#33 - BIM Uses - 2

DESIGN REVIEW

A process in which a 3D model is used to evaluate meeting the program and set criteria such as layout, sightlines, lighting, security, ergonomics, acoustics, textures, and colors. Virtual mockups can be done in high detail to quickly analyze design alternatives and solve design and constructability issues.

The value of Design Review is:

• Eliminate costly and timely traditional construction mock-ups

• Model different design options and alternatives in realtime during design review by end-users or owner

• Create shorter and more efficient design reviews

• Resolve the conflicts that would otherwise only become apparent in a mock-up and model the potential fixes in real-time along with tolerances revised and RFI's answered

• Preview space aesthetics and layout during design review in a virtual environment

• Evaluate the effectiveness of design in meeting building program criteria and owner's needs

• Easily communicate the design to the owner, construction team, and end-users. Get instant feedback on the meeting program requirements, owner's needs, and building or space aesthetics

CODE VALIDATION

A process in which code validation software is utilized to check the model parameters against project-specific codes.

The value of Code Validation is:

• Validate that building design is in compliance with specific codes (IBC International Building Code, ADA Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines, and other project-related codes using the 3D BIM)

• Code validation done early in design reduces the chance of code design errors, omissions, or oversights that would be time-consuming and more expensive to correct later in design or construction

• Code validation is done automatically while design progressive gives continuous feedback on code compliance

CLASH DETECTION

A process in which clash detection software is used during the coordination process to determine field conflicts by comparing 3D models of building systems. The goal of clash detection is to eliminate major system conflicts prior to installation.

The value of clash detection is:

• Reduce and eliminate field conflicts, which reduces RFI's significantly compared to other methods

• Visualize construction sequences, staging, and logistics

• Reduced construction cost, potentially less cost growth (fewer change orders)

• Decrease construction time

• Increase productivity on site

• More accurate as-built drawings

COST ESTIMATION

A process in which the BIM can be used to generate an accurate quantity takeoff and cost estimate early in the design process and provide cost effects of additions and modifications with the potential to save time and money and budget overruns. This process also allows designers to see the cost effects of their changes in a timely manner which can help curb excessive budget overruns due to project modifications.

The value of Cost Estimation is:

• Precisely estimate material quantities and generate quick revisions if needed

• Stay within budget constraints while the design progress

• Better visual representation of project and construction elements that need to be estimated

• Provide cost information to the owner during the early decision-making phase of the design

• Focus on more value-adding activities in estimating (identifying construction assemblies, generating pricing, and factoring risks) which are essential for high-quality estimates

• Exploring different design options and concepts within the owner's budget

• Saving estimator's time and allowing them to focus on more important issues in an estimate since takeoffs can be automatically provided

CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM DESIGN

A process in which 3D system design software is used to design and analyze the construction of a complex building system (formwork, glazing, etc.)

The value of Construction System Design is:

• Ensure constructability of a complex building system

• increase construction productivity

• Increase safety awareness of a complex building system

• increase communication

PHASE PLANNING

A process in which BIM is utilized to effectively plan the phased occupancy in a renovation, retrofit, addition, or to show the construction sequence and space requirements on a building site. 4D modeling is a powerful visualization and communication tool that can give a project team, including the owner, a better understanding of project milestones and construction plans.

The value of Phase Planning is:

• A better understanding of the phasing schedule by the owner and project participants and showing the critical path of the project

• Dynamic phasing plans of occupancy offer multiple options ad solutions to space conflicts

• Integrate planning of human, equipment, and material resources with the BIM model to better schedule and cost estimate the project

• Space and workspace conflicts identified and resolved ahead of the construction process

• Marketing purposes and publicity

• Identification of schedule sequencing or phasing issues

• More readily constructible, operable and maintainable project

• Monitor procurement status of materials

• Increased productivity and decreased waste on job sites

• Conveying the spatial complexities of the project, planning information, and supporting conducting additional analyses

DIGITAL FABRICATION

A process that utilizes machine technology to prefabricate objects directly from a BIM. The model is spooled into appropriate sections and input into fabrication equipment for the production of system assemblies.

The value of Digital Fabrication is:

• Automate building component fabrication

• Minimize tolerance through machine fabrication

• Maximize fabrication productivity

RECORD MODELING

A process is used to depict an accurate representation of the physical conditions, environment, and assets of a facility. The record model should at a minimum, contain information relating to the main architectural and MEP elements. Additional information including equipment and space planning systems may be necessary if the owner intends to utilize the information for maintenance and operations.

With the continuous updating and improvement of the record model and the capability to store more information, the record model contains a true depiction of space with a link to information such as serial codes, warranties, and maintenance history of all the components in the building. The record model also contains information linking ore-build specifications to as-built specifications. This allows the owner to monitor the project relative to the specifications provided.

The value of Record Modeling is:

• Aid in future modeling and 3D design coordination for renovation

• Provide documentation of environment for future uses

• Dispute elimination (for example, a link to contract with historical data highlights expectations and comparisons drawn to the final product)

• A solid understanding of project sequencing by stakeholders leads to reduced project delivery times, risk, cost, and lawsuits

ASSET MANAGEMENT

A process in which an organized management system will efficiently aid in the maintenance and operation of a facility and its assets. These assets, consisting of the physical building, systems, surrounding environment, and equipment, must be maintained, operated, and upgraded at an efficiency that will satisfy both the owner and users at the lowest appropriate cost. It assists in financial decision-making, as well as short-term and long-term planning. Asset management utilizes the data contained in a record model to determine the cost implications of changing or upgrading building assets, segregate costs of assets for financial tax purposes, and maintain a current comprehensive database that can produce the value of a company's assets.

The value of Asset Management is:

• Store operations, maintenance owner user manuals, and equipment specifications

• Perform and analyze facility and equipment condition assessments

• Maintain up-to-date facility and equipment data including, but not limited to, maintenance schedules, warranties, cost data, upgrades, replacements, damages/deterioration, maintenance records, manufacturer's data, equipment functionality, and others required by the owner

• Provide one comprehensive source for tracking the use, performance, and maintenance of a building's assets for the owner, maintenance team, and financial department

• Produce an accurate inventory of current company assets which aids in financial reporting, bidding, and estimating the future cost implications of upgrades or replacements of a particular asset

• Allow for future updates of the record model to show current building asset information after upgrades, replacements, or maintenance by tracking changes

• Aid financial department in efficiently analyzing different types of assets through an increased level of visualization

• Increase the opportunity for measurement and verification of systems during building occupation

Next article, Glossary of BIM Terms

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