SCHOOL OF

ARCHITECTURE & BUILT

ENVIRONMENT
Master of Architecture

MEA 1024 Building Information Modelling (BIM)

Assignment 2
BIM Beyond 3D Modelling

NG ZHIANG HAN
100270964
Lecturer : Dr. Taki Eddine Seghier
Table of Content
1.0 Identify and define the important terminologies, concepts and standards related
to BIM and Automation and cite all the relevant references.

2.0 What are the possible applications of the different technics related to the BIM and
Automation?

3.0 Compare the differences related to the application of this BIM and automation
and its technics to the traditional methods (e.g., CAD environment).

4.0 Compare the advantages of the different software/tools and technic that can be
implemented under BIM and Automation?

5.0 Define the required information which must exist in the BIM model in order to be
able to apply the technics related to BIM and Automation.

6.0 Create a diagram which shows the different stages for the application of BIM and
Automation and its technics on a given case study.
1.0 Identify and define the important terminologies, concepts and
standards related to BIM and Automation and cite all the relevant
references.

WHAT IS BIM?

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a comprehensive technique for creating and

managing structural information. Based on an intelligent model and supported by a
cloud platform, BIM generates a digital representation of a structure throughout its
existence, from planning and design to construction and operation. (Civilguruji, n.d.)

Building Information Modelling Key Element

For effective
A permanent Data that is Graphical or Processes
functioning, BIM
or temporary specific and physical Policies
requires integration
structure organized for a representation of the following five People
purpose of a structure elements Information
Technologies

Figure 1.1 Diagram of understanding concept of BIM.

Sources: Paul, S. (2020). What is BIM? Geospatial World. https://www.geospatialworld.net/blogs/what-is-bim/

WHAT IS AUTOMATION?

Automation is the development and application of technology to produce and deliver

goods and services with as little human intervention as possible. Automation is the
process of reaching a state where human intervention is no longer required to
achieve the expected results. (Rouse, 2023)

Start Process Finish

Collected data
Cost and Time Saving
Raw Materials and approached Automation Final Product
automation

Figure 1.2 Diagram of concept of automation and how it works.

Sources : Admin. (2023b, February 16). Automation of business
processes. NeuroSYS. https://neurosys.com/blog/repetitive-task-automation
WHAT IS BIM AND AUTOMATION?

BIM serves as the fundamental digital framework of reference, while automation

provides the technological means to optimise processes within that framework. The
goal of automating data models is to improve efficiency, accuracy and
collaboration throughout the entire construction project lifecycle, from planning to
construction and property management. (Community, n.d.)(Mukkavaara et al., n.d.)

Efficiency

Flexibility
BIM Automation Outcome
Consistency

Cost Saving

Figure 1.3 Diagram of understanding concept of BIM and Automation.

UK BIM STANDARDS?

There are no fixed standards for the subject of automation. Therefore, there are a
number of standards that define BIM information structures and processes
internationally. The UK is a leader in the adoption and implementation of Building
Information Modelling (BIM) standards and practices. The UK has established a set
of standards and guidelines to promote the adoption of BIM and integration with
automation. (BSIgroup, n.d.) (UK BIM Framework: Standards in 2022, n.d.)
Information Structures Processes Structures
• ISO 16739-1:2018 – ‘Industry Foundation • UK BIM Framework – the ISO 19650 series of
Classes (IFC) for data sharing in the standards defines the BIM process
construction and facility management internationally. These had their basis in the UK
industries — Part 1: Data schema’. PAS 1192 series of standards. The UK BIM
Framework website has further information on
• ISO 12006-2:2015 – ‘Building construction - these standards, and extensive free-to-use
Organization of information about guidance resources.
construction works - Part 2: Framework for • (Source: BIM standards. (2023).
classification’. The UK National Foreword of Thenbs. https://www.thenbs.com/knowledge/what-
this standard lists Uniclass 2015 as the is-building-information-modelling-bim)
classification system for UK BIM.

• ISO 23386:2020 – ‘Building information

modelling and other digital processes used
in construction — Methodology to describe,
author and maintain properties in
interconnected data dictionaries’. At NBS,
we follow this framework when modelling
information structures with manufacturers
in the NBS Source platform.
2.0 What are the possible applications of the different technics related to
the BIM and Automation?

1. Automated Clash Detection:

Detect clashes between different building systems before construction and avoid
extra cost during whole project period. Naviswork is a well-known tool to scan and
detect clashes issue before construction stage.

Automation Naviswork
Design Stage Construction
Identifying clashes and interferences
among different building systems to
mitigate conflicts before construction
begins.
Figure 2.1 Diagram of understanding concept of BIM and Automation in clash detection.

Source : BIM Clash Detection Services | BIM Modeling, Automation Services Company | 2D to 3D, AEC
Construction | Hire-BIM Consultants, Dubai. (n.d.). https://www.olilo.ae/bim-clash-detection-resolution.html
2. Automated Data Extracting and Reporting:

Automation scripts can extract data from BIM models to produce reports for various
purposes, such as quantity take-offs. It helps to save time and costing through the
whole journey.

Source: Srinsoft Inc. (n.d.). 3D CAD Application Development | SrinSoft. https://www.srinsofttech.com/bim-

application-development.html

BIM Documentation Automation

1. Custom DWG export with automatic cleanup of 2D data including

conversion of tags as attributes, maintaining complete view XREF shared
across all sheets
2. Bi-directional excel data exchange for creating drafting views from Excel
sheets retaining all formatting information.

BIM Data Exporting Automation

1. Export the Revit categories in a controlled environment

2. Customize the export in order to filter the categories
3. Option to export the Revit sheets
3. Code Compliance Checking:

Automation ensures that designs comply with building codes and regulations by
analysis BIM models against relevant standards. Dynamo and I-Check help
assess the environmental impact of building designs in Revit and ensure
compliance with standards and regulations.

Regulatory Rule Building Rule

Documents Execution Integration of Model Reporting
Dynamo Get result
scripts or i- BIM with
checking properties / excel file
script parameters
Figure 2.2 Diagram of proposed framework for automated code compliance checking system.
Source: Ismail, A. S., Ali, K. N., Iahad, N. A., Kassem, M. A., & Al-Ashwal, N. T. (2023). BIM-Based
Automated Code Compliance Checking System in Malaysian Fire Safety Regulations: A User-Friendly
Approach. Buildings, 13(6), 1404. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13061404

Source : icheck for Building – Accessibility [CBC] | Revit | Autodesk App Store.
(n.d.). https://apps.autodesk.com/RVT/en/Detail/Index?id=1041774428548349665&appLang=en&os=Win64
4. Maintenance and Monitoring:

Sensors integrated into BIM models enable real-time monitoring of building systems,
enabling predictive maintenance. Moving from BIM models to facility management
software enables effective building operations, maintenance and space
management. (Su et al., n.d.)

BIM

Extract data to FM for

understanding the
building

Facility Management

Integrate with
automation system

Monitoring / Predictive Maintenance

Get result in short time

Saving Cost / Resolve problem

Figure 2.3 Diagram of framework of BIM

and automation in FM system

Source: Process diagram used in the BIMFMM system Lin,

Y., & Su, Y. (2013). Developing mobile- and BIM-Based
Integrated Visual Facility Maintenance Management
System. The Scientific World Journal, 2013, 1–
10. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/124249
3.0 Compare the differences related to the application of this BIM and
Automation and its technics to the traditional methods(e.g, Cad
environment)

Table of different software for using BIM and Automation in different

application scenarios.

Figure 3.1 Table of different software for using BIM and automation in different application scenarios.
Sources :
1. marketing@stacbond.es. (2022, August 22). What is AutoCAD and what is it for, software for architecture &
engineering.
2. STACBOND. https://stacbond.com/en/what-is-autocad-and-what-is-it-for/
3. What is Dynamo? | The Dynamo Primer. (n.d.). https://primer.dynamobim.org/01_Introduction/1-
2_what_is_dynamo.html
4. Ocean, J. (2022). What is Navisworks? Differences Between Revit and
Navisworks. Revizto. https://revizto.com/en/what-is-navisworks/
5. What is BIM 360? (n.d.). https://www.voyansi.com/en/knowledge/what-is-bim-360
4.0 Compare the advantages of the different software/tools and technic that can be
implemented under BIM and Automation?

Table of advantages of different software / tools in Bim and Automation

Software Advantages
Autodesk Revit 1. Automating repetitive tasks
2. Simplifying workflows
3. Improved productivity
4. Cost Saving
(Limited, n.d.) (Guest, 2022)
Dynamo 1. Improved design Insight
2. Eliminate Repetitive Tasks and Improved efficiency
3. Efficient Construction Project
4. Quick option for optimized project
(TrueCADD., 2023)
NavisWork 1. Automated Clash Detection
2. Model Aggregation
3. Simulation & Animation
4. Quantification
(PLAN IT RIGHT BEFORE YOU BUILD ONSITE The Five Top Workflows for
Navisworks INTERESTED?, n.d.)
BIM 360 1. Automated Synchronize work process
2. Centralized BIM model enable all consultants to edit
in a same time.
(Augusto & Soeiro, n.d.)
5.0 Define the required information which must exist in the BIM model in order to be
able to apply the technics related to BIM and Automation.

1. BIM 3D model – Accurate 3D geometry of building components, including walls,

floors, columns, roofs, etc.

2. Model object properties – Material, size, dimensions and other physical attributes
of building elements.

3. Data parameters – 3D model values such as lengths, areas, volumes, rooms and
material quantities.

4. Project documentation – information on project requirements, standards and

regulations.

5. Performance data – parameters for energy simulation, daylighting analysis and

energy efficiency performance.

In summary, automation uses this data to optimise processes and analysis tools use
the information to drive insight, simulation and efficiency. Ensuring that BIM 's models
are comprehensive and accurate is therefore critical to the success of its BIM and
automation applications in the AEC industry.

3D BIM MODEL

Model Object Properties

Data Parameters BIM and Automation

Project Documentations

Performance Data

Figure 5.1 Key element of Bim and Automation.

6.0 Create a diagram which shows the different stages for the application of BIM and
Automation and its technics on a given case study.

To understand BIM and Automation, the case study has been selected in Malaysia,
KL locations. The aim is to prove the method’s applicability and functionality for
different rooms with different sizes. Thus, the case study (Figure 6.1) consists of a
ground floor level bangalow building located in KL, Malaysia. It has some of the most
representative characteristics of sustainability design approaches. The level has a
bedroom, a kitchen, laundry dining room, living room, powder room and garden
terrace (each compartment area is described in Figure 6.1).

Figure 6.1 Project case study ground floor plan

To automated total area of ground floor level, following the procedure presented in
Figure 6.2.

Case Study 1 - Dynamo Automation extract data into documentation

Rooms Room list Room Data Object

1. Number
2. Area
Generate List with the Result
3. Name
4. Element ID
5. Level
6. Room Height
7. Etc.

Export Result List

Advantages:
1. Automated insert
Data
2. Flexible
3. Filter Sorting
4. Enable to think
Computationally.

Figure 6.1 Diagram of understanding dynamo in BIM and Automation through working flow

Figure 6.2 Diagram of working flow of exporting data from dynamo via automation script.
Step 1:

Sort the data to be analysed or extracted from the model BIM. Retrieve the structure
of the dynamo scripts. Understand the information from the BIM model and
programme in an automated way.

Figure 6.3 Dynamo scripts shows the selected data to be extract.

Figure 6.4 The result showing the flexibility of dynamo compare to revit.

The Automation comply into Dynamo provides the flexibility of working and time
saving on some repetitive tasks. From the programming entry process, It helps to
understand the building data and provide opportunity to let people think
computationally.
Step 2:

Set a framework for data extraction and understanding the flow of programming
work. Create a concept for automation work in Dynamo and further develop in other
data analysis. (Clash detection, code compliances and etc.)

Conclusion: Dynamo is a flexible tool towards BIM and automation concept during
the design phase until the end of the life cycle of a building. Understanding the
importance of programming work along with BIM Industrial helps to provide more
options to get the job done on time.
Case Study 2 - Differences on different tool in Automation for calculation

In Malaysia Submission requirement, there are some standards need to be follow

during submission to local authorities department. The most common calculation
for submission is the 10% natural lighting and 5% natural ventilation for your
rooms in your building. Based on traditional AutoCad tool, the calculation of
Natural ventilation and Natural Lighting is by manually.

Figure 6.3 Excel data showing the Door and Window Schedule and calculation of natural lighting and
ventilation.
 After calculated the basic data from excel manually, we need to combine the data
in to submission format and paste it back to Autocad file.

Figure 6.4 Table of calculation room area, natural ventilation and lighting to follow the local authority
requirements.

Figure 6.5 Table of calculation floor area, lighting & ventilation of CAD drawing in a manual form
In traditional way, you will need to sort the window and door schedule and
manually calculate and extract in to excel file. However, in Revit, some company
provides the automated calculation for the requirement. Its help to saving time and
cost of the process during submission.

Source : Archithetics Design Studio. (2023, March 23). Room Natural Light & Ventilation Calculator For Revit - Archithetics Design Studio.
Archithetics Design Studio - AEC Design & Tech Specialists. https://archithetics.net/room-natural-light-ventilation-calculator-for-revit/
7.0 References

1. Paul, S. (2020). What is BIM? Geospatial

World. https://www.geospatialworld.net/blogs/what-is-bim/

2. Civilguruji. (n.d.-c). What Is BIM? Everything about Building Information

Modeling. https://civilguruji.com/blog/what-is-bim-everything-about-building-information-
modeling

3. Rouse, A. P. B. M. (2023b, June 26). What is Automation? - Definition from

Techopedia.Techopedia. https://www.techopedia.com/definition/32099/automation

4. Admin. (2023b, February 16). Automation of business

processes. NeuroSYS. https://neurosys.com/blog/repetitive-task-automation

5. Bimstandards. (n.d.). BSIgroup. https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/iso-19650-BIM/)

6. Shanekweb. (2022a). UK BIM Framework – BIM Standards, Guides & Resources. UK BIM
Framework. https://www.ukbimframework.org/

7. BIM standards. (2023). BIM Standards. https://www.thenbs.com/knowledge/what-is-

building-information-modelling-bim)

8. BIM Clash Detection Services | BIM Modeling, Automation Services Company | 2D to 3D,
AEC Construction | Hire-BIM Consultants, Dubai. (n.d.-b). https://www.olilo.ae/bim-clash-
detection-resolution.html

9. Srinsoft Inc. (n.d.-b). 3D CAD Application Development |

SrinSoft. https://www.srinsofttech.com/bim-application-development.html

10. Ismail, A. S., Ali, K. N., Iahad, N. A., Kassem, M. A., & Al-Ashwal, N. T. (2023b). BIM-
Based Automated Code Compliance Checking System in Malaysian Fire Safety Regulations:
A User-Friendly Approach. Buildings, 13(6), 1404. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13061404

11. icheck for Building – Accessibility [CBC] | Revit | Autodesk App Store.
(n.d.). https://apps.autodesk.com/RVT/en/Detail/Index?id=1041774428548349665&appLang
=en&os=Win64

12. Kim. (2022). BIM for FM or how to facilitate building maintenance during the operational
phase. Spacewell | a Nemetschek Company. https://spacewell.com/resources/blog/bim-for-
fm-or-how-to-facilitate-building-maintenance-during-the-operational-phase/

13. Romano, P., & Brito, P. (2019). Degradation Monitoring Systems for a BIM Maintenance
Approach. In Degradation Monitoring Systems for a BIM Maintenance
Approach. https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.81433

14. Salzano, A., Parisi, C., Acampa, G., & Nicolella, M. (2023). Existing assets maintenance
management: Optimizing maintenance procedures and costs through BIM tools. Automation
in Construction, 149, 104788. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2023.104788

15. Process diagram used in the BIMFMM system Lin, Y., & Su, Y. (2013). Developing
mobile- and BIM-Based Integrated Visual Facility Maintenance Management System. The
Scientific World Journal, 2013, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/124249
16. marketing@stacbond.es. (2022, August 22). What is AutoCAD and what is it for,
software for architecture & engineering.

17. STACBOND. https://stacbond.com/en/what-is-autocad-and-what-is-it-for/

18. What is Dynamo? | The Dynamo Primer.
(n.d.). https://primer.dynamobim.org/01_Introduction/1-2_what_is_dynamo.html

19. Ocean, J. (2022). What is Navisworks? Differences Between Revit and

Navisworks. Revizto. https://revizto.com/en/what-is-navisworks/

20. What is BIM 360? (n.d.). https://www.voyansi.com/en/knowledge/what-is-bim-360

21. Guest, B. C. (2022b). The competitive advantage of Revit Automation for the AEC
industry. Bim Corner. https://bimcorner.com/the-competitive-advantage-of-revit-automation-
for-the-aec-industry/

22. TrueCADD. (2023b, May 10). Advantages of using Dynamo with Revit for large scale BIM
projects. TrueCADD. https://www.truecadd.com/news/dynamo-with-revit-for-large-scale-bim-
projects

23. Ocean, J. (2022b, October 17). What is Navisworks? Navisworks vs. Revit.
Revizto. https://revizto.com/en/what-is-navisworks/

24. Archithetics Design Studio - AEC Design & Tech Specialists. https://archithetics.net/room-
natural-light-ventilation-calculator-for-revit/

25. Learn - Dynamo BIM. (2022, July 25). Dynamo BIM. https://dynamobim.org/

26. Get area from rooms inside area boundary. (2018, December 11).
Dynamo. https://forum.dynamobim.com/t/get-area-from-rooms-inside-area-boundary/29574

27. Shop – Dynamo scripts. (n.d.). https://dynamoscripts.com/dynamo-scripts-shop/