ABOUT
MAD CAD
BIM-ing his way through Toh Jia Ban shares his BIM experience Pg. 2-3
The Importance of BIM Where does BIM stand today? Pg. 4
Food for Health Find out what food can bounce you back into the pink after the holidays binge. Pg. 5
What’s new in AcePLP? Check out The Bulletin for latest updates on company events. Pg. 6
Jan 2013 Issue
BIM-ing His Way Through
AcePLP Trainee Toh Jia Ban shares his BIM project experience and his take on its place in the future of AEC industries. Like any Trainee in AcePLP, Jia Ban was full of anticipation on how his Traineeship journey would turn out upon completing the initial inhouse training. He knew there were various client projects that could propel him in vastly different career directions. What he did not expect was to be quickly launched into assignments involving Building Information Modelling (BIM). Jia Ban’s first close contact with BIM came on his second assignment, when AcePLP assigned him to a project with Sembawang Engineering and Construction (SE&C). He had to make a fast transition to Revit commands, transferring the knowledge he had acquired in the classroom a few months back to a real-life project, as this was after his first assignment working on a 4month AutoCAD Downtown Line 2 project. Jia Ban has since moved on from his SE&C project, and is currently working simultaneously on Revit BIM and AutoCAD, with yet another client, Gammon.
Jia Ban with co-workers at client SE&C
Tell us about your first BIM experience at SE&C. Fun! But it was quite tough at first. The learning curve was steep in terms of picking up the usage of Autodesk Revit Software, which was split into Architecture, Structure and MEP prior to the 2013 version. I also had to learn the piping concept (technical knowledge about piping systems such as chemical systems) as my focus was mainly on the mechanical and electrical (MEP) portion of the project. There are various factors to consider such as the sizes and materials of pipes to use, and the connection factors that will affect capability of transmission of substance. We (all the drafters) had to read a lot of P&ID drawings to understand the existing connections within and without the buildings so that we could consider how to work around them for the project. What was the BIM Project about? The project was a PUB project to build a wastewater treatment plant for the aerospace-based industry at Seletar. There had to be pipes built to link 2 buildings underground. BIM was employed because the client wanted to see if the underground planning of the pipe systems could work out in an area of the site. It was also their pilot BIM project to see if BIM could perform up to expectations. Sounds challenging! How did you cope with all that?
It is always handy to have contact details of our trainers and IT support on hand. – Jia Ban on how he gets help when he’s stuck
Learning to handle a project with less familiar software is challenging and requires a lot of patience in trial and error. I also ask Durai for guidance. As a tip to a fresh trainee, it is always handy to have the contact details (telephone number and email) of our trainers and IT support on hand because you might need some crucial advice at times! There was once I had to urgently ask for help on how to operate something on the BIM software, so that the team could see what BIM could achieve before kickstarting the whole project. Besides, I was working with 3 other fellow drafters from our company and they helped me pick up both technical and ‘soft’ skills faster. I also did some self-learning after working hours, by checking out Youtube videos to figure out how to use the software faster.
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What are your final thoughts of BIM in the industry? Mastering BIM really needs continuous learning. For example, from my personal observation, a professional with 2 years of experience would still be constantly trying to improve his proficiency in the BIM software.
So where’s the fun part of working on BIM? Although tough, it was really fun because BIM has its exhilarating aspects too. You get to see how the whole building process is in the virtual sense. For the SE&C project, they used BIM to simulate the step-by-step situations. It being their pilot BIM project, they were also trying to find out how BIM could be fully utilized at the construction sites.
In addition, BIM software is still developing now. For example Gammon Hong Kong has a BIM department, to help develop tools for BIM modeling. I think, to be able to develop a BIM platform for a successful project, it would be a plus point if the users have a basic understanding of software coding, which may help in communicating the user requirements to the software coders. Because of that, picking up BIM professionally does feel daunting. But I think, with all its conveniences and effectiveness, it is here to stay and progress in the Building and Construction Industry.
You are now at Gammon, doing both 2D MEP drawings and Revit MEP models. How does your BIM experience at SE&C help with your current assignment? My experience at Sembawang helped to ensure that I have a basic understanding of the Revit working mechanism in terms of saving the model, working with family files and using the workset. The interaction I had with BIM Modellers onsite also helped me to know the inadequacy of my knowledge in the MEP field which is relatively challenging in comparison to the Architectural and Structural field. While the SE&C assignment had assisted in introducing me to BIM, Gammon is also opening my eyes wider to the neverending BIM possibilities. You have been with us for around 1 year 3 months. Have you started making future plans?
You get to see how the whole building process is in the virtual sense. Read the next page to find out more about BIM.
– Jia Ban on fun with BIM
At the moment, I do intend to stay in this industry and grow with it, learning as much as I can. I am currently also studying IP Law in a part-time one year course, learning about patency of drawings. It helps me as a designer and drafter, because this means I will better understand the protection accorded to our drawings and 3D creations by the Copyright Law in Singapore and Registered Design Law. As for BIM, I had a good experience with 3D Modelling at SE&C and I found that Revit is more convenient than AutoCAD3D, which makes it worth picking up. I am still absorbing as much as possible about BIM because I have discovered that there is so much more I have to learn!
Got an experience to share? Write in to hr@aceplp.com.sg to let us know!
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The Importance of As BIM enters the Singapore AEC Industry, be prepared to be revolutionalised as its benefits get recognised and companies start taking it on. What exactly is BIM?
The use of 3D digital models during design and construction will continue to make paper-based drawing sets obsolete. Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a building design method that uses a database of coordinated, graphically rich, internally consistent, computable information in 3D models for design, engineering, construction and facility management. In Singapore, BIM is changing businesses and professions in the AEC industries, including digital tools, work process, regulations, budgets, hiring strategies, design codes, and many other aspects. With BIM, workflows will shift from sequential to parallel. Collaboration and information exchanges can occur simultaneously. BIM will continue to serve multiple purposes while reducing duplication and redundancy. More opportunities will arise for scenario planning and iterative analysis to measure and test various design options. Energy modelling will become a standard (if not required) aspect of BIM tools as performancebased standards replace prescriptive standards. The combination of BIM and GIS (Geographical Information Systems) data sets will become seamless. Perhaps, the greatest workflow shift yet to be realized involves using BIM as a communication tool rather than a production tool. The perception of information will change from something that needs to be delivered as a final product, to something that can be leveraged and updated over a long period of time. The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) in Singapore has already mandated the use of BIM in all submissions by 2015, with Land Transport Authority (LTA) likely to take a similar approach to information modelling in roads and rail projects. The industry direction suggests that those who do not take a reasonably sober view of this disruptive technology will have a hard time recognizing the typical architectural, engineering or construction firm of the near future. Get ready to be part of this exciting industry revolution and meet the challenges head-on! MaC|4
Food for Health As a new year begins after overloading on rich food over the holidays, MaC puts together a guide to teach you how to stay perky and fight/ward off ailments with the help of some food. Bon appetit~!
Health Tip #1 - Drink lots of water! By water, we really mean H2O. Carbonated drinks might similarly provide you with fluids, but they will also overload you with sugar. Drink up whenever you feel thirsty (DO NOT put it off!) and aim to finish 6 glasses of water every day if 8 glasses seems too much.
Health Tip #2 – Go Nutty Nuts are rich sources of protein and fibre. Foods from this group such as beans, peas , soy products help to keep muscles and joints healthy. Muscle aches will be kept at bay! Black beans and almonds also provide your body with iron. Eat it with… Salads. Sprinkle some nuts in your salad to get the extra crunch.
Health Tip #3 – The Green Coffee Alternative Green Tea is a great alternative to coffee as an afternoon pick-me-up. It contains lots of anti-oxidants and catechins which are compounds that reduce the risk of heart disease. They also enhance your mood and detoxify your body.
Health Tip #4 – Mushroom Magic Mushrooms contain the good-for-your-bladder antioxidant, Selenium. Selenium is known to boost immunity, specifically to fight cancer and prevent heart disease. The Vitamin B2 Riboflavin in mushrooms also helps to maintain healthy red blood cells, promote good vision and healthy skin, which all deskbound office staff staring at the computer 10 hours a day should work on. The best thing is, mushrooms are low in calories! So while helping you to maintain vibrant health and boosting your energy levels, it will also keep off excess weight. Add it into your… Omelette. A portobello mushroom sandwich for lunch would taste great too!
Health Tip #5 – Avocado Avocado is rich in several nutrients including mono-unsaturated fat, which helps to minimise memory lapses. The mono-unsaturated fat help to maintain high levels of blood flow to the brain and thus, improves and preserves your memory. It also keeps insulin levels steady, making it easier for you to concentrate and focus at work better. Have it as… A milkshake. Blend the avocado flesh with milk and honey and drink it chilled.
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The Bulletin Capture Your Experiences :: Photo Competition Stand to win $30-40 worth of Shopping Vouchers from Takashimaya OR Best Denki Snap a picture at your project site around the theme – “What Makes Me Come to Work” INSTRUCTIONS: 1. The competition is only open to staff of AcePLP.
2. The photo should be in JPEG format, and have a resolution of at least 300 dpi. 3. Attach a caption (max 25 words), explaining how the photo reflects the theme. 4. The photo entry must be original. The staff must be the original author and sole owner of his/her photo entry 5. Submit the photo with your full name, project name and client company, using your cadpro email, failing which the entry will be rendered void.
7. The copyright of all entries shall remain with the photographer. However, MaC reserves the right to use or modify the selected entry and other suitable ones with full acknowledgement to the copyright owners, for future use and publication. 8. All winners will be notified by email. 9. MaC reserves the right to replace the prize with another of equal or greater value should the featured prize become unavailable. Prizes are not exchangeable for cash. 10. Send your entry to hr@aceplp .com.sg by 1 February 2013.
6. Each participant is allowed only one entry.
Upcoming Events… My friends make work fun and the feeling of camaraderie we have is sweeter than any ice cream in the world
Financial Talks in March/April 2013 Make the most of your money by learning how to manage your income, spending and debt better as part of a coherent budgeting plan. Write in to hr@aceplp.com.sg to indicate your interest in attending the workshop/talk by 1 February 2013. Limited vacancies available on a firstcome-first serve basis.*This talk is conducted by held by MoneySENSE-Singapore Polytechnic Institute for Financial Literacy, an independent body not tied to any financial organisation or selling any products
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