International

Conference on Construction and Building

Engineering (ICONBUILD 2017)

Utilization of Design Data on Conventional System to Building

Information Modeling (BIM)
Boyke M. Akbar1, a) , Dewi Larasati ZR2, b) dan Aswin Indraprastha2, c)

1
Graduate Student of Architecture, School of Architecture, Planning, and Policy Development,
Bandung Institute of Technology, Jl. Ganesha 10 Bandung, Indonesia
2
Associate Professor, School of Architecture, Planning, and Policy Development,
Bandung Institute of Technology, Jl. Ganesha 10 Bandung, Indonesia

a)
boyke.m.a@gmail.com
b)
dewizr@ar.itb.ac.id
c)
aswinindra@ar.itb.ac.id

Abstract. Nowadays infrastructure development becomes one of the main priorities in the developed
country such as Indonesia. The use of conventional design system is considered no longer effectively
support the infrastructure projects, especially for the high complexity building design, due to its fragmented
system issues. BIM comes as one of the solutions in managing projects in an integrated manner. Despite of
the all known BIM benefits, there are some obstacles on the migration process to BIM. The two main of the
obstacles are; the BIM implementation unpreparedness of some project parties and a concerns to leave
behind the existing database and create a new one on the BIM system. This paper discusses the utilization
probabilities of the existing CAD data from the conventional design system for BIM system. The existing
conventional CAD data’s and BIM design system output was studied to examine compatibility issues
between two subject and followed by an utilization scheme-strategy probabilities. The goal of this study is
to add project parties’ eagerness in migrating to BIM by maximizing the existing data utilization and
hopefully could also increase BIM based project workflow quality.
Keyword : Computer Aided Design (CAD), Building Information Modeling (BIM), Data integration,
Utilization

1. INTRODUCTION
Infrastructure and building construction field are one of
important aspect for cities developments. Main success
key of the construction projects is the design process
within the project life cycle. Building design process has
started to evolved from CAD (computer aided design)
based traditional / conventional method to the integrated
design process with BIM (building information
modeling) based technology. BIM technology existed to
overcome a series of construction issue which caused by
problems within traditional CAD based design process
such as; unclear information’s, miss-coordination,
inconsistent between documents, which resulting
reworks, delays, and uncontrolled project budget [1].
Based on commonly known BIM benefits [2] and CAD
problems, lead to conclude that migration from CAD to
BIM design process shall be a main consideration for
solution.
Despite of the all known BIM benefits, there are two (2)
main obstacles on the migration process to BIM; 1) the
BIM implementation unpreparedness from some project
parties/ stakeholders and 2) a concern to leave behind the
existing conventional system database and create a new
one within the BIM system [3]. Due to these obstacles,
the output product of the conventional design system
(commonly known as 2D CAD drawing), are still needed
as drawings reference by the builder and construction
material supplier.
Based on those obstacles and concern, it need a study on
migration strategies to BIM, which examines how the
use of existing CAD systems data can be integrated to
BIM and what are the required efforts. This paper
discusses the utilization probabilities of the existing
CAD data from the conventional design system for BIM
system. The existing conventional CAD data’s and BIM
design system output was studied to examine its
compatibility issues between the two subject and
followed by an utilization scheme-strategy probabilities.
The research methodology used experimental research
which analyzed by a qualitative method. This paper
limitation was focusing on commonly used software
Autodesk AutoCAD and Autodesk Revit. The data
sample was taken from a study case national consultant
data library.

Civil Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Sriwijaya University

2. CONVENTION SYSTEM DESIGN
DATA AND BIM FEATURE
As previously mentioned as research limitation, the
conventional system design data here are referred and
focused on the Autodesk AutoCAD drawing files (dwg)
which highlighted as CAD files. While the referred BIM
here is limited to the software Autodesk Revit
Architecture as one of BIM tools in providing an
integrated design process and output accordingly.
2.1. Convention System Design Data
The conventional CAD system basically imitate the
traditional manual hand sketching/drawing, where all
drawing made in two dimensional (2D) with line and
curve, to represent plan, elevation, section and details
[4]. The term ‘Computer-Aided Design’ (CAD) first
time introduced was about to create and help object
design process in a real and built environment [5].
Based on the AutoCAD User Guide (2012), types of
CAD data was categorize as follow :
1. 2D CAD  2D CAD individual geometry objects
2. Blocks  a group of geometry objects
3. Dynamic Blocks  a block which contain simple
parametric configuration.
4. XREF  external reference, a drawing sets from
other CAD file
5. 3D CAD  a three dimensional (3D) CAD object
Fig. 1. CAD Objects Diagram
(concluded from AutoCAD 2013 User Guide)
Figure 1 shows a summary diagram of CAD object
overall contents. Each items contains CAD basic object
to create drawings and its related information. All of
these 2D and 3D CAD basic object are subject to the
following integration experiment. Beside these basic
objects, an actual project CAD data was taken as
samples from a consultant (as study case), to be further
examine how the integration process and benefit. The
data samples is a sets of standard detail drawings and
sets of complete project drawings.
2.2. BIM Feature
BIM is a concept, process and tools that support
integrated design process. Information is the essence of
BIM, where it embedded in the design objects and
processes that can be distributed to all BIM users to
achieve optimum coordination and collaboration [6].
One of the BIM tools is the computer software that can
visualize and input information in a 3D model objects. A
BIM model has a structured building elements, which
includes information of; spatial relationships, building
geometry, component properties and quantities, as well
as geographic information, and much more [2].
Fig. 2. BIM as process (left) and BIM as product (right)
[8]
Autodesk Revit is one of the BIM software that
commonly use globally ad locally in Indonesia. Since
Revit is created by the same software developer as
AutoCAD, so it has some shared feature and interface
that support each other. Revit works in 3D BIM model,
where all created building element has its own system
and categories. Revit system described as per figure 3
below. The main content of Revit is ; 1.The Model itself,
2. The Datum as design reference and 3. The View-
specific, which is the output product in 2D [7].
Fig. 3. Revit Content Diagram & Hirarki [7]
Revit known also for it ‘Family System’. The family
system represent all building component model within
certain category and types [9]. While the ‘instance’ is the
actual 3D model object shown in the Revit project
environment. Revit feature also including the drafting
mode, where has same functioned as CAD [10]. The
objectif of the research is to investigate connection and
integration between CAD object to Revit, and develop a
scheme for optimum CAD to BIM migration.
3. CAD TO BIM INTEGRATION
The topic of CAD to BIM integration is one of the most
discussed topics in the early BIM implementation.
However, not yet discovered a comprehensive study
related to this topic. Even though the Autodesk Revit
User Guide manual already had specific section on this
subject, but not fully cover all types of CAD data
integration into each BIM / Revit product.
Based on the literature study there are three major
opinion related to the CAD utilization for BIM, as
follow:
 1st opinion : CAD has completely different system
from Revit, if these two system combined it would
create many problems in the process and the output
of BIM.
 2nd opinion : There are some CAD elements which
could be utilized for Revit, but need effort and
certain strategy to adjust it.
 3rd opinion : CAD should be part of the BIM-based
design process; both as a design start up, as reference
for BIM model, and as additional data in detailing
process.
This study will further investigate for the opinion no.3 as
it is fulfilled the goal of this study.
The basic method in integrating CAD to Revit is using
tools from Revit such as ‘Import’ and ‘Link’ [17]. This
two method further developed as follow :
1. Import or Link CAD details drawing to Revit [9]
2. Link and trace CAD object into Revit object [12]
3. Import and revitize 2D CAD [14]
4. Import dan convert with ‘Revit Add-in Tools
Archsmarter and Macro System’ [13]
5. Import 3D CAD for Revit model [15]
Besides the method for integrating CAD to Revit, there
are also methods for some preparation process prior to
the integration process highlighted by [11] as follow:
1. Setting out in Revit ; line weight adoption /
adjustment, using script for properties automation,
font types, using ‘revit.ini
2. Setting out in CAD ; drawings categorization, layer
simplification, reducing hatches and annotation,
drawing length > 0,8mm.
These literature findings, will be used as variables and
scheme in the study process flow, including the
preparation, the experiments, and validations.
Fig. 4. Integration Concept
Figure 4 describe the integration concept between CAD
and BIM with Revit Software which is basis of this
study. All component in the CAD object (basic an
drawing objects) to be exercise to have optimum usage
within certain constrain. Hypothetically, although BIM /
Revit design process is a 3D model base, there are
design phases which use a 2D drawings, which is
probably the schematic / preliminary design phase and
the construction drawing detailing phase.
3.1. Methodology
The study done within four (4) phases as follow:
1. Preparation phase  literature study methods
2. Experiments phase  using methods; literature
study, data quota sampling, experimental, and a
qualitative analysis.
3. Create utilization scheme  based on
experiments result.
4. Validation phase  deep interview methods with
qualitative content analysis [18] .
1. Preparation Phase
a. Data collection related to CAD data types and
characteristic. A set of CAD data’s which has
been selected and prepared, as subject for
integration to Revit.
b. Data collection related to BIM/Revit product and
its characteristic. Investigation of Revit element
which can be use in the integration process.
c. Selection of CAD to Revit integration methods.
Referred methods are; ‘import and ‘link’ followed
by ‘explode’ feature for future revitization and
modification of the linked/imported CAD object.
2. Experiment Phase
a. Experiment 1
Import basic object CAD (2D and 3D object) to
Revit. Observe and analyze the experiment results
with a qualitative method.
b. Experiment 2
Import existing CAD drawing project file to
Revit, such as plans, elevations and sections.
Observe and analyze the experiment results with
qualitative method.

c. Experiment 3
Utilization of existing CAD data on Revit objects.
3. Create Utilization Scheme phase
Create a various scheme for CAD utilization to Revit
based on experiments result and analysis.
4. Validation Phase
A deep interview to BIM managers, experts and
specialists for the proposed scheme and overall study
topic.
3.2. Utilization Scheme
The utilization scheme for the CAD integration to Revit
was based on the experiment results analysis and
compared to the literature study findings. The scheme
consist of five (5) scheme which divided into two (2)
major CAD existing data ; 2D and 3D, and arranged into
each utilization strategy to be used for Revit product
design.
Fig. 5. CAD to Revit Utilization Scheme
Further explanation for the scheme as follow :
Scheme A : Utilization of a 2D CAD drawings such as ;
plan, elevation and sections, to be use as reference for
creating BIM model in Revit. Method to perform this
scheme is Revit link tools. The use of this scheme for:
- Ongoing project which started with CAD and continue
to BIM
- To create an BIM as built documentation, to be use in
facility management and future renovation project
- As project starter using CAD for exploring layouts and
elevations, then continue to BIM
Scheme B : Utilization of CAD library details and
blocks for Revit drafting product. This scheme goal is to
speed up detailing process in Revit and also for
supplement in construction detail drawing. The method
for this scheme can be using Revit import or link tool.
Scheme C : Utilization of CAD drawing standard
template to be Revit drawing standard templates. All
CAD objects related to drawing standard, such as sheet
frame, title blocks, grids, symbols, etc, can be imported
to Revit and perform revitization process.
Scheme D : Using 3D CAD existing data for creating
Revit Host/Model Elements. This scheme can be use if
the project previously have 3D product, whether from
CAD or SketchUp or other 3D modeling software, and
want to convert it to BIM models. This scheme also
useful for creating complex 3D shapes which Revit
slightly hard to create.
Scheme E : Almost same as scheme B, but instead the
CAD object are library of 3D model building
components such as furniture’s, interior, M/E
equipments, etc. This scheme integrated to Revit as
Revit Family Component object.
3.3. Validation
The validation phase started with an interview question
preparation. There are nine (9) total interviewees, which
already fulfill the interviewee requirements. The
interviewee composition are; 3 BIM managers, 3 BIM
trainers and educations, and 3 BIM users which already
has Autodesk Revit professional certification.
The interview discussion has 3 major topics:
1. Opinion and experience interviewee regarding the
CAD-based design process and BIM based design
process.
2. Opinion and experience interviewee for the CAD
utilization to BIM / Revit.
3. Opinion and experience interviewee for the CAD to
Revit Utilization scheme.
Fig. 6. Utilization Scheme Validation
A summary analysis for the scheme validation based on
interview results is as seen on figure 6. It shown that the
most effective scheme is the utilization of 2D CAD data.
While the 3D CAD had medium up to very low intensity
and effectiveness usage. All schemes still have some
obstacles that must be considered when applying the
scheme, to optimize the usage.
Scheme A had the highest intensity and effectiveness
utilization due to its flexibility and various scenarios can
be applied for the integration. Although scheme B was
informed by all interviewee has also high usage
effectiveness, but the intensity of the use is lower than
scheme A. One of the main issue is because scheme B
potentially make Revit works heavier and causing Revit
file size bigger. Scheme C has the lowest intensity
compare to other 2D scheme, due to the process is only a
one time process at the beginning of migration to BIM.
After Revit templates created (based on previous CAD
standard) the process no longer needed.
Scheme D has medium intensity and low effectiveness.
Since it only needed in some special building mass/shape
exploration and cannot be modified further. The
modification can only perfectly done in the original
software modeling (CAD or other software modeling),
and when it imported back to Revit, it cannot
automatically update the Revit host element which
previously create based on the 3D CAD object mass.
Scheme E has the lowest intensity and effectiveness
usage. Main concern why scheme E is the lowest is
because Revit Family object libraries start to grow and
build up quite fast. Each of BIM software’s developer
started to create family object libraries more and more.
Plus some of the building materials and component also
create their products in BIM model which had already
BIM functionality and specification.
CONCLUSION
Based on the series of study literature, experiments,
analysis and validations process, the conclusions in this
study are:
 The experiment for basic CAD object and existing
data CAD can be conclude as follow :
- The basic 2D CAD object integration on Revit can
be done entirely and produces the same appearance
between before and after integration.
- Integration of 3D CAD objects on Revit can be
successful and utilized as Revit host / model
element object reference by using solid type though
with limited modification capability.
- ± 70% actual project CAD drawings can be utilized
for integration on BIM, whether as a reference, as a
suplement drawings, and as an object / basic
drawing which converted to Revit objects
 The utilization scheme already represent the
probabilities of CAD integration on Revit and it is
useful for migration to BIM. Each scheme needs to
be adjusted to achieve its integration efficiency, both
project type adjustments, project requirements, and
conditioning strategy based on the availability of
CAD data types and Revit outputs.
 CAD and BIM have their respective advantages
under certain project conditions and stages. The
speed and flexibility of CAD can be utilized for
initial project initiation, which is then develop with
BIM modeling for further building performance
analyzing, and then at the detailed engineering design
(DED) stage is replenished with CAD detail libraries,
to clarify the required construction details
 CAD integration to BIM will always exist as part of
the migration process towards BIM in Indonesia
despite its low utilization rate. This is due to several
considerations of the designers and stakeholders
related to the following matters ;
- Commitment to pursue the full BIM design process
- Financial resources readiness for the hardware,
software, and trainings.
- Availability of existing data and CAD libraries
- Government policies that support the
implementation of BIM - based projects.
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