1. Overview National BIM Standard
National Institute of
Building Sciences
National Building Information Model Standard
Industry Foundation Classes
Information Delivery Manuals
and International Framework for Dictionaries
Based on and supporting
Overview National BIM Standard
Insert your name and the name of the group you are presenting to on this slide.
Identify your relationship and you are part of a national team putting together this standard which is being coordinated with the international community.
Use the slides in this deck as the basis to tell the story you need to to the intended audience. Be picky and use as few slides as possible…
Here are a couple recommendations -
If you only have a couple of minutes use only slide #1, 2, 9 & 28
If you have up to 10 minutes then add in slides #3, 10, 12 & 27
If you have a minute presentation add in slides #5, 6, 13, 15 & 16
If you have a minute presentation add in slides #4, 7, 8, 11, 14, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25 & 26
If you have more time use them all which adds in slides #20, 21, 22 & 23
What makes this a national standard is the national ontologies that already exist that we must coordinate with such as Master format, Uniformat and other similar items unique to North America.
This presentation is copyrighted by NIBS to ensure that one coordinated story is being told.
NIBS National BIM Standard Project Committee
November 2006
This presentation is a collaborative product of the NIBS NBIMS Project Committee.

2. Having standardized information for a facility:
Why NBIMS?
Having standardized information for a facility:
Defines facility information exchanges and resulting BIM data
Organizes facility life-cycle information
Provides basis for longevity to the information
As in the BIM presentation, if you only have time for one slide this should probably be it.
A BIM is great, but without it being standardized you could get locked into the limits of one vendors products
We are encouraging the use of IFC based information exchanges which link us to the international community open standards.
We need to have commonly organized information throughout the life-cycle so other software products outside our area of responsibility can find and read the data
We will need to keep the data alive and usable for years – this is no small order and it can only be accomplished with a standardized approach

3. What is a National BIM Standard?
Agenda
The NBIMS Initiative
Organization
Participation
Method of working
What is a National BIM Standard?
Goal scenario - What does an NBIMS look like and how will NBIMS function
How will NBIMS be developed?
What is happening now?
This presentation discusses not only the NBIMS initiative and why it is important, but also discusses the standard itself

4. Emerging buildingSMART-NA Initiative
Draft Role
A Strategy for Improving Facilities
The buildingSMART Alliance will:
Act as a focal point for improving facilities efficiency
Establish consortia arrangements for conducting research,
Conduct forums and workshops,
Manage research and research-related projects,
Disseminate information,
Review work performed by others.
Develop and recommend standards, guidelines and certification programs;
Stimulate innovation in the industry
Promote increased understanding and communications
The buildingSMART effort is the overarching effort of making BIM happen
However NBIMS is important but it is only a piece of the bigger issue of the acceptance of BIM by the industry.
This acceptance will need money for research, education, communication, developing the standard, and certification.

5. NBIMS Organization Chart
NIBS
Board of Directors
Facility
Information
Council
NBIMS Project
Executive
Committee
Fundraising
Task Team
Scoping
Task Team
Development
Task Team
Testing
Task Team
Business Process
Integration
Task Team
Model View
Task Team
Communications
Task Team
Note the underlying ‘Community of Interest’. Next slide shows the extent of that community.
Consensus Committee is essential to accomplish one of NBIMS core goals – Harmonizing existing efforts.
Consensus Committee
NBIMS Community of Interest

6. Groups Supporting NBIMS
 OmniClasstm
We already have these organizations and more either working with us extensively or indicating strong interest as to how they can become more involved.
There is a great mix here of folks from almost every walk of the public and private sector.
Many are signers of the NBIMS charter. If you have not signed the charter please consider doing so.
There are big and small A/E’s, contractors, software vendors, agencies and many associations representing countless companies involved in the industry all coming together at NIBS, for a common goal.
AEC
Infosystems

7. NBIMS Levels of involvement
Community of interest
Membership on the listserv and participation in BIM related discussions
Consensus Committee
A cross-sectional subset of the Community of Interest that will actually participate in the voting on the standard.
Task Teams
Open membership for those who want to be involved in the drafting of the standard which will go to the Consensus Committee
NBIMS Executive Committee
Management and oversight of the entire project committee effort with cross sectional representation
Facility Information Council
The NIBS Council under which the NBIMS and NCS efforts operate. They determine what other projects may be necessary in the future
This slide continues discussion of areas of involvement and nature of contribution/commitment.

8. Committees and Charters
BIM Standards Requires an Integrated, Multi-Disciplinary Focus
Executive Committee – Deke Smith, Chairman NBIMS
Provides oversight, direction, and guidance on all aspects of the NBIMS initiative
Scoping Committee – Dianne Davis, Committee Chair
BIM/IDM Implementation “Roadmap” and North American Standards Mapping
Model View Team – Richard See, Committee Chair
Supports rapid deployment of IDM and IE schemas into IAI/IFC model
Development Team – Bill East, Committee Chair
Supports creation of IFC based Information Delivery Manuals
Testing Team – Patrick Suermann, P.E., Committee Chair
Support the testing of commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) and “best practices”
Business Integration & Legal – David Jordani, Committee Chair
Focus on “Building Lifecycle” legal and business documentation
Communications – Allan Edgar, Committee Chair
Supports the distribution of information about the NBIMS activity
This slide simply provides a bit more information about each of the task teams listed earlier
Chairs
One line description
The web site has a more detailed charter for each task team.

9. Building Information Model Definition
National BIM Standard Definition of BIM – buildingSMART
A Building Information Model (BIM) is a digital representation of physical and functional characteristics of a facility.  As such it serves as a shared knowledge resource for information about a facility forming a reliable basis for decisions during its life-cycle from inception onward.
A basic premise of BIM is collaboration by different stakeholders at different phases of the life cycle of a facility to insert, extract, update or modify information in the BIM process to support and reflect the roles of that stakeholder. The BIM is a shared digital representation founded on open standards for interoperability.
The National BIM Standard is part of the global buildingSMART Information Delivery Manual Initiative.
This is the agreed to “standard” definition for a BIM.
Key points are that it is digital so a machine can read and analyze it.
It includes the entire life-cycle from inception onward
It supports collaboration
It is shared information and supports interoperability
It is an open standard and free
It is part of the overall buildingSMART initiative

10. Define expansive scope of BIM
NBIMS Goals
Define expansive scope of BIM
Everyone starting from different points of view
Breaking down stovepipes
Developing awareness and appreciation of life-cycle approach
Define first and subsequent versions of the Standard
Can’t boil the ocean
Need to know when and what information will be available
Need to identify authoritative sources and ensure accuracy
Transition to the Goals of the NBIMS Committee
We have two goals
Define what BIM is on a higher level – get out of the stove pipe!
Get people to understand that nearly every piece of information they gather is usefull by someone else later in the life-cycle of a facility
Everyone has a different point of view
Define the first version of NBIMS and identify the things that still need to be done

11. Products of NBIMS Version 1.0
Appreciation for the potential scope of BIM
Break out of the stovepipes
Help reduce some of the industry fragmentation
Provides a compendium of tools available to the BIM user
Help ensure that one adopts practices that are accepted throughout the industry
An absolute critical aspect of communicating information
Identifies areas for necessary improvement
Will identify where resources are required in order to take full advantage of BIM
Provide a format for developing information exchanges
Work will be required to identify the various use cases
With a standard format and approach training can be developed and specific projects created to capture the required information
Will provide a vision and strategic plan for the National Standard
Describe the philosophical ‘products’ of v1.0
This is what we want people to come away with from the first version of the NBIMS

12. Content of NBIMS - Version 1.0
Version 1.0 will be a starting point and will potentially identify as many problems as it will solutions
Outline Table of Contents for the v1.0 Document/Publication.
Appendix indicates some leading projects that are early ‘low hanging fruit’.
We are making slight changes to this and the final version 1 draft will be out at the end of December.
Transforming an industry will not be a quick fix but require dedication to long term goals

13. Developing the BIM Value-Chain
IDM
Information Value-Chain
Planning
Workflow Processes for an Integrated Team
IDM – Part of the NBIMS
IDM’s provide inform software companies
of the processes to support
Architecture
Engineering
BIM
Applications
Analysis
Requestor
Provider
BIM applications
Incorporating NA Data Standards
Including OMNI-Class, Uniformat,
International Building Code
Estimating
The heart of NBIMS is the information exchange between a requestor and provider of information
The Information Delivery Manual (IDM) describes the information exchange and also identifies what Industry Foundation Class (IFC’s) are involved in that exchange
This documentation will allow machine readable information exchanges to occur
IFC’s are the building block objects and their attributes that need to be communicated between software products.
This is true throughout the facility lifecycle
Construction
IFC
Facilities Management
IFC’s are the machine interpretable
exchange mechanism
supporting IFC interoperable applications

14. Planned Products For Each Exchange Standard
The NBIM Standard is a collection of standards published as human-readable documents containing guidance for users and for application developers:
A non-technical description of the standard & its intended use.
A diagram illustrating the process the standard addresses.
A technical description for application developers to use.
Contract language for incorporating the exchange requirement into building process agreements.
Results of test-bed activities including participants, results and any issues.
Instructions & other change management materials.
Statements as to the maturity of the Standard and any plans for additional development.
As an introduction this lists the many ‘parts’ of an NBIM Standard and suggests uses for each.

15. Current Business Info Exchange Process
You can’t automate what you don’t understand
Each day information is exchanged by teams, but in different ways and with different content for the same purpose.
Based upon a paper-centric process, , phone, RFI’s
This isn’t a process which can take advantage of BIM and automation.
The problem we have today is that although the outcome is basically the same the processes we use to get there are often entirely different.
In IDM’s we are seeking to identify the best practices
This is when waste is reduced, time is shortened and costs go down.

16. Use of IDM to Support BIM Process
Requirement & Goal
Standardize on information needed for specific tasks within the building lifecycle
Development based upon open data standards used by all
Provides requirements to software companies
In NA uses data standards
CSI, OMNICLASS, Uniformat
International Bldg Code
CIS/2 and other authorities
In an optimized information centric environment everyone can work off the same data when they need to and they are kept appraised of the progress of others
This capability was demonstrated recently at the buildingSMART Industry Day at the National Academy of Sciences on November 1, 2006.
The following companies demonstrated their products all working off the same Norwegian project – HITOS.
The following groups were all working on the same IFC model on stage at the same time. - BIM is here
Graphisoft - information markers, 3D pdf
Bentley - import model - export to Google earth 3D pdf,
EliteCAD - Netherlands, new system - simple. The Sketch Up of BIM, just now supporting IFC
CRC - Australia Code Checking - did a ground plane related area calculation that is required in Australia
Solibri - Accessibility checking, door sizes for routing, toilet wheelchair circles.
Navis Works Jetstream - powerful viewer, bring together files of any format.
DDS Viewer - free - not only geometry, but information, even edit model by adding information and save updated model.
IFD (dictionary) - go to library, chose language, find the item to add something. CSI is working on  US  language version. Design into procurement. Item chosen goes into IFC model.
Octaga - high quality visualization model viewer. Change out materials on the fly, what ifs... Not quite Max for IFC but that direction.
cRofus - build room data sheet, export raw geometry into CAD, or work in CAD - import BIM IFC into cRofus. Model check between plan / model program - actual
Grunland - MEP - Imported BIM, simulation and analysis for MEP, both envelope and inside loads, test things like add window shades / rerun. Also energy performance - can export this back to BIM.
Tekla - BIM Structure - analysis to IFC
DDS - IFC MEP Software (no details)
Electrical safety - circuit diagrams, panels, etc. Interesting because there is no 3D stuff, just diagrams. Fix it and send it back into IFC model.
CRC - Australia - Environmental impact model, (also earlier code check demo) change a finish, check, etc.
Gemini Terrain - zoning, mapping, GIS / IFC link buildable volume display - Google earth - byggsok permit application to check zoning and EDM model server to share and accessibility check
Specification and costing - views broken down by Uniformat or whatever.
RAMBygg - Denmark - IFC based FM system focus on grouping building systems in light of maintenance.
Digital Alchemy - IFC view in Visio. Not yet released, but important that this is Microsoft / IFC connection - could be useful in many ways.
Oracle - collaborative BIM platform, built a web viewer with markups
EPM ModelServer - check in - checkout through IDM or ownership / discipline, etc. central hub for various applications
Onuma planning system - web based, bubble diagrams, links to excel or whatever, round and round.

17. Information Exchange Requirement
This is the form that those items take – the Information Delivery Manual (IDM)
The who, why, when, what and to whom provides structure to the IDM process and this standardized structure also provides the ability to search a database for information exchanges that have been developed or need to be developed
Shows information about an exchange requirement which is needed to define and valuable to be mined when comparing similar processes or looking for an appropriate process to use in a project.
Shows ‘Authoritative Reference’ (e.g.: content standard) for each element.
The information exchange requirements are part of the Information Delivery Manual (IDM)

18. Information Exchange Requirement
Process
Who? Table 14 - Spaces by Form (Room, courtyard, city block)
When? Table 31 – Phases (Conception, design, occupancy)
Why? Table 32 – Services (Designing, constructing, inspecting)
To Whom? Table 33, 34 – Disciplines, Organizational roles (General Construction, cost estimator)
 OmniClasstm
Interoperability
IFC/IFD Mapping – for machine to machine exchanges
Content (What)
Table 14 - Spaces by Form
Table 21 – Elements (walls, HVAC distr., furniture
Table 23 – Products (conc., paint, partitions.
Table 41 – Materials (rock, plastic, glass)
Table Properties (color, width, fire resistance)
Shows the ‘three legs’ of an information exchange requirement. Satisfies BIM definition.
NBIMS stops at mapping information requirements to IFC’s. Implementing exchange requirement in applications is the work of software vendors.
It is based on OmniClass tables that have been designed – some you are familiar with such as MasterFormat (Table 22) and Uniformat (Table 21), many of the ones listed here are new, but serve an important coordination purpose.
Note – this does not just involve 3D modeling vendors but also estimating, model checking, energy analysis, etc.
+300 more

19. Products using IFC’s This effort is not limited to the big CAD vendors
There are over 300 software vendors internationally now supporting IFC’s – many of the international companies have US versions
The IDM’s will provide the use cases for you to access these vendors
Slide information from: International Alliance for Interoperability

20. NBIMS IDM Development Process
This buildup shows:
Functional organization of the Committee
Opportunities for participation
The NBIMS Knowledge base for managing work in progress and mining by external users.
Oversight and quality control
Commitment to associated research; e.g.: performance metrics, best practices, change management issues, etc.
It also identifies where you or your organization can get involved in the process

21. What does an NBIM Standard look like?
Information Exchange Requirements
Illustration by
Chuck Eastman – Georgia Tech
Buildup shows standardized lifecycle phases overlaid by typical business processes.
Illustrates the need for information exchange between two or three typical roles (and implies associated actors).
Illustrates the ‘loop-back’ requirement for information as well as progressive through lifecycle.
Red circle focuses on an information exchange site which is described further in next slide.

22. IFC/IFD - One object exists in multiple contexts
One concept carries the same unique identification in every language
78AF4E98C8D4406B873DBB85E1FE7DB
In a CAD system
Properties
In a briefing document
Properties
BARBi - Norway
Properties
LexiCon - Nederland
Properties
NBS - England
Properties
In a calculation system
Properties
In product catalogues
Properties
SDC - France
Properties
NBIMS – North America
Properties
In a Facility management system
Properties
In classification systems
Properties
Briefly introduce the idea that IFC/IFD elements are molecules used in various combinations to make up compounds.
IFD (Directory) provides an international harmonization of molecular elements from different countries.
Many companies are multinational and the dictionary allows translations to occur.
For demolition and reconstruction
Properties
In building specifications
Properties
Courtesy of Lars Bjørkhaug, Norwegian Building Research Institute

23. Integrating Sector Specific Views of BIM
Capital Projects
The overall flow of information through a project adheres to a roadmap that was established by FIATECH
Another major player in the BIM world is the Open Standards for Real Estate (OSCRE) organization. They are also looking at how information is used at each stage of the facility process
There are a lot of players in their world and this provides a slightly different depiction of the information.
Real Estate

24. Hierarchical Information Relationships
IAI-IFC Usage
Space
Natural Asset
Linear Structure
Structure
Building
Facility / Built
Theatre / World
Sub-Systems
System
Level
Site
Real
Property Asset
Country
State / Province
County
Installation /
Region
Node
Segment
Room
Water / Sea
Land / Parcel
Underground
Air / Space
Geospatial Information
(GIS)
Overlay
Building information
(Building Information Models)
Components
City
This diagram identifies how information is rolled up from the facility level up to the world view.
It is a joint effort from many in the industry including the Federal Real Property Council and OSCRE.
It shows how information inside a facility links into the geospatial world.

25. Reports or Extracted Data from BIM (examples from all classifications)
Hierarchical Building Information Relationships
Attributes
Systems represent the physical entities of the building. Systems use NA classifications such as Omni-Class and Uniformat and are transported/exchanged via IFCs
BUILDING
Or Structure
Metrics
IFC objects, relationships, space
SYSTEMS –Ex. Structural, MEP, Flooring, Ceiling, Exterior, Walls
Attributes
Space is physical in nature, but can be unbounded (have no or cross physical boundaries) but it will always be tied to the physical structure or systems in some way
Attributes
Metrics
Sub-Systems
(part of systems)
Components
Metrics
Overlays are more abstract data - organizational, operational, functional, financial, non-fixed assets, resources, personnel, etc. that is data tied to the Systems and Space
SPACE-Vertical Horizontal, Empty
Example
SUI,CI
Metrics
Level (Stories)
Room
Attributes
Standards
Void
Vertical
Metrics
Reports or Extracted Data from BIM
(examples from all classifications)
Attributes
From the previous slide we go down into the next level which is at the heart of the BIM.
Systems are items such as structural systems, mechanical systems, closure systems and the like.
Space is the room as s well as the void and adds up to the total footprint.
Overlays are polygons that lay over the space and systems that could be heating zones, fire protection zones, organizations, financial cost centers, etc.
It is also important to note that floor plans are only reports off the model.
OVERLAYS – Typically associated with building hierarchy elements.
Area
Gross
Example
Furniture
Equipment
Phone
Net
Example
Rentable Space
Circulation Area
Assets
Financial
Classifications
Volume
Usable
Surface
Example
Space Assignment
Business Group
Example
Secure Areas
Systems
Sq. Ftg.
Personnel
Quantities
Zones
Linear Ft.
Materials & Types
Example
Marketing
Administration
Business
Groups
Metrics
Example
FCA,MDI

26. Capability Maturity Model
The Capability Maturity Model will provide a user the ability to understand just how complete their model really is.
There is a tool that provides a level rating based on responses to questions
The three tabs along the bottom reveal the information that is stored in them. Use the first tab for the fully interactive mode
Use the second tab for a spectrum or continuum for future planning
Use the final tab for figuring out different category descriptions

27. Web Presence for NIBS – FIC - NBIMS
This is our web site – please visit it for more information
Joint the listserv to be kept abreast with what is happening in the NBIMS world
Participate on one of the task teams if any of those are of particular interest.

28. Thank You Conclusion Questions Please
Contact Information
NIBS: Earle Kennett -
Chairman: Deke Smith -
Task Team Chairpersons
Fundraising: Ric Jackson -
Business Process Integration: Dave Jordani -
Scoping: Dianne Davis -
Development: Bill East -
Models: Richard See -
Testing: Patrick Suermann -
Communications: Alan Edgar –
NBMIS:
Questions Please
Here are the points of contact that you might need to get further specific information
Any questions?
Thank you!
Thank You