SCHOOL OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT BIM THEORY AND PRACTICE MODULE COURSEWORK 2
Student Name: Iftikhar Ismail MSc BIM and Integrated Design (Submission date: Friday 18th December 2015)
“A good designer is someone who extends the parameters of a problem beyond the limits presented by a client�. 1 Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk (Architect & Urban Planner)
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Figs 1 & 2: Revit Detail Sections Baku Towers (Chapman Taylor)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
1.0
SYNOPSIS
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2.0
PURPOSE
01
3.0
BIM SAVES
02
4.0
WHAT IS BIM LEVEL 2?
03
5.0
PAS1192-2:2013 IS KEY
05
6.0
BIM LEVEL 2 DOCUMENT SEQUENCE & INTERACTIONS
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7.0
CASE STUDY 1: BEREWOOD PRIMARY SCHOOL
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8.0
CASE STUDY 2: HOLBOROUGH LAKES PRIMARY SCHOOL
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9.0
CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS
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10.0
POST SCRIPT
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11.0
BIBLIOGRAPHY & REFERENCES
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12.0
BIM COURSE LECTURES
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13.0
APPENDIX A: GLOSSARY OF ABREVIATIONS
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14.0
APPENDIX B: BIM PROJECT MANAGER - QUESTIONS TO ASK
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LIST OF FIGURES
PAGE NO.
Figs 1 & 2: Revit Sections - Port Baku Towers (Chapman Taylor)
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Figs 3 & 4: Government Construction Strategy report 2011
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Figs 5 & 6: Construction 2025; HM Government (July 2013)
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Figs 7, 8 & 9: Advancing BIM toward Level 3. Consultancy Engineering
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Fig 10: Singapore National Stadium by Arup Associates (caseyrutland.com)
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Fig 11: BIM Maturity Model. BIM Task Group (Richards and Bew)
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Fig 12: Anatomy of a PAS. the nbs.com (Dec 2013)
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Figs 13 & 14: PAS 1192-2:2013 Specification (bsigroup.com)
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Fig 15: PAS1192 - Level 2 BIM Process. bimthinkspace.com (August 2015)
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Fig 16: Flow chart from PAS1192-2:2013 Specification (bsigroup.com)
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Fig 17: From PAS 1192-2:2013 Specification (bsigroup.com)
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Fig 18: Typical workflow for a BIM enabled asset (Kumar, B.)
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Fig 19: Level 2 BIM Maturity Ramp-Standards & Protocols (BIM Task Group)
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Fig 20: 3D model of Berewood Primary School (bimplus.co.uk)
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Figs 21 & 22: Photos of completed Berewood Primary School (bimplus.co.uk)
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Fig 23: 3D model of Holborough Lakes Primary School (bimplus.co.uk)
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Fig 24: Photo of completed Holborough Lakes Primary School (bimplus.co.uk)
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Fig 25: Image source: Ben Wallbank Lecture. University of Salford
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Fig 26: Acrylic on canvas portrait of Le Corbusier by Morten Lonvig
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1.0
SYNOPSIS
Davies et al (2014) defines Building Information Modelling (BIM) in his book as: “a managed approach to the creation, collation and exchange of shared intelligent and structured data and information across a project”.
The National Building Specification (NBS) published The Building Information Modelling Report in March 2011. This was an in-depth piece of research into BIM adoption within the UK. It stated: “at a round table discussion in May 2011 UK Government Chief Construction Advisor Paul Morell called for BIM adoption on all UK government construction projects of £5m and over”. Morell also told construction professionals to adopt BIM or be “betamaxed out”.
In June 2011, the UK government published its BIM Working Party Strategy. This report announced: “the government’s intention to require all collaborative 3D BIM (with all project and asset information, documentation and data being electronic on it’s projects by April 2016)”, and departments to have the capability to electronically validate BIM information delivered from the supply chain (by October 2016). This strategy was tested and justified by the UK Government’s BIM hypothesis: “Government as a client can derive significant improvements in cost, value and carbon performance through the use of open sharable asset information”.
Figs 3 & 4 below: Government Construction Strategy Report May 2011
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2.0
PURPOSE
As the use of BIM grows, there is an increasing need for construction practitioners to understand the principles behind it and how work practices change to accommodate it. Full collaboration across the entire project team and standardised, well-structured information are at the heart of BIM and can enable enormous efficiencies in the construction industry.
Figs 5 & 6: Construction 2025; HM Government (July 2013)
As Project Manager, I have been tasked with defining the BIM related documents and amendments to existing documents that would be necessary to manage and control the construction of a new-build primary school in-line with the UK Governments BIM Level 2 mandate.
Figs 7, 8 & 9: Advancing BIM to Level 3. Consultancy Engineering (June 2014) 1
3.0
BIM SAVES
The BIM Task Group states that if BIM is successfully implemented then 20-30% savings can be achieved, and these savings refer to capital expenditure (Capex) cost savings, with the wider benefits including lowered costs, best value and a reduced carbon footprint.. At a recent BIM lecture, Mark Bew (Chairman HM Government BIM Working Group) said: “build five new schools using BIM - you will get one free!”. How does BIM affect the process of designing built assets? Casey Rutland, Associate Director at ARUP Associates says BIM will impact the process of built asset design through six key areas:
Reduced Waste
Improved Visibility
Greater Confidence
Better Communication
Greater Understanding
Improved Efficiency
Casey goes on to highlight the excellent collation of BIM Standards in the UK and how these are transferred to other over-seas projects such as ARUP’s £600m Singapore National Stadium, completed in 2014.
Fig 10: Singapore National Stadium by Arup Associates (caseyrutland.com)
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WHAT IS BIM LEVEL 2?
The BIM maturity model shown below is used to define the supporting infrastructure required at each level of capability, and will be used to prioritise development of the BIM infrastructure.
Fig 11: BIM Maturity Model. BIM Task Group (Richards and Bew)
Level 2 is a managed 3D format held in separate BIM discipline software tools with data attached. A significant BIM level 2 characteristic is the use of a “as-built data drops”, for the employer under a construction contract, the current method of which is called COBie UK 2012 (Construction Operations Building Information Exchange) (BIM Task Group). On their web-site, the BIM Task Group say: “it’s all about the data!”. For BIM Level 2 compliance, there are basically three key deliverables. These are:
1. Individual 3D BIM models in their native file formats. 2. 2D design deliverables cut from the 3D BIM models. 3. And COBie UK 2012 data. 3
BIM is now the UK Governments preferred methodology for executing construction projects from inception to contract completion – “driving value in and the cost out of the design and construction process” (BIM Task Group). The valuable information (or data) provided by the federated BIM models will be valuable in enabling the government client to confirm that the asset meets the performance expectations and also in providing a readily accessible source of information for the team involved in operating and adapting completed projects, via. Government Soft Landings (GSL). The BIM Task Group lists all BIM Level 2 documents and standards on it’s web-site and these documents form the core BIM Level 2 suite.
It also lists information regarding the Avanti project detailing advantages and savings from using BIM. Avanti was a project from 2001-2005, which became the basis of the BIM British Standard BS1192. Avanti is an approach to collaborative working that enables construction project parties to work together effectively.
The BIM Level 2 suite is made up of 8 core documents:
1. PAS 1192-2:2013
(Design & Construction)
2. PAS 1192-3:2014
(Operation & Maintenance)
3. PAS 1192-4:2014
(COBie drops)
4. PAS 1192-5:2015
(Security Requirements)
5. CIC BIM Protocols (2013)
(Legal Agreement)
6. Digital Plan of Work (dPow)
(Information & Data)
7. Uniclass 2015
(Classification-Type or Class)
8. Government Soft Landing (GSL)
(Handover & ‘Fine Tuning’)
A successful BIM project will depend on strict adherence to the agreed standards (ie. Standards for software, data, storage, data retrieval etc). Level 2 BIM provides data and information within a 3D environment, with each member of the design and construction team creating & maintaining their own BIM models.
These models and databases will fit or work together with the use of proprietary technologies. This consolidated model, composed of individual 3D BIM models, prepared by each discipline is often referred to as a ‘federated model in a Common Data Environment (CDE)’.
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PAS1192-2:2013 IS KEY
In the context of BIM, the draft British Standard PAS1192-2:2013 (BIM Task Group) relates to the information management for the capital/delivery phase of construction projects using BIM. The purpose of PAS1192-2 is to support the UK Government’s stated objective of achieving BIM Maturity Level 2 (together with the desired reduction in capital expenditure out-turn cost) on all public sector asset procurement by April 2016.
Fig 12: Anatomy of a PAS. The nbs.com (Dec 2013)
PAS1192-2 builds on the existing code of practice BS 1192:2007 (BIM Task Group), for collaborative production of architectural, engineering and construction information.
BS 1192:2007 provides details of the standards and processes that should be adopted to enable consistent, structured, efficient and accurate information exchange specific to BIM. PAS1192-2 focuses specifically on the ‘delivery’ phase of projects (from strategic identification of need through to handover of asset). Where the majority of graphical data, non-graphical data and documents are accumulated from design and construction activities.
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PAS1192-3 will offer guidance on the use and maintenance of the asset information model to support the planned maintenance programme and the portfolio management activity for the life of the asset (BIM Task Group). This is the partner document to PAS 1192-2, which focuses on the operational phase of the asset for new and existing buildings and like PAS1192-2 applies to both building and infrastructure projects. PAS1192:4 deals with the employers’ information exchange requirements using COBie, and PAS1192:5 covers security-related issues for BIM and smart asset management (BIM Talk).
The complete suite of PAS documents are all very important, however from a Project Manager’s perspective, PAS1192:2 will be the core document for achieving the design & construction phase of the asset.
Figs 13 & 14: PAS 1192-2:2013 Specification (bsigroup.com)
To become a successful Project Manager using BIM, I need to ask the relevant questions and ensure that BIM standards are protocols are implemented at the correct stage of the contract. It will be my responsibility as BIM Project Manager to ensure all BIM related questions are properly answered.
Ralph Montague on bimthinkspace.com suggests five basic questions that every Project Manager should ask in every BIM meeting, these are: ‘Question 1: Is all BIM documentation relating to PAS1192:2 – in place?’
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‘Question 2: In terms of producing, managing, and exchanging project information, are all disciplines aware of their BIM requirements as set out in the BEP’ ‘Question 3: With regards to interoperability, is all project information being produced in the right BIM formats?’ ‘Question 4: Will the ‘combined’ federated BIM model be used for design coordination and client/design team meetings?’ ‘Question 5: Is the information within the BIM model regularly checked against the EIR?’ (Montague, bimthinkspace.com).
See Appendix B for a detailed breakdown of each of the above questions.
Fig 15: Level 2 BIM Process map adopted from bimthinkspace.com (August 2015) The PAS1192-2 approach requires more discipline – not more work! Thus you can say that: Clarity = Efficiency = Cost + Time Savings.
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BIM LEVEL 2 DOCUMENT SEQUENCE & INTERACTIONS
The flow chart(s) below gives the relationships between the contract and associated BIM Level 2 documents. This describes the generic methods for contract administration and design information production management. The method of design management and the specifics of the procurement strategy will need to be referenced in detail for the actual delivery. These will be described in the Project Implementation Plan (PIP) and associated contract documents.
Fig 16: Flow chart from PAS1192-2:2013 Specification (bsigroup.com) The flow diagram on the next page gives the relationship between documents used for the information management of the project. The BIM Execution Plan (BEP) is submitted firstly pre-contract to address the issues raised in the Employers Information Requirements (EIR) and then with more detail post-contract-award to explain the supplier’s methodology for delivering the project using BIM Level 2.
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Fig 17: From PAS11922:2013 Specification (bsigroup.com)
Fig 18: Typical workflow (below) for a BIM enabled asset life-cycle (adopted from Kumar, B.)
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Fig 19: Level 2 BIM maturity can be achieved through a series of different Standards & Protocols as shown above (BIM Task Group).
AMENDMENTS TO BIM DOCUMENTATION Sometimes a ‘BIM addendum’ is required to existing documentation due to unseen circumstances. For example, on Manchester Central Library the contract documents were amended after the project had started before BIM Standards, such as PAS1192-2 had been finalised by the BIM Task Group.
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The consensus of opinion appears to be that the use of BIM at Level 2 does not require wholesale changes to the traditional forms of contract of allocation of responsibilities between the parties. The view of the NEC, for example, is that there is no need to do anything more than insert a BIM Protocol into the works information document, and this approach is also taken by leading UK standard contract body, the JCT which, in it’s Public Sector Supplement, Fair Payment Transparency and BIM (JCT, 2011) suggests incorporating a BIM Protocol as a contract document. In support of this position, in March 2011 the Government Construction Client Group (GCCG) concluded in its strategy paper that (BIS, 2011): “little change is required in the fundamental building blocks of copyright law, contracts or insurance to facilitate at working at Level 2 of BIM Maturity. Some essential investment is required in simple, standard protocols and service schedules to define BIM – specific roles, ways of working and desired outputs”.
However, in contrast to the above, BIM Level 3 will require a single 3D BIM model, accessible to all disciplines. Therefore, as BIM moves towards Maturity Level 3 in the near future, changes to building contracts will almost certainly be necessary, as the traditional legal position & relationship between the parties are likely to change The BIM2050 Group’s Adam Golden says that: ‘for successful Level 2 BIM implementation, the government acknowledges the contractual changes needed, and for BIM Level 3 to succeed, Digital Built Britain was released on 26 Feb 2015 with a long-term vision to create a new suite of BIM related contracts’.
As the use of BIM develops further to fully integrated BIM Maturity Level 3, it may be that BIM addendums or protocols become unsuitable, and collaborative multi-party contracts could potentially become more appropriate. The BIM process has the potential to substantially alter the relationships between parties and blend their roles and responsibilities.
The CIC BIM Protocol document supports BIM working up to Level 2 only. In its current format, CIC did not envisage the Protocol document to be used at BIM Level 3. Thus, a completely new Protocol document will be required for construction projects which aspire to wards BIM Level 3.
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CASE STUDY 1
Project: Berewood Primary School Client: Hampshire County Council Contractor: Balfour Beatty BIM Tools: Autodesk Revit, Navisworks, 360. Ref: bimplus.co.uk (Stephen Cousins, April 2015)
Fig 20: 3D model of Berewood Primary School (bimplus.co.uk) BIM was still in its infancy when this school project was planned in early 2012 and at this time PAS1192-2 was available in draft format only, so the pilot focused on certain areas within BIM such as design co-ordination and clash-detection in an attempt to obtain ‘real’ benefits in terms of productivity and cost savings.
According to Alistair Lewis, BIM Manager at Hampshire County Council: “with more experience in BIM the council expects to reduce construction time on projects, and having the information correctly modelled will significantly reduce the risk factor”.
By enabling BIM on this project, the primary school was completed on time and within the £8m capital budget. Also, time spent dealing with issues on site where quickly resolved, along with a reduction in RFIs (Request for Information) to the Architect.
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The full on-site benefits of BIM, including linking the model to a 4D programme and 5D cost information were not realised as the contractor lacked the relevant in-house skills.
However, the project was still highly successful, hence it has become the template ‘BIM’ project for a further five new BIM enabled schools due to go live within the next two years, and the council is currently working to incorporate BIM Level 2 standards and Protocols into all its workflows.
Figs 21 & 22: Photos of completed Berewood Primary School (bimplus.co.uk)
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CASE STUDY 2
Project: Holborough Lakes Primary School Client: Kent County Council Contractor: Baxall Construction BIM Tools: Autodesk Revit, Navisworks Ref: bimplus.co.uk (Stephen Cousins, December 2015)
Fig 23: 3D model of Holborough Lakes Primary School (bimplus.co.uk) This £3.5m design & build new-build one-form entry primary school was the ‘testing’ BIM project for Kent county Council, providing valuable lessons in design coordination, cost take-offs and the value of a Common Data Environment (CDE). The council’s original tender documentation requested that BIM be used on this project and hence a set of Employers Information Requirements (EIR) was provided. BIM standards, protocols and software authoring formats were agreed before commencement and the 3D BIM models, with embedded data, were produced in Revit at RIBA Stage 3.
Although a CDE was not set up for the project, all 3D BIM models were shared, via file sharing web-site Dropbox every week and checked for clashes using Navisworks. The Council Architects have said that: “A less formalized process was adopted because the contractor was at an early stage of its BIM journey. A key lesson learnt was the need to set up a CDE to improve collaboration from the outset”.
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BIM has vastly improved design co-ordination enabling the contractor to visualize and install complex systems in difficult locations and this has meant time saved on the project. The Architects have said that working in BIM rather than 2D CAD had saved them several weeks work in design and construction time.
The contractor linked the BIM model into Vico software to enable them to accurately assess the (5D) material take-offs, including pipework, fittings, plasterboard etc. which helped them cut costs and reduce waste.
The school was completed and handed over during summer 2015, thanks in part to the use of BIM. .
Fig 24: Photo of completed Holborough Lakes Primary School (bimplus.co.uk)
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CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS
These case studies capture most of the key issues concerning the deployment of BIM standards and protocols and BIM delivery systems in today’s industry. It must be also said that none of these case studies represents an implementation of the true, ideal BIM approach.
The models used in these studies are typically hybrids of BIM and conventional CAD; the data exchange typically use proprietary file formats; and the exchanges are generally undertaken in a fairly ad hoc manner, rather than according to agreed BIM protocols. So these might be called early BIM projects; not quite conforming to the purist’s standards, but they display the main characteristics of true BIM operations, and they generate many of the benefits that one would expect of ‘full’ BIM.
BIM offers technologically driven opportunity for built-environment stakeholders to break free of the archaic chains of 2d drawings that binds existing processes, and to revolutionise the system of design, construction and management of the built environment.
If used appropriately, BIM will reduce the number of mistakes made by improving the performance of the users, thus affording the opportunity to achieve greater coordination between design and production information among the design team. The team will be provided with improved levels of accurate management information, assisting them to identify problems early on (Davies et al. 2014).
BIM is finally and gradually becoming part of the mainstream of construction industry operations. Contractor, designer and manufacturers are becoming more comfortable and more expert in their deployment of BIM. However, the interesting strategic question is not really so much what the construction industry can do for BIM, as what BIM can do for the industry?
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POST SCRIPT
Today much of the energy associated with BIM is going towards developing British Standards. Some may ask – “who really follows complex standards?”
There is a strong case for simple and concise BIM standards and protocols. Because without such standards, BIM might always be considered a marginal technology and may never achieve its full potential.
When a standard is not enforced, it can sometimes become an impediment to productive and focused work. Therefore, we need to realise that BIM standards, their development and their acceptance can take a long time, especially if we are to get to BIM Level 3…..and beyond.
Fig 25: Image source: Ben Wallbank Lecture. University of Salford. 27 October 2015.
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
Barnes, P. and Davies, N. (2014) BIM in Principle and in Practice. London. ICE Publishing.
Crotty, R. (2012). The Impact of Building Information Modelling-Transforming Construction. Abingdon, UK. Spon Press.
Deutsch, R. (2011). BIM and Integrated Design-Strategies for Architectural Practice. New Jersey, USA. John Wiley & Sons Inc.
Eastman, C., Teicholz, P., Sacks, R. and Liston, K. (2011). BIM Handbook A Guide to Building Information Modeling. 2nd Edition. New Jersey. Canada. John Wiley & Sons Inc.
Epstein, E. (2012). Implementing Successful Building Information Modelling. MA. Artech House.
Garber, R. (2014). BIM Design-Realising the Creative Potential of Building Information Modeling. Chichester, UK. John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Jernigan, F. (2007). Big BIM Little BIM-The practical approach to Building Information Modelling. Salisbury, USA. 4Site Press.
Kumar, B. (2015). A Practical Guide to Adopting BIM in Construction Projects. Caithness, UK. Whittles Publishing.
Smith, D. K. and Tardif, M. (2009). Building Information Modelling-A Strategic Implementation Guide. New Jersey, USA. John Wiley & Sons.
NOTES ON THE TEXT (REFERENCES)
1. Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk. (2005), Sustainable Architecture, p.253.
2. Le Corbusier. (1923), Towards a New Architecture, trans. F. Etchells, London 1946, p.187.
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BIM COURSE LECTURES
Bew, M. (2015). BIM Task Group-Level 3 BIM & Beyond. [Lecture to MSc BIM & Integrated Design]. University of Salford. 8 December 2015.
Brady L. & Underwood, J. (2015). Manchester City Council-Central Library Project. [Lecture to MSc BIM & Integrated Design]. University of Salford. 10 November 2015.
Coates, P. & Underwood, J. (2015). BIM in the Construction Process & FM. [Lecture to MSc BIM & Integrated Design]. University of Salford. 10 November 2015.
Coates, P. (2015). BIM Implementation Process. [Lecture to MSc BIM & Integrated Design]. University of Salford. 1 December 2015.
Coates, P. (2015). BIM Maturity. [Lecture to MSc BIM & Integrated Design]. University of Salford. 20 October 2015.
Machado, M. (2015). BIM Implementation for SMEs-Links Project Managment. [Lecture to MSc BIM & Integrated Design]. University of Salford. 20 October 2015.
Nisbett, N. (2015). Building Smart-The Justification of BIM. [Lecture to MSc BIM & Integrated Design]. University of Salford. 1 December 2015.
Simpsom, M. (2015). Interoperability, IFCs, Data Exchange & Open Standards. [Lecture to MSc BIM & Integrated Design]. University of Salford. 3 November 2015.
Underwood, J. (2015). BIM Level 2 Suite. [Lecture to MSc BIM & Integrated Design]. University of Salford. 13 October 2015.
Underwood, J. (2015). From BIM to Big Data & Smart Cities. [Lecture to MSc BIM & Integrated Design]. University of Salford. 8 December 2015.
Underwood, J. (2015). The Concept of BIM & Benefits of BIM. [Lecture to MSc BIM & Integrated Design]. University of Salford. 6 October 2015.
Walbank, B. (2015). Implementing BIM at an Organisational Level. [Lecture to MSc BIM & Integrated Design]. University of Salford. 27 October 2015.
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APPENDIX A: GLOSSARY OF ABREVIATIONS
AIM
Asset Information Model
BEP
BIM Execution Plan
BIM
Building Information Modelling
BIMM
Building Information Modelling & Management
BIP
BIM Implementation Plan
BRE
The Building Research Establishment
CAD
Computer Aided Design
CDE
Common Data Environment
COBie
Construction Operations Building Information Exchange
EIR
Employers Information Requirements
GSL
Government Soft Landings
IFC
Industry Foundation Classes
IPD
Integrated Project Delivery
KPI
Key Performance Indicators
LOD
Level of Detail
LOI
Level of Information
MIDP
Master Information Delivery Plan
PAS1192
Publicly Available Specification 1192 series
PIM
Project Information Model
PIP
Project Implementation Plan
PM
Project Manager
RIBA
The Royal Institute of British Architects
RFI
Request For Information
ROI
Return on Investment
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APPENDIX B: BIM PROJECT MANAGER – QUESTIONS TO ASK
Question 1 Is all required BIM documentation - as set out in PAS1192:2 – in place? The table below clarifies a number of sub-questions and provide reference material to answer each: Sub-Question
Reference Material
1.1
Have Pre-qualification Questionnaires (PQQ)s covering BIM capability been included in tender requests for both design and construction services?
Refer to Table 8 in PAS91:2013 (Link)
1.2
Have all appointed designers/contractors agreed and signed the BIM Protocol (as an addendum to their appointment/ contract)?
Refer to CIC BIM Protocol template: (link)
1.3
Is an Employers Information Requirements (EIR) provided as part of tender requirements?
Refer to Core Content and Guidance from UK BIM Task Group (link)
Note that the EIR is a document setting out the client’s BIM objectives and deliverables, including a preliminaryModel Information Delivery Plan (MIDP). 1.4
Have all tendering designers/contractors provided a Pre-Contract BIM Execution Plan (BEP) as part of their tender submission, in response to the EIR?
The NBS also has BIM Toolkit to help prepare the EIR & MIDPhttps://toolkit.thenbs.com/
Refer to CPIx template Pre-Contract BEP(link) including BIM Capability Assessments for BIM Projects, Staff & IT Resource (link)
Providing a template to guide tenderer’s response is very useful when trying to assess multiple suppliers submissions
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1.5
Has the lead designer signed up to Refer to CIC (UK) Outline Scope of the role of Project Information Services for Information Management Manager(Design Stage)? (link) Has the main contractor signed up the role of Project Information Manager(Construction Stage)?
1.6
Have all parties - involved in design - informed their PI insurance brokers that they are participating in a BIM project?
Refer to guidance from CIC (UK) (link)
1.7
Has the Project Information Manager (for both the design and construction stages) provided a coordinated Post-Contract BIM Execution Plan (BEP), detailing how the team will deliver the Employers Information Requirements (EIR)?
Refer to CPIX template Post-Contract BEP (link)
1.8
Is there a Common Data Environment(CDE) in place for the design and construction stages, in compliance with PAS1192:2, and acting as a central repository for all project information (graphical and non-graphical)?
Requirements need to be specified within the tender documents to outline who will provide the CDE, and what features/functions the CDE needs to include.
Note: BS1192 & PAS1192-2 are currently being considered as a base for ISO 19650, and may well become international best-practice in the future.
Question 2 Are all participants aware of the BIM-related requirements for producing, managing, and exchanging project information? According to UK Level 2 BIM documentation, each discipline needs to generate, manage and exchange their project information in a digital format. This requirement must be clearly communicated, highlighted and accounted for in tender prices. Such digitisation is important in order for different work elements to be federated into an overall coordination model for review and eventual handover to the client. Where documentation has not been derived from models, it needs to be clearly highlighted and agreed upon. By requiring every participant to provide their pre-contract BEP
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and BIM capability assessment, and participate in preparing the post-contract BEP, we can be certain that each member of the project team is aware of their respective role and responsibility.
Question 3 Is all project information being generated, managed, exchanged using the right BIMsuitable formats? The project manager needs to ensure there is no pseudo-BIM being provided or BIM wash being committed. If team members are not generating their information in a BIM-suitable digital format, it is imperative to ask them to justify that and – if no valid reason is given – request they provide it as soon as possible. It may be reasonable that some work elements do not require the use of BIM tools and workflows, and that this may change at later stages of the project. This is perfectly acceptable if this is documented and agreed upon by the project team, and if duplication and additional costs are avoided. This is why the Master Information Delivery Plan (MIDP) is an important document to complete as it details the building elements that need to be modelled, at what stage, by whom, and at what Level of Definition (Level of Model Detail and Level of Model Information). This would provide clarity and transparency and manage team expectations.
Question 4 Is the federated model being used and shared at design coordination and stakeholder meetings? The project team should use federated models through a Model Viewer to facilitate communication and information sharing at every meeting. The use of these federated models allow enhanced visualizations and understanding, and can facilitate better analysis and multiple Model Uses such as Clash Detection; programme analysis and sequencing (4D); cost analysis and quantity take-off (5D); Structural Analysis; Energy Use; Lighting Analysis; Egress and Ingress analysis; Safety Simulation; quality control/snagging; Commissioning; operational cost; Life Cycle Assessment; and multiple uses in FM/operations. That is, if the project team are investing their efforts in creating models and populating them with information, it makes sense to leverage these models to benefit the project and better inform the project team.
Question 5 Is the information content within models being regularly checked for compliance with employers’ information requirements? As a project manager, you need to ensure that a model checking procedure is included in the EIR, and is documented/implemented through the BEP. It is also important that, at key project stages -particularly before handover - all project information is accurate and assessed for:
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Compliance with the COBie standard BS1192:4 by checking data integrity; Continuity by detecting the addition/removal of objects and attributes between data drops; and Completeness by assessing information against object properties/attributes expected at the completion of each project stage (as detailed in the EIR/MIDP).
Checklist for BIM Project Managers Based on the above discussions, please find below a quick BIM Level 2 checklist for Project Managers to be included into project’ meeting agendas. This checklist reflects the five basic questions and ensures related matters are being considered and addressed:
Identify high-level BIM objectives and benefits for the project; Appoint the employer’s representative and technical advisor; Agree on BIM standards for project delivery (refer to BS1192, PAS1192, BS8541, Uniclass2015); Define the BIM questions to be used in pre-qualifying the supply chain (refer to PAS91 Table 8); Define the Employer’s Information Requirements (EIR) (refer to BIM Task Group Guidance & PAS1192-2); Assess the BIM Capability of the supply chain (use CPIx templates); Pre-appointment the supply chain by asking them to respond to the EIR by completing a Pre-Contract BIM Execution Plan (use CPIx pre-contract BEP Template); Ensure the supply chain is informed about Professional Indemnity Insurance implications (refer to CIC Guidance); Ensure the BIM Protocol is part of all appointments and contracts (use CIC BIM Protocol) Appoint a Project Information Manager for the Design and Construction stages (refer to CIC Scope of Service for Information Management); Ask the Project team and the Information Manager – once appointed – to draft the Post-Contract BIM Execution Plan (refer to CPIx post-contract BEP Template); Agree-on and set-up a Common Data Environment (CDE); Develop a Digital Plan of Work or MIDP including responsibilities, stages, and levels of definition (consider using the NBS BIM Toolkit); Define the Digital BIM Deliverables including file formats, COBie, Uniclass2015 and IFC; Establish a training and support programme to address any capability issues; Facilitate workshops and induction meetings until information management roles are well established. Total number of words = 2990 (from Synopsis to Postscript)
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Le Corbusier in 1927: “You employ stone, wood and concrete, and with these materials you build houses and palaces; that is construction. Ingenuity is at work. But suddenly you touch my heart, You do me good, I am happy and I say: ‘This is beautiful’. That is architecture. Art enters in”.
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Fig 26: Portrait of Le Corbusier (1887-1965), by Morten Lonvig
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