SUMMARY NOTE

B U I L D I N G
I N F O R M A T I O N
M O D E L I N G

2023
S E C O N D E D I T I O N
 INTRODUCTION
Building Information Modeling (BIM) is one of the most promising developments in the architecture, engineering
and construction (AEC) industries. With BIM technology, an accurate virtual model of a building is constructed
digitally. When completed, the computer - generated model contains precise geometry and relevant data needed to
support the construction, fabrication, and procurement activities needed to realize the building. BIM also
accommodates many of the functions needed to model the lifecycle of a building, providing the basis for new
construction capabilities and changes in the roles and relationships among a project team. When implemented
appropriately, BIM facilitates a more integrated design and construction process that results in better quality
buildings at lower cost and reduced project duration.

BIM’S DEFINITION SUMMARY

BIM is the process of generating and managing building data during its life cycle. BIM uses
three-dimensional, accurate time and dynamic building modeling software to increase
productivity in building design and construction.
Which means that BIM is not considered as a tool or software

The concept of ‘BIM Levels’ (and ‘BIM Level 2 compliance’) 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.

BIM levels start with 0 and go to 4D, 5D, and even 6D BIM. The purpose of these levels is to
gauge how effectively, or how much information is being shared and managed throughout
the entire process.

THE BENEFITS OF USING BIM TECHNOLOGY

• Building becomes smart and inelegant.
• Easy in change management, 3D visualization, building simulation and data management.
• Improving construct-ability.
• Increasing efficiency in design, build and mange projects.
• Reducing waste of materials and operation cost.
• Clash detection between structural, MEP and architectural works.
• Minimizing construction timeline.
• Controlling supply chain.

Note:-
WORKING IN ONE MODEL WITH MANY VIEWS

BUILDING INFORMATION MODELLING | SUMMARY NOTE 2023 01

BIM IMPLEMENTATION LEVELS
When working on a project with BIM (Building Information Modelling),
how would you know how detailed the model should be? Or in an
organization, what is the ideal collaboration between the members?
Thanks to specifications through different levels of BIM, the BIM
implementation to any AEC project can happen step by step, with only
the work necessary for seamless integration.

As of this day, there are 4 levels describing the maturity of BIM use. It is not about the age of
the model. Nor does it describe the details or clarity a BIM model may possess - those will be
specified by different BIM classifications. In fact, BIM maturity level is the definition of criteria
requirements to be deemed BIM-compliant by determining the collaborative working.

BUILDING INFORMATION MODELLING | SUMMARY NOTE 2023 02

BIM DIMENSIONS
A BIM dimension refers to the different levels of information or data
integration within a BIM model. Each dimension adds a layer of complexity
and detail to the modeling process. These dimensions enhance the BIM model
and make it more useful throughout the lifecycle of a structure.

Represent the
3D Visualization
building in 3D

Facilitate
4D Time Programming

Help calculate and

5D Cost adjust the budget

Concerns Facilities
6D Operation Management

Provide
Environmental and
7D Sustainability energy-efficiency
solution

Embed emergency
8D Safety plans and prevent
security issues

BUILDING INFORMATION MODELLING | SUMMARY NOTE 2023 03

 RIBA PLAN OF WORK STAGES
A framework for the design and construction process of building projects,
developed by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) using a building in
eight stages, from 0 to 7.

The stages are represented by numbers to avoid confusion with the stages in
the RIBA Outline Plan of Work 2007, which were represented by letters. The
shift to numbers also allows the stages to be aligned with a set of unified
industry stages agreed through the Construction Industry Council (CIC).
Aligning the stage numbers in the RIBA Plan of Work 2013 with this structure
helps to achieve one of the core objectives of the RIBA Plan of Work 2013,
namely greater cohesion within the construction industry.

STAGE 0: STRATEGIC DEFINITION

IDENTIFY CLIENT’S BUSINESS CASE AND STRATEGIC BRIEF AND OTHER CORE PROJECT REQUIREMENTS.

STAGE 1 : PREPARATION AND BRIEF

DEVELOP PROJECT OBJECTIVES, INCLUDING QUALITY OBJECTIVES AND PROJECT OUTCOMES, SUSTAINABILITY
ASPIRATIONS, PROJECT BUDGET, OTHER PARAMETERS OR CONSTRAINTS AND DEVELOP INITIAL PROJECT BRIEF.
UNDERTAKE FEASIBILITY STUDIES AND REVIEW OF SITE INFORMATION

PROCUREMENT & TENDERING FOR DESIGN

STAGE 2 : CONCEPT DESIGN
PREPARE CONCEPT DESIGN, INCLUDING OUTLINE PROPOSALS FOR STRUCTURAL DESIGN, BUILDING SERVICES
SYSTEMS, OUTLINE SPECIFICATIONS AND PRELIMINARY COST INFORMATION ALONG WITH RELEVANT PROJECT
STRATEGIES IN ACCORDANCE WITH DESIGN PROGRAMME. AGREE ALTERATIONS TO BRIEF AND ISSUE FINAL PROJECT
BRIEF

STAGE 3: DEVELOPED DESIGN

PREPARE DEVELOPED DESIGN, INCLUDING COORDINATED AND UPDATED PROPOSALS FOR STRUCTURAL DESIGN,
BUILDING SERVICES SYSTEMS, OUTLINE SPECIFICATIONS, COST INFORMATION AND PROJECT STRATEGIES IN
ACCORDANCE WITH DESIGN PROGRAMME.

STAGE 4: TECHNICAL DESIGN

PREPARE TECHNICAL DESIGN IN ACCORDANCE WITH DESIGN RESPONSIBILITY MATRIX AND PROJECT STRATEGIES TO
INCLUDE ALL ARCHITECTURAL, STRUCTURAL AND BUILDING SERVICES INFORMATION, SPECIALIST SUBCONTRACTOR
DESIGN AND SPECIFICATIONS, IN ACCORDANCE WITH DESIGN PROGRAMME.

PROCUREMENT & TENDERING FOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECT

STAGE 5: CONSTRUCTION
OFFSITE MANUFACTURING AND ONSITE CONSTRUCTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME AND
RESOLUTION OF DESIGN QUERIES FROM SITE AS THEY ARISE

STAGE 6: HANDOVER AND CLOSE OUT

HANDOVER OF BUILDING AND CONCLUSION OF BUILDING CONTRACT.

STAGE 7: IN USE
UNDERTAKE IN USE SERVICES IN ACCORDANCE WITH SCHEDULE OF SERVICES.

BUILDING INFORMATION MODELLING | SUMMARY NOTE 2023 04

 UNDERSTANDING REVIT FAMILIES CATEGORIES
A family is simply a collection of elements with identical use, common parameters, and
similar geometry. For example, although you may have different sizes of desks, all the
sizes can belong to a desk family. If you look in the Project Browser, you can see that there
is a branch called Families.

All of the elements that you add to your Revit projects; whether they are walls, roofs,
doors, structural members, mechanical equipment, or plumbing fixtures; or even
annotation elements such as elevation symbols, door tags, and column grid lines; are
organized into families.

LEVEL OF DEVELOPMENT

LOD 100
The levels begin with LOD 100 which refers to the pre-design stage for concept design. The design only exists as a
massing model with 2D symbols to signify the presence of an element.

LOD 200
LOD 200 is suitable for design development during the schematic design phase where design elements only need to
be generically represented by their approximate quantity, shape and sizes. As it is still a BIM project regardless, there
may be non-geometric information attached to the elements.

LOD 300
When the graphical representation of a design element becomes specific with details such as size, shape, orientation
etc., we get LOD 300. Detailed drawings and modelling are usually BIM LOD 300 compliant, ready for time-scaled
detailed production.

LOD 400
At LOD 400, the model is at the appropriate stage for production and fabrication. It has been modelled for
assembly with all the specific components and information required for the processes. Non-geometric information
may be available at this stage, which has been present since LOD 200.

LOD 500
The details information at LOD 500 is considered equivalent to as-built models. The components are created with
real-life information and functions for the purpose of operations and maintenance. This information includes cost and
purchase documentation and recorded measured performance.

BUILDING INFORMATION MODELLING | SUMMARY NOTE 2023 05

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LEVEL OF
DEVELOPMENT AND RIBA WORK PLAN STAGES
THE RIBA PLAN OF WORK IS A MODEL THAT ORGANIZES THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
PROCESS OF BUILDINGS INTO EIGHT STAGES1. THE STAGES ARE AS FOLLOWS:

STAGE DESCRIPTION

0 Strategic Definition

LOD 100 1 Preparation and Brief

2 Concept Design

3 Developed Design
LOD 200
4 Technical Design

5 Construction
LOD 300
6 Handover and Close Out

LOD 400 7 In Use

The Level of Development (LOD) is a measure of the amount of detail and accuracy of a
Building Information Model (BIM) at a particular point in time.

The RIBA Plan of Work does not explicitly define LOD, but it is commonly used in the industry
to describe the level of detail required at each stage of the plan.

IN CONCLUSION
The relationship between LOD and RIBA Work Plan Stages is that the level of detail required in
the BIM increases as the project progresses through the stages of the RIBA Plan of Work.

For example, at Stage 0, the BIM may only contain basic information such as site location and
building footprint, while at Stage 4, the BIM should contain detailed information such as
structural and mechanical systems.

BUILDING INFORMATION MODELLING | SUMMARY NOTE 2023 06

3D BIM STANDS FOR THREE-DIMENSIONAL
BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING.
It is a process that allows architects, engineers, real estate developers, contractors,
manufacturers, and other construction professionals to plan, design, and construct a structure
or building within one 3D model.

The 3D model can be used to generate 2D views of geometric information at different levels of
detail, schedules, and reports on objects of different types within the 3D model.

BIM dimensions have evolved from a need to differentiate between modeling geometry in two
or three dimensions.

Adding further aspects to this modeling can help project teams understand what information
they are setting out to model.

4D is commonly known as ‘modelling scheduling information to model construction

sequences’. 5D is known as ‘adding financial cost’.

There is little international consensus beyond this, and arguably cost isn’t a ‘dimension’ at all –
it is just a further information field.
I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.

BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING

MANAGEMENT DEFINITIONS
"Management is an art of knowing what is to be done and seeing that it is done in the best
possible manner."

-Frederick Winslow Taylor

"Management is to forecast, to plan, to organize, to command, to coordinate and control
activities of others."

-Henri Fayol
"Management is the process by which co-operative group directs actions towards common
goals."

-Joseph Massie
"Management is that process by which managers create, direct, maintain and operate
purposive organization through systematic, coordinated and cooperative human efforts."

-McFarland
"Management is the coordination of all resources through the process of planning,
organising, directing and controlling in order to attain stated goals.“

-Henry Sisk

BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING

MANAGEMENT FUNCTIONS AND DECISION MAKING
The five management functions of planning, organizing, controlling, directing and staffing
are brought to life and connected by decision making, which is itself a subset of the essential
process for managers that is known as:
Problem Solving.

BUILDING INFORMATION MODELLING | SUMMARY NOTE 2023 07

 SUMMARIZATION
We can minimize construction timeline by BIM
Once all the models are integrated into the BIM modeling process, clash
detection
BIM is not tools or software
BIM is not just a model, it is a database
6D = 5D + Operation
BIM Means Building Information Modelling
BIM can work in many views
The different dimensions of BIM represent exactly the type information you are
integrating with the 3D model
BIM is a Models that contain 3D data and object attributes
Models that are based on BIM should be Models that allow changes to
dimensions in one view that are automatically reflected in other views:
BIM is a Models with the support of behavior
The five management functions & decision making is: Planning, Organizing,
Controlling, Directing and Staffing
Interoperability is the ability to save project files and can be shared with anyone
(CDE) is a single digital location in which all of the models and critical
information on a project is brought together in real-time
BIM technology saves cost and resources and it gives high quality results
Contractors use BIM because it helps them to detect the clash within the
different systems in the building.
CDE Means common data environment.
BIM is the process of generating and managing building data during life cycle

BIM technology does assist engineers in prefabrication and modular

construction
BIM is considered a modern transition in design practice
Once all the models are integrated into the BIM modeling process we can
detect clashes

Mortenson's Definition of BIM Technology is "an intelligent simulation of

architecture"
BIM supports new information workflows and integrates them more closely
with existing simulation and analysis tools used by consultants
The main goal of IPD "Integrated Project Delivery" is to form a cohesive team

Building Information Modeling provides major challenges and opportunities to

design company
A critical work process for any contractor is trade and system coordination

BUILDING INFORMATION MODELLING | SUMMARY NOTE 2023 08

 BIM JOB TITLES SUMMARY
BIM Modelers: These are the draftsmen or modelers responsible for
creating the BIM models. They play a crucial role in visualizing the
architectural and structural aspects of a project.

BIM Coordinators: The coordination team ensures that all aspects of

the BIM process are aligned and functioning smoothly. They manage
the workflow and communication between different stakeholders.
BIM Manager: The BIM Manager oversees the entire BIM process,
ensuring that standards are met and the project is progressing as
planned.
BIM Support: is the process of providing assistance and guidance to
users of BIM software and tools. BIM stands for Building Information
Modeling, which is a process of creating and managing digital
representations of physical and functional characteristics of buildings
and structures
BIM Technician: is a professional who uses BIM software to create 3D
models and drawings of buildings and structures. They also manage
the project data and deliver it to the clients. They have a good
knowledge of their design discipline and how the building or
structure will be used.
BIM Managing Director: involves strategic planning, overseeing the
adoption of BIM technologies, and ensuring that all departments
within the company are aligned with the BIM implementation
strategy. The BIM Manager also ensures that BIM standards are
maintained across all projects and that the company’s BIM
capabilities continue to evolve with industry standards and
technological advancements
Note: This structure is designed to facilitate collaboration and efficiency
in the BIM process, which is a modern approach to construction project
management. The text implies that these roles are essential for the
successful implementation of BIM in standard projects. The web page
context from the Edge browser provides this information, confirming the
importance of these roles in BIM projects.
 BIM JOB TITLES SUMMARY
BIM Steering Committee: BIM steering committee, which is a group
of experts and managers who guide and supervise the
implementation of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in
construction and civil engineering projects. BIM is a process of
creating and managing digital 3D models of buildings and structures
and their physical and functional characteristics. The BIM steering
committee includes representatives of various stakeholders in the
project, such as the owner, the designer, the contractor, the supplier,
and the user.
The BIM steering committee performs the following tasks
and responsibilities:
Define the objectives, requirements, standards, and procedures for
using BIM in the project.

Evaluate and select the appropriate software, tools, and platforms for
implementing BIM in the project.

Coordinate and facilitate communication and collaboration among

team members and partners using BIM.

Monitor and evaluate the performance, quality, and effectiveness of

BIM in the project.

Solve problems, conflicts, and risks related to BIM in the project.

Provide reports, recommendations, and feedback on BIM to the

client and the management.
BIM Researcher: An Expert who works in universities or research
institutes and coordinates and develops research on BIM
 BIM JOB TITLES SUMMARY
A comparison of BIM Chief and BIM Manager:

BIM Chief: A BIM Chief is a senior-level position that oversees the overall BIM
strategy and implementation for an organization or a large-scale project. A BIM Chief
is responsible for defining the BIM vision, goals, and standards, as well as
establishing the BIM governance and policies. A BIM Chief also leads the BIM team
and coordinates with the senior management, clients, and external stakeholders to
ensure the successful delivery of BIM projects. A BIM Chief may have a background
in architecture, engineering, construction, or project management, and should have
extensive experience and knowledge in BIM processes, technologies, and best
practices. A BIM Chief may also be involved in research and development,
innovation, and training activities related to BIM.

BIM Champion: A BIM Champion is a person who helps the project team to plan
and implement BIM processes and standards in a project. A BIM Champion can
either be an internal champion or an external advisor, depending on the needs and
resources of the project. A BIM Champion may have a background in architecture,
engineering, construction, or design, and should have a good understanding of BIM
software, tools, and workflows. A BIM Champion may also be involved in research
and development, innovation, and training activities related to BIM

In summary, a BIM Chief is a strategic leader who sets the direction and vision for BIM,
while a BIM Champion is an operational leader who executes and delivers BIM projects.
Both roles are essential for the successful adoption and implementation of BIM in the
AEC sector.
 BIM JOB TITLES SUMMARY
BIM Facilitator: is a person who helps the project team to plan and implement BIM
processes and standards in a project. A BIM Facilitator can either be an internal champion
or an external advisor, depending on the needs and resources of the project.

A BIM Facilitator may have a background in architecture, engineering, construction, or

project management, and should have a good understanding of BIM software, tools, and
workflows. A BIM Facilitator may also be involved in research and development,
innovation, and training activities related to BIM.

Some of the roles and responsibilities of a BIM Facilitator are:

To work with the project team to develop a BIM Execution Plan (BEP), which defines
the scope, objectives, and deliverables of BIM in the project.

To facilitate the collaboration and communication among the project stakeholders,

such as the client, the design team, the contractor, and the subcontractors, using BIM
platforms and tools.

To monitor and review the BIM performance and quality of the project, and provide
feedback and recommendations for improvement.

To resolve any BIM-related issues or conflicts that may arise during the project, and
ensure compliance with the BIM standards and protocols.

To support the BIM team and other project participants in the use of BIM software,
tools, and workflows, and provide training and guidance as needed.
 BIM JOB TITLES SUMMARY
BIM System Developer: is a person who creates and maintains the software systems
and tools that support the BIM process and workflows.

A BIM System Developer may have a background in computer science, software

engineering, or information technology, and should have strong skills and knowledge in
programming languages, databases, web development, and software architecture. A
BIM System Developer may also be familiar with the BIM standards, protocols, and
formats, such as IFC, COBie, and BCF.

Some of the roles and responsibilities of a BIM System Developer are:

To design, develop, test, and deploy software applications and solutions that enable
the creation, management, and exchange of BIM data and information.
To integrate and customize existing BIM software and tools, such as Autodesk Revit,
Graphisoft ArchiCAD, Bentley Systems, and Trimble SketchUp, to meet the specific
needs and requirements of the project or organization.
To troubleshoot and debug any software issues or errors that may arise during the
BIM process, and provide technical support and documentation to the BIM team and
other project stakeholders.
To research and evaluate new technologies and trends in the BIM domain, and
propose innovative ideas and solutions to improve the BIM performance and quality.
 RIBA PLAN OF WORK SUMMARY
Stage 0: Strategic Definition: This stage involves establishing the client's vision, objectives,
and business case for the project. It also includes identifying the project stakeholders, the
project team, and the procurement strategy. The main outcome of this stage is the Initial
Project Brief, which defines the scope, budget, and quality of the project.

Stage 1: Preparation and Brief: This stage involves developing the Initial Project Brief into the
Final Project Brief, which is based on further research, site analysis, and consultation. It also
includes preparing the Project Execution Plan, which outlines the project strategies, such as
sustainability, planning, cost, and risk. The main outcome of this stage is the Concept Design,
which is the initial architectural response to the brief.

Stage 2: Concept Design: This stage involves developing the Concept Design into a coherent
and coordinated design proposal, which meets the requirements of the brief and the project
strategies. It also includes preparing the Outline Specification, which describes the materials
and systems to be used in the project. The main outcome of this stage is the Developed
Design, which is the basis for the planning application and the technical design.

Stage 3: Developed Design: This stage involves developing the Developed Design into a
detailed and resolved design proposal, which is aligned with the cost plan and the
construction strategy. It also includes preparing the Building Regulations submission and any
other third party submissions requiring consent. The main outcome of this stage is the
Technical Design, which is the final design information for construction.

Stage 4: Technical Design: This stage involves preparing the Technical Design in accordance
with the design responsibility matrix and the project strategies. It includes all the
architectural, structural, and building services information, as well as the specialist
subcontractor and supplier design and specifications. The main outcome of this stage is the
Construction Information, which is the information required for tendering and construction.

Stage 5: Construction: This stage involves the construction of the project in accordance with
the Construction Information and the contract. It also includes the administration of the
contract, the inspection of the works, and the resolution of any design queries or issues. The
main outcome of this stage is the Practical Completion, which is the point when the building
is ready for occupation.

Stage 6: Handover and Close Out: This stage involves the handover of the building to the
client, including the provision of the As-constructed Information, the Building Manual, and
the Health and Safety File. It also includes the completion of the defects liability period, the
final account, and the post-occupancy evaluation. The main outcome of this stage is the End
of Defects Liability Certificate, which is the point when the project is formally closed.

Stage 7: In Use: This stage involves the operation and maintenance of the building, as well as
the monitoring and evaluation of its performance. It also includes the implementation of the
Plan for Use strategy, which aims to improve the outcomes and benefits of the project. The
main outcome of this stage is the Lessons Learnt Report, which is the feedback for future
projects.
 BIM HANDBOOK SUMMARY
Purpose: The Summary serves as a comprehensive guide to Building Information
Modeling (BIM), offering in-depth understanding of BIM technologies and their
implementation in the construction industry.

Content: It covers the inefficiencies of traditional construction approaches and

how BIM provides solutions, including better quality buildings at lower costs and
reduced project duration.

Audience: Aimed at a wide range of professionals in the building industry,

including owners, managers, designers, engineers, and contractors.

Structure: The book is structured into multiple chapters, each focusing on different
aspects of BIM, from tools and interoperability to case studies and future trends.

DBB Limitations: It mentions that DBB requires owner approval before procuring
materials, leading to delays, especially for long lead time items. The commissioning
phase occurs after construction, involving system tests and final documentation
delivery to the owner. The process is deemed time-consuming, error-prone, and
not cost-efficient.

DB Advantages: DB consolidates design and construction responsibility,

simplifying administration for the owner. It allows for early design modifications,
reducing time and cost. Construction can begin before detailed drawings are
complete, resulting in faster completion and fewer legal issues.

BIM and DB: Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology enhances the DB
process by enabling early collaboration and model sharing, leading to better
utilization of resources and project efficiency.
 BIM HANDBOOK SUMMARY
Parametric Modeling: Discusses the evolution of object-based parametric
modeling, which allows for automatic updates of objects based on user control or
changing contexts.

BIM Tools: Reviews major BIM (Building Information Modeling) tools and their
capabilities, including the creation of complex geometries and interfacing with
analyses and cost estimations.

Customization: Emphasizes the importance of companies developing user-

defined parametric objects and corporate object libraries to reflect their best
practices and quality control.

Design Evolution: Traces the history of building modeling technology from early
3D modeling to the sophisticated parametric modeling tools used today.

Topology & Connections: It discusses the importance of defining connections in

parametric modeling, which are critical for representing a building model1.
Connections carry information about what can be connected, the composition of
the connection, and how it responds to various contexts.

Property & Attribute Handling: The section addresses the need for objects in
parametric modeling to carry properties for interpretation, analysis, pricing, and
procurement. It highlights the challenge of managing property sets due to varying
requirements across different applications.

Drawing Generation: It emphasizes the significance of drawing extraction from

the building model for maintaining consistency across reports and datasets, and
the challenges associated with manual updates in traditional 2D architectural
drawings.

Scalability & Open Questions: The document raises concerns about scalability in
large projects and open questions regarding the strengths and limitations of
object-based parametric modeling, interoperability issues, and differences
between construction, fabrication, and architectural BIM tools.
 BIM HANDBOOK SUMMARY
Tekla Structures: Described as a versatile tool for modeling structures with various
materials and supporting large models with multiple users1. However, it’s complex
and requires skilled operators.

DProfiler: A product of Beck Technologies for quick conceptual design and

economic assessment of buildings. It’s marketed as a closed system for preliminary
feasibility studies.

Parametric Modeling: Highlighted as a significant change in the building industry,

facilitating the transition from drawing-based technology to digitally readable
models.

Interoperability: Emphasizes the need for data exchange between applications to

support collaborative work in building design and production. Interoperability has
traditionally relied on file-based exchange formats like DXF and IGES.

The National BIM Standard (NBIMS) in the USA and the Information Delivery Manual
(IDM) in Europe are efforts directed towards specifying IFC Views for specific workflow
exchanges in the construction industry.

The buildingSMART™ name is used for promoting the IFC.

IFC Views Development: Encourages industry domains to identify high-value

automated data exchanges.

Business Domain Involvement: Assumes building associations will represent the

domains and work with NIBS - buildingSMART® to fund IT specialists for specifying
IFC Views.

Workflow-Based Translators: These translators will be incorporated into P-21 files

or database queries, enhancing the robustness of IFC exchanges.
 BIM HANDBOOK SUMMARY
BIM-based Estimating: It significantly reduces the time to produce estimates and
improves accuracy, leading to cost savings and lower contingency budgets.

Schedule Management: BIM processes help deliver facilities faster and more
efficiently, reducing time-to-market for manufacturing organizations.

Complexity Management: BIM assists in managing complex building

infrastructures and regulatory processes, improving coordination and compliance.

Stakeholder Engagement: Utilizing BIM models enhances communication with

stakeholders, allowing for better input and understanding of the project.

Estimating Software: Owners use various software for project cost estimation, with
Microsoft Excel being the most common. U.S. Cost Success Estimator is mentioned
as a software specifically designed for owners.

BIM-Based Estimating: The text highlights the integration of Building Information

Modeling (BIM) with estimating processes. It mentions software like Exactal’s
CostX, which allows for automatic and manual takeoffs from building models.

Features for Owners: Owners should consider certain features in estimating

applications, such as the level of detail, organization formats (like MasterFormat or
Uniformat), integration with custom databases, manual intervention, and model
aggregation support.

Model Validation and Compliance: The passage touches on model checkers,

which are tools that validate building models against program requirements and
compliance with standards. Solibri Model Checker is given as an example.
 BIM HANDBOOK SUMMARY
Performance-based Contracts: These contracts emphasize outcomes defined by the
owner and encourage service providers to use their best practices.

Shared Incentive Plans: Implemented with performance-based contracts to distribute

cost savings among the project team based on overall project performance.

Barriers to BIM Implementation: Discusses process and technology barriers, such as

market readiness, financing, training costs, and legal challenges.

Guidelines for Owners: Offers advice for owners considering BIM adoption, including
performing pilot projects, focusing on clear business goals, and establishing metrics for
progress.

Space Planning: Discusses the use of space planning systems like Facility Composer,
which compares current layouts with program requirements.

Environmental Analysis: Highlights applications like IES Virtual Building®, Ecotect®,

and Green Building Studio that focus on energy and environmental aspects of design.

BIM Integration: Describes how BIM interfaces with various analysis/simulation

applications, allowing real-time feedback on design actions.

Conceptual Design Tools: Mentions the limitations of current tools in supporting the
full scope of conceptual design services and the need for integration or development of
new tools.

Structural Details: The section discusses how structural engineers provide detailed
models for construction, including concrete rebar and steel connections.

Fabrication Coordination: It highlights the coordination among different fabricators

using the same model to refine their details, ensuring system integration.

BIM Tools: The text mentions that most Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools
support a mix of 3D components, 2D sections, and symbolic representations.

Design and Fabrication: It emphasizes the importance of machine-readable models

for automated clash checking and the need for detailed 3D modeling before
fabrication begins.
 BIM HANDBOOK SUMMARY
Risk Mitigation: A detailed building model serves as a tool for estimators to
significantly reduce bid costs by minimizing uncertainty related to material
quantities.

Quantity Takeoff & Cost Estimating: Estimators leverage BIM for quantity takeoff
and support the estimating process, although no BIM tool fully replaces
spreadsheets or estimating packages.

Exporting Options: Three primary methods are discussed for estimators to utilize
BIM data: exporting to estimating software, linking BIM directly to estimating
software, and using a BIM quantity takeoff tool.

Efficiency & Integration: The effectiveness of these methods depends on the

specific estimating process, with considerations for standardization, integration,
and early collaboration being key to successful BIM use.

The section discusses Machine-Guidance Technologies and their application in

earthwork for contractors, highlighting the use of 3D/BIM models and GPS
technologies for precision and verification.

It also mentions the development of systems at Carnegie Mellon University that

integrate GPS with 2D/3D/BIM models to aid field workers in construction projects.

Additionally, the use of RFID tags is covered, emphasizing their role in tracking
component delivery and installation onsite, with BIM components updating
automatically to provide rapid feedback on field progress.

The text suggests that the adoption of BIM in the field will grow as mobile devices
become more common for delivering BIM information to field workers.
 BIM HANDBOOK SUMMARY
3D Modeling Productivity: The section discusses an experiment evaluating 3D
modeling productivity in reinforced concrete building projects. It presents data
comparing hours worked in 3D modeling, reinforcement detailing, and drawing
production against traditional 2D hours, showing significant reductions in time.

BIM Process Benefits: It highlights the benefits of Building Information Modeling

(BIM) for subcontractor fabricators, such as automated generation of parts and
material takeoffs, and the ease of extracting data for controlling automated
machinery.

Prefabrication Advantages: The document emphasizes the economic feasibility of

prefabricating a greater variety of pieces for building projects due to BIM tools,
which also support logistical information management.

Quality Control and Supply Chain: It explores sophisticated tracking and

monitoring technologies in construction, like RFID tags for logistics and laser
scanning for quality control, emphasizing the need for a building model to carry
information for comparison against monitored data.

Material Management: BIM systems should provide material takeoff lists and
integrate with logistics software for efficient collection and delivery of parts at the
right time.

Technology Aids: Technologies like barcodes and RFID tags are used for tracking
components such as pipe spools and duct sections.

Software Requirements: The software must support various functionalities like

generating cutting patterns for duct sections, displaying piping spools in multiple
formats, and creating detailed models for MEP systems.

CAD vs. BIM: CAD-based applications lack the ability to maintain logical integrity
when changes occur, unlike BIM applications which adjust neighboring sections
and interfaces automatically. CAD tools are still used due to their ability to support
file formats for design coordination programs.
 BIM HANDBOOK SUMMARY
Design and Performance Analysis: Firms under the primary design firm’s
leadership offer new design and performance analyses or production advice,
enhancing efficiency and practicality.

Trend Acceleration: An acceleration of trends in design services, similar to the

evolution seen in contracting services over the past forty years, is expected.

Building Design Continuity: While many aspects of building design will remain
rooted in current practice, there will be a gradual increase in the use of BIM to
generate consistent drawings and integrate building performance capabilities.

Owner Experience: Owners will see changes in service quality and reliability, with
more options for 3D visualizations, conceptual models, and programmatic analysis,
leading to better project budget, program compliance, and delivery schedule
reliability.

Models & Analyses: It talks about the increasing use of models to support various
analyses for energy, structures, acoustics, lighting, environmental impacts, and
fabrication. These models will also automate checks for building codes, material
design handbooks, product warranties, and more.

Integrated Services: The section predicts innovations in project delivery

mechanisms over the next decade, including new contract forms based on LLCs or
relationship contracting, and a balance of risk and rewards.

Workflow & Contracts: It mentions the potential for contracts to refer to workflow
exchanges defined in the National BIM Standard, outlining work plans and
collaboration models for project development.

Building Product Manufacturers: The text suggests that as BIM becomes more
common, designers will prefer building products that can be directly inserted into
models, leading to more sophisticated and intelligent product specifications.

OCCSU System: Emphasizes the importance of normalization, allowing service

providers to benefit from access to as-built data and integration of operational
data.

BIM Benefits: Highlights the cost and time savings from BIM-based planning and
asset management, largely due to standardizing processes and digital knowledge
capture.

Cultural Changes: Notes significant cultural shifts required for BIM-based work
processes, such as digital data entry and template use over freeform design.

Broad Access: Stresses the necessity of making BIM accessible to a wide range of
users for successful implementation in projects like ISC and OCCSU.