Building Information Modeling (BIM)

BIM is an acronym for Building Information Modeling. BIM is a process for creating and managing information on a
construction project across the project lifecycle. One of the key outputs of this process is the Building Information
Model, the digital description of every aspect of the built asset. This model draws on information assembled
collaboratively and updated at key stages of a project. Creating a digital Building Information Model enables those
who interact with the building to optimize their actions, resulting in a greater whole life value for the asset. It is a
highly collaborative process that allows multiple stakeholders and AEC (architecture, engineering, construction)
professionals to collaborate on the planning, design, and construction of a building within one 3D model. It can also
span into the operation and management of buildings using data that owners have access to. This data allows
owners and stakeholders to make decisions based on pertinent information derived from the model— even after the
building is constructed.
What is a BIM object?
A BIM object is a combination of many things:

 Information content that defines a product

 Product properties, such as thermal performance
 Geometry representing the product’s physical characteristics
 Visualisation data giving the object a recognisable appearance
 Functional data, such as detection zones, that enables the object to be positioned and behave in the same
manner as the product itself.

BIM maturity levels

Definitions for levels of BIM maturity from Level 0, through Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 on to 4D BIM and beyond.
The concept of “BIM Levels” has become the ‘accepted’ definition of what criteria are required to be deemed BIM-
compliant, by seeing the adoption process as the next steps in a journey that has taken the industry from the drawing
board to the computer and, ultimately, into the digital age.
Level 0 BIM
This level is defined as unmanaged CAD. This is likely to be 2D, with information being shared by traditional paper
drawings or in some instances, digitally via PDF, essentially separate sources of information covering basic asset
information. The majority of the industry is already well ahead of this now.
Level 1 BIM
This is the level at which many companies are currently operating. This typically comprises a mixture of 3D CAD for
concept work, and 2D for drafting of statutory approval documentation and Production Information. CAD standards
are managed to BS 1192:2007, and electronic sharing of data is carried out from a common data environment (CDE),
often managed by the contractor. Models are not shared between project team members.
Level 2 BIM
This is distinguished by collaborative working — all parties use their own 3D CAD models, but not necessarily
working on a single, shared model. The collaboration comes in the form of how the information is exchanged
between different parties — and is the crucial aspect of this level. Design information is shared through a common
file format, which enables any organization to be able to combine that data with their own in order to make a
federated BIM model, and to carry out interrogative checks on it. Hence any CAD software that each party used must
be capable of exporting to one of the common file formats such as IFC (Industry Foundation Class) or COBie
(Construction Operations Building Information Exchange). This is the method of working that has been set as a
minimum target by the UK government for all work on public-sector work, by 2016.
Level 3 BIM
Currently seen as the holy grail, this represents full collaboration between all disciplines by means of using a single,
shared project model which is held in a centralized repository. All parties can access and modify that same model,
and the benefit is that it removes the final layer of risk for conflicting information. This is known as ‘Open BIM’.
Current nervousness in the industry around issues such as copyright and liability are intended to be resolved — the
former by means of robust appointment documents and software originator/read/write permissions, and the latter by
shared-risk procurement routes such as partnering. The CIC BIM Protocol makes provision for these.

BIM Softwares Used in the Country

1. Revit
Autodesk Revit is a building information modelling software for architects, landscape architects, structural
engineers, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineers, designers and contractors. The original
software was developed by Charles River Software, founded in 1997, renamed Revit Technology
Corporation in 2000, and acquired by Autodesk in 2002. The software allows users to design a building and
structure and its components in 3D, annotate the model with 2D drafting elements, and access building
information from the building model's database. Revit is 4D building information modeling capable with tools
to plan and track various stages in the building's lifecycle, from concept to construction and later
maintenance and/or demolition.

2. Navisworks
Navisworks (known for a while as JetStream) is a 3D design review package for Microsoft Windows.
Used primarily in construction industries to complement 3D design packages (such as Autodesk Revit,
AutoCAD, and MicroStation), Navisworks allows users to open and combine 3D models; navigate around
them in real-time (without the WASD possibility); and review the model using a set of tools including
comments, redlining, viewpoint, and measurements. A selection of plug-ins enhances the package adding
interference detection, 4D time simulation, photorealistic rendering and PDF-like publishing.

3. Autodesk BIM 360

BIM 360 is a unified platform connecting your project teams and data in real-time, from design through
construction, supporting informed decision-making and leading to more predictable and profitable outcomes.
Predict safety hazards, proactively manage quality, automate tasks, and reduce rework so that you can
control costs and stay on schedule. Centralize your project data and access the information you need in
real-time, anywhere, so you can track your project and make decisions in the field. Controlled work-sharing
enables multidisciplinary teams to co-author shared Revit models, visualize every update, and manage
design data throughout the project lifecycle.

4. Autodesk® Civil 3D®

 Autodesk® Civil 3D® is a civil engineering design and documentation software that supports Building
Information Modeling (BIM) workflows by extending the value of the model.

With a focus on optimizing a variety of civil infrastructure project workflows, such as roads and highways,
land development, rail, airports and water, Civil 3D helps civil infrastructure project teams improve delivery,
maintain more consistent data and processes, and respond faster to project changes. Civil 3D helps
organizations streamline time-consuming tasks such as intersections, roundabout and corridor design,
parcel layout, pipes and grading with specific tools and customizable design standards.

5. Assemble Insight
Assemble Insight is a cloud-based construction and model data management software solution. It is suitable
for general contractors, subcontractors, home builders, engineers, pre-construction estimators and
construction managers.

Assemble Insight enables users to extract building information modeling (BIM) data to create model-based
takeoffs. As a cloud-based solution, team members and stakeholders can access models and data
regardless of location. Users can develop a full data inventory of their models, and tools are available to
enable integration with AutoCad and Revit.

6. Tekla BIMsight
Tekla BIMsight is a Windows-based construction collaboration solution for architects and construction
industry professionals.

Tekla BIMsight lets users combine 3D models, add projects and allows project participants to identify or
resolve conflicts in the design phase. Construction managers can also avoid conflicts by using an
automated clash-detection tool.

Tekla BIMsight enables users to look deeper into 3D models by using a clip planes feature. Users can also
take notes for issues and sort them by type.

7. BIMx
BIMx is a set of desktop and mobile software tools to interactively present the 3D model and 2D
documentation of Building Information Models created with ArchiCAD through a much simpler and intuitive
interface than ArchiCAD's complex BIM authoring environment's UI. 3D models with 2D drawing sheets
exported to BIMx document format can be viewed with native viewer applications developed for Apple iOS,
Android, Mac OS X, and Microsoft Windows operating systems. BIMx presents three-dimensional building
models in an interactive way similar to First-person shooter video games. Clients, consultants and builders
can virtually walk through and make measurements in the 3D model without the need for installing
ArchiCAD. The real-time cutaway function can help to discover the construction details of the displayed
building model. 2D construction documentation can be accessed directly from the BIMx Hyper-model's 3D
model views providing more detailed information about the building.

8. ARCHICAD
ARCHICAD is an architectural BIM CAD software for Macintosh and Windows developed by the Hungarian
company Graphisoft. ARCHICAD offers computer aided solutions for handling all common aspects of
aesthetics and engineering during the whole design process of the built environment — buildings, interiors,
urban areas, etc.