BIM optimises building planning - first digitally, then in real life
BIM stands for Building Information Modelling, and is the modern digital working method for the integrated planning, optimisation, creation and management of buildings. BIM models consist of BIM objects, the digital equivalent of real construction products. GEZE makes adjustable BIM door objects available for free, to provide greater planning security which requires less effort.
BIM makes construction projects cheaper and more efficient
Complex construction projects are cheaper and more efficient with BIM.
Do you have cost explosions and deadline problems? Seemingly unavoidable with large construction projects such as the new Berlin Airport or the Hamburg Elbphilharmonie concert hall, this seems to be impossible to avoid. And even smaller buildings cannot escape this issue. But public sector clients in particular have high hopes for better things in future by opting for new planning processes and tools: the Building Information Modelling (BIM) planning method is designed to improve the planning and control of construction projects.
In classic construction planning, plans are drawn up in several stages, sent to the authorities, and then revised once more. Creating cost calculations and coordinating individual trade processes on the construction site are also key tasks. But with building projects becoming increasingly complex, these processes often don’t run smoothly., because There are numerous interdependent links and changing relations which need to be continuously taken into account.
Integrated planning with BIM
BIM, or building data modelling, connects everyone involved on one platform and reduces the number of coordination steps. BIM represents a new integrated and digital building planning system which can be seen as a gigantic database. As part of this, all of the objects which are specific to the building (for example masonry, doors, windows, etc. as well as building technology) are digitally recorded, combined and networked in a unique 3D model on which all participants work.
The database also contains all relevant information about the materials and their life span, sound permeability or fire protection and, most importantly, costs.
Buildings can thus be designed, modelled, optimised and simulated with the help of BIM. The aim is to implement construction projects more cheaply and simply, and with fewer delays. Additionally, models are not only used for construction: they also make subsequent operation safer, more comfortable and more efficient.
Our BIM expert Günther Weizenhöfer in an interview on "Building planning with BIM"
High planning quality
The key advantage of BIM is that all participants - architects and planners, general contractors and builders/operators - can virtually inspect the construction project as a model in the planning phase. Errors and inconsistencies can be identified and quickly be amended at the model stage, which means that the quality, and more importantly the safety, of the planning are greatly improved. Additionally, construction companies can select materials and contractors at an early stage based on the information and proposals stored in BIM.
Use of BIM is gaining ground for public sector construction projects in Europe
The UK, the Netherlands, Denmark, Finland and Norway also prescribe the use of BIM for publicly funded construction projects. In Germany, the Ministry for Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI) wants to use BIM for all new planning projects from 2020.
Advantages of virtual construction with BIM
- Better exchange of information among all stakeholders
- Increased productivity
- Earlier error detection and rectification
- Greater planning and cost security
BIM objects increase planning security and reduce error rates
Digital building models are the core element of the BIM method. These consist of individual BIM objects, i.e. the digital equivalent of real construction products. They are based on structured data which enable product comparisons, for example dimensions, weights, technical product information and manufacturer data such as available variants, order dates, prices, delivery times, installation or maintenance information, etc.
If BIM objects are built into BIM building models, this simplifies the invitation for tenders, cost estimation, calculation and simulation in the planning phase. In the execution phase, this supports ordering, delivery, execution itself and assembly. What's more, it simplifies building management in the operation phase.
BIM objects can rationalise work processes, minimise sources of error and ensure increasing digitalisation in construction.
Günther Weizenhöfer, Architect and Team Leader of Planning Seminars at GEZEDesign and deliver construction projects quickly and securely using BIM door objects
All the doors in a building can be planned extremely easily using GEZE BIM objects. In contrast to many other providers, GEZE always offers a whole door as a BIM object, so that the door can be considered with all its components. These multifunctional doors can be used to depict all swing doors, sliding doors and revolving doors. The GEZE BIM objects are free of charge for Autodesk Revit, Graphisoft Archicad and Nemetschek Allplan.
Learn more about BIM Door Objects and download themBIM Glossary
A common information base is necessary so that all project participants can work with BIM effectively. Building Information Modeling thrives on a transparent, shared knowledge platform. Here you will find the most important BIM terms, so that you will be able to start a successful cooperation. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our team of experts.
Big BIM
Big BIM refers to the continuous application of BIM throughout the complete life cycle of a building, integrating all trades. This means all designs and calculations are implemented into a shared software environment.
BIM Collaboration Format (BCF)
The BIM collaboration format is an open exchange format enabling straightforward communication among all contributing parties in the BIM process. In an IFC model (please see Industry Foundation Classes), clashes or other issues can be localized and tagged with comments. BCF files can be read and edited by common model checkers. Some CAD systems provide BCF format enabled mark-up tools.
BIM Execution Plan (BEP)
The BIM Execution Plan is an element of the legal framework for BIM. It describes how employer’s information requirements (please see EIR) are fulfilled. Essential content of the BEP includes role assignment, definition of work flows, and specification of hard- and software to be used in the process.
BIM level 2
BIM level 2 is a leading initiative of the British government to set a standard for BIM in the UK. Since 2016, all public construction projects must be planned using BIM. It has led to the development of various standards, such as PAS 1192 and ISO 19650 as an international standard for data management in BIM.
BIM object
BIM objects are digital twins of particular products or building elements. The latter allow for implementation of logical constraints and references. For instance, a basic swing door object can be configured with an automatic drive or a door closer. BIM objects can be obtained from vendors. Alternatively, they can be created by the user from the generic library of an appropriate architectural CAD system. BIM objects contain assigned parameters, such as geometrical and physical properties, apart from the geometrical information.
BIM-Software
BIM is a method, not a software. Instead, various different software solutions and software types are used in the framework of BIM. CAD software from different software houses is available. BIM objects and/or plug-ins from different suppliers and platforms can be uploaded to these CAD systems. The range of software applications also includes solutions for facility management.
Clash detection
Clash detection is one of the key benefits of BIM. Conflicting building elements can be identified and corresponding solutions can be developed in the digital model, prior to realization. This is an effective and major improvement with regards to sustainability and construction costs.
Computer Aided Facility Management (CAFM)
Computer Aided Facility Management supports operation and maintenance of buildings with software solutions. In general, CAFM systems consist of a data base and a user interface. For instance, users may register repair requests directly in the CAFM system. Regular, essential maintenance, for instance in case of fire protection doors, can be handled through the system as well.
Construction Operations Building Information Exchange (COBie)
COBie is a standard for transfer of relevant, non-geometrical information of the BIM model to facility management software.
Coordination Model
The different trade models are merged in the coordination model. In the coordination model, potential clashes can be identified using appropriate software. The BIM coordinator plays a key role in ensuring quality of the different trade models and of the coordination model.
Closed BIM
In Closed BIM, proprietary software systems are applied. Collaborating parties use the same system. On the one hand, this effectively restricts access to the corresponding BIM process. On the other hand, no data is lost through conversion of the model into IFC format.
Employer’s information requirement (EIR)
In the employer’s information requirement, the employer specifies which information must be delivered by the contractor at which point in the BIM process. EIR can cover all phases of the BIM process and therefore of the building life cycle and serve as a basis for the BEP (BEP).
Industry Foundation Classes
Industry foundation classes (IFC) were introduced in the 1990’s as a data exchange format for BIM. Since then, different versions have been released. Intentionally, IFC was supposed to enable data transfer from one CAD system to another. However, a significant share of data gets lost once a BIM model is converted into IFC format.
Level of Development (LOD)
The level of development (or level of detail) is a measure for the degree of details included in a BIM model. Guidelines on LOD 100 – 500 and the required information for each level have been defined by the American Institute of Architecture. For instance, windows are represented by a hole in the wall in LOD 100. In LOD 500, window profiles, glass, opening functions, and (if applicable) automation, among others, are specified. The 3D geometrical representation of the window includes all relevant structures.
Little BIM
Little BIM refers to the use of BIM within a limited scope, i.e. for one particular trade model e.g. within an engineering office. Little BIM is an isolated application, yet delivering efficiency increases to the dedicated work package. In most cases, proprietary software solutions are employed.
Open BIM
Open BIM does not need particular software for contribution. Generally, IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) is used as a generic exchange format. The different trade models can be merged in model viewers and/or model checkers.
Parametric modeling
In parametric modeling, the geometry of a building element dynamically adapts to changes in parametric values. Different measures are linked to each other through logical constraints. For instance, the glazing of a door will fit automatically into a door leaf, provided a frame width is specified.
Trade model
The trade model represents the model of a particular trade, such as the architectural model, the structural model, the model for technical building services, etc.
Building Information Modeling (BIM)
Building Information Modeling is an integral method for the management of a building throughout its complete life cycle. This includes planning, construction, operation, renovation and demolition of a building. All contributing parties insert the relevant information into a BIM model to create a digital twin of the building. The model can be used to identify potential conflicts, to simulate use cases, and to manage the facility.
3D, 4D, 5D, 6D, 7D…
3D refers to the classical geometrical model of a building in three dimensions. 3D on its own is not BIM. 4D, 5D, etc. are an extension to the 3D model, including further alphanumeric information. Price information, lead time, or physical constants, such as the heat transfer-coefficient, can be added to the 3D model. In the BIM process, this information will for instance allow to automatically calculate a bill of quantities or to control maintenance in operation of the building.
Easy planning with BIM
- Contact and interaction with specialists is part of the complete GEZE BIM solution.
- GEZE not only offer 3D projects, but also a solution for designers within the BIM process.
- Architects will be increasingly obliged to use BIM for publicly funded buildings in the future.
BIM objects support installation companies and workers
With BIM planning, installation companies and engineers can be sure that everything has been properly thought through and there will be no surprises.
- Significantly increased and cross-trade planning security
- Errors in communication between different trades can be avoided.
BIM objects from GEZE minimise service times and expense
- Provision of BIM door objects is a GEZE service for planners and architects that work with BIM.
- Planning is more comprehensive and better thought through with GEZE BIM objects, results in reduced service times and expense for operators.
