BIM and Automation

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Table of Content

1.0 Identify and define the important terminologies, concepts and standards related
to BIM and Automation and cite all the relevant references.

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

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

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

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

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

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 WHAT IS BIM?
The information of a structure is created and managed through a comprehensive process called Building Information
Modelling (BIM). BIM creates a digital representation of a structure throughout its lifecycle, from planning and design to
construction and operation, based on an intelligent model and enabled by a cloud platform. (Source: Civilguruji. (n.d.). What Is BIM?
Everything about Building Information Modeling. https://civilguruji.com/blog/what-is-bim-everything-about-building-information-modeling)

Building Information Modelling Key Elements

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

Figure 1.1 Diagram of understanding concept of BIM.

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

WHAT IS AUTOMATION?
Automation is the creation and application of technologies to produce and deliver goods and services with minimal human
intervention. Automation is the process of achieving the state where human input is not necessary for task execution in line
with expected results. (Source: Admin. (2023, February 16). Automation of business processes. NeuroSYS. https://neurosys.com/blog/repetitive-task-automation)
Start Process Finish
Collected data and Cost and Time Saving
Raw Materials approached automation Automation Final Product

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

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

WHAT IS BIM and Automation?

The relationship between Building Information Modelling (BIM) and automation is symbiotic, with each concept enhancing
and reinforcing the benefits of the other. BIM serves as the fundamental digital framework, while automation provides
the technological means to optimise processes within that framework. The goal of BIM automation is to enhance
efficiency, accuracy, and collaboration throughout the entire lifecycle of a construction project, from design and planning to
construction and facility management. (Source: Community, B. (n.d.-c). BIM Automation: Why is it important and what tools exist? | BIMCommunity. BIM
Community. https://www.bimcommunity.com/technical/load/25676/bim-automation-why-is-it-important-and-what-tools-exist)
Flexibility
Efficiency
BIM Automation Outcome
Consistency
Cost Saving
Figure 1.3 Diagram of understanding concept of BIM and Automation.

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UK BIM STANDARD
There is no fix standards for the Automation Topic. Therefore, There are a number of standards that define BIM information
structures and processes internationally. The United Kingdom has been a leader in adopting and implementing Building
Information Modeling (BIM) standards and practices. The UK has established a set of standards and guidelines to promote
BIM adoption and its integration with automation. (Source: bsigroup/bimstandard. (n.d.). https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/iso-19650-BIM/)
Information Structures Processes Structures
•ISO 16739-1:2018 – ‘Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) for data sharing in the •UK BIM Framework – the ISO 19650 series of
construction and facility management industries — Part 1: Data schema’. standards defines the BIM process internationally. These
had their basis in the UK PAS 1192 series of standards.
•ISO 12006-2:2015 – ‘Building construction - Organization of information The UK BIM Framework website has further information
about construction works - Part 2: Framework for classification’. The UK on these standards, and extensive free-to-use guidance
National Foreword of this standard lists Uniclass 2015 as the classification resources. (Source:BIM standards. (2023).
system for UK BIM. Thenbs. https://www.thenbs.com/knowledge/what-is-building-
information-modelling-bim)
•ISO 23386:2020 – ‘Building information modelling and other digital processes
used in construction — Methodology to describe, author and maintain properties
in interconnected data dictionaries’. At NBS, we follow this framework when
modelling information structures with manufacturers in the NBS
Source platform.

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

1. Automated Clash Detection:

Detecting clashes between different building systems before construction to avoid costly on-site conflicts. Software can
automatically scan models for clashes, saving time and ensuring accurate coordination.

Automation Naviswork
Design Stage Construction
Identifying clashes and interferences among
different building systems to mitigate
conflicts before construction begins.

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

2. Automated Data Extraction and Reporting:

Automation scripts can extract data from BIM models to generate reports for various purposes, such as quantity take-
offs. Automating repetitive tasks like data entry, report generation, and file organization to save time and reduce errors.

BIM Documentation Automation

1. Custom DWG export with automatic
cleanup of 2D data including
conversion of tags as attributes,
maintaining complete view XREF
shared across all sheets
2. Bi-directional excel data exchange for
creating drafting views from Excel
sheets retaining all formatting
information.

BIM Data Exporting Automation

1. Export the Revit categories in a
controlled environment
2. Customize the export in order to filter
the categories
3. Option to export the Revit sheets0

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

application-development.html

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3. Code Compliance Checking:
Automation can help ensure designs meet building codes and regulations by analyzing the BIM model against relevant
standards. Dynamo and I-check helps assess the environmental impact of building designs in Revit, ensuring
compliance with standards and regulations.
Regulatory Rule Building Rule
Documents Dynamo scripts or i- Execution Integration of BIM Model Get result with Reporting
checking script properties / parameters excel file
Figure 2.1 Diagram of proposed framework for automated code compliance checking system
Sources : Ismail, A. S., Ali, K. N., Iahad, N. A., Kassem, M. A., & Al-Ashwal, N. T. (2023). BIM-Based Automated Code Compliance Checking System in Malaysian
Fire Safety Regulations: A User-Friendly Approach. Buildings, 13(6), 1404. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13061404

Source : icheck for Building – Accessibility [CBC] | Revit | Autodesk App Store.
(n.d.). https://apps.autodesk.com/RVT/en/Detail/Index?id=1041774428548349665&appLang=en&os=Win64
4. Maintenance and Monitoring:
Sensors integrated with BIM models enable real-time monitoring of building systems, allowing for predictive maintenance.
Transitioning BIM models to facility management software for effective building operation, maintenance, and space
management.

BIM

Extract data to FM for

understanding the
building

Facility Management

Integrate with
automation system

Monitoring / Predictive Maintenance

Get result in short time

Saving Cost / Resolve problem

Figure 2.1 Diagram of framework of BIM and automation in FM system

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

Table of different software for using BIM and Automation in different application scenarios.
Data Integration Clash Detection & Collaboration & Lifecycle Management
Conflict Resolution Coordination ( maintenance &
(code compliance) monitoring)

Autodesk Integrates data across Revit's built-in clash Allowing various Data in Revit models can be
Revit the model, allowing for detection tools enable consultants to work leveraged for facility
accurate material automatic within the same model, management and operations,
takeoffs, cost identification of reducing clashes and improving long-term
estimations, and clashes between conflicts. efficiency.
quantity surveys. different building
systems and
components.
Dynamo Customized to automate Automate clash Enables visual Custom scripts can assist in
data manipulation, detection workflows by programming for facility management,
extraction, and creating custom scripts coordinating and maintenance planning, and
transformation. that analyze BIM data for
automating tasks across data tracking for the
clashes.
consultants, enhancing building's life span.
collaboration.
Navisworks Allows the integration Provides visual reports Supports collaborative Supports in life cycle
of multidisciplinary and animations of workflows by allowing management by visualizing
BIM data from clashes, enhancing project teams to and simulating
various software communication and consolidate models from construction sequences
platforms, facilitating a understanding. various consultants for (4D) and allowing for
centralized model for coordination. project phasing analysis.
project visualization.
BIM 360 Provides a cloud- Cloud-based clash Enables real-time Supports the entire project
based platform for detection, allowing collaboration among life cycle by enabling
collaborative work, project teams to project teams by access to BIM data from
allowing consultants identify and resolve providing a centralized design to construction to
and clients to access clashes remotely. platform for discussions. operation and maintenance.
and share BIM
models and data from
anywhere.
AutoCAD Less automated and Requires manual Designs are often created Maintenance and
might require manual visual checks, making in isolation, leading to renovations might involve
calculations. it more time- coordination challenges manual updates to CAD
consuming. during the construction drawings, leading to
phase. potential discrepancies.

Figure 3.1 Table of different software for using BIM and automation in different application scenarios.
Sources :
1. [email protected]. (2022, August 22). What is AutoCAD and what is it for, software for architecture & engineering.
2. STACBOND. https://stacbond.com/en/what-is-autocad-and-what-is-it-for/
3. What is Dynamo? | The Dynamo Primer. (n.d.). https://primer.dynamobim.org/01_Introduction/1-2_what_is_dynamo.html
4. Ocean, J. (2022). What is Navisworks? Differences Between Revit and Navisworks. Revizto. https://revizto.com/en/what-is-navisworks/
5. What is BIM 360? (n.d.). https://www.voyansi.com/en/knowledge/what-is-bim-360

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

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

Software Advantages
Autodesk Revit 1. Automating repetitive tasks
2. Simplifying workflows
3. Improved productivity
4. Cost Saving

(Limited, n.d.) (Guest, 2022)

Dynamo 1. Improved design Insight
2. Eliminate Repetitive Tasks and Improved efficiency
3. Efficient Construction Project
4. Quick option for optimized project

(TrueCADD., 2023)
NavisWork 1. Automated Clash Detection
2. Model Aggregation
3. Simulation & Animation
4. Quantification

(PLAN IT RIGHT BEFORE YOU BUILD ONSITE The Five Top Workflows for
Navisworks INTERESTED?, n.d.)
BIM 360 1. Automated Synchronize work process
2. Centralized BIM model enable all consultants to edit in a
same time.
(Augusto & Soeiro, n.d.)

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5. Define the required information which must exist in the BIM model in order to
be able to apply the technics related to this topic.

3D BIM MODEL

Model Object Properties

Data Parameters BIM and Automation

Project Documentations

Performance Data

Figure 5.1 Key element of Bim and Automation.

1. BIM 3D model
Accurate 3D geometry of building components, including walls, floors, columns, roofs, etc.
2. Model object properties
Material, size, dimensions and other physical attributes of building elements.
3. Data parameters
3D model values such as lengths, areas, volumes, rooms and material quantities.
4. Project documentation
Information on project requirements, standards and regulations.
5. Performance data
Parameters for energy simulation, daylighting analysis and energy efficiency performance.
In summary, automation uses this data to optimise processes and analysis tools use the information to drive
insight, simulation and efficiency. Ensuring that BIM 's models are comprehensive and accurate is
therefore critical to the success of its BIM and automation applications in the AEC industry.

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6. Create a diagram which shows the different stages for the application of
this topic and its technics on a given case study

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

Figure 6.1 Project case study ground floor plan

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

Rooms Room list Room Data Object

•Number
•Area
•Name
•Element ID
Generate List with the Result
•Level
•Room Height
•Etc.

Export Result List

Advantages:
•Automated insert Data
•Flexible
•Filter Sorting
•Enable to think
Computationally.

Conclusion, Dynamo is a flexible tool towards BIM and Automation concept during Design Stage to
End of building life cycle. Understanding the importance of programming work together with BIM
Industrial, it helps to provides more options to finish the task on time.

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Demonstration of BIM and Automation
Case Study 1 – Dynamo Automation extract data into documentation

The overview of the dynamo framework in demonstrating repetitive task and understanding programming.

The demonstration is first about understanding the main element or task to be done in Dynamo. The main
method is the spatial plan. To extract data from the model BIM, we need to get all the spatial categories as the
first step of the task.

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 3

After all the rooms are ready, the next step is to group the key criteria of the room plan, namely room name, room
area, room number and levels. This shows that it is a repetitive task, and Dynamo saves the time by duplicating it in
an automated way..

After having the result of grouping data,

understanding the programming of Dynamo
and computer is the key point during this
process. This allows the user to think
computationally and work more efficiently.
This exercise will help users develop more
complicated tasks in the future.

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Finally, the final data extraction will be more flexible than the normal Revit data extraction. Users will have the
ability to create different file formats and data. In addition, Dynamo also provides a platform that automates access
to the building data, because once you are in Excel, you can modify the data as needed.

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 Demonstration of BIM and Automation
Case Study 2 – Differences on different tool in Automation for calculation

In Malaysia Submission requirement, there are some standards need to be follow during submission to local
authorities department. The most common calculation for submission is the 10% natural lighting and 5% natural
ventilation for your rooms in your building. Based on traditional AutoCad tool, the calculation of Natural
ventilation and Natural Lighting is by manually.

Figure 6.4 Table of calculation room area, natural

Figure 6.3 Excel data showing the Door and Window
ventilation and lighting to follow the local authority
Schedule and calculation of natural lighting and ventilation.
requirements.

Figure 6.5 Table of calculation floor area, lighting & ventilation of CAD drawing in a manual form
 Demonstration of BIM and Automation
Case Study 2 – Differences on different tool in Automation for calculation

In traditional way, you will need to sort the window and door schedule and manually calculate and extract in to excel
file. However in Revit, some company provides the automated calculation for the requirement.

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

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