3D to 6D BIM Workflows and Processes - Presentation

3D to 6D BIM Workflows and Processes

By Anthony A. Ishola

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Introduction 3 dimensional BIM refers to the initial modelling process of a building information model project.

After this stage, the model and data progress to 4D, 5D and 6D which refer to programme scheduling, costing and lifecycle management respectively.

This presentation will showcase a typical PAS1192-2:20131 BIM workflow for a glazing design/install contractor involving the above mentioned BIM processes.

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is the contractual document that governs collaboration in BIM level 2 maturity projects across all involved parties in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industries.

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3D BIM: Model Creation A BIM glazing or facades project typically commences with the client issuing a project information model (PIM) containing a sufficient level of definition (LOD) to convey the architect’s intent and accurate setting out information. Using BIM software, the PIM is then digitally populated with BIM models of the products/systems as they will be assembled in the project in real-life, which is one of the primary objectives of BIM (Hardin & McCool, 2015). The product/system BIM models can be either the contractor’s own product or as in this case, from a specialist manufacturer.

The use of BIM software tools in the design process makes available easily extractable data which can be used to justify technical decisions (Deutsch, 2015). It also vastly speeds up the project by allowing views and details to be easily called up from the model rather than being created from scratch as with 2D CAD. This helps overcome inherent long-standing problems in 2D workflows such as the long periods of time spend on drafting and the confusion caused by the use of discipline-specific symbology which is can be difficult for other professions to understand (Crotty, 2012).

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3D BIM: Model Creation

• Figure 1: The modelling workflow commences with a client-issued PIM (project information model) in an agreed format and level of definition (LOD). In this case, a LOD4 .rvt file.

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3D BIM: Model Creation

Schueco FWS 60 CV Faรงade system

Schueco ADS 70 HD Door system

โ ข Figure 2: Using Autodesk Revit, the PIM is updated by the contractor with product families (BIM models).

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3D BIM: Model Creation

• Figure 3: All BIM models are fully parametric and embedded with specification data.

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3D BIM: Model Creation

• Figure 4: Orthographic projections and detail views can be easily pulled from the completed 3D model.

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3D BIM: Model Creation

• Figure 5: Model is now exported into Navisworks Manage and ready for analysis .

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3D BIM: Model Creation

• Figure 6: Navisworks’ clash-detection feature which highlights instances of models occupying the same space.

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4D BIM: Programme Scheduling 4D BIM is the inclusion of the time factor to a 3D BIM model and is described as an essential component in BIM’s effectiveness (Hardin & McCool, 2015 ). This process allows for the clear planning and communication of construction/installation sequencing and allows project stakeholders to view and analyse the asset at any planned point in time even up to eventual demolition (see 6D BIM).

As shown in figures 7 and 8 overleaf, this process can be carried out using BIM software scheduling tools such as Navisworks’ TimeLiner to effectively link sitework to (a set of) BIM model elements.

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4D BIM: Programme Scheduling

• Figure 7: A Microsoft Excel sitework programme spreadsheet which will be linked to Navisworks’ TimeLiner function.

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4D BIM: Programme Scheduling

• Figure 8: The installation sequence can now be communicated to stakeholders and the project team in a clear and easy to understand format. Completed are works shown as fully rendered and ongoing works are highlighted in green.

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5D BIM: Costing There are 3 main costing types in glazing design/installation projects: estimation, actual and lifecycle.

Estimation takes place at the pre-contract stage and is carried out by the contractor using a project information model (PIM) at the relevant LOD. The information acquired from this process is structured to cover expenditure across the project and forms part of the contractor’s tender. Actual costing is carried out by the buying department using quantitative data extracted from the BIM model. Lifecycle costing processes are carried out by other parties post-handover and would normally falls outside of the scope of a glazing contractor.

Figure 9 shows a quantification exercise in Navisworks Manage which lists the dimensions of all selected model items. The precise data can then be exported to a spreadsheet (see figure 10) and used as raw data towards precise and error-free costing using accounting software.

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5D BIM: Costing

• Figure 9: Dimension take-offs extracted using the Navisworks Quantification feature.

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5D BIM: Costing

• Figure 10: Dimension take-offs exported to Excel format and can now be used for cost estimating applications.

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6D BIM: Lifecycle Management 6D BIM involves the post-construction utilisation of BIM data for operational purposes up to the eventual decommissioning of the asset.

Scheduling programmes for instance can be interfaced with relational cost databases in order to visualise expected lifecycle replacements works so that cost implications of management decisions can be properly analysed (Sell and Pittard, 2015).

6D BIM data can also be used by building occupants to operate the facility. It is possible for instance, to fit doors and widows with actuators and sensors linked to the model and which can then be used as a controlling device.

The above are just two examples of the vast variety of ways in which graphical and non-graphical BIM data can be utilised across the lifecycle of the building.

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Conclusion Using a PAS1192 workflow typical of a building glazing/facades contractor, this presentation has showcased 3D to 6D BIM processes using Autodesk’s Revit and Navisworks applications. The featured tools and functions – which are by no means exhaustive – have illustrated how the BIM process effortlessly lends itself to Lean, efficient, and collaborative working.

With continued reports of project savings across the industry as a direct result of adopting BIM processes, it would appear that the essential incentives are now in place to facilitate a more sustainable and environmentally responsible culture across the architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries.

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References Autodesk (2015) Revit (Version 2016) [Computer Programme]. Available at https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/revit-products Autodesk (2017) Navisworks Manage (Version 2018) [Computer Programme]. Available at https://www.autodesk.co.uk/products/navisworks Crotty, R. (2012). The impact of building information modelling: transforming construction. New York: Routledge.

Deutsch, R. (2015). Data-Driven Design and Construction: 25 Strategies for Capturing, Analyzing and Applying Building Data. New Jersey: Wiley.

Hardin, B., & McCool, D. (2015). BIM and construction management: proven tools, methods, and workflows. Indiana: Wiley.

Sell, P., & Prittard, S. (2016). BIM and Quantity Surveying. New York: Routledge.