Robert S. Weygant, CSI, CDT, SCIP

Robert S. Weygant, CSI, CDT, SCIP Robert S. Weygant is a BIM integration and product development consultant to the construction community, providing data structuring and graphics solutions for the Manufacturing, Design, and Construction teams. Robert has practical experience as an general contractor, draftsman, manufacturer’s representative, independent specifier and BIM integrator, and is a Certified Autodesk Revit professional About Me

Overview & Outline Introduction Topics to Cover: –Introduction – Vision of BIM –Earlier involvement in the Project –Specifiers Changing Role –Getting into the Model –Management of Assemblies and Systems –Standards and Formats –Managing Data –IPD – Integrated Project Delivery –Creating Specification Documents from BIM Data Conclusions - What will tomorrow Bring? Discussion – Q + A

VISION OF BIM

Vision of BIM What is BIM? Building Information Modeling (BIM): A technology which allows relevant graphical and topical information related to the built environment to be stored in a relational database for access and management. Definitions: –Building (n): Any structure, project, system, or space. Construction Transportation Geospatial –Information (n): Knowledge of specific events or topics gathered or received by communication. –Modeling (v): Creation of a schematic description of a system, theory, or design that accounts for its known or inferred properties for further study of its characteristics. Definitions as they apply to BIM: –Building Information (n): Knowledge applicable to a given project, system, or element. –Information Modeling (v): A description of the attributes of a design for further study of its characteristics. –Building Modeling (v): Description of a structure, project, system or space by way of visual and graphic representation.

Vision of BIM Process Improvement –Improves the efficiency of aspects of the project lifecycle by leveraging available project information and minimizing design time. –Fosters the concept of a building as a whole, rather than a sum of its parts. –Allows all interested parties an opportunity to work in a collaborative environment. –Provides conceptual models of buildings, systems and elements for visualization and simulation prior to decision making. –Automates redundant tasks for reuse between elements, systems and projects.

Vision of BIM Improved Accuracy and functionality of Deliverables –Automation of code compliance and systems analysis –Automation of schedules, QTO’s & BOM’s –Visualizations and renderings prior to construction –Clash Detection Documenting a Building’s Lifecycle –Archival of building progress at each phase of project development –Global element and system updating facilitates creation of “As-Built” models –As-Built model information leveraged for Facilities Management building usage and maintenance forecasting.

EARLIER INVOLVEMENT IN THE PROJECT

Earlier Involvement in the Project Project information begins to evolve within the project at an earlier point. –Earlier system and element based decisions = Faster design time –Earlier product specific decisions made allows earlier development of the project manual. –Simulations and visualizations confirm compliance with project requirements and intent.

Earlier Involvement in the Project Increased roles and responsibilities of the Specifier –Assumes responsibility of project information manager through the project lifecycle. –Assumes responsibility of management of digital BIM elements.

Earlier Involvement in the Project Strengthened / affirmed need for Specifier’s knowledge base –Specifier typically has the greatest level of knowledge about products and systems. –Specifier viewed as “Knowledge Manager” in addition to “Spec Writer”

SPECIFIERS CHANGING ROLE

Specifiers Changing Role The Specifier as “Spec Writer” Current Responsibilities – Project Documentation

Specifiers Changing Role The BIM Evolution – Changing Deliverables Specification Writer Knowledge Manager

Specifiers Changing Role The Specifier as “Knowledge Manager” BIM Responsibilities – System and element selection – BIM System Integration – Project Information Manager – Project Documentation

GETTING INTO THE MODEL

Emphasize Need for Specifier’s Involvement in BIM Model –Knowledge Management Specifier is most qualified with elements and systems Minimizes research effort required by design team Eliminates redundant work performed by design team and specifier Consultant t –Process Improvement Streamlines workflow - information is provided earlier allowing on-the- fly decision making Provides consistency - Changes to documentation of project information is handled by one party –Standardization and Data Organization Specifiers have most knowledge and experience with standards and formats Current role is that of data organizer – BIM moves the role to a digital format.

GETTING INTO THE MODEL Methods of Entering the BIM Model –Peripheral – Consulting role to advise BIM modelers Provide Guidance Provide Product and System Selections –Direct – Creation and Management of Model Content Provide Product and System Selections Development of BIM component and system data Management of BIM data after implementation in the model

GETTING INTO THE MODEL Specifiers Roles and Responsibilities Within the Model –Model Data Maintenance Modifying products from “generic” to “proprietary” as decisions are made Adding, linking and changing performance requirements to compliment and conform to documented requirements. –Element and System Design Development of actual graphic component files for model implementation. Development and modification of system configurations as changes are made –Control of Output Forms and External Data Links Management of links related to individually specified elements and assemblies. Management of documentation exported or output from model. Creation of documentation consistent with model data. –Addition of Performance and Lifecycle Information Addition of performance based information necessary to allow analysis of systems Addition of lifespan, warranty, phasing, maintenance, and replacement information of future leveraging by facilities managers and owners

MANAGEMENT OF MATERIALS, ASSEMBLIES AND SYSTEMS

Materials, Assemblies and Systems Working with BIM – Inside the Model vs. Peripheral –Inside the Model Ensures consistency between model data and construction documents Allows most qualified party to control data inside the model Decreases effort required to create “as built” model Requires knowledge of design software –Peripheral Provides a “go-to” individual for element and system selection across design phases. Allows model updates as elements are selected rather than all at once or not at all, Assists design team by providing element and system information to be entered in the model

Materials, Assemblies and Systems Management of Materials –Materials carry information relevant to the appearance and behavior of every component in the model. Visual appearance and rendering Structural performance and limitations allow analysis of model by external software –Creation of Materials Development of materials based on performance, appearance or manufacturer’s requirements –Formatting of materials into specific design considerations Selection of materials applicable to element types Providing options for materials applicable to element types

Materials, Assemblies and Systems Management of Elements –Elements carry information relevant to the performance of the overall building Resource and energy consumption data Effective lifespan of element –Elements contain descriptive indicators which differentiate similar products from same products Keynotes: MasterFormat, Uniformat, Omniclass, Annotations and Tags Descriptors: Identifiers, Descriptions, Comments, Notes –Elements carry properties which apply to design considerations and selection criteria. Allows qualification and quantification of attributes for product comparisons of same elements. Documents what a product is, and why it was chosen Creates a reference standard for replacement elements along the building’s lifecycle. Elements and products have a documented standard forfuture analysis of the building.

Materials, Assemblies and Systems Management of Assemblies and Systems –Assemblies and systems carry information relevant to individual products as they relate to an assembly as a whole (Walls, Floors, Ceilings, Roofs) Configuration of systems based on Logical Design (Rated Assemblies) Configuration based on design requirements (Thermal, Sound) Configuration based on preference (Color, Finishes) –Assemblies behave a certain way based on their individual components Development of structural walls vs. partitions Assignment of performance requirements

Materials, Assemblies and Systems Management of Outputs and Schedules –Formatting of Schedules Template and assign fields required for various schedules Creation and maintenance of required schedules –Preparation of Specifications and Related Output Documents Development of specifications based on BIM models Information required throughout the building lifecycle. Provide access to data sheets, performance standards, installation requirements, and other references. –Development of Informational Links Management of links to related information necessary through building lifecycle Warranty, specification, documentation, testing, code compliance

STANDARDS AND FORMATS

Standards and Formats MasterFormat™ –Categorization of work results –Documents “what” work was performed –Top level / cross-reference / keynote –Acts as reference keynote to prepared specification –More depth of knowledge required for BIM models Qualification Data - Descriptors Quantification Data – Performance Aspects Metal Windows:

Standards and Formats Uniformat –Classification of Assemblies and Elements –Documents Components and Systems –Acts as reference between Assembly and BIM Model –Again - More depth of knowledge required for BIM models Qualification Data - Descriptors Quantification Data – Performance Aspects Aluminum Windows: B

Standards and Formats Omniclass Tables –Table 23 – Products Describes individual products by appearance Used in Assemblies (UF) to create Work Results (MF) –Table 31 – Phases Useful as a Data Filter Organize data based on need at specific points during project lifecycle Aluminum Casement Windows: Table 23 Table 31

Standards and Formats Omniclass Tables –Table 49 – Properties Useful as a Taxonomy No enumeration – Add? Unify and Quantify physical properties of elements and products. –Other Tables Table 33 - Disciplines: Division of work responsibilities within the project Table 41 – Materials: Qualification and Organization of Materials used on the project Table 49

Standards and Formats Other Standards and Formats –CSI GreenFormat Organization of data associated with Sustainability / LEED –National CAD Standard Graphics layering gives way to Information layering. Align NCS with BIM to avoid confusion during transition Existing format to manage project data – Organize information with graphics –Other Property Set Development SPIE IFC / IFD – IAI NIBS NBIMS USGBC

MANAGING DATA

Managing Data Selecting Attributes –BIM is larger than singular participant in the project –Provide attributes necessary for project based on conditions, intent and necessity –Critical need for development of standards –Specifier doesn’t know what every interested party needs

Managing Data Adding Information – (Analog) –Hand Passing Information or “The Lateral” Today’s Standard Workflow Requires no knowledge of BIM software No interaction with model Analog – Passing of files between parties outside of the model environment Little additional benefit

Managing Data Adding Information (Peripheral to Model) –Development of Component Objects (Elements) and Systems Efficient workflow for specifiers and design teams on BIM based projects Requires some BIM software knowledge or development of an automated interface Data Driven – Specifier resides outside of the model, looking in. Specifier prepares elements for insertion into model by design team

Managing Data Adding Information (IPD) –Direct to Project Model Requires substantial BIM software knowledge or development of an automated interface Workflow process for specifiers involved with IPD projects Development and placement of elements inside the model –Data driven, not design driven –Performed prior to dimensioning or detailing Streamlines entire IPD team’s process.

Managing Data How Much is too Much? –Data is a minor use of file size and software resources Better to have information and not need than to need and not have Data is viewed through filters such as schedules and software “plug-ins” allowing unnecessary data to be “Hidden” –Quality, not quantity Relevance is important Avoid descriptive data and terms Embed information only where necessary for model analysis –Structural Properties –Usage Properties Linking to web-based data keeps information current –Base Information levels on project requirements Structural information on interiors project Lighting Information on structural project

IPD – INTEGRATED PROJECT DELIVERY

IPD – Integrated Project Delivery What is IPD Benefits to IPD projects from Specifier's involvement –Earlier Product Selection Increased design time based on specified product Reduction in procurement delays –More Accurate and Effective Bidding Comparisons can be affirmed by line item (Apples to Apples) Product substitutions may be made quickly –Rolling Design Changes As actual products are specified, model updates may be performed allowing more time for model analysis and clash detection

IPD – Integrated Project Delivery Benefits to IPD projects from Specifier's involvement –Earlier Product Selection Increased design time based on specified product Reduction in procurement delays –More Accurate and Effective Bidding Comparisons can be affirmed by line item (Apples to Apples) Product substitutions may be made quickly –Rolling Design Changes As actual products are specified, model updates may be performed allowing more time for model analysis and clash detection

CREATING SPECIFICATION DOCUMENTS FROM BIM DATA From This…To This…

Creating Specification Documents from BIM Data Manual Specification Creation from Model Data –Project info more organized Information comes from well organized data sets including performance criteria, keynotes, assembly codes, descriptors and notes Informational links allow for simplified product solutions research –More Accurate The more information that is provided, the more accurate the documentation can be at an earlier point. Allows more time to develop solutions –Creates a point of reference Singular point of data unifies information Model Data = Specification Data –Accountability Date-stamped record of information provided Creates a clear division of Work

Creating Specification Documents from BIM Data Automated Systems –3 rd party “plug-ins” which attach to BIM software Create baseline specifications Typically non-specific to actual manufactured product No reference standard –Difficult to use. Additional software system to learn –Developmental, and functional, but cannot replace the specifier –Future Improvements may improve the accuracy of the finished document, but are only as good as the guide specification which is initially created.

Creating Specification Documents from BIM Data The Future of Specification Writing –Digitally Based Documents Electronic Formats XML embedded –Automation based on Guide Spec Systems More “SpecWizard” type interfaces –Concurrent development of Specifications and BIM Elements Specification and BIM element created simultaneously from design considerations

CONCLUSIONS

Conclusions Role as spec writer remains, only the deliverable changes. Specifier is the most qualified member of the project team for managing BIM data. Specifier can evolve to “Project Information Manager” IPD can further streamline construction processes by bringing Specifier's expertise into the model. Additional education and cursory knowledge of BIM software can dramatically increase the value of the specifier to the design team.

QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND DISCUSSION Robert S. Weygant, CSI, CDT, SCIP