Building Information Modeling

The term Building Information Modeling (short: BIM; German: building information modeling ) describes a method of optimized design, implementation and management of buildings with the help of software. All relevant building data is digitally recorded, combined and networked. The building is a virtual building model geometrically visualized ( computer model). Building Information Modeling is used both in the building and construction for building design and construction ( architecture, engineering, building engineering, Architecture, Engineering and Construction) as well as in facility management.

Example

In classical planning an architect creates a design and record this, nowadays with the aid of CAD systems. For costing a mass determination based on the drawings will be created. The plans will be presented among other specialist engineers, fire protection consultants and authorities.

When an amendment to the planning, the drawings need to be changed, the mass determination needs to be aligned, all participants receive updated drawings and must match them with their sectoral planning. This causes a considerable coordination and effort, which can be significantly reduced with BIM.

With BIM the architects or planners makes changes to the project file, before the model (german model). These amendments are effective for all parties involved, both as a drawing as well as data packet directly available. Masses and volumes, for example, serve as a basis for cost calculations are automatically adjusted. For example, to change the number and description of the doors in a building due to changes in plan. The architect changes the doors in the virtual building model. In order for the door list is automatically changed and with appropriate link you can see the immediate impact on costs.

Benefits

Features and advantages of the method are:

  • Improved quality of data, as they all go back to a common data base and are constantly synchronized
  • Immediate and continuous availability of all current and relevant data for all participants
  • Improved exchange of information between those involved in planning
  • Continuous data treatment throughout the life cycle of a building

The improved data synchronization ultimately the productivity of the planning process is to be increased in terms of cost, schedule and quality.

Origin and implementation of the concept

The term Building Information Modeling was coined by Autodesk, to describe a " three-dimensional, object-oriented, AEC- specific computer-aided design process ." A distinction is made between a parametric building model and an intelligent building model. In the parametric building model, all elements (walls, ceilings, dimensions, annotations, objects, cut lines, etc.) can be brought together in dependencies, while in intelligent building model, intelligence is limited to individual objects.

Standardization

The international organization buildingSMART has to establish the goal of open standards ( openBIM ) for the exchange of information and communication on the basis of Building Information Modeling. These buildingSMART has a basic data model - developed for model-based data exchange in the building industry, the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC ).

Software

BIM procedures are offered by all major CAD vendors. The strategies, implementations and terminology varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. A few examples:

  • Allplan from Nemetschek: Project-related building model for architects, engineers and estimators
  • Allfa Nemetschek: Planning Accompanying online room book, Facility Management ( CAFM ) solution with bi-directional integration into Allplan and AutoCAD
  • ArchiCAD from Graphisoft: Virtual Building (since 1983): A model for 3D data, dimensions, material properties and other data
  • AutoCAD Architecture Autodesk: AutoCAD vertical product for creating object-oriented models of buildings
  • BIMserver Eindhoven University of Technology
  • Autodesk Revit: Integrated, parametric building model for architecture, civil engineering, building engineers, construction and general contractor
  • VectorWorks from Nemetschek Vectorworks: 3D building model for planning, visualization, masses and other data
  • Tekla Structures Tekla: 3D modeling database- for interdisciplinary tasks in building modeling
Computer-aided architectural design Floor plan
152711
de