BUILDING INFORMATION

MODELING
(BIM)

Prepared By:- Robel Wendwesen

 BIM DATA
• BIM, which stands for Building Information Modelling, refers to a digital
representation of the physical and functional characteristics of a building or
infrastructure project. BIM data encompasses all the information and data collected,
created, and managed within a BIM project. This information includes 3D geometric
models, physical and functional properties of building components, material
specifications, cost data, schedules, and other relevant project information.
BIM data goes beyond traditional 2D drawings and enables a collaborative and
integrated approach to building design, construction, and management. The data is
structured in a way that allows multiple stakeholders, such as architects, engineers,
contractors, and facility managers, to work together on a shared platform, leading to
improved coordination, reduced errors, and enhanced decision-making throughout
the project lifecycle.
BIM DATA CLASSIFICATION
• BIM data classification involves organizing and categorizing the vast
amount of information within a BIM model to improve its management,
accessibility, and usability. By classifying BIM data, project teams can
efficiently navigate and work with the information, ensuring consistency
and standardized practices. The classification can be done in multiple ways,
depending on the project's specific requirements and industry standards.
Classifying data means structuring it in an agreed way so that different
actors can easily find what they need and understand it. A classification
system is like a common language. In BIM, classification lets people,
software and machines share and use building information efficiently
and accurately.
The importance of classification is growing as teams for building
projects get more complex and international, and as projects themselves
generate more and more data which is then relied on to automate
processes, make better decisions and operate devices.
The BIM data classification typically involves classifying information into different levels or
categories. Commonly used levels of classification include:
• Level 0: Project Data - High-level project information, such as project name, location, owner,
and basic project details.
• Level 1: Discipline-specific Data - Categorizes data based on different disciplines involved in
the project, such as architecture, structure, MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing), etc.
• Level 2: Elements/Components - Classifies individual building elements or components, such
as walls, doors, windows, etc., within each discipline.
• Level 3: Attributes - Involves specific attributes or properties of each element/component, such
as dimensions, materials, performance data, etc.
• Level 4: Documentation - Includes project documentation, such as drawings, specifications,
schedules, etc.
• Level 5: Facilities Management - Incorporates data relevant for the facility's ongoing
management, such as maintenance information, warranty details, etc.
• Different classification systems have been developed for
different types of BIM data and actors, and for different
geographic areas and situations.
Some are mentioned below.
 UNICLASS DATA
• Uniclass is a unified classification system for the built
environment covering all sectors and roles, delivered by
NBS.
• Uniclass is a way to organize everything required for
built environment assets and provide a logical code for
each general item, which can be used by anyone to
identify and refer to it.
What is Uniclass for?
• Uniclass uses a set of tables to group similar things together, arrange
them consistently, and make searching easy. The tables are ordered as
a hierarchy (imagine a ladder or pyramid) which helps users classify at
all scales, from very large things like a hotel complex or road network
to small products like staples or clay bricks, and everything in
between. In addition, there are also tables to support information
management processes, project management and communication.
• For example, infrastructure managers or asset owners may use
Uniclass to classify an existing network of buildings, bridges,
waterways, and tunnels, and assign everything a consistent reference.
Design teams of engineers and architects might use Uniclass to
structure specifications and modelling software to associate objects
with NBS specification clauses, annotating drawing outputs with
consistent Uniclass references. 
What are the Uniclass tables?

• The Uniclass tables are a set of classifications grouped into logical arrangements,
organised to provide increasingly detailed descriptions and to support specific
aspects of asset management, construction projects and data processes.

• The Uniclass tables classify:

Activities (Ac) Tools and equipment (TE)

Complexes (Co) Project Management (PM)
Entities (En) Form of information (FI)
Spaces/ locations (SL) Roles (Ro)
Elements/ functions (EF) Materials (Ma)

Systems (Ss) Properties & characteristics (PC)

Products (Pr) CAD and modelling content (Zz)

Uniclass allows users consider assets at a high level, and progressively classify more
detailed items to the most appropriate level for their needs.
 MASTER FORMAT
• Master Format is a standard for organizing specifications and other written information
for commercial and institutional building projects in the U.S. and Canada. Sometimes
referred to as the "Dewey Decimal System" of building construction, MasterFormat is
a product of the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) and Construction
Specifications Canada (CSC). It provides a master list of Divisions, and Section
numbers with associated titles within each Division, to organize information about a
facility’s construction requirements and associated activities.

• Master Format is used throughout the construction industry to format specifications for
construction contract documents. The purpose of this format is to assist the user in
organizing information into distinct groups when creating contract documents, and to
assist the user searching for specific information in consistent locations. The
information contained in MasterFormat is organized in a standardized outline format
within 50 Divisions (16 Divisions pre-2004). Each Division is subdivided into a
number of Sections.
Standardizing the presentation of such information improves communication among all
parties involved in construction projects, which helps the project team deliver structures to
owners according to their requirements, timelines, and budgets. The ASTM standard for
sustainability assessment of building products relies on MasterFormat to organize the data.
MasterFormat is an organizational component of Building Systems Design - SpecLink,
MasterSpec, SpecText, National Master Specification (NMS), and SpecsIntact systems.
Manufacturers will often publish specifications for their products based on MasterFormat.
Design teams may maintain office master section based on MasterFormat and pull
specifications from multiple sources. MasterFormat provides the overall organizational
structure that makes pulling sections from different sources possible.

MasterSpec and SpecText are specifications targeted to construction projects in the United
States. NMS is targeted to construction projects in Canada. SpecsIntact is a specification
processing system for preparing Unified Facilities Guide Specifications (UFGS). UFGS is
required for design teams to use on United States Department of Defense and NASA
construction projects. Using MasterFormat provides the design and construction teams a
familiar organizational structure.
 UNI-FORMAT
UniFormat is a classification system used in the construction industry in the
United States and Canada. It is a standard for organizing building
specifications, cost estimating, and cost analysis, and is based on the major
components common to most buildings.
UniFormat was developed through an industry and government consensus,
and has been widely accepted as an ASTM standard. It is organized into level
1 categories, which include Substructure, Shell, Interiors, Services, Equipment
and Furnishings, Special Construction and Demolition, and Building
Sitework. It also includes level 2 and level 3 categories, which provide
additional detail and specificity.
• UniFormat is a valuable tool for providing consistency and organization in
the economic evaluation of building projects. It enables easier
communication and collaboration between parties involved in a project, and
helps to ensure that all relevant information is accounted for in cost
estimates and analysis.

• UniFormat is a valuable tool for providing consistency and organization in

the economic evaluation of building projects. It enables easier
communication and collaboration between parties involved in a project, and
helps to ensure that all relevant information is accounted for in cost
estimates and analysis.
 CoCLASS
• CoClass is the new Swedish digital classification system for all built environment,
with the potential to radically change the construction and maintenance sectors.
The purpose of CoClass is provide all parties with a common language describing
the basic functional parts of the built environment, at all scales of complexity. It
can be used in all software and in all information deliveries during the entire
lifecycle. CoClass can contribute to saving billions as a platform for efficient
project communication and asset management, for all sorts of buildings and civil
engineering works.

• CoClass is based on the IEC/ISO 81346 series of standards. This has been used for
many years for classification and reference designation in process plants. In the
new versions, it also covers the needs for construction and facility management.
CoClass makes numerous additions to the standards, making it useful also for
spatial planning, for formulating functional requirements, for production planning,
and for many other purposes.
In short, CoClass is:
• Digital: A digital classification system that can be read by both humans and machines.
• Common: Standardized classes, terms and concepts mean that an object has the same
meaning for all actors throughout the lifecycle.
• International: Available in both Swedish and English, and is based on international
standards.
• primarily intended for use via other applications such as CAD software, maintenance
systems, purchase and calculation systems. Here on CoClass web you can create your
own company or project specific structures and access with the service CoClass API.
 CoCLASS VALUES
CoClass represent a natural part of the everyday life, no matter what you work with.
1. Digital:- you will get placeholders for digital information
2. Common:- the same language and the same structure - in all phases - with all actors - in all - software - in all
information deliveries
3. Entire built environment:- all parts of the built environment is included
4. The whole lifecycle:- covers the need for planning, programming, design, production, operations &
maintenance and demolition
5. International:- bilingual and based on international standards
6. Future proof:- open structures and flexibility by focus on function
 STANDARS OF CoCLASS

CoClass connection to standards:

• ISO 12006-2 grant the general structure

• IEC 81346-1 grant the rules for regulations for reference term

• IEC 81346-2 grant classes for construction elements (components) and for built space

• ISO 81346-12 grant classes for construction elements (systems)

CoClass is based on the following international standards:

• SS-ISO 12006-2:2020, Building construction - Organization of information about construction works

-

Part 2: Framework for classification

• SS-EN IEC 81346-1, utg 2:2023 Industrial systems, installations and equipment and industrial
products - Structuring principles and reference designations - Part 1: Basic rules

• SS-EN IEC 81346-2:2019 Industrial systems, installations and equipment and industrial products -
Structuring principles and reference designations - Part 2: Classification of objects and codes for
classes

• ISO 81346-12:2018 Industrial systems, installations and equipment and industrial products -
 BIM FILE NAMING
CLASSIFICATION
(BIM FNC)
• File naming classification (FNC) is a system of naming files that makes it
easy to identify and locate them. FNC typically involves using a consistent
naming convention that includes relevant information such as the project
name, date, and file type.

• BIM File Naming Classification (FNC) establishes a consistent naming

convention for BIM files, which ensures clarity, traceability, and
consistency in file management. A well-defined file naming convention
helps users quickly identify the contents of a file without having to open it,
reduces errors, and simplifies version control. The naming convention
should be documented and communicated to all team members involved in
the project.
Guidelines for creating a BIM file
naming classification (FNC):
• Consistency: Ensure that the naming convention is consistent across all files and
adheres to the defined classification levels.
• Clarity: Use clear and descriptive names that reflect the content of the file. Avoid using
ambiguous terms or abbreviations that may cause confusion.
• Discipline Prefix: Use discipline-specific prefixes to indicate the type of information
contained in the file. For example, "AR" for architectural files, "STR" for structural files,
"MEP" for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing files.
• Version Control: Include version numbers in the file name to easily identify the latest
version (e.g., "v1," "v2," "FINAL," etc.).
• Date Format: Add a date to the file name to indicate the last modification date (e.g.,
"20230723" for July 23, 2023).
• Underscores or Dashes: Use underscores (_) or dashes (-) to separate different
elements of the file name for improved readability.
Having a consistent naming convention is important for several reasons:

• Facilitates organization and retrieval of files: A consistent naming convention makes it easier to
organize and retrieve files, especially when there are large numbers of files to manage. When
files are named consistently, it's easier to find and access the right file quickly.

• Avoids confusion and errors: Inconsistent naming conventions can lead to confusion and errors,
especially when multiple people are working on a project. For example, if one person names a
file "ABC Tower Design Development" and another person names a similar file "DD ABC
Tower," it can be difficult to determine which file is which. This can lead to mistakes and
wasted time trying to locate the correct file.

• Supports collaboration: A consistent naming convention supports collaboration by ensuring that

everyone involved in a project is using the same naming convention. This helps to avoid
misunderstandings and ensures that files are easily shared and understood by everyone working
on the project.

• Helps with version control: A consistent naming convention can also help with version control.
By including the date or version number in the file name, it's easier to keep track of which
version of a file is the most up-to-date.
 FOLDER STRUCTURE AND
MANAGEMENT
• An efficient folder structure is crucial for organizing BIM
files and data in a logical and accessible manner. It should
align with the BIM data classification and file naming
conventions to create a cohesive project information
management system. The folder structure should be
designed early in the project and can be adapted as the
project progresses, but it's important to maintain consistency
throughout.
 Levels of folder structure
The folder structure includes the following levels:

• Project Level: The main project folder that contains general project information, contracts, and high-
level documents.

• Discipline Level: Sub-folders for each discipline involved in the project, such as Architecture,
Structure, MEP, etc.

• Phase/Stage Level: Sub-divide folders based on project phases or stages, like Design, Construction,
Handover, etc.

• Document Type: Categorize files based on their types, such as Drawings, Models, Specifications,
Reports, etc.

• Revision Control: If required, have separate folders to manage different versions or revisions of files.

• Shared/Common Data: Include folders for data that needs to be shared across disciplines or project
phases, such as project standards, templates, etc.

• Archive: Create an archive folder to store older or outdated project files, ensuring they are retained
for future reference.