BIM Guide 2014
BIM Guide 2014
BIM Guide 2014
First Steps to
BIM
Competence
INSIDE
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
7.0
8.0
9.0
10.0
11.0
Page
Foreword
Introduction
Executive Summary
Why this guide?
Introduction to BIM
The Business Case for BIM
The challenges of using BIM
A Roadmap to BIM Competence
Roles and Responsibilities in a BIM
Environment
Legal and Contractual Issues
Estimating and bidding with BIM
Contract administration and the
flow of information
The Evidence for BIM: Project and
Business Case Studies
The potential of BIM: what can it do?
APPEnDICES
Appendix A: Websites, Blogsites
and BIM Groups
Appendix B: Jargon Buster
Appendix C: List of Abbreviations
Appendix D: References
2
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5|6
7
8|11
12|15
16|18
19|20
21|22
23|26
27|28
29|31
32|34
34
35
36
37
38
2|
Foreword
David Philp
3|
Introduction
David Frise
David Frise
Chairman
SEC Group/NSCC BIM Working
Group
[email protected]
I would like to use this opportunity to thank
Professor David Greenwood of the BIM
Academy at the University of Northumbria
for drafting the Guide and David Philp at
the Cabinet Office for his Foreword.
I would also like to thank all members of the
working group, past and present, for their
help and support as well as for their input to
this Guide. Thanks to Neil Thompson
Principal BIM Integrator, Balfour Beatty plc
and Paul Marsland MSc CEng MIET LCC
Chief Electrical Engineer, NG Bailey for use
of photographs in this report.
5|
Executive Summary
Building Information Modelling (BIM) is not a new concept. Digital building modelling has
been around for some time but was given added focus by the Governments stated aim, in
2011, of introducing 3D (dimensional) BIM on central government construction works by
2016. This Guide seeks to help specialist contracting firms to become more conversant
with BIM so that they do not miss out on work opportunities. Public sector procurers (and
also private sector clients) will be demanding more BIM-enabled projects to deliver
efficiency and savings through the elimination of waste. Much of this will be achieved
through having a one-stop shop for all information relating to a project which then
becomes available to the user and manager of the asset to help deliver the required performance. Whilst almost all are more aware of the mandate to achieve Level 2 BIM, there
are increasing industry concerns about the wholesale ability of the industry to achieve this
target. Potential barriers to adoption are: The perceived unwillingness by clients to invest in BIM or pay appropriately for its use;
The quality of information being input into or associated with the model, and the ability
to reuse this information as is intended by working in BIM;
Individual rather than a collaborative approaches;
continuing concerns over the cost of becoming BIM enabled;
lack of capacity within the Industry for re-skilling. Many construction organisations have
downsized during the recession, reducing their capacity to adopt new practices.
Awareness of BIM has increased dramatically since the initial publication of this document,
according to the latest surveys undertaken by NBS [1, 2] and CIOBs Construction
Manager magazine [3]. This Guide explains the potential benefits to individual firms in
adopting BIM as well as the benefits of using BIM at project level. BIM is still evolving and
the hope is that this Guidance will eventually become an on-line tool with interactive
elements.
BIM involves both an output and a process. The output is a database that represents all
elements of the building and structure and the properties of each element. As a process,
BIM is about project participants putting together this digital information so that ultimately, it
can be handed over to the client or user to manage performance of the assets in a more
efficient and effective manner.
There is a substantial amount of BIM jargon; much of this is explained as an annex to the
Guidance. There are often references to the different levels of BIM. Government is
requiring on the use of Level 2 BIM by 2016. At Level 2, project participants individually
develop their own models or databases that they share with others through common software platforms. There are standards or protocols governing the formatting of information,
data storage and how the data exchange process is to be managed. This Guide focuses on
Level 2 BIM.
3D BIM can improve the efficiency of the design process through reducing clashes and
errors. But there are other dimensions. 4D BIM, for example, can be used to programme
and schedule work. 5D BIM enables one to have an instant and accurate assessment of the
cost relating to all elements of the work. (The last section in the Guide provides a number of
case studies as evidence of the business case for BIM.).
Clients both public and private sector are no longer simply procuring buildings or
structures; they are procuring a certain level of performance in which energy savings and
carbon reduction are high on the agenda. BIM is seen as key in facilitating the desired
performance. This is the top-down reason for engaging with BIM but very little
consideration has been given to the bottom-up reasons. Some of the BIM software
vendors are making claims that returns on investment in the relevant technologies are,
6|
Executive summary
potentially, very high; though these claims should be treated with a little caution as they
come from a vested interest.
The main challenge for businesses is seeking out reliable sources of information; the Guide
addresses this. It is best to make a start by articulating the reasons for wishing to invest in
BIM. The answers will determine the appropriate level of investment in the technology,
training and in adapting the business to using BIM. A key decision will relate to the software
and hardware required. Whatever is purchased must allow for the maximum inter-operability
to be achieved with other software platforms.
As the use of BIM increases it could impact on the roles and responsibilities of project
participants. A new role will involve the management and coordination of the modelling
process including matters such as quality control, access rights and security. Data is likely
to be acquired at the outset of the design process for the purpose of developing the model.
If, for example, such data is to be acquired from the M&E contractor, that contractor may
have to be appointed at an early stage.
It is not anticipated that Level 2 BIM will create significant legal or contractual issues.
10 Models or databases could, of course, become contractual documents. Access rights will
have to be considered. For example, to what extent can the steelwork contractor access
information provided by the cladding contractor? Model BIM protocols or supplements to
existing standard contracts have been or will be published. Some risks will need to
considered. A key risk is the extent of reliance that can be placed upon data provided by
other project participants. These issues can be dealt with through the use and production of
a BIM execution plan which clearly sets out required deliverables and responsibilities at the
outset of the project.
Poor information, lack of information and incomplete information are sources of
11 inefficiencies leading to greater costs, defects and disputes. BIM technologies can reduce
these problems by tracking and storing information and enabling its re-use. Early clash
detection helps to reduce or avoid variations. BIM-generated information can help with
measurement and valuation. Costs can potentially be ascertained with greater accuracy
and more reliable information provided to tenderers can reduce contingencies. The
sequencing of site operations, optimum site layouts and logistics can all be facilitated by
BIM. Over the longer term, BIM is likely to reach into every aspect of construction
procurement.
The Government is keen that project participants work together to provide data in a more
11 structured way. The means for achieving this is through the development of a COBie
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1.0
Do you understand what it means? In 2011 you may have been one
of the 21% of the Industry that wasnt aware of BIM at all. Now the
NBS 2014 survey suggests that this figure is only 5% - so awareness is growing! [2].
Government Construction
Strategy, p.14 Cabinet Office [4]
Perhaps you are already a BIM user. In the earlier NBS Survey
13% of respondents said they were already BIM users and this has
grown significantly to 54% in the 2014 survey.
8|
2.0
Introduction to BIM
2.1
What is BIM?
A BIM
Client
Product
Supplier
Architect
BIM
Model
Service
Engineer
Structures
Engineer
Cost
Consultant
9|
Introduction to BIM
2.2
LEVEL0
LEVEL 2
LEVEL3
Managed 3D
LEVEL1
2.0
BIM
Environment
Managed CAD
Unmanaged
CAD
2D
3D
190
436
1023
1,824
90
220
Platform 815
software(s)1,141
100
53%
683
37%
216
Database(s)
208
50%
205%
Design Analysis
tools
Task
CA
(h
2.0
Introduction to BIM
2.2
10|
ct
11|
2.0
Introduction to BIM
2.3
Service
Engineer
So much for the future. At every level of BIM, the fact is that
effectiveness is about people and process, not just the
information technology. Both the people and the technology are
essential for the proper functioning of the process.
All levels of BIM will require changes to people and process
alongside the adoption of new technology.
This is particularly true as we move up the levels
towards Level 3 BIM and beyond. In many respects
this will be a big step up from Level 2.
For fully integrated BIM there will need to be
significant changes to the processes in order to
exploit the technology to its maximum; and the
people need to be on board.
TECHNOLOGY
PROCESS
PEOPLE
The main purpose of this guide is to acquaint firms with the steps they need to take to
become comfortable using Level 2 BIM that is, developing and sharing project-related
data in a 3D format with other parties.
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3.0
3.1
Together, BIM and IPD represent a new way of delivering built assets
(buildings, infrastructure, etc.) by transforming the process of
designing and constructing them. This has all been made possible
by the advances in the digital technologies that underpin the
development of BIM. It is done by embracing the inputs of key
participants in a single, accurate digital model that removes or reduces many of the risks that currently exist in the construction
process. If you are one of those key participants, or you deal with
them, then BIM will affect you.
Alongside the advantages of designing (and concurrently visualising
that design) in 3-D, this goes well beyond the use of 3D-CAD. BIM
models can also be populated with additional associated information
such as time and cost, often referred to as 4-D and 5-D BIM. But
BIM actually goes further than that. As mentioned earlier, BIM is
about the use and re-use of digital information (note the emphasis)
which relates not only to the delivery of a new asset, but means that
the asset can be managed more intelligently through its whole
operational life.
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3.0
3.2
Regional BIM champions act as chairs of the national and regional hubs
with local links within the nations and regions; and
will act as a conduit of information exchange,
BIM: What the Government has been doing
signpost interested employers to BIM buddies
BIM Implementation Task Group to help Government
(practitioners already active in the field of BIM); and
clients operate in a BIM- environment;
provide a valuable source of information to
Encourage the sharing of BIM knowledge and Adapted from SEC Group
http://www.secgroup.org.uk/pdfs/bim/SEC%20Group%20FocusBIM0512.pdf
best practice within the networks;
80%
54%
80%
77%
65%
14|
3.0
3.3
1.
2.
3.
4.
The lack of hard data, particularly from the UK, as opposed to predictions of what might be;
Concentration on the collective (industry or project) benefits of a BIM approach rather than those enjoyed by
individual users (other than clients);
The image of BIM as something for designers, who have been its early adopters, to-date;
Any analysis of incoming technology suffers from the tipping point effect, namely, when a technology \
becomes dominant, it becomes irresistible.
Currently the most convincing attempt at an independent approach to benefits analysis is to be found in the BSi Investors Report [10] but even here, the evidence is so far limited.
Use
Construction Pre-construction
Design
Preparation
% Benefit 20
Appraisal
Design brief
Concept
Design
development
E
F
G
Technical
development
Product
infomation
Tender
action
Mobilisation
K
L
Construction to
practical completion
Post practical
completion
60
80
There is limited data other than empirical to indicate tangible savings at the early stages of
projects in the UK to date. It is expected that the majority of future savings will be made
through the use of data available from the result of feeding performance information into the
project libraries and enabling better informed early design.
All case study projects identified improvements at the actual delivery of design stages, with
outstanding and spatial co-ordination the two clear big wins.
The data sample available for us to draw conclusions shows reductions of 8-18% on design
fees in the main three design disciplines.
Measured benefit
Tender
documentation
40
Upside potential
There are identifiable savings made on the co-ordination of trade contractor design information (especially co-ordination and working design).
The sample is consistent and shows figures of 8-10% of construction cost.
Key savings here are around the delivery of co-ordinated clear information to the construction
team. The use of 4D programme integration offers clear understanding to package teams
both in terms of the build, but also work-face co-ordination, productivity and health and safety.
The case study sample consistently shows figures of 8-10% of construction cost.
There is limited data other than empirical to indicate tangible savings at the late stages of projects in the UK to date. It is expected that the majority of future savings will be made through
the use of data available to better manage assets and plant to reduce costs through applying
proactive techniques.
Criteria will vary with the size and sophistication of firms; what they have; what they need; what they want. Currently
most evidence comes from a limited number of case studies (see Section 10, below) but Government and others
are currently working on the cost-benefit case for BIM. But returning to the top down reasons for BIM, the question
remains;
16|
nology
People
s
ogs, Read reports
Training
Information
ings showed that there were a few
n Information flows. Internal. External. Integration
wereAudit
reluctant to start. Here we
Capability
n Waste. Duplication. Inefficiencies. Limitations
have
that flow
from these challenges.
Improvement
Plans
n What could be done? How? What would it need?
4.0
Purchasing software/technology
13.6%
Other
9.1%
CIOBSurvey
4.1
Question: Where
do I get enough
information to let
me make proper
decisions?
1. Check the Web. The Governments BIM Task Group has a website with Frequently Asked
Questions (FAQ) at http://www.bimtaskgroup.org/.
There are others, such as NBS at http://www.thenbs.com/topics/BIM/index.asp
Other reports giving good guidance and insight to BIM are : -The NBS International BIM Report
2013; NBS IFC/COBie report 2012 and NBSs BIM for the terrified.
2. The sites of other organisations such as BIM Academy, at www.bimacademy.ac.uk . BIM Academy is a joint venture between a university and a design organisation, and aims to provide independent advice, consultancy, training and research in BIM.
3. Go to BIM Awareness Meetings in your area. Attend as many as you can. The Government
CIOB Survey
has launched a number of Regional BIM Hubs that will be the point of contact for anyone
wanting to know more.
4. http://bimtalk.co.uk has great advice and links.
56.8%
4.2
Financial return
Question: If we
invest in BIM, will
it pay off? And if
so, how long will
that take?
Answer: Experts agree that BIM can have benefits throughout the supply chain. The problem is that
you do
most talk about the benefitsKnowing
to the what
Industry,
or to the Project and not the Firm. Your level of spend
will differ depending on what you want out of it. Probably the first piece of advice is:
Decide what you want BIM for, and why;
Be clear on what it will take to use BIM money, training, change management, etc.;
Look around for advice.
Roadmap to BIM Competence
Advice can come from Government (the BIM Task Group), from independent organisations (such as
BIM Academy), or from the experiences of early adopters in the same business sector. Case Studies
are increasingly available on the Web. We present some examples in Section 10 below, entitled The
Evidence for BIM: Project and Business Case Studies.
In terms of how long it would be before any investments start to pay off, there will clearly be a time
investment to match that of money. Time spent in training staff; in staff familiarising themselves (the
Learning Curve); and even time spent reordering business processes, have all been cited as
necessary.
Again, try to look at case studies (there are some in Section 10) or talk to firms like yours to discover
their experiences. There are a number of sites that exchange information. Examples are given in
Appendix A: Websites, Blogsites and BIM Groups (see below).
4.0
4.3
Buying Software
Question: Should
we buy software?
What should it
be? Will it be
expensive?
Will it last?
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Answer: As above, dont just dive in and buy technology until you have a good idea what you need.
There are many brands: some are clearly leaders in different disciplines or in different parts of the
world. For example, Eastmans BIM Handbook [14] lists 70+ different software companies with
hundreds of different software packages.
Most BIM tools are sold on a per user licence basis. Your level of spend will differ depending on what
you want out of it: some BIM software is free, while some requires expensive licences. More than
anything, you will want to future proof your investment as far as possible. Some organisations wouldnt
actually require BIM software to perform design activities, rather they need to view, check, or
manipulate information they are provided with by others, up and down their supply chain. Find out
about and consider the benefits that can be derived from such products, or even from BIM from free
viewers, and of course, be aware of their limitations.
Of course, with so many brands available, people are worried about investing in a Betamax or a
MiniDisk and getting technologically stranded. The process is not without risk and expense, but there
are some mitigating factors:
It is Government policy to allow all stakeholders to participate in the use of BIM and to minimise
barriers such as cost (e.g. by making requirements non-proprietary).
The new open source information culture on the Web means that some ICT is low-cost or even
free.
One of the key requirements of the Governments 2016 policy will involve the use of COBie,
which allows open exchange of project data (the so-called data drops) in a spreadsheet format.
It may be that contributing to such data drops may be only BIM requirement that you will face in
the near future (see Section 9, below, for more information about COBie).
There are ways that allow data exchange between different BIM software applications This is
referred to as interoperability. An example is the IFCs (Industry Foundation Classes) developed
by buildingSMART.
Various systems allow users to easily interact with IFC files, view IFC files without the need for
expensive software, and create bespoke data views for sharing. An example is the xBIM toolkit
(http://www.openbim.org/ ) and its free!
A realistic budget for a workstation is around 10,000 once you include hardware,
software and training. However viewed in relation to technical staff costs and fee
income, it starts to look a little less scary. We believe that if you
have high quality professional staff it makes commercial sense
for them to be using the best available tools.
David Miller Architects [15]
4.4
Buying Hardware
Question: What
about the
hardware? Can
we make do with
what weve got?
4.0
4.5
Training
Question: Will we
need training?
Who can provide
it? Is there an
accreditation
scheme?
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Answer: It depends what training you want. Most software vendors offer training, as do software
retailers (re-sellers). Universities, colleges and even schools are starting to offer courses; as
are the Professional Institutions. There is already a variety of BIM related courses across
strategic, management and technical roles required for Industry up-skilling. The Regional BIM
Hubs will help. Some firms report that their most significant training costs have not been in software usage but in enhancing the engineering capabilities of their current CAD draftsmen to the
levels required.
There is currently no nationally-recognised BIM accreditation scheme, and naturally enough the
Governments BIM Task Group wont be recommending any specific one. But accreditation
schemes are under development, and it is worth keeping an eye out for these, particularly the
more impartial ones that arent aligned to providing any particular brand of software application.
Some of the links in Appendix A will be good sources of up-to-date information on this.
BIM will change everything. Theres no point attempting to implement BIM software
throughout the industry with the expectation that things wont change. They will.
10 Truths about BIM. WSP Report on BIM. (www.wspgroup.com )
4.6
Question: Will we
need to change
the way we
work?
4.7
Question: How
will legal and
contractual
matters change
with BIM? Will
we be on the
receiving end?
Answer: It has already been noted that Fully Integrated BIM would require changes in the way
projects were procured, and the way contractual and liability issues were dealt with. What must
be avoided is a future free-for-all with exploitation by those with greater know-how or
commercial power. Feedback from early trials (including the Governments proof of concept
projects for the Ministry of Justice [16] should produce interesting reflections on some of these
questions. There is further discussion of potential legal and contractual issues in Section 7.
5.0
A Roadmap to BIMCompetence
5.1
Starting BIM may seem a daunting prospect but the move doesnt
have to occur overnight. It is an issue of change management,
involving the three factors of People, Process and Technology
This ideally comprises a series of small, measured steps along two
lines of direction: knowing about your business, and knowing about
BIM. These include
1. Knowing what you do: what you produce and how (processes
and information ows)?
2. Who is best to lead this? Ideally someone with experience of
both BIM and your processes.
3. What is your current performance and capacity: is there waste,
could there be improvement?
4. Finding about BIM: build from little knowledge to a point when
you can start to make choices.
5. Based on 1 to 4 (above) decide what you want BIM for, and why.
6. Seek out options (in the form of BIM outcomes) for what you
want.
7. Be clear on what each option software, hardware, training, cost
of change ,etc.
8. Evaluate the options on the basis of their costs and benets.
9. Implement the chosen option, starting with quick, easy wins.
10. Re-evaluate early and change track, if necessary.
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Roadmap to BIMcompetence
20|
5.0
A Roadmap to BIMCompetence
5.2
Sources of advice
Advice can come from Government (e.g. from the BIM Task Group and from Regional BIM Hubs), independent
organisations (such as BIM Academy), or early adopters. Case Studies are on the Web, and there are examples
in Section 10: The Evidence for BIM. Talk to firms like yours to discover their experiences. There are a number of
useful sites (see Appendix A: Websites, Blog sites and BIM Groups). Clearly, at some point, you will need information
from someone who is trying to sell you something.
5.3
Do
Dont
Check what technology you need and what can offer it.
Some BIM software is free (some is very expensive).
Test this on one job before you decide to change
your entire operation
Presume that you can buy BIM out of a box. Its not
just about software.
Think about the i in BIM, and know the way that information
travels in your firm; who drives it? where? And why?
5.4
OK, so you feel youve got to be more careful when you take on something new.
You dont have the resources of the larger rms.
But you have one big advantage: exibility. You can adapt quicker, and once you
have your strategy you can see it through (see the quote by David Miller,
opposite).
And Government is adamant that adoption of BIM by SMEs is fundamental to its
Strategy and BIM objectives. The Regional BIM Hubs, the Governments BIM
Task Group, and the SEC Group itself are all devoting special attention to SMEs
to ensure that you dont get left out, or exploited, and that you get the opportunity
to drive the industry forward through innovation.
See http://www.innovateuk.org/content/competition/innovation-vouchers.ashx
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6.0
6.1
Signs of change
There are already signs that BIM is causing changes in the way the construction process is thought of and carried out. RIBA,
the architects body, published a new RIBA/CIC Plan of Work in early 2013. One of the main reasons for changing the
time-served version (with its A to L Work Stages) to a new framework that comprises seven numbered stages, was for
mapping BIM processes. An earlier concession to BIM came in the form of a BIM overlay to the 2007 Plan of Work, but in
2013 this was replaced by the entirely new framework [17].
There are also emerging discussions over BIM Protocols and standards.
The essence of Level 2 BIM (see above, p.6) is that there is some degree of collaborative design. This can be in the form of a
group of federated models forged into a single one by one of the project team or a fully integrated single-platform model. This
is what distinguishes it from Level 1 (lonely) BIM, where BIM users operate in isolation.
Thus, for any degree of Level 2 BIM to work it is necessary to set rules, conventions and ways of working to cope with the
work of different design contributors.
These include numbering, naming, file hierarchies and formats, object libraries, layers, reading and authoring rights and
change management conventions. Many of these are defined in BS 1192:2007 (Collaborative production of architectural,
engineering and construction information) which has now been updated to reflect the use of BIM, and is available as PAS
1192-2:2013 [18] (see below, Section 9 for a fuller description).
Standard protocols exist2 (initially adapted from examples for the United States [19, 20], but there are now home-grown
examples) but it is normal to adapt them to the specific needs of the project.
6.2
In re-evaluating project roles for their revised Plan of Work (2013) (see above [17]) the RIBA list the following:
Client Adviser
Structural Designer
Project Lead
Building Services Designer
Design Lead
Cost Consultant
Construction Lead
Contract Administrator
Architectural Designer
Information Manager
Landscape Designer
Health & Safety Consultant
These are familiar and well understood, but in addition we should consider others, including the providers of software and
project communications infrastructure. However, one role merits special attention; that of the Project Model Manager.
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6.0
6.3
3
Ultimately, the BIM model should minimise the
need for this process, as information could be transmitted directly from design to fabrication, and then
installation.
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7.0
7.1
There has been much debate over the precise legal, contractual and insurance effect of
adopting BIM. The relative importance of these issues depends on the level of maturity of
BIM use within a project. Relating this to the maturity diagrams in Section 2.2 (pages 6-7,
above) we see that:
Level 1 BIM
Level 2 BIM
Level 3 BIM+
Increasing
number of
legal,
contractual
and
insurance
issues as use
of BIM becomes
increasingly
collaborative.
At Level 1 maturity there are few issues. BIM tools are used internally by members of the same firm. This would not
require changes to current contracts or invoke legal questions. There may be a need for dialogue with the firms P.I.
insurers.
LevelF2 maturity,Production
as has been argued,
represents a F1
range Preparation
of different maturity
levels within information
itself. It is likelyin
that
there
Information
of production
sufficient
would be an increasing number of legal, contractual and insurance
issues
as
use
of
BIM
becomes
increasingly
or tenders to be obtained.
collaborative.
F2 Preparation
of further
information
Fully collaborative real-time BIM (Level 3) raises significant
legal, contractual
and insurance
issues. for construction
At Level 2 and beyond there is the potential for independent
(consultants,
manufacturers, specialist contractors,
thefirms
building
contract.
and facility mangers) all working collaboratively. Current contracts in use would require amendment, or possibly
replacement.
G
deta
requ
Tender Documentation
To help standardise contractual provisions relating to BIM the BIM Task Group in conjunction with CIC has published
the BIM Protocol [21]. The Protocol should be incorporated in contracts where the parties are involved in the use,
production or delivery of models.
The Employer is advised to use the Protocol in contracts with Project
Team Members (these are project participants who have a direct
contract with the Employer). Each Project Team Member should then
24|
7.0
7.1
process?
What rights of access do you have to data produced by others?
What degree of reliance can you place on the data produced by others?
What steps have you taken to preserve your intellectual property rights in the data you
have provided?
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7.0
7.2
The Risks
26|
7.0
7.2
The Risks
Increaseing maturity of
Level 2 BIM
insurance
issues as use
of BIM becomes
increasingly
collaborative.
8.0
8.1
Production Information
F1
F2
Tender Documentation
Tender Action
Identification and evaluation of potential contractors and/or specialists for the project.
Obtaining and appraising tenders; submission of recommendations to the client.
In the Introduction to BIM (in Section 2 of this Guide) we stated that BIM
involves the structured creation, sharing, use and re-use of digital
information.
In the normal project process, once the design authoring is complete,
we enter the stage described in the RIBA Plan of Work [17] as
Preconstruction, comprising Work stages F-H.
In the new 2013 RIBA Plan of work, these are now within Stages 4
(Technical design) and 5 (Specialist design).
Throughout this document, both pre- and post-2013 RIBA classifications
are used: the numbered post-2013 terminology is the more current and
now correct, but people will continue to be more familiar with the
pre-2013 Stages A to L for some time.
The various forms of estimating (carried out between Work stages F-H
/4-5) present a great opportunity to re-use the digital data that by then
exist within the model.
Traditionally, cost estimating has taken various forms, ranging from the
high level elemental approach that informs the design process (at RIBA
Stages D&E); via the generation of Bills or Quantity or other bidding
documents (traditionally produced by digitizing designers drawings, or
importing their CAD files) (Stage G); through to the resource-based unit
rate estimating that contractors use to build the bids that are evaluated
at Stage H. BIM data can be used for all of this, and for more.
8.2
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8.0
8.2
You simply get better bids with BIM, as you can accurately demonstrate the complexity of
projects. The scope is better defined and it gives you an accurate tonnage right from the
time of bids all at the touch of a button.
Kyle Krall of Thornton Tomasetti, at the Build Smart 2009 conference, Yas Hotel, Abu Dhabi
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9.0
9.1
Information
flow
throughout
the project
Traditional
Linear, sequential
2-D dumb
Task
BIM-enabled
Design Input
Concurrent
Design Outputs
3-D intelligent
Slow, sequential
Design Compatibility
Separate activity
2-D, independent
Separate activity
Cost Estimating
Slow, sequential
Slow, independent
Slow, sequential
Regs. Compliance
Potentially automated
Value Engineering
Instant evaluation
Data Sheets
Automatic generation
Separate activity
Separate activity
Possibility of automation
Link to software
Software for the planning and sequencing of work, and project logistics such as site layout, can also benefit from
integration with the BIM model, as can the projects resource and cost control procedures.
Alongside other technologies, BIM-generated information can assist in verification of on-site measurement and valuation,
adding increased certainty to applications for interim payment and reducing the potential for costly related disputes.
9.2
The production of PAS 1192-2:2013 [18] was sponsored by the Construction Industry Council (CIC). It sets out how
to share information on BIM projects and has been made available to public and private sector clients for use on
jobs. The standard is designed to eliminate clashes between firms using different BIM practices and software,
leading to costly delays and conversion costs. Compliance with the standard will be mandatory on all public sector
jobs from 2016, as part of the governments overall BIM requirement. Peter Hansford, the Governments chief
construction adviser, said the standard was the first of its kind anywhere in the world and would ensure level two
BIM can be adopted successfully.
PAS 1192-2:2013 specifies requirements for achieving building information modelling (BIM) Level 2. The
requirements within this PAS build on the existing code of practice for the collaborative production of architectural,
engineering and construction information, defined within BS 1192:2007.
PAS 1192-2:2013 focuses specifically on project delivery, where the majority of graphical data, non-graphical data
9.0
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and documents, known collectively as the project information model (PIM), are accumulated from design and
construction activities.
The intended audience for this PAS includes organizations and individuals responsible for the procurement, design,
construction, delivery, operation and maintenance of buildings and infrastructure assets. Where possible, generic
language has been used, but where necessary, specific definitions are included.
A partner document to PAS 1192-2, named PAS 1192-3 was published in March 2014. While P1192-2 focuses on the
delivery phase of projects, this new document focuses on the operational phase of assets; being about the availability, integrity and transfer of data and information during this phase.
This section of the Guide is not intended to replace the need to carefully read and understand the content of PAS
1192-2:2013, concentrating on the parts that apply to your particular role in the project. This is particularly
recommended for those just embarking on involvement in any project using BIM. This will result in knowing what the
expectations will be, and a strategic approach to how they can be met, when embarking on a BIM-enabled project.
9.3
With assets of around 337 billion (according to the Treasury's National Asset Register) the Government has a
particular interest (as a Client) in what happens to projects after their handover.
Closely linked with its interest in BIM is the Governments Soft Landings (GSL) project. GSL is related to work by
BSRIA (http://www.bsria.co.uk ) and the Usable Buildings Trust (http://www.usablebuildings.co.uk ) and aims to
improve the performance of built assets through more effective commissioning and handover of projects, with a
clear, cost efficient vision and strategy for managing the facilities, with specific plans to meet the needs of the End
Users, Building Managers, Facilities Managers and Occupiers [25 ].
The whole supply chain can play its part by embedding appropriate data via BIM, into their products, which in turn
can be incorporated into BMS and FM systems. The link to BIM is through the important concept called COBie. The
next Section explains what COBie is, and why it is becoming so important.
9.4
COBie stands for Construction Operations Building Information Exchange. The concept was developed by the US Corps of
Engineers, but a more appropriate version (COBie UK 2012) has now been designed for use in the UK and published by
the BIM Task Group (see http://www.bimtaskgroup.org/cobie-uk-2012/ ).
COBie is basically a data schema typically presented in the form of a spreadsheet. As such, users and producers of COBie
data will be able to create and/or access COBie files with little or no software investment cost, and the format permits open
access to and exchange of the relevant data.
COBie provides a one-stop shop for all the data relating to the asset. The main recipient of this data exchange via
COBie is the client (e.g. the government). There are a predefined number of exchanges (data drops) that are required
during the construction phase (and beyond, in the case of Number 5). These are set out in a new digital Plan of Work
(dPoW).
There are five main exchange points are defined as:
1.
Requirements and Constraints
2.
Outline Solution
3.
Construction Information
4.
Operations and Maintenance
5.
Post-occupancy Validation Information and on-going
Operations and Maintenance
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9.0
10.0
10.1
Project Cases
There are an increasing number of examples of businesses that have adopted and
integrated BIM methods of working, and projects that have reaped its benefits. Here is a
selection. The list is growing and the evidence is becoming more quantified.
Avanti Projects
Set up in 2002 by the Department of Trade and Industry in 2002 to promote ICT-enabled collaborative working.
Avanti is an approach, rather than a particular project. There are a number of case studies available, in which
were found significant savings achieved by using BIM techniques.
http://www.constructingexcellence.org.uk/ceavanti/
PalaceXchange (Avanti)
The PalaceXchange 30M retail development reported savings of up to 50% + in exchange of information and
documentation and improved spatial co-ordination and cost certainty.
http://www.constructingexcellence.org.uk/ceavanti/
St Helens and Knowsley Hospitals (Avanti)
The St Helens and Knowsley (350 million) PFI project reported:
the issuing of information was up to 85% quicker
a saving of 25% + in administering the document control process
a saving of 75% + in design coordination
http://www.constructingexcellence.org.uk/ceavanti/
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10.0
10.2
Business Cases
The practice has four UK locations and works principally in the education, healthcare, residential and commercial
sectors with project values typically 1 -150M. Started trialling BIM in 2003, and in 2007 made the decision to use
BIM software for all design work carried out by its 120-staff. Ryder is now totally committed to the use of BIM tools
for use in Concept design; Concept massing; Green Guide rating; Environmental, Daylight, Energy, and Sun
path and shading analysis, Pedestrian modelling, 4D modelling, Design audit and Visualisation. In 2011, Ryder
joined with the University of Northumbria to form BIM Academy.
http://www.thenbs.com/topics/bim/articles/RyderArchitectureAndBIM.asp
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11.0
Section 2.2 ( p.7) described how Level 3 BIM could work as a single
real-time design model in which the different design disciplines
interact to input and access information collaboratively. Software
interoperability, IT infrastructure, and contractual and legal issues will
have been solved and there will be seamless working with the latest
software simulation tools that inform the decision-making processes.
There will standard libraries of common intelligent objects that
contain manufacturers data and geometry. The resulting model will
be shared with the major players in the project supply chain.
All this is in the future. But there are currently other existing
opportunities that we have not yet discussed.
11.1
11.2
AISFPDC
http://aispdc.org/bim4fitout
BIM Academy
http://bimacademy.ac.uk
BIM Manager
http://www.bimmanager.com/
BIM4SME
http://www.bim4sme.org
http://www.bim1m.com
BIM Technologies
http://www.bimtechnologies.co.uk/news
BSRIA
http://www.bsria.co.uk/
BuildingSMART:
http://www.buildingsmart.org.uk/
http://www.bimcrunch.com
http://www.cic.org.uk/aBIMfocus/
http://www.linkedin.com/groups/CITA-BIM-Group-3238552/about
Constructing Excellence
http://www.constructingexcellence.org.uk/
http://www.cic.org.uk/home/index.shtml
http://www.bimtaskgroup.org
Graphisoft
http://www.graphisoft.com/openbim/bim/
McGraw-Hill Construction
http://www.bim.construction.com/bdc/news_and_topics/
nBS Resources
http://www.thenbs.com/topics/BIM/index.asp
nSCC
http://www.nscc.org.uk/
SEC Group
http://www.secgroup.org.uk
http://www.caseyrutland.com
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/
government-construction-strategy
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3D
4D
5D
nD
AIA
API
Application Programming Interface (API) offers a direct link between the BIM model and other
industry software (e.g. costing)
BIM
BIMM
BMS
BSRIA
CAD
CDE
COBie
iBIM
IDM
IFC
IFD
IPD
ISO
LOD
nBS
ODBC
Open Database Connectivity. A middleware system for translating from databases to other software
RIBA
XML
Extensible Mark-up Language (XML): a free open standard creating custom mark-up languages,
allowing users to share structured data via the Internet.
WLC
Whole-life cost. The cost of a building, assembly, etc. throughout its life.
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Combined Model
A BIM Level 2 model consisting of linked (federated) individual models and other
information.
Component
Interoperability
Parametric modelling
Permitted User
Soft Landings
A building handover protocol that helps client / users get the best out of their
buildings. It encourages the greater involvement of designers and constructors
with building users and operators before, during and after handover.
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Appendix D: References
We hope that you find this guide useful. Let us know if you do!
Please email comments or your BIM experiences to [email protected]
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
Association of Sealant
Applicators Ltd
Association for Specialist
Fire Protection
Association of Specialist
Underpinning Contractors plus
Association of Technical Lightning
& Access Specialists
British Blind and Shutter
Association
British Drilling Association
British Geomembrane Association
Specialists
Association
Association
Contract Flooring Association
CONSTRUCT
Concrete Structures Group
Concrete Repair Association