Fundamentals of BIM in construction.

BIM allows design and construction teams to work more efficiently, and capture data during all phases.

Discover the Fundamentals of BIM in Construction

BIM is a method for creating and managing information about a construction project over its entire life cycle. The digital description is expected to consist of a combination of data-rich 3D models and structured data such as product, execution, and handover information. The ISO 19650 and 12006 sets of standards are the best definitions of the BIM process and accompanying data formats on a global scale.

What can BIM do for you?

A collaborative team gets formed at the pre-construction stage of a BIM project. It agrees on a procedure and information structure to ensure that the design information produced is coordinated and beneficial to everyone participating in the construction and operation stages.

The participation of those who will be involved later in the project (such as manufacturers or the client’s Facility Management team) can substantially aid this commencement. As the project progresses to the building phase, the information gathered is used to better plan and construct the project. Once the building project is over and the in-house phase begins, the modeled data can be used to operate the built asset.

What are the BIM guidelines?

Internationally, a number of standards specify BIM information structure and processes.

Structures of information:

• Data schema based on ISO 16739-1:2018 for Industry Foundation Classes.

• Organizing information about construction as per ISO 12006-2:2015. Uniclass 2015 is listed as the categorization system for UK BIM in the National Foreword of this standard.

• BIM & other digital construction processes — Methodology will describe and manage attributes in interconnected data as per ISO 23386:2020.

Process:

The ISO 19650 family of standards defines BIM process internationally, and the UK BIM Framework is based on them. These were based on the PAS 1192 series of standards from the United Kingdom. Further information on these standards, as well as extensive free-to-use guidance resources, can be found on the UK BIM Framework website.

What are BIM dimensions?

BIM dimensions have evolved from a need to differentiate between modeling geometry in two dimensions or three dimensions. This has been part of the modeling evolution, moving from drawing boards to the first 2D CAD systems, to 3D modeling packages. Adding further aspects to this modeling can help project teams understand what information they are setting out to model. 

4D is commonly known as scheduling information to model construction sequences. 

5D is known as ‘adding financial cost’. These dimensions are not frequently included in international standards. If specific information needs to be modeled, it’s should be clear on what the information is rather than using terms like 5D, 6D, or 7D.

What is the definition of a BIM object?

A BIM object is made up of many different elements.

It is a combination of specific information that describes the product and geometry that depicts the physical properties of the product. The visualization data, which gives the object a recognizable appearance, as well as behavioral data, such as detection zones, allow the object to be positioned or function exactly like the product. Component and layered objects are the two most common types of objects. Component objects are building materials with predetermined geometrical shapes (such as windows, doors, boilers, etc.). Layered things are construction materials that don’t have a set shape or size (such as carpets, roofing, walls, and ceilings).

BIM Object Standard specifies how to create objects, how much information to include inside them, and what data to link to in the cloud. There are also a variety of vendor-specific templates, standardized parameter sets, and plug-in tools. BIM tools and resources are available for free to assist in the creation of BIM objects.

What role does specification play in the BIM process?

The BIM process relies heavily on specifications. The requirements of each discipline involved in the design of the built asset must be specified. This specification information should evolve throughout the project timeframe, from a description of the necessary performance outcome to a prescriptive solution of systems and products that meet this performance. Finally, during the construction period, these specifications should be updated such that the client receives a set of record specifications at handover.

This data should be organized in a common format and synchronized with the data in any 3D models and related databases.

What does BIM’s future hold?

The industry’s cutting edge will continue to innovate. Cloud computing, the Internet of Things, Blockchain, artificial intelligence, and new construction methods are all on the rise. The majority of the industry sees the future as the making of ‘existing information structures. The majority of these issues are related to training, education, and cultural issues. BIM technology, on the other hand, can be helpful. The tedious activities of structuring data, classifying data, and naming files will be automated as platforms advance.

A golden thread of information will be generated jointly in parallel with the design and building of built assets in the future. This will be a record of what has been constructed, as well as a record of the asset’s performance. This will become the ‘big data’ that help decision-makers develop a safer and more sustainable built environment in the future, across client estate, or even national boundaries. Take a look at the Industry Verticals Benefitting from BIM.

Learn more about our BIM Services with BIMPACT Designs.