Define what is BIM as well as a number of key

acronyms.

Learning Objectives
At the end of this module you will be able to:
– Define Building Information Modelling;
– Recognise key BIM acronyms;

Define BIM
Building Information Modelling (BIM) is:
Integrated process built on coordinated, reliable
information
Used to:
– Create coordinated, digital
design information & documentation;
 – Predict performance, appearance, and cost;
– Deliver the project faster, more economically,
and with reduced environmental impact.
– The fundamental definition of BIM: there is
always a single source of the truth.

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is:

– not just 3D CAD
– not just a new technology application
– not next generation, it is here and now!
“BIM is essentially value creating
collaboration through the entire life-cycle of
an asset, underpinned by the creation,
collation and exchange of shared 3D models
and intelligent, structured data attached to
them.”
 Why ‘Building’ Information Modelling?

BIM – Building Information Modelling

CIM – Civil Information Modelling
IIM – Infrastructure Information
Modelling
 Building covers all aspects of construction very much
focusing on the second definition of the word. In
reality another term could have been used, for
example in Japan it is known as Construction
Information Modelling which is a much clearer
definition. The point being that the term relates to any
and all areas of construction.

Define Building Information Modelling

Building Information Model

“The thing that is produced” – The content being created
as a result of the process)

Building Information Modelling

(“how the thing is produced” – The process itself)

Building Information Management

(“who, what and when produces the thing” – The control
and management aspects of the process to ensure
production of the information)
Building Information Model
There is a misconception within the industry that the
building information model is a single 3D file, filled
with information. In fact the information model
consists of a number of different files:

Graphical Models
– Start out as generic conceptual shapes that mature
over the design and development of the project
– Generally 3D models
– May have specific 2D elements linked to the model
Non-Graphical Data
– Consists of information such as; Properties,
specification, room data sheet, schedules and cost
data
– May be created initially via graphical model and
exported out into other formats such as - COBie
– M ay be purely managed in a database or a
bespoke information system
Documentation
Also within the information model are documents:
– Likely that project deliverables will be in a
document form either paper or electronic
– Take many forms such as; floor plans, sections,
elevations, details, visualisations, schedules, cost
data, reports etc.
– Management of the of the flow of documentation
is crucial to the delivery of a building information
model
– The Graphical Model, Non Graphical Model and
Documentation all come together to constitute a
Building Information Model.

– Applies both to project information model during

the capital phase and the asset information model
during the operation phase.
Building Information Modelling
As part as the Building Information Modelling process a
number of standards, methods and procedures need to
be established as part of the project. These establish
good practiced workflow for the exchange of
information.
Likely that the information will documented, within a
Project Document, outlining the Standards Methods
and Procedures (SMP).

Project standards and procedures may include:

– Object standards
– Collaborative information standards
– Modelling and documentation practises

Standards can come from:

– Corporate standards (BRE)
– National standards (BSI)
– International standards (ISO)
The reason that these standards, methods and
procedures are in place is that traditionally Information
Modelling has been a disjointed process. Exchanges
occur between professionals at different points of the
project. As a result different iterations of the same
information can be found with different professionals.

Therefore BIM encourages the use of a smarter

method utilising a single information model allowing
each member of the design team access to the most up
to date information.
 Building Information Management

– This is the BIM information delivery lifecycle

The diagram shows the key project phases breaking

they project into several phases:
– Assessment and Need
– Procurement
– Post-Contract Award
– Mobilisations
– Production
– Maintenance and Use

Each stage has key management milestones and

provides the ‘what’ and ‘when’ of information
management. As part of your project documentation it
is important to identify the ‘who’ to insure that
responsibilities are clear as part of this process.
Recognise Key BIM Acronyms
– As part of this talk content you will frequently
come across a number of acronyms, here are some
of the more common acronyms we will be
discussing:

EIR Employers Information Requirements

(Pre-tender document used by the employer to

specify the information requirements in terms of
what information they require and when.)

IE Information Exchange

(This is the transfer of information from one

member of a team to another. This could be
between supply chain members to ensure
coordination or information going from the
project team back to the employer to satisfy their
information requirements)

BEP BIM Execution Plan

(Collaborative response by the supply team in

order to demonstrate they are capable of
achieving the information requirements outlined
within the EIR.)
MIDP Master Information Delivery Plan

(A schedule of all the deliverables that will be

produced as part of the project, each deliverable
is assigned to an organisation and an individual
who will be responsible for its production.
Scheduled in such a way that before any supply
team member begins their work they have the
information required to do so. The MIDP should
form part of the BIM execution plan.)

LOD Level of Development

(As part of a project there will be key milestones

where information needs to be delivered. In
order to know how much information will need
to be produced a set of project specific level of
developments needs to be established. These will
inform the supply chain the level of information
required within their content. This could be
through a single term (being the level of
development) or a combination of other levels
such as):

– LOD (Level of Detail)

- Regarding the level of graphical
information
– LOI (Level of Information)
 - Regarding the level of non-
graphical data

CDE Common Data Environment

(A single model environment that allows all

parties participating in the project to share and
exchange information In a collaborative manner.
Information uploaded to the CDE should be
checked, reviewed and approved to insure it is
correct.)

IFC Industry Foundation Class

(An open data format that allows for the

exchange of information between software
packages. In order to allow interoperability on a
project there is a need for a common file format
to allow for the exchange of information, IFC
fulfils this role.)

COBie Construction Operations Building information

exchange

(Through use of a model view definition, IFC can

be filtered down to the base requirements
needed for the management and operation of
maintainable assets. By doing so a spreadsheet of
information can be formed out of the non-
graphical data this is COBie.)