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CONSTRUCTION MANAGERS’ LIBRARY, ERASMUS 2015-1-PL01-KA202-016454MVD - Model View DefinitionNBIMS - National Building Information Modeling StandardnD - Number of Dimensions (in BIM)OGC - Open Geospatial ConsortiumOTL - Object type libraryPLCS - Product life cycle supportPSU - Pennsylvania State UniversityPTNB - Plan Transition Numérique dans le BâtimentR&D - Research and DevelopmentSC - Steering CommitteeSME - Small and Medium-Sized EnterprisesUSB - Universal Serial BusXML - Extensible Markup LanguageVDC - Virtual Design and Construction10

CONSTRUCTION MANAGERS’ LIBRARY, ERASMUS 2015-1-PL01-KA202-016454CHAPTER 1INTRODUCTION - LEARNINGOUTCOMES(J. SNÆBJÖRNSSON,I. KJARTANSDOTTIR, P. NOWAK)This manual is about a new approach to design, construction, and facilitymanagement called building information modelling (BIM). It provides aninsight into BIM technologies, the business and organizational issues associatedwith its implementation, and the effects that proper use of BIM can provide toall members of a project team. Building Information Modelling (BIM) is one ofthe most promising developments in the architecture, engineering andconstruction (AEC) industries. Although the concepts, approaches andmethodologies that we now identify as BIM can be dated back nearly thirtyyears, it is first now that BIM is beginning to change the way we plan, designand construct buildings and other infrastructure.With BIM technology, an accurate virtual model of a building is digitallyconstructed. When completed, the computer-generated model contains precisegeometry and relevant data needed to support the construction, fabrication, andprocurement activities needed to realize the building. BIM also accommodatesmany of the functions needed to model the lifecycle of a building, providing thebasis for new construction capabilities and changes in the roles andrelationships among a project team. BIM therefore facilitates an integrateddesign and construction process that should result in better quality buildings atlower cost and reduced project duration.The main objective of this manual on BIM, is to introduce to constructionmanagers the key terms and ideas associated with the implementation of BIM,which may relate to the course of their work or study. In particular, the aim is toprovide information and guidance on how they can adopt and implement BIMin their future or current construction projects and company environment.11

CONSTRUCTION MANAGERS’ LIBRARY, ERASMUS 2015-1-PL01-KA202-016454In this handbook the term ‘BIM’ refers to an activity (meaning buildinginformation modelling), rather than an object (building information model). Theintention is to reflect that BIM is not a thing or a type of software but a humanactivity that ultimately will involve broad process changes in construction.The handbook contains 6 chapters. Chapter 2 presents definitions of BIM andits comparison with other methodologies like Lean Construction, Virtual Designand Construction and Integrated Project Delivery (IPD). Chapter 3 givesinformation about BIM dimensions and use of BIM in different constructionphases, including procurement. Chapter 4 gives detailed information on keyaspects for the successful BIM implementation. The implementation of BIM isfurther discussed in Chapter 5, which explores the key considerations for thesuccessful implementation of Building Information Modelling (BIM), throughan appropriate selection of tools and technologies, i.e. the BIM interface. Thefinal chapter then presents three case studies related to the use of BIMtechniques in construction projects.12

CONSTRUCTION MANAGERS’ LIBRARY, ERASMUS 2015-1-PL01-KA202-016454CHAPTER 2BIM, SCOPE AND DEFINITION(I. B. KJARTANSDÓTTIR,J. T. SNÆBJÖRNSSON)2.1 INTRODUCTIONWithin the construction phase many problems and errors occur due todifficulties in communication, coordination and standardization. Thisinteroperability issue can be aided with the adoption of Building InformationModelling (BIM), which is said to be most likely a technology-led change todeliver the highest impact to the construction sector1. The EuropeanConstruction Industry Federation predicts that the wider adoption of BIM willunlock 15-25% savings to the global infrastructure market by 20252If BIM adoption across Europe will deliver 10% savings to the constructionsector then an additional 130 billion would be generated for the 1.3 trillionmarket.3The purpose of this manual is to introduce and explain the role and possibilitiesof BIM, for the construction manager. It aims to demonstrate how BIM can aidthe construction process and how projects, people and organizations can benefitfrom applying a BIM methodology. The focus is on what BIM is and thebenefits that can be expected when implementing BIM in the constructionphase.1(ref. World Economic Forum WEF, Shaping the Future of Construction, 2016http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF Shaping the Future of Construction InspiringInnovators redefine the industry 2017.pdf)2(ref. BCG, Digital in Engineering and Construction, 2016; McKinsey, ConstructionProductivity, 2017)3(ref FIEC, Annual Report, 2017)13

CONSTRUCTION MANAGERS’ LIBRARY, ERASMUS 2015-1-PL01-KA202-016454The main objective of BIM is to enhance project performance and producebetter outcomes. BIM helps the construction manager to gather data andinformation from the relevant disciplines and communicate them moreeffectively. Here, insights will be given on what BIM is, how it can aid theconstruction process, what are the pitfalls and how to avoid them, and how theconstruction manager should apply BIM in the construction phase. The focus ison the construction phase and the construction manager. The manual gives aframework for the implementation, development and use of BIM to facilitate aneffective production.2.2 BUILDING INFORMATIONMODELLING (BIM)BIM means different things to different professionals. Some say BIM is asoftware application, others say it is a process for designing and documentinginformation on buildings. Some say it is a holistic approach to design,construction and maintenance a building.As Figure 2.1 indicates, BIM is many things and most likely, the constructionindustry has not yet realized its full capabilities. BIM is intertwined withtechnology, both hardware and software. As the technology evolves rapidly,BIM will also continue to evolve.Figure 2.1. BIM can mean different things to different im-for-all-dummies-or-not14

CONSTRUCTION MANAGERS’ LIBRARY, ERASMUS 2015-1-PL01-KA202-016454Architectural, engineering and construction (AEC) professionals as well asresearchers, have a number of views on what BIM is:“A modelling technology and associated set of processes to produce,communicate and analyse building models.” (Eastman et al., 2008)BuildingSMART International5, a not for profit organization supporting openBIM, defines BIM as:“A new approach to being able to describe and display the informationrequired for the design, construction and operation of constructed facilities.”While there are different definitions of BIM, there is a common consensus thatBIM is a Process for combining information and technology to create a digitalrepresentation of a project. It Integrates data from many sources and evolves inparallel with the real project across its entire timeline, including design,construction, and in-use operational information.6The term ‘Building’ within Building Information Modelling can be misleading.Rather than just referring to Buildings, the term should be thought of as the verbto build. The methodology can be applied to all types of construction projects,both vertical and linear including infrastructure projects and land surveying.Figure 2.2. Traditional process versus BIM process.5Charter for the National Building Information Model (BIM), Standard Project of thebuildingSMART alliance, 2008.6Mordue S, Swaddle P, Philp D, Building Information Modelling for Dummies (Wiley)201515

CONSTRUCTION MANAGERS’ LIBRARY, ERASMUS 2015-1-PL01-KA202-016454In this manual, as generally within the AEC sector today, BIM is regarded as aprocess focused on the development, use and transfer of digital information in abuilding or infrastructure projects, aiming at improving design, construction andthe operation phase of such facilities.The real value of BIM lies in the “I” of BIM, i.e. the information that isgathered, integrated into the process and shared transparently between allparties involved. Information is possibly the most important construction“material”. The sector needs to have access to the right information at the righttime throughout the lifecycle of an asset.Within the construction phase, many problems and errors occur due toshortcomings within the design phase. Difficulties and restrictions incommunication, coordination and standardization are among the problemsfacing the industry. Communicating design information effectively, plays a bigrole in overcoming these interoperability issues. This is where BIM can play animportant role. In a traditional process documents and drawings arecommunicated between projects stakeholders, making a new file each time thefile is shared. In BIM, the model serves as a database, where information aresupplied and pulled out on demand, as figure 2.2 depicts.2.3 WHY IS BIM IMPORTANT TOCONSTRUCTION MANAGERS?BIM is most associated with the design team. Construction managers (CM) maynot usually be involved in model authoring but they do play a vital role inmaking sure the key elements needed to deliver a successful project are presentand correct. Construction managers need to understand the processes and toolsthat are used throughout a project's lifecycle, beyond the design phase.There is a need to manage the asset from inception through to operation and endof life. Construction managers need to understand, interrogate, contribute andvalidate BIM data, to maximise its benefits. They need to harness the value ofdata by using model information and new ways of working to better supportnew construction techniques, scheduling,cost, quality, coordination,fabrication, sequencing and facilities management to name but a few. To be ableto tackle this expanded role of the construction manager he needs to considernew tools, processes and skillsets.16

CONSTRUCTION MANAGERS’ LIBRARY, ERASMUS 2015-1-PL01-KA202-0164542.4 COLLABORATION, THE HEARTOF THE BIM PROCESSAt the heart of a BIM process is collaboration. Working as a collaborative teamrequires the development of better and more efficient ways of working toachieve shared goals. It brings about many advantages for the constructionindustry, such as improved communication and understanding, leading togreater productivity, quality and cost certainty. Ultimately collaboration resultsin better outcomes. Creating the right environment for a collaborative workflowrequires consideration of Culture and behaviour, Process, Digital tools and theright forms of contracts.7A key success of collaboration hinges on the ability to communicate,exchange, update and use data between different project teams. This requiresdata to be interoperable. Essentially ‘Interoperability’ is the software’s ability toexchange and make use of BIM data. While different software from the samevendor may be able to ‘talk’ to each other, across a BIM project, a number ofsoftware solutions required making Interoperability becomes a keyconsideration. In other industries, interoperability is taken for granted. Thesuccess of the Internet wouldn’t be as great had it not been for its developmenton open–non-proprietary standards. This allows for devices, services andapplications to work together across a wide and dispersed network of networks.2.5 BUILDINGSMARTWithin construction, buildingSMART8 is the ‘worldwide authority driving thetransformation of the built asset economy through creation and adoption ofopen, international standards’. buildingSMART provide the constructionindustry with a common language that defines how information iscommunicated.The buildingSMART alliance has divided BIM into three key elements, oftenreferred to as the BIM triangle9 (see Fig. 2.3). Each of the three elements are7Mordue S, Swaddle P, Philp D, Building Information Modelling for Dummies p://www.buildingsmart-tech.org/17

CONSTRUCTION MANAGERS’ LIBRARY, ERASMUS 2015-1-PL01-KA202-016454supported by an international standard which cover terminology, process anddata.Figure 2.3. BIM triangle (Source: www.buildingsmart-tech.org)Table 2.1 buildingSMART methodologyElements for integration andcommunication of informationPurposeIndustry Foundation Classes (IFC)The rules for exchanging dataInformation Delivery Manual (IDM)The process of exchanging dataInternational Framework forDictionaries (IFD)The mapping of common termBIM Collaboration Format (BCF)The changing of coordinatesModel View Definitions (MVD)Translates processes into technicalrequirements18

CONSTRUCTION MANAGERS’ LIBRARY, ERASMUS 2015-1-PL01-KA202-016454These key elements must be in place, in order to use BIM in practice, and bebuilt upon an open, international standards and specifications. Once those threeelements are in place (see fig. 2.3), they can be used to engage in “smartbuilding”, from which the concept and term buildingSMART is derived. Whenused together they allow for the effective integration and communication ofinformation. Two further supporting tools including definitions of specificviews of information for specific purposes and an open file format to supportworkflow communications in BIM, processes are provided. These are illustratedin table 2.1 and discussed in more detail in chapter 5. More aboutbuildingSMART can be found from the website http://www.buildingsmarttech.org/.2.6 BIM IS A PROCESS DRIV

construction engineering and management department civil engineering faculty warsaw university of technology poland reykjavik university iceland isbn: 978-83-947920-1-5 awbud s.a. poland chartered institute of building united kingdom polish association of building managers poland association