 2 categories: highest level of efficiency is the responsible party.

1_Project general performance 4 steps:

2_ Improving capabilities of the team. 01_ Place the uses
02_ Arrange according to project phases
03_ Identify responsible parties 01_Identify potential info exchange
04_ Determine required info exchange Only the most critical one per use is documented.
02_Choose a model breakdown structure
In level 01 maps each BIM use should be modeled (Uniformat II)
by several processes according to the phases of 03_ Identify inputs and outputs for each exchange
the project. (file type and information level of detail)

Project phases: A_Accurate size and location / B_General sixe

Concept design (CD) / Schematic design (SD) / and location / C_Schematic size and location
Design Development (DD) / Construction
Development (CD) / Construction Control (CC) 04_Assign responsible parties
/ Operation (OP) 05_Compare input vs output content (check that
input corresponds to output level of detail)
This process has internal and external exchanges
of information:
Internal are the ones generated/consumed within STEP 04_ Setting up Infrastructure
a BIM use
External are the ones shared with other BIM uses. Define what will be the equipment used. List its
name, year version, owner, specification.
02_Detail use processes map: One per BIM
use. 4 types:
01_Hardware
Defines sequence for activities and information 02_Software
exchanges, and responsible parties for each 03_Network
process within each BIM use. 04_ Modeling content and reference information

The whole table is called a pool, and the language Examples of BIM platforms
needed to write it comes from Business Process They all work with a file called IFC. It retains
Modeling Notation (BPMN). parameters and semantics.

It has 5 Steps : All platforms have theirown use, there is no best.

01_Decompose the use into processes Design: REVIT, Tekla, Synchro, Microstation,
02_Define dependencies between the processes Open buildings, Recap pro, Formit pro, Archicad,
03_Develop details regarding info exchange and Rhino, Vectorworks Architect
parties
04_Add verification gateways Engineering analysis: Autodesk Insight, Robot
05_Archive for future use Structural Analysis Professional

Has three lanes: Management and Fabrication: Navisworks

manage, vico office, advance steel, Fabrication
01 Ref. Info __________________ CADMEP
02 Process __________________ Infrastructure: Civil 3D. Infraworks, Structural
03 Info Exchange ______________ bridge design.
Automation : Dynamo, grasshopper
STEP 03_ Information exchange (IE)
Project deliverables should be addressed through
Define what information we need and how it will the following items:
be exchanged on every process within a use. BIM submittal, stage, approximate due date and
format.
You need to make a worksheet:
5_Level of Development

What is LOD (Level of Development)?

The minimum amount of data and detail included in the model.
There is level of detail and level of development
Level of detail: how much detail is in the model (input).
Level of Development: Degree to which the element can be relied upon. (Output)

What is LOD SPEC (LOD Matrix)?

The LOD specification enables users to specify the content and reliability of BIM at various phases of the
project.

Currently there are 3 matrices in the industry:

USACE
AIA (100-500 /100 being the least detailed and 500 the most detailed)
BIM Forum (100-400 and includes 350 between 300 and 400 / 100 is least detail and 400 is most detailed)

AIA and BIM Forum most widely used. They provide the MINIMUM requirements of development.

According to BIM Forum:

LOD 100_ Model elements are not geometric, mostly symbols. Information is approximate.
LOD 200_Model elements have a generic geometry with approximate size, shape, location and orientation.
Information is approximate
LOD 300_ Model elements are specific and can provide information about quantity, shape, size, location and
orientation, which can be measured directly in the model.
LOD 350_Model elements are specific and provide accurate information about its properties and are also
interfaced with other building disciplines for coordination.
LOD 400_Model elements are detailed and can be relied upon for fabrication, assembly and installation.
Quantity, shape, size location and orientation can be measured directly in the model.
LOD 500_ (Not included in BIM Forum) As-built model. The information was verified in the site.

The Lod of a model just be just enough for its use.

Different elements in the model can have various levels of LOD.
It complements BxP and is a language to define requirements.

How to develop a LOD SPEC ( or LOD matrix)?

Defines what level of detail is enough

LOD spec is not a set of requirements; rather is a language to define the requirements.
Organized according to Uniformat
The LOD spec and BxP do not replace one another. The LOD spec complements the BxP.

Model element author (MEA): the person responsible to ensure that the information is produced according
to the specification. Its different than the one who produces the information.
BIM uses summary

01. Building Maintenance Scheduling

Keep track of maintenance of building structure and equipment
02. Systems analysis
How the buidling’s performance compares to the specified design.
03. Asset management
Use the model as a database of the assets in the building.
04. Space management and Tracking
Analyze existing uses of the space and possible change of use.
05. Disaster planning
Use the model to analyze the building, possible risks and paths during a disaster.
06. Record modeling
Record of the as-built conditions of the building.
07. Site utilization planning
The model is used to display the different uses of the site during the construction process.
08. Construction system design
Virtual mock-up of the construction of a building.
09. Digital fabrication
Use the model as a guide to fabricate elements.
10. 3D control and planning
Use the info from the model to create references that can be translated to the site.
11. 3D coordination
Clash detection
12. Design authoring
Creation of a 3D model with enough information according to the goals.
13. Engineering analysis
Model used to determine the most effective the best way of constructing a building.
14. Facility energy analysis
Energy simulation
15. Structural analysis
Analyze structure
16. Sustainability evaluation
BIM to evaluate LEED.
17. Code validation
Validate the construction code with the model.
18. Design review
19. Programming
Analyze spatial programming, like adding a 2nd phase to a project.
20. Site analysis
Analyze the direct context of the building for optimal location and performance.
21. Phase planning (4D modelling)
Use model to show construction sequence
22. Cost estimation
Model for creating take-offs
23. Existing conditions modelling
6_Constructability Analysis
Which deals with Clash detection

What is a clash?
A clash is a situation in which the components of a There is a hierarchy (from most to least
built asset are not properly coordinated and create important) :
conflicts such as collisions or incorrect tolerance. 1. Architectural and structural
2. End conditions / civil (hvac terminal,
What is clash Detection? toilets, light terminals)
It is the prediction of design errors before the 3. Plumbing
construction starts. 4. HVAC and mechanical
5. Pressurized systems
This includes 3D, BIM and Design coordination. 6. Electrical systems
7. Branch lines (sprinklers)
Clash detection without BIM is problematic.
In 2D it is hard to interpret depth or height. What is constructability?
In 3D CAD clash detection only clashes between It is the feasibility of the construction method for
surfaces and solids (Hard) are detectable. the building. How will it be done?
The contractor is required by law to determine this.
Clash detection within the design authoring
software tool is in fact design error identification How can clash resolution help the constructability?
BIm can simulate the constructions issues before
What Types of clash exist in a Construction they are built (Hard, soft and 4D clashes). Saving
project? money.
There are five types: Hard, soft, 4D, Hot and Cold.
Hard clash: When two elements collide with each
other.
Soft clash: When two elements are spaced at a
distance that is not according to the accepted
tolerances between them.
4D clash: Scheduling clashes for crews.
(workspace interference)
Hot clash: Clashes occurring during the operation
of a building
Cold Clash: Clashes occurring while a building is
shutdown.

How can BIM help with Clash detection and

resolution?
-Allows detection of soft and 4D clashes
-Allows the contractor to focus on clashes b/w
specific disciplines
- Clash analysis is semantic and rule based.

Clash Resolution
Is fixing the clash.

In the model you can do three things: move one of

the elements that collide, provide the necessary
tolerance between elements or update the schedule.

It is the responsibility of the parties involved to

determine how to resolve the clash.
7_Phase Planning
Which deals with 4D modeling
What is a construction schedule? 7. Time-space analysis
A table showing tasks, their sequence and the 8. Output
time required to complete them (i.e Gantt 9. Automatic linking
Charts)
When working with a 4D simulation software
4D BIM can help you correlate activities with you must consider:
locations and it has the geometry included. 1. Model scope
2. LOD
Methods such as Line of Balance (LOB) and 3. Decompositions and aggregations
Critical Path Method (CPM) are used in 4. Re-organization strategy
combination with 4D BIM. 5. Inclusion of temporary work.

How can a schedule be linked to BIM to Model-Based scheduling

create a 4D model? Linking elements of a 3D model to the
It is linked through 4D simulation software tools construction activities
like: The schedule must correspond to the model
Navisworks, Visco, Synchro, and ConstructSim. LOD
There are several levels of 4D LOD
4D modeling workflow A_ Month to Week: Summary for illustration of
You first build the model or receive a model the scenario
from the design team (You must always use this B_ Week to day: Choosing best scenario option
model not recreate it). C_ Day to hour: Confirming the feasibility of
You receive task information from MS project the chosen scenario. Baseline for BID
or Primavera. D_ Hour to minute: Progress measurement
You then export into Navisworks. E_ Hour to minute: Movement of Equipment
In there you assign each task a type: and workspaces
Construction, demolition or temporary work.
Benefits of 4D modeling
When choosing a software tool for 4D modeling Helps in communication, organizing site
you must consider: logistics, trade coordination, compare schedules,
1. BIM import capabilities receives multiple stakeholder input.
2. Merge/update for 3D disciplines
3. Schedule import capabilities CSLTCSI
4. Reorganization
5. Temporary components
6. Animation
8_5D modeling
What is a 5D model?
A 5D model is the visual representation of the project’s cashflow.
The owner is able to know:
The amount the contractor is billing at any given time.
The exact amount of progress expected at any given time.

Cost estimation
Process that happens several times during the building lifecycle.
The AACE divides it according classes:
5_ Concept (Least detail)
4_ Feasibility
3_ Budget Authorization
2_ BID
1_Project completion (Most detail)

A detailed estimate has the following steps:

1. Scope review
(Mentally construct the project, select materials equipment and crews, and break it into
assemblies (recipes))
2. Quantity take off
3. Re-cap takeoffs
4. Pricing (Estimate the cost of the WORK)
5. Pricing subcontractor work
6. Calculate general expenses
7. Contingency
8. Profit
9. Summary and BID

Software for 5D BIM

1. D profiler is for conceptual estimation (Areas and volumes)
2. Revit Schedules for semi-detailed estimation (Material quantities)
3. Vico office for Detailed estimation (Bid price = Cost estimate + contingency + general expenses +
profit)

In detailed cost estimation BIM can help reduce contingency (lower bid price, calculate the prices)

BIM does not replace the estimators

Navisworks cannot replace the estimation software on a company.

Typical workflow:
1. Extract quantities within Revit ( or use a specialized take-off tool)
2. Associate quantities with assembly items
3. Calculate the items cost (cost information comes from databases and supplier’s price)
9_BIM for Quantity Takeoff and Cost evaluation

What is Quantity Take-off (QTO)?

The process of measuring the WORK of a project in terms of work items (you don’t measure quantities
of materials).

To prepare the QTO you start with WBS (work breakdown structure)

Which is when you take drawings and create items that correspond to the work the contractor will
perform in the project.
It is time consuming and prone to error.

When you do assemblies, you can define them as a recipe that is a collection of methods to which
resources are assigned.

What is Model Breakdown structure?

A hierarchy of components of the model, separated on the spatial scope and system discipline.

How can BIM help with Quantity Takeoff?

BIM can calculate the quantities for you. Then you just need to export to an estimating software.
It handles lots of details and specifications
Reduces difficulty of reacting to changes in design.

How can cost estimation be integrated in BIM processes?

1. Export building element quantities to estimating software.
(Plug-ins and third party tools can link BIM directly to estimating packages, i.e. Innovaya Composer)
2. Link the BIM directly to estimating software.
10_Computational BIM

How BIM provides a computational platform?

BIM can use algorithms to automate the generation and manipulation of building information ( It is called
computational BIM)
Easy definition: Using algorithms to automate processes over BIM.

What are the software tools to take advantage of computational BIM?

Programming tools like Ruby for sketchup
Visual programming tools like:
Grasshopper, Dynamo, Marionette, AecoSIM
Geometrical Programming through Python

What is Dynamo and how it provides a programming tool to automate workflows over Revit?
Dynamo is a visual programming environment for analyzing BIM data, creating geometry and make data
exchange. It is open source.

Dynamo works through nodes connected by strings. Each node contains inputs and outputs. There are
also special nodes: Watch nodes that show the data flowing through a node and code block nodes that
allow you to insert strings, Booleans or integers.

The main functions Dynamo should do for us over Revit:

CRUD (Create, read, update and delete data)

BIM as a database of building elements talks to the user through the GUI and to the code through the API
12_BIM for Lifecycle

BIM for Lifecycle Data Ladybug - climate analysis (lights and shadows)
Honeybee – energy analysis (radiance and heat
What is a 6D Model? loss or gain)
It is the 3D model + lifespan information. It Dragonfly – Climate analysis on a district
contains information about energy analysis and Butterfly – Wind flow analysis
maintenance. Spider - web analysis

According to the McLeamy curve, as the project

evolves, the cost of applying changes increases BIM for project handover
and the ease of implementing changes decreases. How to create ‘as-built’ models?
Data collection (surveys, laser scanning,
How can 6D BIM help with Building Design? cameras)
It helps choose a design alternative based on the Pre-processing (choose what information is
long term impact. useful)
Modeling ( create the model)
It focuses on the costs over the entire lifespan of
the building, so it can analyze its impacts. *The most compatible surveying method with
BIM is HDS (High definition surveying).
It helps on the management of assets .
Using AIM (Asset Information Model) for
It shifts the focus from the capital cost to the facility management
lifespan cost.
Before handover the BIM model is a Project
How can 6D BIM help with Building information model (PIM), after handover and the
Operation? as-built model is made it becomes a Asset
It helps create a Asset Information Model to be information model (AIM)
used by the facility manager.
AIM
Energy Analysis Is data and information of the assets of a
Supply of energy= Demand (heating, lighting, building with the single purpose of providing
elevators, etc..) + Energy losses (loss through information to the management system of the
envelope) – Energy gain (Solar gain). facility.

Building Performance Analysis (BPA) Typically a high LOD BIM.

There are two categories of tools
Statistical models (use numbers and re abstract) It stores information such as 3D geometry,
Physical calculation models (Visual and precise) ownership of assets, original installation of
Inisght and GreenBuilding Studio by Autodesk assets and subsequent changes, inspection
Sefaria (trimble) information during entire lifespan, information
AECOsim (Bentley) about the condition of assets.

They are all powered by Energy+ engine. This data comes from the as-built model,
manufacturer information, physical inspections
There is also open source versions and sensors on the building.
Ladybug tools