UNDERSTANDING BIM A GUIDE FOR CLIENTS Produced by: - Alex Wall Danny Slater David Bird Date: - February 2013 Version: - 1.0
Contents 1. BIM Terminology... 2 2. What is BIM?... 4 3. Why use BIM?... 5 4. WCEC BIM Consult How we can Help... 7 4.1 Content Creation and Management... 8 4.2 Training... 9 4.3 Modelling... 9 4.4 Establishing BIM Protocols and Standards... 9 4.5 Data Management Applications... 9 5. What Software to Use?... 10 6. Level of Detail (LOD)... 11 7. 4D BIM - Programme Management and Clash Detection... 12 8. 5D BIM - Quantity Take-off... 13 9. WCEC Revit Quantity Take-off and analysis application... 14 9.1 Audit Revit Quality... 14 9.2 Check for Design Compliance... 14 9.3 Schedule out Quantities... 14 10. Data Management... 15 10.1 Revit data management and protocols... 15 11. BIM Execution Plans... 16 11.1 Project Information... 16 11.2 Project Objectives & Goals... 16 11.3 Collaborative Working and Protocols... 16 11.4 Project Resources & IT Requirements... 16 11.5 Further Resources... 16 12. What is COBie (UK 2012)... 17 13. Industry Standards... 18 14. What is Uniclass 2?... 20 15. Conclusion... 21 1
1. BIM Terminology 2/3D Modelling in two or three geometric dimensions. 4D 5D nd AEC (UK) BIM BIM (M) BIM 360 Glue BS 1192 Building Smart COBie DWF/DWFX gbxml IES IFC Modelling to include live data links to schedule/programme data, simulations and clash detection. Modelling to include live data links, quantity schedules and cost planning data. Modelling to include a variety of data and simulations, covering, for example, time/schedule, cost, carbon impact, energy uses, etc. (n represents the number of these dimensions ). A group publishing unified BIM standards for architecture, engineering and the construction industry in the UK. Building Information Modelling. Building Information Modelling and Management. An Autodesk facility for a cloud based storage of project data. The British Standard for the production of CAD information. A new version is due out which will focus more on collaborative design and BIM. International alliance promoting BIM and the use of IFCs. Construction Operations Building Information Exchange a data structure and related information standards for the capture and use of project handover data to aid in facilities management. Design Web Format export data available for viewing in multiple Autodesk software applications. Green Building XML - Is an industry standard file format to facilitate the transfer of BIM data between different BIM analysis applications. Integrated Environmental Solutions. A BIM analysis system for sustainable building design including Part L1 and L2 compliance, BREEAM, Thermal, Solar, Light and Airflow analysis to name a few. Industry Foundation Classes Is an industry standard file format to facilitate the exchange of BIM data between different BIM applications. 2
LOD National BIM Library Navisworks NBS Create Objects Product libraries QTO Revit TAS Uniclass II Level of Detail Identifies to what level your 3D model has been created and how much information is known about the model. A content library of BIM families created and managed by the NBS. An Autodesk product for clash detection and build simulations. Is the latest live web-based method of writing a project specification. This is designed to supersede NBS building as a BIM specification tool that can link to other applications. Object-Oriented technology. Objects are fundamental to BIM. They are typically digital representations of a building s physical components that are defined in terms of attributes (geometry, material composition, specification, cost, etc.). Also called object libraries or content libraries, these are digital collections of groups or families of objects that are available to designers. Quantity Take-off - An Autodesk product for extracting quantities from BIM models (To be included within the future Navisworks release 2014). An Autodesk product for building design using BIM available to most disciplines. Thermal Analysis Simulation. A BIM modelling and simulation tool that identifies Thermal, Energy Consumption, CO 2 Emissions with the results identified in Energy Performance Certificates and providing Part L2 compliance. Is the latest Unified standard Classification Scheme for the construction industry. This is designed to supersede previous classification systems such as CI/SfB and is the data structure for the new NBS Create. 3
2. What is BIM? There is currently much interest in Building Information Modelling (BIM) in UK construction. The UK Government has recently announced that it will be seeking efficiencies through greater use of BIM, and would like to see BIM on all public projects by 2016, regardless of size. BIM is the use of an intelligent database driven 3D dynamic modelling of a building. This intelligent central database gives the potential to link the building design drawings directly to other construction and maintenance applications such as specifications, cost plans and programs. BIM is about collaboration and the central storage and management of data to improve the efficiency and outcomes of design, construction and facility management. Ideally that data is created in the form of linked specifications and 3D models. It can be viewed that the specification becomes a central database of building components and elements and the Revit model quantifies and sets out those components. A whole series of potential outputs to aid design and construction can come out of these central linked databases including various types of simulations, schedules, costs, quantities and integrated energy analysis. This level of intelligence and analysis at an early design stage enables the design team to simulate and optimise the scheme proposals. The Concerns - Frequently the problem is that BIM creates too much data in unmanageable formats. It is challenging to manage and review that data in coherent and user friendly ways. It can also be hard to link the data between the different computer applications. Misconception - All too often BIM is confused with Revit which is not an accurate assessment. Revit is simply a piece of software for 3D modelling that forms a part of the BIM collaboration process. How we can help Click here to see the full services we offer and to see to guide you through this process. 4
3. Why use BIM? Add Value to the Client - Improved views and understanding of the building design (produce realistic 3D images of the interior and exterior of your building as required without delay.) Clients stand to benefit greatly from BIM and to do so they will need the advice and support of their professional design and construction team. Finding the right team of people with a positive approach to using BIM, sharing information and above all learning from the experience is key. Add value on site - More intelligent construction information (Able to schedule off components and requirements linked to detailed specifications produce room data sheets or schedules or additional details to order) All data linked improving efficiency and understanding of site managers. Avoid problems - Improved clash detection between all designers - Linked data sets ensures better coordination drawings and specifications linked (input all of the detailed engineering information so difficult junctions can be assessed and problems spotted and solved in advance of abortive work on site.) Control building costs - Live cost planning (Link the 3D model to proprietary cost planning software so the cost of design changes or design options can be continuously reviewed and updated giving the client genuine control over project costs.) Understand running costs - Energy Modelling (Understand how your building will perform comfort levels, running costs and the implications of design changes as they happen) Avoid waste - Accurate take off of quantities (more efficient management on site - Improved waste management cost savings on site). Construction model linked to program for more efficient ordering and procurement schedules. Better planning - Planning, phasing and programming in 3D (See the construction process happen virtually and plan the build and monitor progress against the plan) Better management - Asset management (understand your building stock and hold all data about your buildings in a central intelligent 3D database. be able to pull off asset registers of furniture, equipment, lighting etc. as and when required and understand maintenance requirements). Export project data directly into facilities management software using agreed protocols such as COBie. Quality of Design Intelligent design data from the outset of a project enables a much higher degree of design review with automated scheduling of room areas, dynamic thermal modelling and accurate assessments of project costs from the outset. Getting design right first time and resolving technical issues enables designers to focus on quality of design and information produced and minimises abortive work. 5
Speed of Design Automated processes and content with linked schedules and quantities ensures that drawings, schedules and bills are produced quickly and accurately enabling the design team to focus on adding value to the design and meeting client goals. Mobile Technology Access information on the go with the use of cloud based storage of data accessible by all parties over secure access. 6
4. WCEC BIM Consult How we can Help Who are WCEC? WCEC are industry leaders in the use of Revit Building Information Modelling. We have over 40 trained expert Revit users plus a full-time BIM management team and trainers to ensure we are always improving our systems, pushing the boundaries of what the technology can do, and improving the level and scope of services we can offer to our clients. As a multidisciplinary design group with over 100 staff in 3 offices we operate nationally, leading and delivering efficient construction processes and designs as WCEC Architects, WCEC BIM Consult, WCEC Environmental, WCEC Visualisation and WCEC Interiors. Who are WCEC BIM consult? As Revit and BIM consultants our close relationship with our associated design companies ensures that we produce realistic and pragmatic solutions to aid the design process. WCEC BIM Consult specialise in content creation, the creation of linked Revit and NBS Create Libraries and designing and managing data solutions to manage and manipulate the data produced. Our applications can be used for the verification and audit of projects, and to eliminate errors. We offer BIM training and modelling services and assistance in developing and establishing efficient and effective BIM strategies. WCEC BIM consult services Setting up Revit families and standard component libraries Setting up linked NBS Create Specification Clause libraries Managing and auditing component libraries Establishing and agreeing Revit protocols Establishing and agreeing BIM execution plans Auditing Revit models Providing structured and manageable quantity schedules from BIM models Assisting in producing COBie data sets Converting design and historic data into BIM / Revit formats Training in the above processes Call now to organise a free consultation 7
4.1 Content Creation and Management As BIM outcomes develop it becomes ever clearer that the creation and management of standard construction content (Revit families linked to NBS Create Specifications) is critical to successful and efficient outcomes. This is where WCEC BIM consult can offer real expertise and assistance to improve the efficiency of your design processes. Linked data sets - Quality in Quality out BIM can be an efficient process which saves time and money at all stages of the construction process. The efficiency of BIM during the design process is dependent upon the existence of a high quality component library. If the content all needs to be created for an individual project then it is likely to be an inefficient and costly process and the outcome data is likely to be of poor quality and difficult to manage or audit. The creation and management of intelligent libraries of building components is the key to the successful application of BIM. Clear naming and data entry protocols linked to industry standards should be used and audited to ensure that useful data is ultimately produced. WCEC have a proven track record in creating and managing intelligent linked content for clients. Our pragmatic approach and extensive technical and construction expertise give us a unique ability to provide content which design teams will want to use and will ensure useful usable data is produced. The National BIM Library Is this not the content required? At present this is in its early days. The majority of construction items may be added to this over the next five years. We can make use of what has been created and manage other content to match these standards and add data as required but you can benefit from intelligent BIM now without waiting for the national BIM library to fulfil its potential. How we can help We have managed specifications and standard design information for clients for many years. Now with our expertise in BIM we can provide this information in an intelligent and linked way and maintain this information in an optimum format to improve the efficiency and accuracy of your designers. 8
4.2 Training We offer training on all aspects of BIM from Revit use and Content Creation, the linking of BIM applications and clash detection, to the creation of BIM protocols and executions plans. As part of a design practice with a specialist BIM team, our training and guidance is practical and focussed on increasing efficiency and quality. 4.3 Modelling Do you have content which needs modelling to industry standards to create intelligent data? Whether you are a manufacturer wanting to provide useful families to architects and designers and to feed into the National BIM Library, or a client who procures buildings who wants their design teams to have the resource of a library of accurate and audited building components we are the people to help. 4.4 Establishing BIM Protocols and Standards Do you know that you need to move towards BIM but not know where to start? Do you need help establishing your requirements and setting out naming, data entry and modelling protocols? This can be integrated in with training packages and we can enable you to hit the ground running in what can seem a daunting and complex field. 4.5 Data Management Applications Are you using a BIM modelling system on your job but struggling to get meaningful data out to manage cost plans and for facilities managers etc? Are you inundated with endless meaningless spreadsheets and do not know where to turn? Our applications can help manage and sort this data to your requirements so you always have useful and searchable information in the format you need. We developed the WCEC Revit Quantity Take-off and analysis application to manage and manipulate this data to produce intelligent, digestible and manageable information in the format that contractors and cost managers require. 9
5. What Software to Use? There are many BIM modelling packages on the market. There is compatibility between the different packages and information from multiple platforms (examples Revit, Bentley Systems, ArchiCAD etc.) can be imported into packages like Navisworks for coordination. Revit The industry leading and most used BIM software. The level of compatibility between BIM applications is not generally as good as it should be and levels of data and information are lost in the transfer process. For the efficient and effective use of BIM we recommend that all principle designers use the same primary modelling software and the same modelling and naming standards. Revit is rapidly becoming the industry standard and therefore we have now focussed all our efforts on developing Revit as the primary modelling package. Other specialist modelling and assessment packages can be used and the compatibility limitations need to be understood and managed to avoid modelling information multiple times. NBS Create NBS Create is a specification package which has been launched to replace NBS Building. This can dynamically link to Revit model and be used collaboratively by the whole project team to provide a single linked and coordinated specification for construction projects. This is an exciting development within the industry and should form the backbone of any progressive BIM project and data set. Navisworks For the management of construction programmes and clash detection and following the 2014 update quantity, take-off Navisworks is a flexible entry level package that can provide impressive results. As this is also an Autodesk product it is also fully compatible with Revit as well as accepting information from all other BIM platforms. Click here for more information to how Navisworks can help you. Microsoft Excel We develop and program applications using excel to manage and manipulate data as this again is industry standard software which is available to all. Click here for information about the applications we develop. Environmental Analysis The fully code compliant packages to provide full detailed analysis of a building are IES (Integrated Environmental Solutions) and TAS (Thermal Analysis Software). Both are excellent packages, however both have limited compatibility with Revit and a high level of rework tends to be required to take models from Revit for analysis. 10
6. Level of Detail (LOD) BIM is being used at a number of different levels of sophistication at the moment. The government task group has defined a number of different levels of BIM usage. The majority of BIM users are currently using Level 1 where 3D modelling is utilised for better design coordination. We have proven expertise in level 2 BIM and are striving to help the industry to achieve level 3 BIM. Level 0 - Unmanaged CAD, in 2D, with paper (or electronic paper) data exchange. Level 1 - Managed CAD in 2D or 3D format with a collaborative tool providing a common data environment with a standardised approach to data structure and format. Commercial data will be managed by standalone finance and cost management packages with no integration. Level 2 - A managed 3D environment held in separate discipline 'BIM' tools with data attached. Commercial data will be managed by enterprise resource planning software and integrated by proprietary interfaces or bespoke middleware. This level of BIM may utilise 4D construction sequencing and/or 5D cost information. The Government s BIM Strategy Paper calls for the industry to achieve Level 2 BIM by 2016. Level 3 - A fully integrated and collaborative process enabled by 'web services' and compliant with emerging Industry Foundation Class (IFC) standards. This level of BIM will utilise 4D construction sequencing, 5D cost information and 6D project lifecycle management information. 11
7. 4D BIM - Programme Management and Clash Detection The linking of construction programmes to BIM data sets is called 4D BIM. This enables you to visualise the construction process and analyse in detail the interfaces and phasing requirements of complex construction projects. Temporary works and work schedules can be analysed in a virtual model of the project at the relevant stage of construction. Clients can visualise and understand the construction process and phasing implications and contractors benefit from enhanced safety and management on site with linked hazards identified. Navisworks by Autodesk provides a tool to visualise the build process enabling design teams to interrogate the design for clash detection before it happens saving time and money on site with regular review of the model as the design progresses. Determining how close the clashes are and where and when they occur by linking the clash detection to the simulation can assist in the programming of works. The software can also be used to change the appearance of materials/components by assigning profile data to simplify views within the building such as showing steel as red, blue ductwork, green sprinkler runs etc. This can help understand the complexity of some areas in a single glance. Furthermore the linking of programme and procurement data to the BIM data set enables delivery and ordering schedules to be automated as and when required to improve efficiency on site. How we can help We work with national contractors and clients helping them to get what they need out of BIM; setting up processes and providing training to drive efficiency. If you are trying to understand how to get value out of BIM information and do not know where to turn then we can guide you towards the software you need and how to manage that software to give you meaningful and useful outputs. 12
8. 5D BIM - Quantity Take-off The linking of cost plans to BIM data sets is called 5D BIM. This involves an automated take off of quantities from a BIM model linked to costing data to form a dynamic cost plan. QTO This stands for quantity take-off. It is both the process of extracting quantities from BIM models and the name of a piece of Autodesk software designed for this process. The theory is simple however the extraction of data in a meaningful and useful way can be complex and many issues can potentially affect the actual quantity data. An understanding of how Revit works and how to manipulate this data is needed to ensure that the expected results are achieved. Taking off elements from the exported model, QTO will assign its own data to these elements along with a substantial amount of data extracted from the original Revit export. Understanding these data fields, what data fields are extracted, what data you wish to export in the final format but more importantly how and what elements are measured are key to producing more accurate cost plans. QTO will only measure accurately what has been modelled and those elements which are not modelled are still to be accounted for. Even when this data is extracted using good naming and modelling protocols, a medium sized construction project may have 10,000 to 30,000 components and therefore even an accurate schedule of all of these components in an unsorted list is not useful to a cost planner. We developed the WCEC Revit Quantity Take-off and analysis application to manage and manipulate this data to produce intelligent, digestible and manageable information in the format that contractors and cost managers require. 13
9. WCEC Revit Quantity Take-off and analysis application This has been developed to :- 9.1 Audit Revit Quality As BIM is viewed as a database of construction information and content the management and quality of the content and the data within it is critical to ensuring that linked applications work correctly. Our application audits Revit drafting quality and compliance with agreed Revit protocols, providing a schedule of non-compliant content for review. 9.2 Check for Design Compliance If, as a client, you have standard specifications and design standards then our data analysis applications can help to verify and check compliance with these agreed design standards and schedule out variations from model designs and requirements. 9.3 Schedule out Quantities Having control and understanding of the quantities of building elements at all stages of the design process provides a powerful tool to better manage costs and construction processes. Our application not only provides simple and user friendly schedules of quantities in work package reference but also highlights and schedules out design changes. Giving visibility to quantities, and design changes, (adds and omits) throughout the life of projects improves the efficiency and speed of cost planning and procurement. These quantities can be organised through work package or specification sections to meet your requirements giving structured and manageable quantities in a usable format. 14
10. Data Management To get value from Revit data it is important to understand and manage that data. Standard data fields - within Revit. Data Extraction - How these feed through into other applications such as QTO and COBie. Revit Standards - How these should be managed and controlled to ensure that appropriate and relevant data is produced. Industry Standards - How these can relate to recognised industry standards such as Uniclass 2, CI/SfB, NBS, AEC, the National BIM library and BS 1192. BIM Execution Plans - How BIM Execution plans should explicitly define and document data and Revit naming and modelling requirements. How we can help WCEC BIM consult have the expertise. We can guide you through this process. 10.1 Revit data management and protocols Within Revit there are a series of standard data fields which apply to all Revit items. Bespoke fields can also be created although QTO only extracts data from the standard fields. Use of data fields Naming fields Primary purpose To help users find correct items from libraries Notes fields Primary purpose For tagging information to drawings Data fields Primary purpose For data extraction COBie Fields If you use the COBie Revit add-in then COBie fields for extraction into COBie data sheets will also be added. How we can help It is critical that you set up usable and practical data structures at the outset. We can help you to understand and establish data and naming protocols which will work for you for many years to come. 15
11. BIM Execution Plans True BIM embraces the whole way of working and management of a construction project and is so much more than just a 3D modelling tool. Therefore a true Project BIM execution plan should be a central plan of the management and organisation of a construction project. This plan should therefore cover the whole project delivery process. At WCEC we always like information to be pragmatic and useful therefore this document needs to be manageable and meaningful to the people working on that project. 11.1 Project Information Project Description, Scope and Key Personnel Roles and Responsibilities 11.2 Project Objectives & Goals The useful way to define the BIM requirements is a Uniclass 2 matrix table which covers the programming, level of detail and design responsibility for construction elements at the key project stages. 11.3 Collaborative Working and Protocols At its best BIM is a way of working together. The BIM Execution Plan wants to define how people will collaborate, share information and work together. As previously noted, useful data is only created through the use of consistent and intelligent protocols. These should cover naming and data field entry, validation and modelling standards and data drop requirements. 11.4 Project Resources & IT Requirements General hardware and software requirements for content creation, sharing, viewing, extraction and analysis. 11.5 Further Resources Useful guidance is also available on the AEC (UK) BIM Protocol http://aecuk.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/aecukbimprotocol-bimexecutionplan-v2-0.pdf How we can help WCEC can help you set up BIM protocols and standard BIM execution plans which are meaningful and manageable. 16
12. What is COBie (UK 2012) Essentially COBie is a data storage format which can be viewed as a database structure. It is a standard way of storing and organising data. It is not a tool for accessing or using that data. It is supported by the government. COBie UK 2012 is the British version of the standard generated by the Governments BIM Task Group. COBie is an excellent format for storing data but specialist software is required to get useful output from COBie data and careful content management is required to ensure useful data is produced. Soft Landings and facilities management This links in to the government drive towards Soft landings within the construction process. There is a lot of waste within the construction process by the general disconnect between construction professionals and facilities management. Soft landings is a drive to improve the process with facilities managers more engaged in the design process and construction professionals taking on more responsibility for the handover and management of new facilities in the early years. COBie is designed as an ideal data structure to ensure that the handover of data is agreed in a structured and managed format as a part of this process. 17
13. Industry Standards It is essential that any construction project runs as efficiently as possible and a key process to ensure this is collaboration. It is necessary for all team/design members to use compatible software programs (the same if possible) and use the same naming setup/standards. A method of encouraging this is to establish Industry Standards of which 3 current standards are summarised below. These Industry Standards are for guidance and recommendations only, however if they are followed correctly by all team members, then it saves time, confusion and money. Unfortunately with a number of different standards and these still rapidly evolving it can be confusing and hard to know where to turn. We have expertise and understanding of all of these standards and can help you to make the most from your BIM applications. BS 1192 (2007) Is the British Standard that establishes the methodology for managing the production, distribution and quality of construction information, using a disciplined process for collaboration and specified naming policy This is a generic standard to cover all BIM applications and therefore gives limited specific guidance. It is also now quite outdated, and therefore an update is in progress to be issued later this year. The BS 1192 current BIM content naming convention: - Role-Classification-Presentation-Description Role Each organisation should be allocated a role, eg A = Architect, S = Structural Engineer Classification The current Industry standard is the Uniclass 2 referencing system Presentation A single character should be used to identify the presentation such as D for dimensioning, M for Model Description Brief text used to identify the item/component E.G. A-Uniclass-M-free text 18
AEC (UK) BIM Protocol AEC committee/group formed to improve the process of design information production, management and exchange. The BIM Protocol document was first released in 2009 which was superseded by version 2 in 2012. This committee of leading industry BIM experts provides specific guidance and protocols for software such as Revit as well as generic guidance. The AEC (UK) current BIM content naming convention: - Author-Uniclass-Description-Manufacturer-Detail-ViewType-Grade Author Identifies the owner of the object, eg A = Architect, S = Structural Engineer Uniclass The current industry standard referencing system Description The description should be based on the Uniclass setup Manufacturer Used to identify the manufacturer of an object/component etc. if required Detail Used to further define objects/components by specifying sizes etc. View Type 1 or 2no. characters used to identify the presentation state eg M3 for 3D Model, P for plan and S for section Grade Identifies how much detail has been incorporated into the object/component eg G1 for low resolution views such as 1:200 scale, and G3 for high resolution views such as 1:20 scale. NBS National BIM Library Is an online resource developed and managed by NBS (National Building Specification) which enables professionals to download BIM objects. The library is limited at present, however new components, families and manufacturers are being added on a regular basis, with the likes of Kingspan Insulation Ltd and Kalzip Ltd already signed up. The National BIM Library current naming convention: - Author_Classification_Manufacturer_Description Author Identifies the owner of the object, eg Company name, A = Architect, S = Structural Engineer Classification The current Industry standard is the Uniclass 2 referencing system Manufacturer Used to identify the manufacturer of an object/ component etc. if required Description Brief text used to identify the item/component 19
14. What is Uniclass 2? NBS Create organises and references specification clauses and building components in a wholly new way. It is organised using a new referencing system, Uniclass2 The unified classification system for construction and building projects. As the creation of BIM data and the use of BIM expands it has become clear that an agreed and industry standard classification system relating to all forms of construction and all construction activities is critical for the progression of efficient BIM processes and outcomes. Uniclass 2 created by the NBS is set to become the new universal classification system for the construction industry replacing older classification systems such as CI/SfB. We can help to develop BIM libraries and protocols which utilise Uniclass 2 data structures. Unfortunately the final official version of Uniclass 2 is still to be released although various drafts are available and it is now used as the classification system for the new NBS Create. 20
15. Conclusion The movement towards BIM within the construction industry can be a baffling process. Just as you believe you know where you should be going, more confusing options, software, standards and new terminology is thrown at you. BIM is here now and it can add efficiency to your processes straightaway. Don t put off you move to BIM due to uncertainty and doubt about the best way to go. There are real opportunities available to companies who are early adopters of the technology. We can help to guide you through this process. Call now to organise a free consultation London Alex Wall Partner - 020 3388 0019 alex.wall@wcec.co.uk Chesterfield David Bird National BIM Manager 01246 260 261 david.bird@wcec.co.uk Livingston Danny Slater Partner - 08700 555 915 danny.slater@wcec.co.uk 21