Specialist Diploma in

Building Information Modeling (BIM)

SBM383: BIM Standards and

Implementation Strategies

Unit 02: BIM System Setup & Specifications

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 BIM Standards and Implementation
Strategies

 BIM System Setup & Specifications

 BIM System Setup

 Hardware and Software
 BIM Server

 BIM Specification
 Chapter 2 in Singapore BIM Guide  Version 1
 Chapter 3 BIM Deliverables  Version 2

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BIM Standards and Implementation
Strategies

 BIM System Setup – Hardware and Software

 What software and hardware setup in BIM project?

 One discipline or multi-disciplines in BIM project?

 How many types of BIM software needed?

 What version of BIM software?

 How many types of hardware needed?

 Server needed? Network license?

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BIM Standards and Implementation
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 BIM System Setup – Hardware (Questions)

 Considerations in Specifying New BIM Workstations
requirements
 32-bit vs. 64-bit Operating Systems – What’s the Deal?
 Choices in Today’s Processors?
 System RAM Considerations?
 Graphics Cards – “Workstation” vs. “Gaming” Solutions?
 Mass Storage Considerations?
 Do I Build or Buy?
 Specifying a Laptop
 Should I Buy a Mac?
 Benchmarking Revit?
 What Else Do I Need?
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BIM Standards and Implementation
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 BIM Hardware System Requirements
 Microsoft Windows 7 64-bit Enterprise, Ultimate, Professional, or
Home Premium edition, Microsoft Windows Vista 64-bit (SP2 or
later) Enterprise, Ultimate, Business, or Home Premium edition,
or Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional x64 edition (SP2 or
later)*
 For Windows 7 64-bit or Windows Vista 64-bit: Intel® Core™ i5-
2300 quad-core processor (2.8 GHz, 6 MB cache) or equivalent
AMD® processor.
 8 GB RAM
 5 GB free disk space
 1,680 x 1,050 monitor with true color
 Display adapter capable of 24-bit color for basic graphics; 256
MB DirectX 10-capable graphics card with Shader Model 3 for
advanced graphics. Find out more about recommended graphics
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hardware.
BIM Standards and Implementation
Strategies
 BIM Hardware System Requirements –
Recommended
 Microsoft Windows 7 64-bit Enterprise, Ultimate,
Professional, or Home Premium
 Intel® Core™ i7-2600 quad-core processor (3.8 GHz, 8 MB
cache ) or equivalent AMD processor
 16 GB RAM (or more)
 1,980 x 1,200 monitor with true color
 2 GB (or more) DirectX 10-capable graphics card with
Shader Model 3. Find out more about recommended
graphics hardware -
http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/syscert?siteID=123112
&id=18844534&results=1&stype=graphic&suite_group=103&
release=2013&edition=3&os=8192&manuf=all&opt=2#
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BIM Standards and Implementation
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 32-bit vs. 64-bit Operating Systems (WIN7)
 You will need to decide if you are going to run a 32 bit or 64 bit version of
the operating system.
 If your CPU is more than a few years old there is a good chance that you
can only run the 32 bit version of Windows 7, however if you have a modern
processor you may have to decide between the versions.
 The 32 or 64 bit architecture refers to the memory address length that can
be referenced by the processor. This also has an impact on the maximum
amount of memory that can be utilised, which is 4GB for a 32 bit CPU (but
in reality the maximum accessible ram is often closer to 3.4 GB due to other
hardware allocations such as graphics card memory).
 Having a 64 bit OS doesn’t automatically make all applications faster
because much of today’s software is written and optimized for a 32 bit era.
You’ll need software specifically optimized for 64 bit processing to take
advantage of any speed improvements.
 You may think that using a 64 bit OS for a 64 bit processer is an obvious
decision, but it is not so straightforward. Introducing a new architecture will
cause new compatibility and driver problems that wouldn’t exist under the
old 32 bit version.
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BIM Standards and Implementation
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 32-bit vs. 64-bit Operating Systems (WIN7)
 Pros and Cons of a 64 bit system:
 You can address much more than 4GB of memory, which is ideal for avid
gamers, CAD, video editors and heavy multi-taskers. However, any 32 bit
software you use will still be restricted to 4GB memory – you need a 64 bit CPU,
OS and applications to take full advantage of the extra RAM.
 16 bit applications will no longer run. Although this is unlikely to be a problem,
if you use very old software (from the Windows 3.1 days!) then it will not work
under a 64 bit OS.
 Existing 32 bit drivers no longer work. If you have older or poorly supported
hardware you may find that it can no longer be used. Got a 7 year old scanner
that just about works in Vista? You may not be able to get it working in 64 bit
Windows 7.
 Unsigned kernel-mode drivers no longer work. Along with the issue above, the
inability to run unsigned kernel mode drivers will cause problems for old hardware.
(There is reportedly a way to bypass this check).
 Running some 32 bit applications on a 64 bit OS could actually be slower.
The additional overheads in running 32 bit software in 64 bit mode could cause a
slight degradation in performance. It will take some time for 64 bit software to
become the norm.

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BIM Standards and Implementation
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 32-bit vs. 64-bit Operating Systems (WIN7)
 The conclusion? Well, it depends on what you use your system for. If you
have a 64 bit capable CPU but use older hardware, it would be safe to stay
with a 32 bit version for the time being to ensure that you don’t need extra
upgrades.
 If you’ve got the latest hardware and drivers are available, then it would be
worth while taking the step up to a 64 bit OS. If you regularly work with
resource hungry applications that are 64 bit optimised (such as video editing,
CAD and image packages) then it would be especially beneficial to be able
to work with over 4GB of RAM amongst the other improvements.
 Now, 64 bit computing will be a common standard – as all hardware from
the last couple of years has been designed with this in mind. Until a complete
upgrade cycle has passed for the majority of users, there is still a strong case
for some users to stick with 32 bit Windows for the time being. Once more 64
bit applications start to appear, it would be a good time to make the switch to
the new architecture.

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 BIM Standards and Implementation
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 Hard Disk and
Infrastructure
Network
 For ease of
comparison, we
colour-coded the
bars according to
the drive type. 3.5"
desktop hard disk
drives have bars that
are blue in colour,
while 2.5" mobile
hard disk drives
have bars that are
red in colour.

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(Sourced by Tech ARP.com)
 BIM Standards and Implementation
Strategies
 Hard Disk and
Infrastructure
Network
 For ease of
comparison, we
colour-coded the
bars according to
the drive type. 3.5"
desktop hard disk
drives have bars that
are blue in colour,
while 2.5" mobile
hard disk drives
have bars that are
red in colour.

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(Sourced by Tech ARP.com)
 BIM Standards and Implementation
Strategies
 Hard Disk and Infrastructure Network

 Revit stresses the hard disk:

 Long application load times
 Very large single files, long project load times

 Revit stresses the infrastructure network:

 Saving / Synchronizing with Central
 Copying new daily Local Files
 Working with remote offices

Infrastructure network: please consult and discuss with IT department or IT

network experts to setup network for BIM.

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 BIM Standards and Implementation
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 RAM and Graphic Cards
 Ram - If upgrade ram, matching ram.. System RAM Considerations?

 Graphic card - “Workstation” vs. “Gaming” Solutions?

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BIM Standards and Implementation
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 RAM

 While the additional RAM will help achieve a boost in BIM productivity for
some users, it is important to note that in the majority of scenarios this will
not be beneficial.

 Enabling additional RAM can be beneficial to system performance.

 Installing additional RAM might help some users increase their productivity
while using BIM, but in most cases the BIM system requirements are
sufficient.

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BIM Standards and Implementation
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 Graphic Cards
 Professional" vs. "Gaming" video cards
 Graphic card manufacturers typically have different product lines targeted for "gamers" and
"professional users". While the hardware setup is very similar in case of both cards, there are key
differences in their firmware and driver. "Gamer" cards (such as Nvidia GeForce and Ati Radeon)
are optimized for 3D games, where speed is more important than image quality. Typically a 3D model
in a game contains a low number of polygons with textures applied to them, while in CAD polygon
count is high, and the quality of the still image of the wireframe or shaded model is more important
than navigation speed. Also, professional cards' memory usage is optimized for using multiple
application windows, while in gaming this is not relevant. Another key difference between the two
product lines is the way they are delivered and supported. Professional cards (such as Nvidia Quadro
and ATi FireGL) are built according to the video chip manufacturer's references, so you can always
be sure that the driver delivered by the video chip manufacturer (e.g. Nvidia or ATI) fits your card.
 Installing video card drivers (Windows)
 Video cards only perform properly if they have a hardware vendor supplied driver (not system built-in
driver) installed correctly. It may happen that remnants of a previous installation interfere with the
current driver installation. If you experience display issues with the drivers listed below, please "clean-
install" the driver again. "Clean-install" means removing all previous driver files before installing a new
driver. Unfortunately, a simple uninstall may not efficiently remove all components of a driver. There
are tools that can do it, like ATI's cat uninstaller cat uninstaller or third party tools like driver cleaner or
driver cleaner pro 1.5
 You can find a description how to identify the current driver version of your NVIDIA card: NVIDA
driver help

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BIM Standards and Implementation
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 Graphic Cards
 OpenGL (Open Graphics Library) is a standard specification defining a cross-language,
cross-platform API for writing applications that produce 2D and 3D computer graphics.
 The interface consists of over 250 different function calls which can be used to draw
complex three-dimensional scenes from simple primitives.
 OpenGL was developed by Silicon Graphics Inc. (SGI) in 1992 and is widely used in CAD,
virtual reality, scientific visualization, information visualization, and flight simulation. It is also
used in video games, where it competes with Direct3D on Microsoft Windows platforms (see
OpenGL vs. Direct3D).

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BIM Standards and Implementation
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 OpenGL 4.1
 Supported Cards: examples Nvidia GeForce 400 series, Nvidia GeForce 500 series, ATI Radeon HD 5000
series, AMD Radeon HD 6000 Series
 This new version adds these additional features to the specification, many of which help bring it in line with
those in Direct3D 11:
 OpenGL Shading language (GLSL) 4.1
 Full compatibility with OpenGL for Embedded Systems (OpenGL ES) 2.0 APIs
 Reduced shaders compilation times with the ability to query and load a binary for shader program objects
 The ability to bind programs individually to the five programmable stages (Vertex, Tessellation Control,
Tessellation Evaluation, Geometry, and Fragment)
 Improvements to the general 64-bit floating point supported added in OpenGL 4.0 (64-bit floating-point
component input for vertex shader)
 Sample renderings
 Refraction using programmable vertex shaders
 Animated textures using frame buffer objects and vertex/fragment program extensions
 Procedural artwork using display lists

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BIM Standards and Implementation
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 BIM system setup – software
 The following diagram shows the major parts of the
installation process:

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BIM Standards and Implementation
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 BIM system setup – software
 The following diagram shows the major parts of the installation
process:
 Before starting to install, check the following details:

 Confirm that your computer meets the minimum system

requirements. If in doubt, click System Requirements at the bottom

of the installer screen.
 Review product documentation to clarify details such as the type of

installation to do (stand-alone or network) and which products to

install. Documentation is accessible from links on the lower left
corner of the installer:
 Ensure that your user name has Administrator permissions to

install applications on the computer or network.

 Obtain serial numbers and product keys for all products you want

to install. These are on the product package or provided at the time

you download the software.
 Close all running applications.
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BIM Standards and Implementation
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 BIM system setup – software
 The following diagram shows the major parts of the installation process:
 Here is some basic information to help you choose the right path.
 Install is recommended for individual users or small groups. The key point is that you

will repeat the installation process on each computer. This is the only valid installation
type for a stand-alone license, but it can also be used with a multi-seat stand-alone or
network license.
 Create Deployment is recommended for network administrators, using either a multi-

seat stand-alone or network license. In the deployment process, the installation is

configured once, stored on the network, and then distributed efficiently to users'
computers. For more information on deployments, see Create Deployment or the
Network Administrator's Guide.
 Install Tools & Utilities is used to install tools and utilities related to your suite or

product. If you have a network license for your Autodesk product, you will need to use
this option to install the Network License Manager before any users can run the
product. Consult the documentation for your suite or product to identify the available
tools and utilities of interest.
 Select Installer Language

 On the first screen of the installer, you can select the language for the installer screens,

using this control on the upper right:

 For some Autodesk products, later in the install process you can select the language

for installed products. For more information, see Change Product Language. 20
BIM Standards and Implementation
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 BIM system setup – software
 The following diagram shows the major parts of the installation process:
▪ These license types are briefly described as follows:
▪ A stand-alone license is intended for use by one person. The licensed
products can be installed on two computers, as long as both instances
are not running concurrently.
▪ A multi-seat stand-alone license is intended to support a specified
maximum number of users, but it can be installed on a larger number of
computers for convenient access.
▪ A network license supports a specified number of users who are
connected to a network. The Network License Manager is installed on
one or more servers on the network to manage the distribution of
licenses to users.

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BIM Standards and Implementation
Strategies
 BIM system setup – software
 The following diagram shows the major parts of the installation process:
 If you are using a network license, choose the server
configuration for the Network License Manager that was
specified at the time of license purchase:
▪ Single License Server - One server manages all licenses on the network.
▪ Distributed License Server - Licenses are distributed across a pool of multiple
servers in the network. You enter the name of each server in the pool.
▪ Redundant License Server -Three servers are available to authenticate each
license. You enter the names of the three servers.

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BIM Standards and Implementation
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 BIM system setup – software
 The following diagram shows the major parts of the installation process:
▪ Installation Path
▪ This path specifies where the product folder will be installed.
▪ Configuration
▪ Most products have a number of configuration settings. On the Install >
Configure Installation page, for any product you have selected to install,
you see a triangular control for access to a configuration panel:
▪ Click anywhere in the product box to open the configuration panel.
For many products, you can select an installation type, either
Typical to accept the default configuration settings, or Custom to
review the settings and decide whether to modify them. More
information on the configuration settings for your product may
exist in an appendix to this guide. After you have configured the
settings as required, click the triangle to close the configuration
panel.

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BIM Standards and Implementation
Strategies
 BIM system setup – software
 The following diagram shows the major parts of the installation process:
▪ When you run an Autodesk product for the first time, you will be
asked to activate the product. If it is connected to the Internet, your
computer can communicate directly with Autodesk to complete the
activation process.
▪ If your computer is disconnected from the Internet, you can activate
later when you are connected. Some products also permit you to
activate offline by sending the serial number, request code, and
registration data to Autodesk over the Web or by email.

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BIM Standards and Implementation
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 BIM server
 BIM Server for ArchiCAD
 Revit Server
 Bentley ProjectWise Integration Server

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BIM Standards and Implementation
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 Requirements for BIM Server for ArchiCAD
 Windows® XP (32-bit and 64-bit), Windows® Vista (32-bit
and 64-bit), Windows® 7 (32-bit and 64-bit), Windows
Server® 2003, 2008 (32-bit and 64-bit), 64-bit system is
recommended
 Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard (64-bit)
 CPU: Intel® Pentium 4, or higher required
 RAM: 4 GB of RAM is required. 8 GB or more is
recommended for complex models
 Hard Drive: 5 GB free disk space is required for the
GraphiSoft BIM Server installation. 10 GB of disk space
(physically located on the server) is required per project
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BIM Standards and Implementation
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 BIM server – Revit Server 2012 overview
Revit Server is the server application for Revit. It is the foundation
for server-based worksharing for Revit projects. A workshared
project is a Revit building model that multiple team members can
access and modify at the same time. Revit Server uses a central
server and multiple local servers for optimal project collaboration
across a wide area network (WAN).

Central server: A server that is accessible to all team members

over the WAN. When you enable worksharing for a Revit project,
you can place the central model on the central server. The central
server hosts the central model of a workshared project.

Local server: A server that is accessible to all team members in a

local area network (LAN). The local server hosts a local, up-to-date
copy of the central model. Team members are typically unaware of
the local server because it is transparent in their daily operations.
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BIM Standards and Implementation
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 BIM server – Revit Server 2012 overview

The key difference is the location

of the central model
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BIM Standards and Implementation
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 BIM server – Revit Server 2012 overview
 How does the Revit Server work?
The Revit Server network architecture consists of a single central
server that connects with multiple local servers.

Upon opening a server-based workshared project, a team member

is working in a local copy of the central model. This local copy,
called the local model, is stored on the team member's computer.
The central model is stored on the central server.

As a team member works, the local server silently requests

updated information from the central model on the central server,
using available network capacity to transfer data over the WAN.
The updated version of the model is stored on the local server, so
the updates are readily available when a team member requests
them.

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BIM Standards and Implementation
Strategies
 BIM server – Revit Server 2012 overview
 How does the Revit Server work?
Reload Latest: When a team member starts Reload Latest, the
local model is updated with information that is already stored on the
local server. In addition, the local server makes another request to
the central server for any additional updates. Because much of the
updated information already resides on the local server, the local
model is updated quickly. The team member does not need to wait
for all of the update information to be transferred over the WAN.

Synchronize with Central: When a team member starts

Synchronize with Central, a Reload Latest operation updates the
local model with changes made by other team members. The
central model is also updated to reflect changes made to the local
model. First, the current version of the local model is saved on the
local server. Then the local server sends that data to the central
server. 30
BIM Standards and Implementation
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 BIM server – Revit Server 2012 overview

The Revit Server network architecture

consists of a single central server that
connects with multiple local servers.
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BIM Standards and Implementation
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 BIM server – Revit Server 2012 overview

Server-based worksharing across a WAN 32

 BIM Standards and Implementation
Strategies
 Revit Server Health check Procedure
 First, ensure you have reviewed some of the more common items to verify the
environment is up and running:
http://revitclinic.typepad.com/my_weblog/2011/01/10-revit-server-troubleshooting-
next-steps.html
 Next, let’s collect the following data regarding your network:
 Where are the linked files stored [other server, same Revit Server volume, etc].

 How are they attaching linked files [through local, through opening central, etc].

 Revit Server Log files, C:\logfiles. It is critical to capture as small a window of

activity as possible, where the specific issue occurs. Ideally the user should
include clean log files, where you went through the process to cause the
specific issue. If you can do this complete the following:
▪ Shut down Revit.
▪ Shut down Revit Server.
▪ Archive the logs on Revit Server and then CLEAN the log file area.
▪ Restart everything, perform the action (that does not work,) and then
capture the log files and journal.
▪ With this process you will have collected logging info for only the specific
sequence that leads to a failure condition, making it easier to review the
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log files for relevant info.
 BIM Standards and Implementation
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 Revit Server Health check Procedure
 (Continued from the last slide…)
 Full network topology diagram with all Revit Local & Central Server names, IP
 addresses.
 Is the Revit Server OS Windows Server 2008 or Windows Server 2008 R2?
 Has this always occurred or was it a recent event they started noticing.
 If you have a client workstation journal file, where the issue occurred, please
attach that as well.

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BIM Deliverables – Chapter 3 in
Singapore BIM Guide
Appendix A Typical BIM Elements by Discipline
Appendix B BIM Objective & Responsibility Matrix
(Basic)

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BIM Deliverables

 BIM Elements

 BIM Attributes

 BIM Objective & Responsibility Matrix

 Model Author & Model Users

 Other Additional Value-added BIM Services

Appendix A Typical BIM Elements by Discipline
Appendix B BIM Objective & Responsibility Matrix (Basic)

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BIM Deliverables

 Site model
 Massing model
 Architectural, structural, MEP models
▪ For regulatory submissions
▪ For coordination and / or clash detection analysis
▪ For visualization
▪ For cost estimation
 Schedule and phasing program (In BIM or spreadsheet)
 Construction and fabrication models
 Shopdrawings
 As-built model (in native proprietary or open formats)
 Data for facility management
 Other additional value-added BIM services

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BIM Deliverables

 Attributes of BIM Elements

 The amount and quality of the information
 Geometric and non-geometric attributes
Geometric attributes Non-geometric attributes
Examples • Size • System data
• Volume • Performance data
• Shape • Regulatory compliance
• Height • Specifications
• Orientation • Cost

 The attributes will change at different project milestones

 Attributes should be determined to meet their intended usage
to avoid over-specifying.

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BIM Deliverables

 BIM vs 2D Practices
 6 project stages
▪ Conceptual Design
▪ Schematic / Preliminary Design
▪ Detailed Design
▪ Construction
▪ As-Built
▪ Facility Management

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BIM Deliverables
BIM Deliverables
Project Stages 2D
• Milestones Drawing General Level of Detail of Examples
Scales each BIM Model Element /
Assembly

Conceptual Design 1:200 to Building massing studies or Massing Model

• Outline Planning 1:1000 other forms of data
Permission representation with indicative
• Project feasibility dimensions, area, volume,
location and orientation

Schematic / Preliminary Generalized building Schematic Model

Design 1:200 component or system with
• Planning Approval approximate dimensions,
• Design & Build Tender shape, location, orientation,
Documentation and quantity. May include non-
geometric properties.

Images courtesy of HDB

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BIM Deliverables
BIM Deliverables
Project Stages 2D
• Milestones Drawing General Level of Detail of Examples
Scales each BIM Model Element /
Assembly
Detailed Model
Detailed Design 1:200 More detailed version of a
• Building Plan Approval generalized building
• Continued Design & component or system with
Build Tender accurate dimensions, shape,
Documentation; or location, orientation and
• Design-bid-build Tender quantity. Non-geometric
Documentation properties should be provided. Detailed Model
generated from BIM

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Images courtesy of HDB
BIM Deliverables

BIM Deliverables
Project Stages 2D
• Milestones Drawing General Level of Detail of Examples
Scales each BIM Model Element /
Assembly

Construction 1:5 – BIM element is modeled with Construction Model

• Constructability 1:100 complete fabrication and
• Fabrication assembly details over and
above the Detailed Design
stage where applicable or
useful for construction works;
otherwise, details may be
represented in 2D CAD
drawings to complement the
Detailed Design stage level of
detail.

Image courtesy of Hexacon

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BIM Deliverables

BIM Deliverables
Project Stages 2D
• Milestones Drawing General Level of Detail of Examples
Scales each BIM Model Element /
Assembly

As-Built 1:100 BIM element is similar in level

• TOP / CSC of detail to the Detailed Design
• Final Completion stage, but updated with
changes during the
Construction stage.

Images courtesy of Hexacon

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BIM Deliverables

BIM Deliverables
Project Stages 2D
• Milestones Drawing General Level of Detail of Examples
Scales each BIM Model Element /
Assembly

Facility Management 1:50 BIM element is modeled as an
• O&M actual constructed building
component or system and is an
as-built representation of the
actual completed building.
Water storage tank element
with attached specification
PDF

Image courtesy of HDB

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BIM Deliverables

 BIM Objective and Responsibility Matrix

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BIM Deliverables

 Model Author:
 Responsible for creation and
maintenance of a specific model
 Model author should perform quality
control checks of their models
 Model Users:
 All parties authorised to use the model
on the project
 In native or neutral (IFC) format
 Use the model for reference only
 Check, verify and otherwise confirm the
accuracy of the model.
 Where inconsistency is found in the
model the model user shall promptly
notify the model author for clarification
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BIM Deliverables

 example

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BIM Deliverables

 Other Additional Value-added BIM Services

 BIM-related digital analyses that allows better understand the

performance of the building; or
 Typical services that are performed in earlier design stages
due to BIM;
 etc..

 Owners should understand the potential cost implications of

these value-added BIM services

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BIM Deliverables

 Appendix A: Typical BIM Elements by

Discipline defines expected contents of the
model

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BIM Deliverables

 Appendix B: BIM Objective & Responsibility

Matrix (Basic)

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BIM Deliverables

 A simplified version of Appendix B is found in

the Essential Guide for BIM Execution Plan

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Thank You

Contact: ong@bimopedia.asia