Chapter 12 Building Information Modeling

Objectives Explain the principles of building information modeling (BIM). Describe the characteristics of a BIM model. Explain applications for BIM in commercial and residential architecture. List and describe major BIM processes used in a building project. Explain the common tools and processes used in parametric modeling.

Objectives Describe common processes used to coordinate models between different engineering principles. Explain applications for a BIM model in facility management.

Introduction BIM is process where the virtual building model replicates the actual building Provides management system from design through construction and operation BIM applies to both residential and commercial architecture

Introduction to BIM Approach to building design that allows for management of all aspects of building project Conceptual design Building analysis Model construction and documentation Design collaboration Encompasses processes occurring throughout design project and lifetime of building Cost estimating Construction management Data management Facility management

Introduction to BIM BIM model is virtual representation of a building Model courtesy of Autodesk

Introduction to BIM BIM model is virtual building model BIM referred to as parametric model because each object has editable properties “Smart” relationships between objects means change to one object changes entire model Each object has material properties and parameters that identify product data

Introduction to BIM The ability to study 3D models before construction is key advantage of BIM over 2D 3D models represents work, 2D drawing views are generated from 3D model Biggest difference between BIM and traditional design is use of parametric modeling software

Implementing BIM BIM allows greater building project efficiency Implementation of BIM occurs gradually in phases, rather than overnight Using BIM requires major shift in how company operates, so good planning essential Using BIM requires selecting BIM manager Manager most knowledgeable of BIM software Also needs management skills

Implementing BIM BIM manager’s responsibilities include: Software training IT management Identifying projects suitable for BIM Assigning roles to team members Coordinating work with other disciplines BIM standards development

Applications for BIM in Residential and Commercial Architecture Most companies using BIM in architectural design are in commercial construction Improvements in efficiency using BIM produce greater savings, have more impact BIM only marginally beneficial in residential architecture because they are less complex Startup costs can be significant challenge

Applications for BIM in Residential and Commercial Architecture More growth for BIM in the commercial sector due to competition Commercial firms that do not adopt BIM risk losing business to other firms Less demand for BIM from home buyers Botswana Innovation Hub - SHoP Architects

Applications for BIM in Residential and Commercial Architecture BIM has measurable benefits to residential designers in custom home design market BIM model can be analyzed to determine if it meets green building standard Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification

Applications for BIM in Residential and Commercial Architecture Prefabricated design constructed from locally sourced wood GRAPHISOFT The Eco-house 3.0|NOEM - noem.com|photo c Meritxell Arjalaguer

Applications for BIM in Residential and Commercial Architecture Advantages of BIM: Productivity Visualization Collaboration Marketing Disadvantages of BIM: Initial investment Level of implementation File interoperability Image courtesy of Autodesk

BIM Processes Streamline coordination with different contributors in building design project BIM processes over course of design project: Model design Model construction Model collaboration Data management Facility management

Model Design Design project begins with design studies Design studies are intended to serve as a comprehensive analysis of the design Solar orientation Wind patterns Building code requirements

Model Design Commonly referred to as schematic design May be hand sketches, computer-generated renderings, or combination of the two Involve as many stakeholders as possible in the early design stages

Model Design Stakeholders are usually engineers, contractors, consultants, material suppliers, and building engineers This stage of the redesign called front-loading Front-loading allows more time to focus on design, which helps drive project innovation

Model Analysis Sustainability is an important objective in architectural design BIM processes help designers integrate sustainable design principles By analyzing models in BIM, designers can study alternative scenarios and enhance performance factors, such as energy efficiency

Model Analysis Design simulations evaluate: Shadows and reflections Energy use Flight conditions Carbon emissions Water management Wind patterns Ventilation Thermal performance Daylighting and lighting loads

Model Analysis Simulations can be used to simulate construction conditions for visualization purposes London Blackfriars station, courtesy of Network Rail and Jacobs®

Model Analysis Structural analysis can analyze loads Structural design can analyze strength data for beam and column connections and verify the sizes of structural components are correct Design simulation results can be used to optimize model by making appropriate design changes

Model Analysis Goodheart-Willcox Publisher

Cost Estimating One of the first steps in design project is preparing preliminary estimate of materials and labor costs to construct building BIM model supplies all of the building data used in cost estimating Material takeoff is list of quantities and materials used in constructing the building

Cost Estimating Modeling software programs provide tools for creating a material takeoff automatically Estimators prepare cost estimates manually by working from the construction documents

Clash Detection Interference checking in BIM software is commonly referred to as clash detection Ability to check for interference in different models is very important benefit of BIM Software evaluates model geometry, highlights areas in building with interference

Clash Detection GRAPHISOFT

Simulating Construction Designing, constructing building model in 3-D modeling software is similar to constructing actual building Construction simulation shows construction processes in sequential order Important to contractors, who determine methods for processes ahead of construction

Model Construction Based on a parametric modeling workflow Objects can be edited parametrically and have “smart” relationships with one another BIM model can be used to create construction drawings used in the building project BIM models viewed from different viewpoints

Model Construction Model courtesy of DesignGroup and the National Audubon Society

Model Setup Project is file that stores all model geometry and views associated with the model Project template is file configured with predefined settings, model content, and use that can be applied to a new project Views in model file are set up to coordinate with major types of views and working drawings used in architectural drawings

Model Setup Sheet is layout with title block and view for printing Views organized by categories: Floor Plans, Ceiling Plans, Sections, Elevations How views and sheets are organized in model files differentiates BIM from traditional CADD Model courtesy of Autodesk

Model Setup Visibility settings for review can be saved into a view template View range defines objects’ visibility range Levels are assigned elevations that define key heights of the building Once model file is set up with the appropriate views and levels, modeling can begin

Creating Plan Views Model construction typically starts with creating the floor plan view Serves as basis for other views First step is to create interior, exterior walls Doors, windows added next Components that represent same item in different sizes and orientations called family

Creating Plan Views Dennis Dixon BluPrint Design + Build

Creating Plan Views Dennis Dixon BluPrint Design + Build

Section Views Shows portion of building as if it is “cut” SECTION command creates section view Helps designer verify feature locations After section view is created, view is displayed and wall is edited Creates “cutout” in wall or feature

Creating Section Views Dennis Dixon BluPrint Design + Build

Elevations Views that illustrate exterior features Shows north, south, east, and west Included in finished appearance of building ELEVATION command creates elevation view LEVEL command used to create levels Levels identify important heights of building

Creating Elevation Views Dennis Dixon BluPrint Design + Build

Schedules List of all items of a specific type that are needed for construction Can be formatted to list things, such as part number, type, size, cost, material, and finish Can be used for processes, such as estimating, ordering, and installation

Detailing The process of using 2D geometry to represent non-modeled features in views Detail components: View-specific symbols that appear only in view in which they are created Modeling programs provide library of predefined detail components Detailing provides flexibility to the designer

Detailing Images courtesy of Autodesk

Sheet Preparation View completed by adding dimensions, annotations, other information Sheets have the same relationship to the model as views Sheets plotted to electronic file format, such as portable document format (PDF)

Model Collaboration BIM facilitates a collaborative design process Coordinates work by linking models and monitoring changes as they occur For effective model collaboration, regular communication should take place between the different engineers and offices

Model Collaboration Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock.com

Data Management Data must be organized, stored so it is readily available to different contributors in project Enterprise software stores data in centralized location along with models, drawing documentation System must have safeguards for file security and backup Files should be organized, easy to retrieve

Facility Management Incorporating input from different stakeholders helps improve building project A primary goal of BIM is to construct buildings that perform more efficiently Building systems being represented in digital form means desired information can be retrieved quickly

Facility Management Image courtesy of Autodesk