BIM Coordination

What is BIM Coordination?

BIM Coordination is very useful function of the BIM process. It has the ability to run clash detection between the various disciplines (Architecture, Structural & MEPF etc.) which help the project to resolve the conflicts prior to construction phase.

Conflicts and proposed resolutions are maintained during the project execution and spreadsheets can be created to document responsible parties and track unresolved issues.

However, spatial coordination is only one small useful function of the BIM process.

When someone mentions BIM Coordination they’re referring to a 3D model that will help subcontractors make an educated guess on how to adjust their corresponding trade. Prior to BIM, subcontractors had to coordinate in the field. By doing pre-coordination it helped save time and headaches in the field.

It would be nice if it was possible to crop certain parts of the building or change the transparency of a system in the field to be able to view things but technology isn’t there yet. In this article, we will break down each phase of Coordination. Starting from the creating stage, moving to export/uploading, coordination and clash reporting, and wrapping it up with RFIs.

BIM Coordination – The Right Way

Project requirements for each contractor’s model

Collaboration guidelines

File naming conventions

Element colors per trade

Model upload intervals (day and time)

Coordination meeting schedule

Clash resolution assignments and priorities