TOWARDS ZERO RESUBMISSIONS

An initiative from PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency, will help to increase productivity in building projects.

Introduction

Very often, professionals employed by building owners, developers, architectural firms, engineering consultancies and contractors, need to make multiple resubmissions to PUB because their designs are not compliant with the PUB Code of Practice requirements. To avoid having to make such resubmissions, PUB has launched the Building Information Modelling e-Checker System (BIM e-Checker). Developed in consultation with industry professionals, the BIM e-Checker automatically checks BIM submissions in open BIM format (IFC) for compliances with standing regulations, guidelines and Code of Practices, and is capable of generating the results of the checks quickly. Checks can be conducted at any time of the day, by simply uploading the open BIM formatted (IFC) designs into the system.

BIM e-Checker user comment

“The user-friendly BIM e-Checker software has helped us to quickly identify non-compliances and allowed us to make the necessary changes to our BIM models before we make formal submissions to PUB. The software allows us to identify and address all non-compliances, thereby reducing the time taken for approval. The BIM e-Checker initiative from PUB to support the industry is a positive development as this would ensure that designs are compliant and designers can focus on value-adding for their clients, instead of worrying about non-compliance issues during design.” - Clement Toh, JTC

Phase 1 of the BIM e-Checker, which covers checks on all prescriptive PUB requirements, has been made available from 15 April 2020. Subsequent CORENET processing of these plans will be accorded priority, since they are fully compliant with the e-Checks.

The PUB BIM e-checker

The PUB BIM e-checker is a system developed as a value-added tool, to help industry users self-check their BIM models (IFC) for compliance against PUB Code of Practice requirements, before formal submission via CORENET. The user is required to create an account at the portal (https://Buildingplanchecker.pub.gov.sg). How-to guides are available on the portal for the user’s reference.

Benefits to users

The system aims to generate results within 24 hours after the model has been uploaded. However, the rule for checking needs to be selected accordingly. Since the PUB BIM e-Checker will allow users to make sure their designs are compliant with PUB Code of Practice requirements, before formal submission to PUB via CORENET, it will mean less resubmission and, consequently, productivity will be improved in the project.

Making a CORENET submission

The current modelling guide is published for Revit and ARCHICAD. To use the BIM e-Checker, the models need to be converted into IFC 2x3 format, in order to support interoperability. For other BIM authoring software, guides will be published progressively.

BIM e-Checker user comment

“By using the BIM E-checker software, the non-compliances can be revealed quickly. The reports generated in BCF format give a quick identification of the location of the non-compliances and we can link the BCF back to the native model for easy identification of the non-compliant items and make amendments in the model for a formal submission. There is also some reduction in the time taken for the approval process as the obvious non compliances are identified early, so that re-work can be done earlier. However, in the trial session for the online submission process, we noticed that the time taken for a response to the online submission depends on the model sizes, the code of compliances/rules lists that are selected for the online review. So the actual online review time varies in length. The BIM e-checker is quite easy to use, provided that the user has mapped the IFC schema/space information to the PUB standard. In view of this, there will be a need for the user to spend time to update the in-house project template and adopt the PUB object parameters. In general, the PUB template and the guides provided are useful. However, we have noticed that some PUB object file sizes are too large, and the naming of objects is not based on ARCHICAD default naming. The object library could be provided as an external LCF file for linking (to reduce file size) etc.” - Chung Yok May, P & T Consultants Pte Ltd

After performing a check using the PUB BIM e-checker, the user can make a CORENET submission as per normal. The compliant report from the BIM e-Checker and the relevant IFC files are to be included in the submission. The submission number must also be emailed to pub_ bpu@pub.gov.sg. If the IFC file is too large for submission through CORENET, a link should be provided for PUB to download the IFC. Only submissions supported by the checking report will be processed. If there is a non-compliance due to site constraints, PUB should be consulted.

Briefing and training

Briefing and training will be provided for users to familiarise themselves with the usage of the portal - from creation of the model, to uploading it and to reviewing of results. More details will be shared at a later date. In the meantime, users can refer to the modelling guide and how-to videos available on the BIM e-Checker portal.

Non-compliant result: Sanitary pipes should not be located above swimming pools. The use of the PUB BIM e-Checker is not mandatory, as yet. (More information may be obtained from https://Buildingplanchecker.pub.gov.sg)

BIM e-Checker user comment

“Traditionally, code compliance checking is carried out by manual observations. Modern building design is getting more complex with the advancement of 3D modelling technology and fast-paced project delivery. This is posting a challenge to manual checking. The development of an automation application like the BIM e-Checker is helpful and is being welcomed by the industry. It can help designers to quickly identify non-compliances, especially during the design iteration process, before finalising the formal submission. The current version of BIM E-checker is easy to use. It can be made better with improvements in the visual design aspects and in the interaction with users. Animation showing step-by-step guides, as well as hover effects providing tips or descriptions of clickable tools, can create a soothing environment. An embedded chatroom would be convenient for users who need to ask questions.” - Lim Kok Keong, ONG&ONG Group

Images by PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency