PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS OF BIM

Risk management

BIM has been addressed by risk management and insurance firms in a variety of ways. One of these firms, Victor O. Schinnerer & Company, Inc., has observed, "BIM is not just the electronic transfer of paper documents. It greatly increases the ability to control and manipulate data and information in an unprecedented way and in an interoperable format. The move from paper-centric information to parametric, model-based information means that the digital design can be used for cost estimations, simulations, scheduling, energy analysis, structural design, GIS integration, fabrication, erection, and facilities management." In essence, they concur that this is a broader way of thinking and a much more collaborative way of creating a central base of information about a building. Nonetheless, there is a need for leadership and control of that information in order to manage and control risks associated with responsible control of the data and its use. Schinnerer has addressed this point by stating, "Professional service firms should be in control of the information source. As integration of design and construction develops, protecting public health, safety, and welfare becomes more critical. The rationale for having a licensed professional in charge makes increasing sense." Hence the role of the licensed architect or, in some cases, a licensed engineer as a leader and the entity in charge of the BIM Model is a significant part of the properly managed collaboration. It also means that all those who want to contribute to a BIM model should seek out the architect first for the appropriate review and eventual inclusion of their information into the Model.

Characteristics to look for in BIM objects provided by Building Product Manufacturers

Building product manufacturers, especially those who produce complementary building products, have been aware of the importance of the role of the design leader and usually seek to provide usable information accordingly. When architects and engineers are selecting BIM objects prepared by building product manufacturers to incorporate into an overall Model, they should look for the following characteristics in those objects:

• Up to date information readily available. Access to information when it is needed is critical to keeping a project on schedule. But that information has to be current and up to date, otherwise a lot of time is wasted detailing the wrong things. Historically, the architect has relied on manufacturer's representatives to update the office library with catalogs, CDs and other information for handy reference. The shortfall in this process is the possibility that the catalogs become out of date without a designer realizing it. Recognizing this, many product manufacturers offer their entire product and design information electronically on their company website. Others are working through independent company sources (such as Sweets, Reed, ARCAT, etc.) that provide manufacturer information in catalog and electronic format and are becoming sources of a growing library of BIM objects. Obviously, working with a manufacturer that can provide up to date, readily available BIM objects for inclusion in an overall BIM Model will be easier than creating a generic object in the design studio.

• Accurate visual representation.The BIM model needs to predict the built condition as closely and as accurately as possible. Hence the same is true with building products that are inserted as objects into that model. It is important that the visual characteristics of the computerized object match the detail and properties of the actual physical object. This is easily revealed by comparing the computerized object to photos or samples of the physical object and looking for similarities and discrepancies in details and features.

A BIM model showing an expansion joint with integrated cover and the installed condition. Photos courtesy of Nystrom, Inc.

 

• Complete embedded information. This is where the value of BIM for products really shines. All of the relevant information associated with a selected product should be readily accessed and readable from the BIM object. That means that manufacturers make and model numbers, full product specifications, cost/pricing information, production and delivery requirements should all be readily available. For the long term benefit of the owner, it should also include a link to the warranty, maintenance, and replacement information related to the product.

• Parametric modeling capability. Most BIM software programs allow for automated interaction between different objects. This interaction is governed by a set of computer programming rules that an object must follow anytime a modification or insertion of an object is made. This process is referred to as parametric modeling and is one of the key advantages of using BIM. It means that an object not only provides data about itself, it also has the ability to interact with the rest of the model, such that a change in the object triggers a corresponding change to other parts of the model. For example, inserting a louver into a wall means that the wall has to change to accommodate it. If the louver is one of several and a schedule or chart is part of the Model summarizing the details of all of the louvers, then the schedule has to be updated. And if a particular louver has several options built into it, the selection of those options should automatically be reflected in all aspects of the Model. In simple terms, parametric modeling is the means to make this all happen.

• Complete and open interoperability. Anyone who has ever tried to open a computer file that produced either an error message related to non-compatibility or a display of unintelligible characters will readily understand the need for seamless integration of information from multiple sources. That is what is meant by interoperability - the ability to access complete and accurate information regardless of the source of the different parts of the information. The data from building manufacturers, then, needs to be provided in a format that is accessible by all software identified as important on the project.

Resources available supporting the growth and adoption of BIM

A number of organizations and coalitions are working to support the already growing adoption and use of BIM. These efforts serve as significant resources and opportunities for anyone that is developing BIM Models or objects in their own work.

• The American Institute of Architects (AIA). The AIA has an ongoing strategic initiative related to Integrated Practice/ Integrated Project Delivery (IP/IPD). This approach "leverages early contributions of knowledge and expertise through the utilization of new technologies, allowing all team members to better realize their highest potentials while expanding the value they provide throughout the project life cycle. Through an integrated project delivery method, owners, designers, and builders can move toward unified models and improved design, construction, and operations processes".  www.aia.org/ipd In addition, the AIA Technology in Architectural Practice (TAP) Knowledge Community serves as "a resource for AIA members, the profession, and the public in the deployment of computer technology in the practice of architecture. TAP members monitor the development of computer technology and its impact on architecture practice and the entire building life cycle, including design, construction, facility management, and retirement or reuse." The AIA also sponsors multiple events during the year such as conferences or seminars that focus on BIM and related topics. Further, annual design awards are given specifically for BIM generated projects.  www.aia.org/tap

• National BIM Standards. Recognizing that the overall industry is still rather fragmented and current efforts are often built within the purview of individual initiatives, NIBS has created the buildingSMARTalliance ™, which is developing a National BIM Standard (NBIMS), similar to National CAD Standards that have been in use for some time. Through this effort, the goal is to establish needed uniform standards that can be used by all parties to "foster innovation in processes and infrastructure" and "weave information needed to create and operate wonderful buildings." The buildingSMARTalliance ™ is not only the home for this common standardization activity it is also tasked with industry-wide coordination, outreach, education and adoption activities. As Deke Smith, FAIA, Executive Director of the buildingSMARTalliance™ puts it, "We are working on creating the basic infrastructure so that open access to all is achieved." Hence, the development of NBIMS will help to elevate everyone to a more common working place based on interoperable, open standards and processes.  http://www.buildingsmartalliance. org/index.php/nbims/

• The Construction Operations Building Information Exchange (COBIE). The Whole Building Design Guide (http://www.wbdg. org/resources/cobie.php) is another initiative of NIBS. It recognizes that operations, management and maintenance of buildings require the transfer of information at the end of construction or renovation projects. Most contracts require the handover of paper documents containing such information in the form of equipment lists, product data sheets, warranties, spare part lists, preventive maintenance schedules, etc. COBIE has been developed as a standardized process to address and update this need. By incorporating this process, designers provide space layout, submittal register, and equipment list in one file that others can use. Since it is based on being an exchange format, it does not require specific software. Hence, it can be provided manually or through the use of CAD or BIM files. Since one of the benefits of BIM is to house all of this information in one usable, interactive place, the connection between COBIE and the growth of BIM becomes readily apparent.

• General Services Administration. "In 2003 the General Services Administration (GSA), through its Public Buildings Service (PBS) Office of Chief Architect (OCA), established the National 3D-4D-BIM Program. OCA has led over 30 projects in its capital program, and is assessing and supporting three dimensional (3D), four-dimensional (4D), and Building Information Modeling (BIM) applications in over 35 ongoing projects across the nation. The power of visualization, coordination, simulation, and optimization from 3D, 4D, and BIM computer technologies allow GSA to more effectively meet customer, design, construction, and program requirements. GSA is committed to a strategic and incremental adoption of 3D, 4D, and BIM technologies." (Source: http:// www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/contentView.do?contentType=GSA_OVERVIEW&contentId=20917)