BIM Curriculum Lecture

Notes
BIM LECTURE 1: INTRODUCTION TO BIM

BIM Curriculum Lecture Notes 1

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BIM Curriculum Lecture Notes - BIM Lecture 1: Introduction to BIM

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 Contents

Contents
BIM Lecture 1: Introduction to BIM ____________________________________________________ 5
Evolution of AEC CAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
AEC CAD Timeline. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2D CAD - Working concept. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2D CAD - Evaluation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
3D CAD - Working Concept . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3D CAD - Evaluation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
The BIM Concept . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
BIM - Working Concept . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
BIM - Evaluation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
The BIM Concept: Real Architectural Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
The BIM Concept: Model Based Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
The BIM Concept: Calculation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
The BIM Concept: External Collaboration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
The BIM Concept: Internal Collaboration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
The BIM Concept: Analysis, Coordination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
THE BIM CONCEPT: Country specific AEC CAD & BIM standards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Industry Trends – Construction Coordination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Virtual Construction Workflow. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Integrated Project Delivery (IPD). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

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Contents

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 BIM Lecture 1: Introduction to BIM

BIM LECTURE 1: INTRODUCTION TO BIM

Topics
• History / Overview
• From 2D to BIM
• The BIM concept
• Future Trends
There is a lot of talk these days about model-based design, Building Information Modeling: BIM, or Virtual
Building to mention just some of the names this approach is often given. The topic of this lecture is what does this
really mean and how does this approach differ.

EVOLUTION OF AEC CAD

CAD (Computer Aided Design) applications have gone through major changes over the course of time. The
evolution of CAD software was particularly significant in the AEC (Architecture, Engineering and Construction)
industry, in which simple two dimensional drafting programs have evolved into integrated Building Information
Modeling (BIM) applications during the past 30 years. The most important milestones of AEC CAD are the
following:
• 2D CAD
Electronic drafting board
• 3D CAD
Modeling for purely visualization purposes
• Building Information Modeling (BIM)
Models with integrated architectural information
• Construction Coordination (5D)
Timing/scheduling and Cost estimation
Early commercial CAD applications were no more then electronic drafting boards capable of creating 2D
drawings only.
A major milestone of AEC software history was the release of 3D CAD applications capable of handling three-
dimensional models in addition to the 2D documentation. Some of these programs also had basic visualization
functions, such as photo rendering engines and simple movie tools.
Contemporary BIM applications provide integrated solutions for architects and designers. Developed specifically
for the AEC industry, the BIM programs feature real building elements, automatically attached building
information data and rich visualization capabilities.
Adding time and cost information to the 3D BIM model (making it into a so-called “4D” or “5D” model) allows
construction companies to optimize their processes and minimize the risk of building errors.

AEC CAD TIMELINE

The history of CAD goes back to the early sixties. In this pioneering era of computer science, researchers and
programmers laid the foundations of the CAD industry. Computer input devices (such as the mouse) and basic
computer interface techniques were also invented that time.
The first commercial CAD applications were released in the seventies for mainframe computers and workstations.
Since these machines were very expensive, computer-aided drafting remained the privilege of state institutions
and large design firms (mainly in the engineering industry).

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BIM Lecture 1: Introduction to BIM

The breakthrough in CAD usage came in the early eighties, with the appearance of personal computers on the
market. The drop in computer prices opened the way for smaller architectural firms to start experimenting with
CAD drafting.
Thanks to the rapid development of computer hardware and computer programming, within a few years 3D CAD
solutions followed the 2D CAD applications.
By the end of the eighties, CAD developers realized that different industry segments required different solutions.
The 1990’s were characterized, then, by specialization of CAD software. The Building Information Modeling
concept was also developed during these years, although some revolutionary CAD companies released similar
products in the early eighties.
Next trend in the industry was the integrated solution offered for construction companies. This approach is also
known as 4D-5D BIM (3D+time+cost). Latest and growing trend is supplementing the BIM models with facility
management and life cycle management information to help the work of building operators (6D-7D BIM).

The adoption of new CAD concepts by institutions and businesses usually followed the industry innovations with
a few years delay. The accompanying chart shows the tendencies in CAD usage during the past 30 years.
As you can see, from the mid-80s onwards, more and more of the industry has adopted some form of CAD, and
we are now going to discuss the 3 most common CAD methods
• 2D CAD
• 3D CAD
• BIM

2D CAD - WORKING CONCEPT

Before we talk about the BIM concept, let’s take a closer look at the earlier CAD methods. 2D CAD applications are
nothing more than “electronic drafting boards” capable of providing only two-dimensional drawings, without the
capability for 3D models.
The working concepts of 2D CAD are the following:
• Design and documentation are done exclusively in 2D
• 3D models are not created
• Drawings are stored in separate files
• Drawings are coordinated manually
• Calculation and visualization tools are not available

2D CAD - EVALUATION
The most important benefits and drawbacks of 2D CAD are listed below. 2D CAD has major advantages
compared to hand drafting, but it cannot provide solutions for many problems facing designers. The most critical
drawback of 2D CAD is the lack of automatic drawing coordination.

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 BIM Lecture 1: Introduction to BIM

Benefits
Compared to hand drafting
• Fast modifications
• Accuracy
• Intelligent drafting tools (fills, dimensions)
• Management of repetitive element (blocks, xrefs, libraries)
Compared to 3D CAD and BIM
• Simple working concept (electronic drafting)
• Relatively small files size (only 2D data)
• The same workflow can be applied for all building types

Drawbacks
Compared to 3D CAD and BIM
• Drawings are not coordinated automatically
• 3D visualization is not supported
• Automatic calculations, quantity take-offs and schedules are not available
• Automatic collision detection and code checking are not supported

3D CAD - WORKING CONCEPT

The main features of 3D CAD are:
• The application has both 2D and 3D capabilities
• Buildings can be modeled in 3D if required
• 3D and 2D information can be included in one file
• Drawings are (partially) derived from the model
• Automatic documentation is not supported
• Application primarily uses 2D and 3D drawing tools instead of real architectural
elements
• Additional content can be created, including visualization and basic quantity
take-offs
3D CAD programs allow users to create a spatial model of the building together
with the necessary 2D documentation. Some drawings (e.g. sections or
elevations) can be partially derived from the 3D model but in most cases the
documentation is kept in a separate file (or set of files) from the model. Most 3D
applications offer built-in visualization tools and basic quantity calculation
features (e.g. floor areas, roof areas).

3D CAD - EVALUATION
In general, 3D applications provide many advantages for architects and designers compared to 2D CAD and hand
drafting. Visualization and listing are just the two most obvious benefits of 3D modeling. Even so, 3D CAD also has
major drawbacks compared to BIM. Most importantly we can mention the lack of real architectural intelligent
elements and automatically updated documentation.

Benefits
Compared to 2D CAD
• Easier identification of design problems
• Faster change mangement
• Visualization and calculation capabilities
Compared to BIM
• 3D modeling is optional
• Smaller file size

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BIM Lecture 1: Introduction to BIM

Drawbacks (compared to BIM)

• Concept doesn’t follow the architectural design process
• Documentation is not fully automatic
• Real architectural elements are not available

THE BIM CONCEPT

Definition: BIM= Building Information Modeling
Also known as “Virtual Building” or “Building Simulation”

The basic concept of BIM modeling is that architects are able to use the 3D building model to extract all the
required project drawings and building views – including sections and elevations, presentation drawings,
renderings and detailed construction drawings, as well as quantity calculations and price estimations.
Consequently, changes to the model are instantly updated on all drawings. The image below is an illustration of
this concept.
Working with a 3-Dimensional building model gives the architects flexibility and benefits that are not available in
a traditional 2D building project. The commonly used phrases ‘Virtual Building’, ‘Building Simulation’ and
‘Building Information Modeling’ are largely interchangeable.

BIM - WORKING CONCEPT

The most significant highlights of the BIM method are:
• Single file concept: The complete building model and all of its representations are included in the virtual
building file
• Real architectural elements used for modeling
• Changes to the model affect all related drawings (and vice versa)
• Automatic generation and updating of documentation
• Rich architectural content (libraries)
• Building information data attached to the elements
• Additional features, such as rendering, animation, quantity take-offs, schedules

BIM - EVALUATION
Since the BIM concept was initially developed to serve the AEC market, it offers many particular advantages for
architects and designers compared to traditional CAD methods. The only possible drawback of BIM is the
relatively higher training requirements of novice users and cross graders from 2D CAD applications.

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 BIM Lecture 1: Introduction to BIM

Benefits
Compared to 2D and 3D CAD
• Elements have architectural meaning
• Changes on one drawing have influence on all others
• Rich visualization content (animation, sun studies, renderings etc.)
• Automatic quantity take-offs, schedules
• Connection to structural, MEP (mechanical, electrical & plumming), energy calculation, collision detection etc.
software

Drawbacks
• Higher training requirements
• Might be difficult to learn the BIM approach for people who were previously 2D CAD users

THE BIM CONCEPT: REAL ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS

The BIM model is made of real architectural elements that are represented correctly (according to local
architectural standards) in all views. Furthermore, non-graphical building information data can be attached to the
building components that serve as a basis for various calculations.
Drawing representation
• Floor plan, section and elevation views
• Adjustable contours, fills, backgrounds
• Scale sensitivity
Model representation
• 3D shapes connected to drawing elements
• Surface color and texture
Non-graphical information
• Material descriptions
• Quantities, volumes
• Cost
• Values specific to certain elements (e.g. lux values of lights, fire resistance of
doors)

THE BIM CONCEPT: MODEL BASED DOCUMENTATION

The ultimate goal of architectural design - even in the era of BIM modeling - is to produce the construction
documentation set from which the building can be constructed. Three dimensional models and visualization
materials are also important since they help to win the job, but architects still get paid for delivering drawings.
The BIM programs support the automatic production of drawings from the 3D model, allowing architects to
spend more time on design and less on documentation.
The benefits of model-based documentation are:
• Coherence between model and drawing
• All drawings derived from the model
• Model itself coordinates drawings
• Scale sensitive elements
• The complete project lifecycle can be controlled from a single file
• Rich 3D visualization content helps you to win more jobs

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BIM Lecture 1: Introduction to BIM

THE BIM CONCEPT: CALCULATION

Assigning non-graphical data (quantity, materials, description, cost etc.) to the model elements allows the user to
derive instant calculation from the BIM model.
Additional information attached to a model:
• Quantity
• Materials
• Descriptions
– Product details
– Construction details
– Safety details
• Cost
Instant calculation materials:
• Quantity take-offs
• Room Inventories
• Door/Window schedules

THE BIM CONCEPT: EXTERNAL COLLABORATION

To design, construct and manage a building is a highly complex process that requires smooth communication
and collaboration among all members of the project team. Advanced BIM applications offer integrated data
communication and data sharing solutions for all project stakeholders. It is only such advanced data-sharing
technology which will enable effective enough communication to support this collaborative approach.

The AEC industry is moving from a “file-based environment” toward a “data-based environment”. The information
stored in the BIM model can be shared in many file formats with external project team members:
• IFC (Industry Foundation Classes)
• DXF-DWG (AutoCAD Drawing)
• PDF (Portable Document Format)
• XML (Extensible Markup Language)
• Other native CAD file formats
IFC is a standard universal framework that enables information sharing and interoperability throughout all
phases of the whole building life cycle.

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 BIM Lecture 1: Introduction to BIM

THE BIM CONCEPT: INTERNAL COLLABORATION

Well-established communication protocols in the office are critical to minimize the risk of project coordination
errors. Complex or large buildings also require the sharing of the BIM model among the project team members.
The most common project sharing methods in BIM applications are:
• File-server based teamwork solutions
• Client-server based teamwork solutions
• Hotlinked file methods
The teamwork approach offers an integrated solution for the collaboration requirements of the BIM office.

The teamwork approach:

• Central file contains the complete virtual building database
• Team members work on local copies
• Team members have dedicated workspaces
• Team members send and receive changes regularly

THE BIM CONCEPT: ANALYSIS, COORDINATION

The BIM model, when imported into external
analysis programs, allows a wide range of
analytical activities including:
• Code checking (collision detection)
• Energy efficiency analysis
• Structural analysis
These tools help minimize the risk of
construction and design errors.

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BIM Lecture 1: Introduction to BIM

THE BIM CONCEPT: COUNTRY SPECIFIC AEC CAD & BIM STANDARDS
These country specific standards were set up to improve the process of design information production,
management and exchange. All members of the AEC industry have the growing need for application of these
standards in a unified, practical & pragmatic manner within a design environment.
In some countries, state organizations, institutions and CAD manufacturers have developed local CAD Standards
to improve productivity and enhance the interchange of CAD documents among different offices and
applications.
The most popular national CAD standards are the following:
• BS 1192 (British Standards) widely used in the UK
• AIA Cad Layer Guidelines is widespread in the U.S.
• Uniformat is a U.S. standard for the organization of building elements
• ISO 13567 International standard, common in Northern Europe
The complete U.S. National CAD Standard (NCS) layer name format is divided into 5 parts: the Discipline
Designator, the Major Group, two Minor Groups, and the Status fields.

The complete UK National CAD Standard layer name format is also divided into 5 parts: the Role, the
Classification, the Presentation, the Description, and the optional View fields.

The benefit of these very flexible systems are that they keep similar elements grouped in lists, minimizing the
need to scroll and search for the correct layer.
The main advantage of using national standards is that they offer a generally applicable layering guideline for
different project types, disciplines and software applications. This solution can be recommended for
multidisciplinary firms and those companies whose partners or clients have already adopted this standard.
The downside of using national standards is that they might be too generic for those companies that specialize in
one specific project type.
The primary platform for OpenBIM coordination is the IFC file format. The Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) data
model is intended to describe building and construction industry data.
It is a platform neutral, open file format specification that is not controlled by a single vendor or group of vendors.
It is an object-based file format with a data model developed by buildingSMART.
In order to promote open, IFC model-based communication several BIM standards have been published by
governments, state organizations and other institutions.

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 BIM Lecture 1: Introduction to BIM

The picture above shows the UK BIM Wedge (due to its famous shape) – it was developed by Mark Bew and
Mervyn Richards in 2008. The horizontal axis reads as the ‘tools’, the vertical measures BIM ‘maturity level’. The
resulting graph is a steadily rising line between, ‘below 0 maturity’ and ‘level 3’, also expanding beyond, related to
the various tools of data-capture and management.
GRAPHISOFT ARCHICAD supports the major, international and local IFC standards (IFC 2x3 Model View
Definitions) required by buildingSMART and other organizations: IFC 2x3 Coordination View (1.0 and 2.0),
Coordination View (Surface Geometry), Basic FM Handover View (required for COBie documentation), and
Concept Design BIM 2010 (required by GSA in US, Statsbygg in Norway, and Senate Properties in Finland).
Complying with these BIM standards makes ARCHICAD the perfect design coordination solution for architects
worldwide.

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BIM Lecture 1: Introduction to BIM

INDUSTRY TRENDS – CONSTRUCTION COORDINATION

The needs and approaches of construction companies are different from those of the architects. Construction
must excel in two areas: winning bids and effectively managing the money, manpower, machinery, and materials
required to construct buildings. Not surprisingly, the building industry is moving toward automated solutions.
Assigning time and cost information to the BIM model (5D) is such a solution.

VIRTUAL CONSTRUCTION WORKFLOW

The 5D model –or Virtual Construction Model- is the basis for all elements of the project control, including
constructibility analysis, cost estimation and construction documentation. The figure below shows the new
construction coordination workflow.

INTEGRATED PROJECT DELIVERY (IPD)

Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) is a new approach to the design and construction of buildings that is based on a
cooperative working relationship, shared risk and reward, and open exchange of data that is intended to result in
lower cost, shorter design and construction schedules, lower overall risk, increased prefabrication, and overall
improvement in efficiency and productivity. This collaborative project delivery method is largely depends on the
latest technologies including BIM and 4D-5D modeling. The following spreadsheet highlights the major
differences between the traditional project delivery methods and IPD.

Traditional IPD
Segm ented Te am s Integrated, c ollaborativ e

Line ar, distinc t, se grega ted Proces s Conc urre nt, m ulti-lev e l, integrated

Indiv idua lly m ana ged R is k Colle c tiv e ly m anaged

Indiv idua l suc c ess, m inim um e ffort R ew ard Value -based, te am suc c ess
for m ax im um return
Pa per ba se d, 2D, a nalog Te chnology Digitally base d, BIM , 4D

M inim ize or transfer risk , don’t Agree m ents O pen sharing, c ollaboration, full integration
sha re
Indiv idua lly foc used Educa tion Te am -based , integrated, c ollaborativ e

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