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02 | BIM Fundamentals
In “BIM Fundamentals,” you learn briefly and concisely the theoretical foundations of Building Information Modeling (BIM). The acquired knowledge is necessary to complete the further course modules
Module structure
Contents of the module
Objectives of the module
· Introduction to the basics of working according to Building Information Modeling (BIM)
· Understanding of the need for Client Information Requirements (AIA)
· Knowledge of the advantages of dealing with digital building models
· Teaching important terms that play a key role in the BIM process
· Understanding of the individual BIM roles in the BIM process and how they fit together
Required theory
· AIA – Client Information Requirements
· BCF - BIM Collaboration Format
· BIM – Building Information Modeling
· BIM user
· BIM advantages for clients and operators
· CDE (Common Data Environment)
· DLG - Digital delivery items
· IFC (Indutry Foundation Classes)
· little, big, open, closed BIM
· LoIN (Level of Information Need)
What is BIM?
One often hears the question “What is BIM?” in connection with Building Information Modeling. The Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI) describes BIM in the step-by-step plan for digital planning and construction as follows:
„Building Information Modeling refers to a cooperative working methodology which, based on digital models of a building, the information and data relevant to its life cycle that are consistently recorded, managed and exchanged in transparent communication between those involved or handed over for further processing.” (as of December 2015)
To simple, BIM represents a cooperative way of working in which everyone involved in a construction project works together and collects and organizes important information and data in digital models to ensure transparent communication between everyone involved.
Uniform application through defined guidelines
Since BIM is an advanced and complex type of work methodology, the Association of German Engineers (VDI) has developed the VDI guidelines for the uniform application of BIM. It determines all norms, rules and standards. It serves as a guide and guidance for engineers, architects and other professionals who want to integrate BIM into their projects. All descriptions of BIM can be found in VDI 2552 Sheet 2. BIM is described there as follows:
„Method for the planning, construction and operation of buildings with a partnership approach based on a centralized provision of information for shared use."
Note: The building model is the primary tool that supports the way of working and is used to manage information (e.g. time, costs, usage data). BIM is not a software package, but a working method that facilitates both project management and collaboration in all phases of a building's life.
The introduction of BIM
BIM Germany - The Center for the Digitalization of Construction It can be inferred that the beginnings the use of BIM for federal construction projects in the year 2013 Go back: Back then, with the”Reform Commission Construction of Major Projects“a round table of stakeholders from economy, science and politics launched, with target to develop a strategy for more efficiency, Cost- and Adherence to deadlines for major projects in the construction sector. On BIM Germany, the goal of BIM is defined as follows:
“It is the stated goal of the Federal Government to help BIM achieve a breakthrough in Germany. Roadmaps have therefore been drawn up for how BIM can be successfully used in construction and civil engineering, water and rail construction projects.” (BIM Germany)
In Video tutorial The beginnings of the introduction of BIM in Germany are summarized in more detail.
It is also known from the general media that there have been numerous troubles when complying with Cost- and time budgets chez Large-scale construction projects:
At the Elbphilharmonie Construction costs were initially reduced to 77 million € appreciated. However, in the course of implementation, the costs exploded to approx. 789 million €, so that the Elbphilharmonie is now one of the most expensive Belongs to buildings in the world.
There was a similar cost explosion on Berlin Airport BER took place. Originally, the building was built on approx. €2.46 billion calculated. It was realized with 6.5 billion €, one Cost increase of 264%.
Even in the case of a major transport and urban development project Stuttgart21 Construction costs exploded from €2.46 billion on estimated 6.5 billion €.
The MacLeamy Curve
The MacLeamy curve is explained in more detail in the video tutorial.
You can find more information about Patrick MacLeamy here.
Advantages and disadvantages at a glance
The biggest effort With the help of BIM, there is modeling of a digital building model, i.e. in the digital representation of a certain level of performance in the form of geometric and alphanumeric information, which is to be displayed in a computer model. Provided that the digital building model has been consistently recorded and coordinated, BIM offers numerous benefits for the construction industry when all project participants work closely together.
Overall, the introduction of BIM can Increase efficiency, Reduce costs And the Improve the quality of construction projects. However, it is important, the challenges and investments in changeover to consider.
Increasing quality, efficiency and cost control
A BIM strategy can be viewed as a strategic approach to implementing digital technologies in construction. It aims to improve the quality, efficiency and cost control in the planning, construction and operation of construction projects.
It is imagined that many people involved in a BIM project work together to solve professional and technical problems and coordinate them together. For the collaboration to run smoothly, it is important to set a clear roadmap (strategy) to determine when and how coordination should take place and, above all, what needs to be agreed before the actual BIM project begins.
BIM goals
BIM projects pursue various goals to improve efficiency, quality and sustainability in construction. These goals vary depending on the project type, organization and individual requirements. The choice of goals depends on the specific challenges and goals of the respective BIM project.
Some examples of BIM project goals are explained in the video tutorial.
Clear delineation and assessment of effort
BIM use cases are specific processes that help achieve specified goals using BIM models. They serve to define areas of responsibility in which BIM can be used in companies or projects. These use cases enable a clear demarcation and assessment of the effort.
Profile of a use case
All use cases support higher-level goals such as increasing efficiency, improving quality and collaborating in the construction process. Each use case has a short profile that summarizes the most important features.
Here are a few examples of BIM use cases:
- Inventory capture: Collection of information about existing buildings or infrastructure
- Planning variant investigation: Examination of different planning approaches and variants
- Visualizations: Creation of visual representations for presentations and communicatio
- Design and verification: Calculation and verification for components and constructions
- Coordination of the specialist trades: Coordination between different trades in the construction industry
- Planning progress control: Monitoring the project progress during the planning phase
- Creation of design and approval plans: Generation of plans for design and approval phase
Further information can be found on the BIM Germany homepage.
The meaning of the term interoperability
The Mittelstand-Digital initiative, funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK), emphasizes the importance of interoperability. It enables different systems and software programs to work together across the board or, ideally, seamlessly.
Client information requirements (AIA)
Further information about AIA can be found on the BIM Germany homepage. A sample for a more detailed insight into the AIA can also be accessed via BIM Germany.
BIM Execution Plan (BAP)
In the following chapters you will learn more about the following terms, which play a key role in the BIM process and are used in most cases.
All terms are also available in our BIM-Glossary.
· BIM Collaboration Format (BCF)
· Common Data Environment (CDE)
· Digital delivery items (DLG)
· Industry Foundation Clases (IFC)
· Level of Development (LoD, LoG, LoI)
The model (requirements) depth
The Level of Development (LOD) describes the level of development of the components of a building model. LOD provides information about the level of geometric detail of the parts of a building model in different performance phases and how reliable is the alphanumeric information of individual components in the building model
Explanation of the graphic
The Level of Development (LOD) is fundamental for project understanding and determines the degree of completion of the model, which in turn determines the level of detail of the individual model elements. The scale ranges from LoD 100 to 500, with higher numbers indicating higher levels of detail. It is important to emphasize that the LOD is not a time frame, but a measure of the percentage of completion.
The Level of Geometry (LOG) refers to the geometric requirements for the representation of components and their detailing in the planning model. The Level of Information (LoI), on the other hand, defines the alphanumeric information requirements for the components. Both are categorized independently in levels 100 to 500. LoG describes the geometric content of the model, while LoI specifies the information content of the components.
The next chapter continues with the model guidelines.
Framework and conditions for creating 3D models
Example aspects for defining a modeling guideline
1. Geometry quality of the building model:
The modeling guideline defines how elements in the model are to be designed. For example, how foundations, foundations or external wall connections should be modeled. For example, rising components - such as columns and walls - must be modeled floor by floor in order to further use the information if necessary to simulate the construction process from the model.
2. Reference points in the building model:
It determines where certain reference points are located in the model, e.g. B. the position of 0.00 for the floors (top edge of the finished floor OKFF or top edge of the raw ceiling OKRD) or the unchangeable fixed point of the coordination body, for model transfer between the different disciplines.
3. Handling multi-layer model elements:
Depending on the selected level of geometry, some model elements, such as walls, ceilings and roofs, must be represented in their individual layers. There are various technical modeling methods for this, which are recorded in a modeling guideline.
4. General model regulations:
Furthermore, information on the axis grid, materials, textures and hatching as well as schematic representation and labeling can be specified in a modeling guideline, which the modelers must adhere to.
Further information on modeling guidelines can be found on the homepage of the BIM Institute at the Bergischen Universität Wuppertal.
Communicating “problems” in a BIM mode
The CDE (Common Data Environment) forms a crucial cornerstone for efficient collaboration during project implementation and is usually provided by the client. A professional client optimizes his entire portfolio using a CDE in order to minimize setup costs and at the same time take advantage of the advantages of central data storage and uniform structuring.
In general, a CDE is a web-based platform that brings the entire planning team together and supports the integration of various applications. Integrated collaboration platforms are used within specific specialist disciplines, which enable collaboration within specific applications. This includes features such as real-time collaboration down to the element or feature level.
The benefits of a common CDE solution and corresponding workflows include controlled access to project information, clearly defined exchange processes, clearly defined document and model statuses and transparent communication. Furthermore, responsibility for information within each information container lies with the producing organizational unit. Shareable information containers reduce the time and cost of producing coordinated information, and a complete audit trail of information creation is available for use during and after every project execution and asset management activity.
BIM roles and their meaning
The graphic shows the most important roles and their main activities.
It is important to note that the exact tasks may vary depending on the office structure and project.
Coherence of roles
The interaction and authority between the different BIM roles can vary depending on the project and organization. Here are some general guidelines:
BIM manager:
The BIM manager is usually the highest authority and is responsible for the strategic planning and monitoring of all BIM processes. He sets the direction and ensures that the client's BIM goals are achieved. The BIM manager can issue instructions to all other BIM roles.
BIM overall coordinator:
The overall BIM coordinator works closely with the BIM manager. The managemer is responsible for coordinating all BIM planning on the part of the contractors. If there are conflicts or there is a need for coordination, the overall BIM coordinator can make decisions.
BIM coordinator:
The BIM coordinator works with the overall BIM coordinator and other specialist planners. The managemer is responsible for coordinating orders within the company's internal BIM model. If there are conflicts or there is a need for coordination, the BIM coordinator can suggest solutions.
BIM author:
The BIM author creates and models the BIM models. He works closely with other specialist planners to ensure detailed specialist planning. The BIM author can make changes to the model to resolve conflicts.
BIM user:
BIM users use the BIM models agreed by the overall BIM coordinator for their respective tasks. You exchange information with other project participants. BIM users can share feedback and requirements with the BIM authors via the overall BIM coordinator.
Almost there!
You have gone through all chapters of BIM Fundamentals and have now reached the end of the first course module. Before you continue with the next module - 03 I BIM Author - and you get into practice, there is still one hurdle to overcome. The final quiz is intended to test your knowledge and make it clear that you have everything you need with you to continue your journey to become a BIM author so that nothing goes wrong.
Registration & implementation
You can register for the quiz using the link or scan the QR code with any device so you can take the quiz from anywhere.
Click here for the QUIZ
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