OPENBIM STANDARDS AND CERTIFICATION

What is open standard and how does it contribute to collaboration?

Probably one of the greatest examples of an open standard is the internet. The internet is based on open, nonproprietary standards that allow multiple devices, services, and applications to work together across a wide, dispersed network of networks. Its rapid development and innovation were made possible by the fact that it could be accessed and engaged with by anyone.

Open standards for architecture are owned by a standards development organization but are openly available with no licensing fee and no requirements for how the software is used. With accessible information, users get a chance to develop a deep knowledge of the software and can sometimes impact the way that software is developed in the future. It’s a democratic approach that’s also logistically necessary for the AEC industry. One reason is that there are so many stakeholders in a building project that need to be part of the process. A proprietary barrier would slow down or halt the project, and a system where data could not be freely exchanged during the building process would collapse into miscommunication and technological dissonance.

The seamless workflow of collaboration and the transparency of working on a shared model builds trust among team members and eliminates model duplication and other redundant work between architects and structural engineers. OpenBIM extends the benefits of BIM by improving the accessibility, usability, management, and sustainability of digital data in the AEC industry. And that can lead the whole industry in building and operating better buildings thanks to seamless collaboration, transparency, quality assurance, and accessible data.

Who determines openBIM standards? The international homes of openBIM is buildingSMART International, a worldwide organization driving the transformation of the built asset industry through creation and adoption of open, international standards. The organization develops and maintains industry standards such as IFC, bSDD, and BCF. IFC is standardized by the International Standards Organization (ISO). These rules establishing a common standard allows the AECO community to benefit from a common language to export and import data. The goal for openBIM standards is to offer end-users a better way of collaborating and exchanging data.

How does software certification work? In 2019, buildingSMART took the first steps in IFC4 software certification. The software certification program spreads the spectrum of stakeholders in the industry and provides open and neutral approval for software applications. Certification enables clients to specify the delivery of services and data without worrying about format, compatibility, or versioning of platforms used by the service providers or the client internally.

IFC4 Certification has been split into two more specific view definitions to better support the purpose of IFC data exchange. Design Transfer View aims to support the transfer of model data to be used for further design, analysis, estimating and facility management tasks. This can be understood as a CV2.0 with some extended range. Reference View aims to support the coordination of the planning disciplines; architecture, structural analysis and building services, especially to support clash detection and resolution of issues resulting from geometry.

ON-SITE BIM COLLABORATION

Illustration courtesy of GRAPHISOFT®

Resin Architecture has been successful using BIM software to integrate structural and mechanical engineer contractors into their architectural design model, and in doing so, avoiding issues down the road and on the jobsite.

The design and construction world now has the potential to integrate with flexible work environments. New technology bridges the gap between design studio and construction site. This kind of mobility requires innovative apps and device integration, so that on-site work can be done effectively.

BIM is built upon a database that contains an enormous amount of information about a project. The value of BIM, however, is not that the database exists, but that the data can be easily and readily accessed by all the members of the AEC team. Ensuring the members of the multidisciplinary AEC team, which is often composed of an MEP engineer, environmental engineer, civil engineer, architect, structural engineer, interior architect, landscape architect, surveyor, general contractor, and subcontractors, is especially challenging, because many of the stakeholders are not proficient in BIM or do not have a computer, relying, instead, upon a mobile device.

It is now possible to load the hyper-model of a BIM project and the associated documentation onto a mobile device and take it to the jobsite, to the client meeting, anywhere. Now, if an architect is at a construction site discussing an issue with the construction manager, the architect can access the model on his or her mobile phone and even send it directly to the construction manager’s tablet. With BIM being mobile, architects and the rest of the team can share and collaborate on projects using the full range of hardware, tablets, and smartphones they possess.

As an example, Strada, the firm that designed the Innovation Research Center in Oakland, Pennsylvania, utilized a BIM app that made it possible for contractors to jump to drawings while viewing the model on-site. The contractors were able to send comments back to the live design team and keep in close communication as the project moved forward.

CASE STUDY: RESIN ARCHITECTURE

In another example a BIM model loaded on a smartphone helped one company communicate better with a subcontractor. Resin Architecture worked with an HVAC contractor on an Idaho Falls Pediatrics project, relying on the tool to help make sure the HVAC, plumbing lines, electrical, and other significant building systems were accurately modeled.

That “ah-ha” moment led Resin to seek tight integration with their local mechanical engineers in addition to structural. The task for the team was to convey benefits, so they really examined how many times they needed to reengineer a certain transition, or a fitting, or reroute ducting because of a conflict with the beam, or a column, or it doesn’t match with the intent of the architectural design for a framed ceiling soffit or a transition in the ceilings.

The worked with Elemental MEP, who was willing to learn the capabilities of the software, which allows the structural engineer to work within the same design program as the architects and not have to work with external software. In terms of efficiency and profitability standpoints regarding bringing in a structural or mechanical engineer earlier into the design—the team has been able to resolve issues before they became real issues on the job site. And the MEP teams no longer need to depend on a conference all to answer questions, and their valuable input and reliable feedback only enhanced the design process.