BIM Standards & Methods by Matthew Lohden

Introduction 1. Building Modeling, Example Project 2. Project Documentation & Workflow Automation 3. Templates, Standards & Practices

1. Building Modeling, Example Project: • Modeling Techniques

• Custom Parts, 3D GDL

Example Project

Modeling Techniques • Solid Element Operations (SEO) SEOs are very reliable and may be used extensively for many modeling tasks. It is recommended to use them in place of the old Trim to Roof command since the relationship is retained and walls will adjust automatically to changes in the roof In the example at the right the cornice and rake moldings are fitted properly by using subtraction to miter the ends. The operators are placed on a layer which is set to display in wireframe and is hidden in most layer combinations SEOs may also be used effectively to fit foundations, paths and roadways to the terrain. Some care should be used in this case as it can produce very complex models. In some cases the SEOs may fail from overlappings or excess complexity. Be sure to keep a copy of your original site model just in case.

Example Project

Modeling Techniques â&#x20AC;˘ Complex (Profiled) Elements: Walls, Beams & Columns The ability to create profiled walls, beams and columns provides many ways to model elements that are difficult or effectively impossible without them. Complex walls can be used to create foundations, cornices and pilasters as illustrated here and demonstrated in the example provided. Beams can also be used to make level and sloping trims as well as their obvious use for structural elements. Presently, complex profiles cannot be curved (bent), and they do not calculate quantities for their component fills. These limitations are expected to be corrected in future releases. Despite their limitations these tools are very useful and will become even more so in time. It is well worth getting comfortable with them as they will eventually become more and more common for everyday tasks.

Example Project

Modeling Techniques • Composite Structures While still limited in their ability to show properly at all scales and clean up in section. Composite structures provide one crucial feature; the ability to dimension to the structural core of the walls while accurately modeling the full thickness. Due to the scaling and clean up issues I usually set up the composites as multiple layers of the same fill that I also use for roofs, trims, etc. This way the sections make accurate clean outlines that look good in small scale sections and are easy to detail at large scale. The separator pens can be set to white (non-printing) in the output pen set.

Example Project

Modeling Techniques • Multi-story Elements & Floor Plan Cutplanes Multi-story elements offer opportunities to do things that used to require clumsy workarounds, but they add complexity, the tools are not fully refined yet and are sometimes quite confusing. It is well worth learning this feature, but use it only for those situations that really require it. The Floor Plan Cut Plane settings are global and the current settings will apply to all story Viewpoints. They are also stored separately with each View so that it is possible to independently adjust them for each plan. This is most easily done from the view settings dialog.

Example Project

Library Parts without GDL

• A Simple Door made with Slabs It is quite easy to make custom library parts without any GDL scripting (ArchiCAD writes it for you). In this example a simple door is made from four slabs. Model each component in plan as if the door were lying on the floor. Set the dimensions and material of each slab as you wish them to be in the finished door. View these slabs in the 3D window in parallel projection with a side view at 90° and “Save As” a library part. Select the type (door in this case), name it as desired and save to the project library. If “Editable GDL Script” is chosen it will be possible to add some simple parametric features such as material settings and frame depth.

set 3D view model in plan or 3D

finished door in 3D

save as library part

Example Project

Custom Parts, 3D GDL • Simple Example: Coiling Door This door is a relatively simple part that provides the basic functions without requiring much code. It can be surface or inset mounted, is easily adjusted and the overhead box cen be turned on and off. Since it is a door subtype there many default parameters provided that (in this case) are not needed. These have been hidden (the “X” button) to prevent confusion for the user. The 2D and 3D scripts are very simple and should be easy to understand (with perhaps a little help from the reference manual). The master script is simply forcing the wall contours and hotspots to the desired states and allowing the two materials (of the door and the frame) to be set to match the setting in the Info Box.

2. Project Documents & Workflow Automation •

Model to Views to Documents

•

Custom Symbols

•

Interactive Schedules

Project Documents & Workflow Automation

Model to Views to Documents â&#x20AC;˘ Productivity in Virtual Building The most significant advantages in computer integrated building modeling arise from the ability to automatically generate and update drawings and schedules based on changes in the model. To get the most value from this it is important to set up and organize the files, attributes, views, and documents in a consistent and efficient manner. ArchiCAD provides excellent tools for this purpose in the Navigator, View Map, Organizer, Publisher and Drawing Manager. It is very important to organize and name the various plan, section, detail, and other views in a clear and consistent manner. While there are some limitations still to be sorted out in future versions, it is possible to achieve a high level of automatic drawing coordination with the present tools.

Project Documents & Workflow Automation

Model to Views to Documents • Sections & Details • Reference Markers • Colored Elevations

Project Documents & Workflow Automation

Custom Symbols

• Automating Annotations GDL isn't just for making clever 3D objects. Some of the most productive uses for library parts are in the 2D symbols that take the tedium out of repetitive annotations. Whether adapting existing parts or writing your own, a set of symbols that works precisely to your standards is one of the greatest time savers you can have. Examples include: Auto-referenced section & detail makers Labels that display the associated element’s information Zone Stamps that display the correct information for your practice Keynotes that display the element ID These parts are most effective when they are made to do exactly what is needed in your practice and nothing else. This way no one is wasting time resetting parameters or deciding what a marker should look like or how big it should be.

Project Documents & Workflow Automation

Interactive Schedules • Automating Data Output The Interactive Scheduler can be a powerful tool for speeding up the documentation process. With proper formating and the right libraries of parts it is possible to get detailed and accurate door, window and other schedules quickly and automatically. In addition it allows editing building elements directly in the schedule so that not only are changes to the model reflected automatically in the schedule, changes to the schedule will also automatically change the related elements in the model. This can greatly speed up the final adjustment of such things as door types, window IDs and such.

3. Templates, Standards & Practices •

Project Attributes

•

Organization

•

Documentation Methods

Templates, Standards & Practices

Project Attributes • Layers Setting standards for Layer & Layer Combinations is perhaps the most important part of establishing consistent standards of practice.

• Pens & Pen Sets The incorporation of PlotMaker into ArchiCAD brought the ability to set up multiple pen sets which greatly improves and eases the control of drawing quality and appearance.

• Composites Composites provide the ability to dimension to the various layer of the walls and still model them at full thickness. They also provide a measure of control for creating project wall types.

• Complex Profiles Already very useful for previously difficult modeling tasks, these promise to take over more of the functions of common walls.

• Fills, Materials, Line Types, etc. Though secondary to those above these are also important for producing quality documentation. ©2007 by Matthew Lohden, all rights reserved • prepared for european tour May 2007 * for more information contact Matthew at +1 (707) 771-0109 or e-mail to matthew@lohden.com

Templates, Standards & Practices

Organization

â&#x20AC;˘ Work Environments (Re)Setting company standards It is useful to set up a company standard Work Environment and install it on all machines This ensures that anyone can use any machine without undue confusion. Naturally those who are so inclined may adjust the Work Environment to suit their preferences. Make sure that the remember to name it and, ideally export it in case it needs to be reinstalled.

Templates, Standards & Practices

Organization

â&#x20AC;˘ Building Model & Document Files: Single, Dual & Multiple It is important to set up the right file organization according to the type of project. Single file projects: Model & Documents combined Typically single buildings produced by an individual or small project team. These may be solo projects, teamwork files or switch back and forth as needed. Dual file projects: Model & Documents in separate files Larger, complex single building projects. Usually using teamwork. Auxiliary files such as standard details may als o be used Multiple file projects: Multi-Building projects Typically used for projects such as urban planning, housing development, and academic and corporate campuses. Each building is in a separate file with all the buildings linked to a master site model. The set up for the documentation may be separated into the various files, aggregated into one master set of drawings or some variation. Linked Common Modules: These may be used with any of the above methods for creating common assemblies, unit plans, etc. ÂŠ2007 by Matthew Lohden, all rights reserved â&#x20AC;˘ prepared for european tour May 2007 * for more information contact Matthew at +1 (707) 771-0109 or e-mail to matthew@lohden.com

Templates, Standards & Practices

Documentation Methods

â&#x20AC;˘ Building Model Standards Manual It is essential once you have begun to establish standard practices that they be documented to both ensure that they will be observed and to make training and support easier. It is also important to organize the manual in a way that makes it easy to use and maintain. To this end I have developed a simple structure that is clear and easily understood, and provides for ongoing updates and development. It consist of five basic parts: 1. Principles: Guidelines for understanding the general working method and purpose of building modeling.

Any program may be used to produce the manual pages but ArchiCAD usually proves to be the best choice since people are already familiar with it.

2. Standards: These are the REQUIRED methods of work. and are typically concise and focused on organization and output. 3. Methods: Recommended techniques for producing work to meet the above standards. 4. Techniques: Useful tips and tricks that people discover in the course of their work. The especially good ones can be promoted to Methods. 5. Resources: Information accumulated from outside sources. The manual is best deployed as a PDF accessible in the ArchiCAD help menu. Acrobat Professional is essential for making this process as easy as possible. ÂŠ2007 by Matthew Lohden, all rights reserved â&#x20AC;˘ prepared for european tour May 2007 * for more information contact Matthew at +1 (707) 771-0109 or e-mail to matthew@lohden.com