The Basic Principles Of BIM Services Bristol
Technological advances versus the traditional - it's an age-old dilemma. Which one is better? Well, in the case of the BIM design versus traditional 2D design debate, even traditionalists are voting for the evident benefits of BIM design using architectural CAD services. As several layers of BIM design benefits are unveiled, the way forward becomes ever clearer. Determining how and why BIM design is a more desirable methodology could be vital to increased profits in the AEC (architecture, engineering and construction) industry.
What do we mean by BIM design?
An intelligent 3D model-based process, Building Information Modelling, or BIM, provides insight and tools to AEC professionals so that they can efficiently design buildings and infrastructure, while adding data (information) to the models for use downstream. The BIM process involves the creation, evolution and monitoring of digital representations of the functional and physical aspects of building design. This process is enabled through the generation of BIM files containing large amounts of data which can be viewed, communicated or changed to all stakeholders in a project. BIM software can be used to design water, refuse, electricity, gas, communication utilities as well as roads, bridges, tunnels, etc. The BIM process is not restricted to generating just 3D models, but it may provide more dimensions, such as 4D (time), 5D (cost) and 6D (as-built operation). Since the BIM process covers such a wide range of functions, its benefits are many.
Benefits of BIM Design
Improved Quality - At any given time of the design process, BIM enables a significant degree of flexibility. The design can be thoroughly explored and changed. Time for coordination and manual checking are minimised, allowing other tasks to be completed.
Increased Speed - Design and documentation can be performed simultaneously using the BIM process. Therefore, schedules, diagrams, drawings, estimations, value engineering, planning and other forms of communication are generated while the design process is ongoing, saving time.
Reduced Cost - Smaller technical teams can handle work previously performed by larger teams, leading to reduced miscommunication and less cost. Because of greater document quality and more effective planning, time and money are saved on processes.
And now, what is 2D design?
Design elements in 2D design, as its title suggests, are only portrayed in two dimensions, length and width. Typical documents of 2D design consist of the floor plan, the view and the section.
The floor plan consists of the building outline, rooms, structural elements walls, etc., furniture, dimensions, altitudes, uncovered spaces, openings (doors, windows), all drawn to scale and as they would be viewed from above. Fixtures, such as sinks, water heaters, furnaces, etc., may also be included, as well as notes for construction. Floor plans are required to make views and sections.
A section is a 2D drawing of what a building would appear as if it was cut down the middle vertically to reveal the interior view. It can show steps, doors, windows, etc. Section drawings and floor plans are of the same scale.
A view is dependent on vantage point. Typically, there are front views, back views, left and right views. A view will consist of floor section lines, visible structural elements, such as doors, windows, balconies, walls, furniture and even plants.
Benefits of 2D Design
When design moved from traditional paper drawings to digital 2D, drawings and sketches became easier and faster to generate and share. Working on a global scale became increasingly easier and more effective.
Drawbacks of 2D Design
Design in 2D is limited due to its nature, and drawings can not fully explore the vast range of design options properly. Limited information or data can be included in 2D design.
So, how does BIM design compare with 2D design? Some of the key areas where BIM design scores over 2D design are:
Information
There is a great amount of data available, such as aerial imagery, digital elevations and laser scans of existing structures, with BIM design that can be compiled and shared in a model, unlike anything that 2D drawings convey.
Less Rework
Working on a shared model means there is less rework and duplication of drawings. With more information than a 2D drawing, each discipline can annotate and connect to the project in BIM design. With faster tools, BIM design enables a database to be hosted that helps stakeholders know when there are updates or changes, minimising rework.
Increased Collaboration
With a digital workflow, more functions make collaboration easier with BIM design than with 2D design. Many of these functions are delivered in the cloud, BIM 360/Collaboration for Revit (C4R) being one of the solutions. Input on project changes can be reviewed and noted by all stakeholders, increasing collaboration.
Accurate Visualisation
Views of a project in different light conditions and calculating a building's energy performance are enabled by simulation tools in BIM design. More analysis and modelling can be carried out for effective project design. Renders are created easily in 3D for marketing purposes and to gain approvals.
Improved Conflict Resolution
Elements from different disciplines can clash at some point, for instance an electrical conduit running into a duct or a beam. With BIM design, clashes are identified at an early stage, reducing on-site clashes. This design method also helps ensure prefabricated components fit correctly into previously designed spaces.
Proper Process
BIM design enables the process of design to be coordinated and in the right sequence, with the right materials and resources for greater efficiency.
Work Faster
As the BIM design process involves sharing plans, sections, reports and elevations and updates with the entire project team, the overall design process becomes faster than with a 2D design method.
Easier Accessibility
The BIM design model is connected to a large database, which can be hosted in the cloud. Using BIM 360 software enables this information to be accessed on any device, from any location.
More Effective Communication
Using 2D design, many separate documents are needed to get a complete view of the project. With BIM design, all documents are in a single view, allowing better communication.
Ultimately, 2D CAD services and 3D BIM services are both effective during the course of design, but the advantages of BIM services are too great to ignore. With the easy availability of offshore BIM consulting services, both 3D BIM design and consultancy can be procured easily, reliably and at a profitable cost.
Technological advances versus the traditional - it's an age-old dilemma. Which one is better? Well, in the case of the BIM design versus traditional 2D design debate, even traditionalists are voting for the evident benefits of BIM design using architectural CAD services. As several layers of BIM design benefits are unveiled, the way forward becomes ever clearer. Determining how and why BIM design is a more desirable methodology could be vital to increased profits in the AEC (architecture, engineering and construction) industry.
What do we mean by BIM design?
An intelligent 3D model-based process, Building Information Modelling, or BIM, provides insight and tools to AEC professionals so that they can efficiently design buildings and infrastructure, while adding data (information) to the models for use downstream. The BIM process involves the creation, evolution and monitoring of digital representations of the functional and physical aspects of building design. This process is enabled through the generation of BIM files containing large amounts of data which can be viewed, communicated or changed to all stakeholders in a project. BIM software can be used to design water, refuse, electricity, gas, communication utilities as well as roads, bridges, tunnels, etc. The BIM process is not restricted to generating just 3D models, but it may provide more dimensions, such as 4D (time), 5D (cost) and 6D (as-built operation). Since the BIM process covers such a wide range of functions, its benefits are many.
Benefits of BIM Design
Improved Quality - At any given time of the design process, BIM enables a significant degree of flexibility. The design can be thoroughly explored and changed. Time for coordination and manual checking are minimised, allowing other tasks to be completed.
Increased Speed - Design and documentation can be performed simultaneously using the BIM process. Schedules, diagrams, drawings, estimations, value engineering, planning and other forms of communication are generated while the design process is ongoing, saving time.
Reduced Cost - Smaller technical teams can handle work previously performed by larger teams, leading to reduced miscommunication and less cost. Because of greater document quality and more effective planning, time and money are saved on processes.
And now, what is 2D design?
Design elements in 2D design, as its title suggests, are only portrayed in two dimensions, length and width. Typical documents of 2D design consist of the floor plan, the view and the section.
The floor plan consists of the building outline, rooms, structural elements (walls, etc.), furniture, dimensions, altitudes, uncovered spaces, openings (doors, windows), all drawn to scale and as they would be viewed from above. Fixtures, such as sinks, water heaters, furnaces, etc., may also be included, as well as notes for construction. Floor plans are required to make sections and views.
A section is a 2D drawing of what a building would appear as if it was cut down the middle vertically to reveal the interior view. It can show steps, doors, windows, etc. Section drawings and floor plans are of the same scale.
A view is dependent on vantage point. Typically, there are front views, back views, left and right views. A view will consist of floor section lines, visible structural elements, such as doors, windows, balconies, walls, furniture and even plants.
Benefits of 2D Design
When design moved from traditional paper drawings to digital 2D, drawings and sketches became easier and faster to generate and share. Working on a global scale became increasingly easier and more effective.
Drawbacks of 2D Design
Design in 2D is limited due to its nature, and drawings can not fully explore the vast range of design options properly. Limited information or data can be included in 2D design.
How does BIM design compare with 2D design? Some of the key areas where BIM design scores over 2D design are:
Information
There is a great amount of data available, such as aerial imagery, digital elevations and laser scans of existing structures, with BIM design that can be compiled and shared in a model, unlike anything that 2D drawings convey.
Less Rework
Working on a shared model means there is less rework and duplication of drawings. With more information than a 2D drawing, each discipline can connect and annotate to the project in BIM design. With faster tools, BIM design enables a database to be hosted that helps stakeholders know when there are updates or changes, minimising rework.
Increased Collaboration
With a digital workflow, more functions make collaboration easier with BIM design than with 2D design. Many of these functions are delivered in the cloud, BIM 360/Collaboration for Revit (C4R) being one of the solutions. Input on project changes can be reviewed and noted by all stakeholders, increasing collaboration.
Accurate Visualisation
Views of a project in different light conditions and calculating a building's energy performance are enabled by simulation tools in BIM design. More analysis and modelling can be carried out for effective project design. Renders are created easily in 3D for marketing purposes and to gain approvals.
Improved Conflict Resolution
Elements from different disciplines can clash at some point, for instance an electrical conduit running into a duct or a beam. With BIM design, clashes are identified at an early stage, reducing on-site clashes. This design method also helps ensure prefabricated components fit correctly into previously designed spaces.
Proper Process
BIM design enables the process of design to be coordinated and in the right sequence, with the right materials and resources for greater efficiency.
Work Faster
As the BIM design process involves sharing plans, reports, sections and elevations and updates with the entire project team, the overall design process becomes faster than with a 2D design method.
Easier Accessibility
The BIM design model is connected to a large database, which can be hosted in the cloud. Using BIM 360 software enables this information to be accessed on any device, from any location.
More Effective Communication
Using 2D design, many separate documents are needed to get a complete view of the project. With BIM design, all documents are in a single view, allowing better communication.
Ultimately, 2D CAD services and 3D BIM services are both effective during the course of design, but the advantages of BIM services are too great to ignore. With the easy availability of offshore BIM consulting services, both 3D BIM design and consultancy can be procured easily, reliably and at a BIM Services Bristol profitable cost.|The impact of Building Information Modelling, or BIM, processes has been a turning point in the history of the construction industry. Design workflows have been altered by the arrival of BIM technology, and both the architecture and MEP (mechanical, engineering, plumbing) sectors have had to adjust themselves to emerging design process trends. Traditionally, architects and building engineers have had different design and documentation workflows. These practices have been modified and integrated by using BIM modelling.
In the MEP design sector, the traditional methods of developing a 2D design from a MEP designer into a coordinated 3D model by the contractor is finding less popularity. BIM modelling is largely responsible for this change, and we discuss how this is so.
A majority of engineering work in construction follows information received from the architects' design, for example column grids for the structural design or ceiling plans for MEP design. Architectural information, such as building geometry, is then used as input for structural load, heating and cooling load analysis by building engineers. Results gathered from such analysis are then applied to the required sizing of components such as structural units, heating and cooling systems. The number and characteristics of structural joints and MEP distribution systems are calculated to determine loads and size connections, structural framing elements, ductwork and piping.
In some cases, architects may have to give up designed areas to include MEP components. At this point, the design layout would have to be modified while maintaining the building's engineering systems. The use of coordinated 3D models allows MEP integration in the construction plans at an early stage. A 3D model-based workflow became a viable option. Models designed with CAD have certain advantages in the MEP design sector, such as the following:
Studies show that 3D CAD tools improve the development cycle by 30-50%.
Using a 3D model reduces non-conformance issues by 30-40%.
3D-based design produces fewer inaccuracies.
The use of 3D CAD models therefore save time and money and reduces errors.
MEP design typically involves a significant number of stakeholders responsible for the smooth execution of different stages of building engineering. These stages generally include planning, designing, spatial coordination, installation, fabrication and maintenance. Teams involved in building services design usually consist of design engineers (also known as the consultant engineers or building designers) and MEP contractors. Sometimes, a fabricator, who creates ducts, pipes, electric ladders or sprinklers with frame modules, can also be involved in the design process. The design engineer traditionally worked with the architect to oversee lighting, cooling, heating, drainage, waste, fire prevention and protection services. In this case, the design engineer steers clear of the detailed spatial design of the lighting, cooling, heating, etc. It was the MEP contractor, or trade contractor, who would execute the spatial design requirements and installation. The MEP contractor must then develop the consultant design into an installation-ready building services solution.
There were some challenges with this workflow, such as:.
Design data, architectural and MEP, had to be shared.
MEP design was created by one engineer/team and detailed by other/s.
Schematics and plans may present inconsistent data or clashes.
Design changes may occur after design finalisation.
The introduction of BIM modelling provided a solution for these challenges, as designs were converted to 3D models and design data became increasingly centralised and changes were notified to stakeholders at a faster rate. With the use of BIM modelling, five different MEP design workflow options emerged. They are as follows:.
1. 2D design with 3D BIM coordination.
2D design outputs, such as 2D plan layouts, 2D sections and MEP schematics, are created by the designer using traditional 2D CAD tools and then handed to the Contractor who will create a coordinated Revit BIM model which allows the identification and resolution of clashes before site work begins.
2. 2D MEP design and 3D BIM coordination.
2D design layouts are created by the MEP designer - the layouts detail the design intent rather than installation requirements. These layouts are then handed over to the MEP trade contractor for detailed 3D coordination. Structural and architectural models are provided to the contractor to allow coordination.
3. 3D BIM design and coordination by MEP designers.
Design engineers create spatially coordinated Revit BIM models with the actual specified components of the projects. Structural, architectural and MEP service coordination is completed. The resulting model is almost installation ready. Typically during a round of value engineering or preferred installation or fabrication requirements, the MEP contractor will still make final changes.
4. 3D BIM design and coordination by MEP contractors.
The responsibility for design and coordination is taken on by MEP contractors. Earlier known as a 'design and build' workflow, this method is becoming increasingly popular. The contractor works on the design and model based on the specifications of the client. A coordinated drawing is created from the model for installation or fabrication. This is a fast and cost-effective method, since contractor resources' costs are lower than those of design engineers. As he is making the final procurement and fabrication decisions this also puts all of the control in one team, thereby streamlining the process somewhat.
5. 3D coordination by general contractors.
2D architectural, structural and MEP designers work for a general contractor. The team will also typically include detail teams that handle coordination to the level of an MEP trade contractor. A 3D BIM model is created for the contractor to review the model's strength and adherence to the design. The model is then checked for clashes.
Though there are five different MEP workflows, there is one traditional architectural design workflow, which consists of three basic phases. They are:.
1. Schematic Design.
Space form and function are conceived by the architect and converted from sketches into a 3D model.
2. Design Development.
CAD technicians add dimensions, details and supporting information to the 3D models. Mechanical, electrical, plumbing and life safety drawings are generated. Using standard parts libraries and including tagged component data early in this phase enables productivity tools that enhance construction or shop drawings.
3. Construction Document.
Accurate detailed drawings show construction materials, component data sheets, specifications and material or component schedules. Data can be assigned to walls, floors and the building envelope in the model, as well as steel and concrete rebar component information and piece detail information.
Seeing that MEP and architectural workflows are distinct, how does the use of BIM technology integrate the two? BIM engineering modelling tools can integrate engineer-designed building content with architectural BIM models for clash detection. Here's how:.
Construction software platforms, such as BIM 360, use cloud-based checklists to enable quality control, on-site safety, tracking of equipment and monitoring of tasks. Project stakeholders, such as project managers, architects, subcontractors and designers can access, change and update data. Models designed using BIM 360 can generate 2D construction documents and 3D MEP coordination. MEP designers can, therefore, plan designs more effectively if projects include 3D modelling of architectural and trade aspects from the beginning.
Round-Trip Transportation.
Architectural models created using BIM do not traditionally show the partitioning of surfaces and volumes spatially, which is required for building energy analysis packages in MEP. Revit MEP takes care of the repartitioning of architectural models into units that can be analysed for seamless building services. So, BIM model-authoring tools enable the round-trip transportation of building data from architectural models to MEP analysis tools and back to the architectural model with coordinated and reintegrated engineering components.
Certain aspects of engineering analysis can be integrated into architectural design for greater interactive communication with the use of specific tools. Architects can then receive direct feedback about the MEP effects of their architectural designs. Tools that offer these capabilities include IES plug-ins to Revit MEP or Revit Architecture. Recent software program acquisitions by Bentley and Autodesk have led to increased facility for interoperability, where engineers may prefer a particular analysis package for internal workflow but are restricted by a model-creating software suite required by project agreements. Enabling cross-platform workflows was a leading cause of establishing the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) standard, now better known as buildingSMART.
Integrated architectural and MEP workflows are steadily gaining in popularity in building design circles due to ongoing technological developments. With IFC standard guiding principles, architects and MEP engineers can use the data garnered from other disciplines for reference while coordinating and sharing projects. Ultimately, initial gathering of MEP analysis data and implementing successful building information modelling can help architects design an integrated project that can be executed in a seamless construction process.
Well, in the case of the BIM design versus traditional 2D design debate, even traditionalists are voting for the evident benefits of BIM design using architectural CAD services. Well, in the case of the BIM design versus traditional 2D design debate, even traditionalists are voting for the evident benefits of BIM design using architectural CAD services. A majority of engineering work in construction follows information received from the architects' design, for example column grids for the structural design or ceiling plans for MEP design. Models designed with CAD have certain advantages in the MEP design sector, such as the following:
2D design layouts are created by the MEP designer - the layouts detail the design intent rather than installation requirements.