BIM-Based Thesis:

Instructions & Guidelines for BSCI Students

McWhorter School of Building Science

Auburn University

Last updated: July 17, 2012

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1 ................................................................................................................................................ 2

1.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 2

1.2 Project Selection ................................................................................................................................. 3

1.3 Software Selection .............................................................................................................................. 4

1.4 Suggested Schedule ............................................................................................................................ 6

CHAPTER 2 ................................................................................................................................................ 7

2.1 Modeling ............................................................................................................................................. 7

2.2 Estimating ......................................................................................................................................... 13

2.3 Scheduling......................................................................................................................................... 15

2.4 Phasing Plan Using BIM Models ...................................................................................................... 16

2.5 Structural Assessment ....................................................................................................................... 17

2.6 QTO Checking .................................................................................................................................. 18

2.7 Job Specific Safety Plan .............................................................................................................. 19

2.8 Summary of Lessons Learned ..................................................................................................... 19

2.9 Thesis Time Log ............................................................................................................................... 19

2.10 Additional Work ............................................................................................................................. 19

2.11 Presentation ..................................................................................................................................... 20

CHAPTER 3 .............................................................................................................................................. 22

3.1 Thesis Assembly ............................................................................................................................... 22

3.2 Submittals ......................................................................................................................................... 22

Appendix A: BIM Resources ................................................................................................................... 25

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CHAPTER 1

1.1 Introduction

The students in the school of Building Science have the opportunity to choose between a

traditional or BIM-based thesis for their final project. To make the correct decision, students

are advised to answer the following questions. Depending on how the yes/no questions are

answered, the quiz will help guide the student to the correct thesis option. The questionnaire

is as follows:

1. I excelled using BIM in CIT-2 class and believe I am reasonably good at BIM.

2. I struggled at times with BIM but still enjoyed the experience.

3. The job I would like to have after graduation is likely to utilize BIM.

4. I felt excited about BIM in creating 3D models when I first used it in CIT-2.

5. I would like to challenge myself with the possibilities of BIM.

6. I would like to see what I can do with BIM.

7. I am reasonably comfortable and good with Information Technology.

8. I am aware that I will have to teach myself much of the BIM software to

complete my thesis.

9. I am interested in building projects with steel frame structures.

10. I already have some idea about where to find information about BIM thesis.

11. I feel that I will have enough time to complete a BIM thesis.

12. I would like to differentiate myself from students doing a traditional thesis.

13. I enjoy visualization software of all types.

14. I would like to design and build the building I pick for my thesis on screen.

15. I am able to handle 3D navigation tools.

Total number:

If your total is 10 or above, you qualify for the BIM-based Thesis.

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1.2 Project Selection

The next step in the process is to find a project, which can be an intimidating task for many

students. As there are many options, it can be difficult to start. While some contact family,

friends and business contacts to enquire about potential buildings, others will drive around town,

find buildings they like, then contact the owner and architect. Some of the projects created

recently by BSCI students are shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3.

Figure 1. Chelsea City Hall, William Pierce, Spring 2010

Figure 2. Eagles Nest Condos, Blake Sketo, Fall 2008

Figure 3. FPL Discharge Canal Bridge, Andrew Soultz, Spring 2010

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Architecture firm websites, such as ArchiPlanet, would be a good start to find an appropriate

project and connect directly with architectural firms. It would be smart to find a project with a

fascinating design that was within driving range in case you wanted to visit the site. If possible,

you want to select a site that already has DWG files. Calling the firms and simply asking for the

drawings and specs in a professional manner will help you build a good relationship with design

firms. The good relationship with the firms will be helpful if you get stuck and need help while

modeling the project.

After receiving the drawings and specs, evaluate the project to determine if it is appropriate for

the BIM-based Thesis. The following would be the minimum requirements on the project

selection:

Building should be a minimum of 15,000 sf and consist of at least two levels.

Building can be a multistory residential, office, commercial or healthcare facility of

sufficient complexity to warrant special thesis status.

Building shouldn’t be either so complex, such as a power plant which has a lot of

mechanical and electrical features, or so easy, such as a simple house which isn’t unique.

If the building has similar or repetitive floor plans, it can be up to 100,000 sf which can

be built by copy/paste features. For instance, if it is a 3 story building and the floor plans

are similar, it could be a 60,000-100,000 sf building.

Student should select a building that has a variety of materials such as wood, steel, and/or

concrete. Concrete slabs and steel frame building would be one of the choices. Even

though steel frame is mostly used, it is also possible that a wood frame could be used for

less complex buildings, which would make the project unique and unusual. It can also

have a concrete frame.

Project documents, both plans and specs, should be available in digital format.

o 2d digital plans are helpful but not required

o 3d or BIM models are not allowed, since student must develop their own

independent BIM model.

o Digital specifications in searchable pdf format are preferable.

Digital photos of the completed project are required, so select a project that you can visit

and photograph, or one for which ample photos are available.

After deciding whether the project is appropriate, submit the “Thesis Proposal Form” (see

Appendix A), and the drawings and specs to your professor for review and final decision.

1.3 Software Selection

After the project is approved, the next step is selecting the appropriate software that you will be

using during the thesis semester. Each student may choose the software package(s) for his/her

BIM thesis, as long as the selected software is capable to accomplish all the required thesis

items. Meanwhile, students are strongly recommended to talk to industry professionals for

advice on selecting BIM software.

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The building science program holds the licenses for Vico Constructor (Figure 4) and Bentley

BIM (Figure 5). However, the most common software suite that is used by BIM-based Thesis

students is Autodesk Revit Suite (Figure 6). Each program has features that stand out and are

better than the others. The following should be considered during software selection:

The type of the building (e.g. Bentley is often required for government buildings).

Even though Revit seems like the best choice, using unfamiliar software could make it

more challenging for the student.

When using Revit, a basic model could be created, but additional software could be used

to analyze the model such as Ecotech and Navisworks.

Bentley and Vico are the other recommended software tools for modeling. Whatever

software is selected for modeling, it is expected that students challenge themselves.

Unlike REVIT, Vico offers excellent well integrated take-off and estimating features.

Figure 4. Vico Constructor

Figure 5. Bentley BIM

Figure 6. Autodesk Revit Suite

A comparison of software tools is shown in Table 1. The blue cells include the general

information about software whereas the green cells explain the advantages of the software.

Table 1. Comparison of the BIM Software Tools

Vico Bentley Revit Design updates are synchronized

with the schedule by reimporting

the model data from estimator.

When design, cost, or time is

changed, the other two are

automatically updated

An extremely robust and stable

3D platform that addresses all the

needs of the various disciplines

required to develop and assemble

construction projects

Revit has very similar

functionality to the other major

solid modelers: in other words,

the user can probably model just

about anything in any of the

software tools

Cost calculations can be created

from the model by attaching a

link from a recipe to a model part

Many of the tools that are easier

to learn and managed often are so

at the expense of stability and

functionality

Able to link to MS Project and

exchange scheduling information

bidirectionally.

It is easy to create custom objects

with the modeling tools and save

them as library parts

Reliable high-end product Able to export its model

quantities to cost-estimating

software

It is also not difficult (relatively)

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to create objects by writing code

in GDL, which is not

approachable in most other

software tools.

The modeling is straightforward

and simple to learn

The navigator is very effective in

taking the user to any view of the

model that has been saved and to

any layer combination, etc

1.4 Suggested Schedule

Suggested schedule is handed out to you. This will help you to use your time properly and

effectively to complete the thesis on time.

Generally, there are two big areas of your thesis involving BIM: modeling the building, and

doing the take-off. Keeping this in mind, you may want to spend half of the time to model, and

the other half for take-off. However, there are a bunch of other smaller items to consider, and

some items might take longer than you would generally think.

Below is a schedule that is suggested you follow roughly as far as time is concerned. This will

naturally vary with each unique project:

Activity Recommended Time

BIM Modeling 45%

Clash Detection & Model Revision 10%

QTO (BIM & by-hand)/Pricing/Recap 15%

Scheduling 10%

Misc. Documents 10%

Thesis Package Assembly & Presentation 10%

The main thing you need to remember is that you have plenty of time. Even though the work

seems daunting at first, you have more than enough time to do what needs to be done. Tackle one

task at a time, and you will find yourself progressing quicker than you think.

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CHAPTER 2

2.1 Modeling

After selecting the software, you should become familiar with the software as much as possible.

Creating models will lead you to solving problems. Problem solving would be one of the best

ways to learn software. By solving these problems, students learn the software and how to find

answers to their own questions.

Practicing will also improve the ability to read plans and apply them to a three dimensional

space. When creating sample models, avoid modeling to a thesis level of detail. To save time in

practice mode, model basic components such as structural steel members, walls, windows, and

roofs. Avoid extreme customization of families, worrying about exact dimensions, and the

aesthetic of the model. The level of detail in the practice models is dependent on the amount of

time you have to practice and how much you want to learn about the software prior to starting

the project.

After feeling comfortable in creating a quality BIM model, it is time to start modeling the thesis

project. It is important to get started as soon as possible. Coming into the thesis semester with a

semi-completed model will allow for a less stressful semester, usually yielding a higher quality

model and estimate.

Before starting the modeling, be sure to become familiar with the project as much as possible.

This includes studying the drawings and specifications with extreme attentiveness. It is also

recommended to meet the architect and owner and take pictures of the finished product. By

doing this, you can identify what areas of the model will need more attention than others. This

will prevent time lost in small details at the beginning of the modeling process.

The first step is to control the drawings to the point where they can be used as a base image on

which to build the model. If DWGs were given, become familiar with the layers of the drawings

so you may remove unneeded layers when necessary. If PDFs were given, you will need to

convert them into JPEG or DWG format. Be sure to avoid scaling issues while converting PDFs

by double checking multiple dimensions, e.g. vertical, horizontal and diagonal, the longer length,

the more accurate the conversion.

The process of importing the files will become an issue. There are several resources online that

will help with these issues. It is incredibly important that importing files are done correctly.

Everything will be based off of the dimensions and locations of objects in the plans. Therefore if

there is an error in setting up the project, this will be reflected throughout the entire modeling

process.

Gridlines will be the most important dimensions that you will extract from plans. These gridlines

will be the corner stone for the project and will be used for all of the models.

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When creating a BIM model, the level of detail is paramount. It is important to know when to

stop designing. Even though the software being used may be very powerful and have the ability

to model everything from HSS columns to furnishings, it is vital to set guidelines while creating

the model, and not to waste time on unnecessary details.

When modeling a component in BIM the following question should be answered: what function

will this serve? Some of the requirements and what should be included and excluded in the BIM

model are provided below:

Students shall model Architectural, Structural, and MEP systems in separate models

using appropriate BIM software.

Figure 7. Chelsea City Hall, William Pierce, Spring 2010

Architectural Model

o Include all the Architectural components, including but not limited to the

following elements:

All exterior and interior walls

Interior partitions

Exterior precast cornice

Curtain walls

Brick cladding

Brick ledges

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EIFS

Corner Guards

Metal bollards

Architectural columns

Column covers

Windows

Exterior precast window treatments

Louvers

Doors

Metal Canopies over Doors

Furniture (in selected rooms, TBD by thesis instructor)

Flooring (Concrete finish, carpet, tile)

Concrete Pads for HVAC Units

Ceilings

Roof

Roofing materials

Exterior Soffit

Interior soffit

Gutter & downspouts

Stairs/railings

Metal Coping @ Stairways

Handrails

Site layout, contours, landscaping, and site utilities.

General Surrounding Site Topography

Concrete Sidewalk

Bike Racks

Planters

Transparent Canopy System

o Exclude:

Demolition

Components that make the model very detailed such as furnishing,

baseboard, cabinetry, kitchen cabinets, any kind of special molding.

Tile on Walls in Rest Rooms

Lockers and most furniture

Finish paint on each surface

Roof Penetrations (Relief Hoods)

Flashing

Insulation

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Figure 8. Signature Homes Office Building, Wesley Northington, Spring 2010

Structural Model

o Include all structural components, including but not limited to the following

elements:

Concrete footings

Slab on grade

Concrete slabs

Slab edges

Columns (w-members, hss-members, ect.)

Beams (W-members, HSS-members, ect.)

Joists

Temporary and permanent trusses and wall braces

Composite floors

Block walls

Cable bracing @ roof

Roof purlins

Pemb (pre-engineered metal building) frame

Pemb portal frame

Stairs

Footing step

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Rebar could be modeled in a single footing as a sample, but does not have

to be modeled in the entire project.

o Exclude:

Elements that are small in the model and can be estimated in square foot

take-off or by count, such as Welded Wire Mesh in slabs or anchor bolts.

Base plates for columns

Anchor bolts

Varying PEMB Frame Tapers (Assumed all typical)

Exact rebar

Figure 9. Sample MEP Model

MEP Model

o Include the not limited to the following elements:

HVAC System for all floors, including:

HVAC ductwork

VAV boxes

Air handling units (AHU)

Diffusers/grills/registers

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Plumbing System:

All plumbing lines greater than 3” diameter (including sewer and

fire suppression systems).

Plumbing fixtures

Electrical System. Depending on the project (e.g. data center), electrical

systems should be included, otherwise it is not required.

HVAC and Plumbing Models should be in the model for collision

purposes.

o Exclude:

Little details such as light switches, plates, and thermostats are not

required.

Plumbing (plumbing lines less than 3” diameter)

Electrical

Artificial Lighting

Superimpose all three models in a single model assembly that shows all systems. Proper

alignment of the models is essential. Establish a coordinate system for this. Collision

Detection and Resolution:

o Automatic collision detection (Figure 10) should be employed using appropriate

software (e.g. Autodesk Navisworks) to find and resolve collisions among

architectural, structural, and MEP components.

o A log of ten typical collisions and conflict resolutions should be produced.

o Identify at-least THREE most significant collisions, which you believe would be

very costly to the project if not detected before field work begins.

Figure 10. Sample Collision Detections

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2.2 Estimating

A detailed construction cost estimate (Figure 11) will be developed for the thesis project. Some

of the requirements are listed below:

Project estimate will be generated directly from the model, by exporting quantities to a

spreadsheet or to other estimating software tools.

Project quantities will be taken-off using the BIM models and priced manually using the

‘productivity’ pricing method (the normal Pricing Sheet pricing method). The QTO must

include but not limited to the following items:

o Site excavation

o Building excavation

o Site utilities, fences, sidewalks, grass

o Building concrete

o Concrete and finishes

o Rebar and WWM

o Masonry

o Steel

o Carpentry

o Thermal and moisture protection

o Doors, windows, storefront

o Finishes

o Specialties

o Equipment

o Furnishings

o Elevator

o Unit prices for the following:

Mechanical system

Electrical system

Plumbing

Worksheets, summary sheets, job overhead sheets and recap sheets must be neat and

legible. They must include the following:

o Job overhead

o Bid calculations

o An alternate

o A change order

All estimating work should be self-explanatory to a reviewer and demonstrate an easy-to-

follow audit trail throughout the estimate.

Proper Excel spreadsheet features such as grouping and outlining, subtotals, and linking

should be employed.

Use the features in Excel to link the data and correspond to them in worksheets, summary

sheets and recap sheets.

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Be sure to highlight totals on worksheets which are carried forward to summary sheets

and totals on summary and job overhead sheets which are carried to the recap sheet.

You will be able to justify your methodology, waste and conversion factors, and all

computations in your estimate.

All project quantities must be accounted for, whether or not they are included in the BIM

model; with the exception of MEP, which can be priced by the square foot.

Estimate should essentially comply with the ‘standard’ thesis requirements in that a

complete quantity take-off is required (again, with the exception of MEP).

It should be known where the numbers come from, and it should be checked that the

numbers are confident if estimating software is used for take-off.

The project should be priced using an industry standard database such as Means or

estimating software database (e.g. Vico Estimator).

Job overhead, industry standard markups and performance and payment bonds should be

included.

It is recommended to have a live connection among the models with the estimate that

would update automatically (this can be done by Vico Software).

Do not take-off demolition work, trees and shrubs in landscaping, lawn sprinkler systems,

fire alarm and/or sprinkler systems, or any low voltage wiringInclude these items in the

bid amount by estimating a lump sum price for each item.

It will be the student’s responsibility to clearly present the information in a format that

shows the accuracy of the take-off (listing each entry), audit trail, crew designation and

makeup, systems/work groups procedures, the pricing according to the current Means,

and proper calculation of unit prices and subcontractor mark-ups.

Develop ‘raw’ (raw means no general contractor markup) prices for all work done at the

project site including subcontracted work other than roofing.

Use reference production rates, crew sizes, with local wage rates to determine work that

is self-performed.

Show subcontractor markup on the final summary sheet of all divisions.

Highlight the subcontractor quote (including markup) and carry to the Recap sheet.

Some of the estimating software includes:

Autodesk QTO gives cost estimators the ability to bring together design data and digital

drawing images. These drawing images originate in design applications such as

Autodesk AutoCAD and Revit Architecture. With QTO, estimators can automatically or

manually measure, count and price building objects such as foundations, walls, electrical,

plumbing, HVAC, drywall, interior carpentry, etc. The results can be printed, published

as a DWF drawing, or exported to Microsoft Excel. Vico Estimator is a model-based

cost estimating system that enables users to extract quantities from Vico Constructor 3-D

models to create accurate estimates and bid packages, compare cost estimate versions and

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perform cost tracking. New features for the 2008 version include Conditional Methods, a

spreadsheet view, cost tracking and a flexible Work Breakdown Structure.

Innovaya Visual Estimating performs cost estimating by delivering objects from

Autodesk’s and Tekla's BIM applications to MC2 ICE and Sage Timberline.

Consequently, it can increase the efficiency of the project estimating process.

Figure 11. Sample Estimate

The following Special Pricing Considerations should be used:

Price all concrete by the cubic yard, brick by thousands, block by each, and rebar and

structural steel by the ton. The only exception is that the square foot/square yard pricing

can be used for sidewalk and paving.

Connection for steel, wood, etc., may be estimated on the summary sheet as an

adjustment to the quantity (additional materials). Use proper judgment by interpolating or

adjusting Means line items.

2.3 Scheduling

A detailed cost-loaded project schedule (Figure 12) will be prepared in appropriate scheduling

software (e.g. Suretrak, MS Project or Vico Constructor).

Schedule should demonstrate your understanding of how the building will be assembled,

and its relativity to your pricing of equipment, crews, and overhead.

The work plan and project schedule must correspond to the project’s cost estimate.

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You must include CPM Activity Worksheets to justify activity costs.

The project schedule should be in bar-chart form, should include a time scale plus all

activities and logic tiles.

Critical path should be defined.

It should be represented in a clear, legible, organized manner, and it should follow

standard CPM drawing conventions, contain a title block, date and legend.

Time-based items in the estimate must agree with the scheduled time frame of the

project.

Each category of work must be planned and scheduled.

The schedule should contain a sufficient number of activities (100 activities +/-,

excluding procurement activities) for the Project Manager to coordinate the work on a

weekly basis.

The sequence of the activities should represent the Project Manager’s plan and follow

standard construction practices.

In addition, the schedule should show procurement activities including the fabrication

and delivery of critical and other time-sensitive materials to the jobsite, preventing a

delay of the project.

Milestones may be excluded.

Figure 12. Sample Schedule

2.4 Phasing Plan Using BIM Models

Develop an interface between BIM models and project schedule. A simplified project schedule

should be developed and linked to BIM models. Each major building component should be

attached to an activity in this schedule (Figure 13), so that a virtual construction can be

demonstrated. Export the virtual project schedule to an appropriate high-quality video format for

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the thesis presentation. Even though 5D schedule demonstrates virtual construction, another 5D

schedule should demonstrate detailed construction such as how lights, sprinkler systems, MEP

systems, Architectural walls, and reflected ceilings are done in a single room.

Figure 13. Sample Phasing Plan in Navisworks, Mildred L. Terry Library, Russell Class,

2.5 Structural Assessment

Include a conceptual assessment of the structural systems of the building (Figure 14 & 15). The

assessment must provide a detailed explanation and identify:

Figure 14. Sample Structural Assessment

The basic structural system for carrying vertical loads. Include diagrams that trace the

path of vertical loads in the structure form roof to ground.

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The basic structural system for carrying lateral loads (wind). Include diagrams that trace

the path of lateral loads applied to the structure. This is best illustrated by diagramming

wind loading and load carrying structural elements for each principle building plan

dimension. For example show N-S wind and highlight resisting structural elements on the

structural model, then show E-W wind and highlight appropriate resisting structural

elements.

Detailed structural design of a temporary structure. (see traditional thesis guidelines).

Figure 15. Sample Structural Assessments

2.6 QTO Checking

Provide an example (Figure 16) of the use of hand approximation to check computer

generated quantities for CSI division-(concrete).

Determine the percentage difference between the hand and computer estimates. Comment

on significance of the difference, likely source of error, and strategy for correcting hem.

Provide a price per square foot cost comparison with adjusted Means unit cost data.

Figure 16. Sample of QTO Checking

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2.7 Job Specific Safety Plan

Project Specific Safety Program provides a safe work place for all employees on the

jobsites. The goal for each project is to develop a site-specific safety plan. See

Traditional Thesis Instructions for detailed requirement

2.8 Summary of Lessons Learned

This items should contain information on lessons that student has learned from doing the

BIM thesis.

2.9 Thesis Time Log

A detailed Time Log of the time spent on each major thesis components by the student is

required.

2.10 Additional Work

Some of the recommended additional work is listed below:

Paperless Thesis. All thesis documents will be submitted electronically on a CD/DVD in

an integrated format with a hyperlinked table of contents. Navigation should be seamless

with forward and backward linking of all documents.

Structural Analysis using proper software application, such as Autodesk ROBOT.

Energy Assessment

o Energy Assessment is a procedure to assess the power consumption with respect

to each source. Basic steps include determining the amount of energy being

consumed for each process/activity and determining the scope for energy savings

and the cost it takes to implement the activities. Students also need to demonstrate

knowledge of the reports generated by the software application.

o Autodesk Ecotect Analysis is an environmental analysis tool that allows designers

to simulate building performance right from the earliest stages of conceptual

design. It combines a wide array of detailed analysis functions with a highly

visual and interactive display that presents analytical results directly within the

context of the building model, enabling it to communicate complex concepts and

extensive datasets in surprisingly intuitive and effective ways.

o The Autodesk Green Building Studio (Figure 17 & 18) web-based service allows

users to perform fast, whole building energy, water, and carbon emission analyses

of a Revit-based building design.

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Figure 17. Sample PV Energy Analysis Created in Autodesk Green Building Studio

o IES Virtual Environment is easy to learn and easy to use, and can be used by

everyone involved in the design process. This is shared by all the building

assessment applications and can be used with your existing CAD systems.

Anyone (you don't need to be a CAD user) can construct detailed 3D models,

perform advanced building analysis and share data between applications.

Figure 18. Sample Energy and Carbon Results Created in Autodesk Green Building Studio

2.11 Presentation

Student is strongly recommended to develop a website for presenting and sharing the

thesis. All documents should be in pdf format for ease for download and viewing, and

for protection of information.

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Provide presentation quality renderings of the BIM models.

Provide a high-quality flyover and walkthrough animations of the completed model

assembly (2 minute minimum).

Results will be summarized and highlighted, including lessons learned, presented to

faculty and students in a 20 minute PowerPoint presentation -/+ 5 minutes

setup/takedown +5 minutes Q&A.

During the thesis presentation, students are required to demonstrate the summarized

results and highlights of their thesis, including:

BIM models

Collisions and resolutions

Estimate

Bid Proposal Form

Schedule

Project photos

Results and analysis of comparison

Detailed thesis time log

Lessons learned from BIM thesis

Additional work

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CHAPTER 3

3.1 Thesis Assembly

Assemble the thesis in logical order (e.g., chronological). Use folder structure to organize all

your files. A complete Table of Contents is required listing the sections and titles, and provides a

hyperlink to each file of the thesis project.

The Table of Contents should show all divisions of work contained in the worksheets and

summary sheets. Worksheets and summary sheets will have a dual numbering system: one

number system for the estimate itself and one for the thesis document. The typical work sheet

and summary sheet heading areas should be complete.

Carefully plan sequencing and dating of all documents; e.g., Agreement, Pay Requests, etc., so

that they are reasonable and consistent. You may assume any dates required to complete the

thesis such as the bid date, project start date and company start date. A project time line is

required.

Include your full name, as registered with the university, and thesis semester on both cover and

title page.

3.2 Submittals

Preliminary

Title Page

Assumptions

List of Additional (EXTRA CREDIT) Work

Thesis Time Log

Project Design & Construction Documents (Drawings and Specifications)

Models

Project Models and their Description Project Estimate

Structural Model

Architectural Model

MEP Model

Collision Log & Resolution

Financial

Agreement between contractor and Owner

Pay Requests with Change Order

Estimate

Spec take-off – can take the form of highlighting important aspects of the digital

specifications.Complete BIM Take-off & Pricing

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Hand Take-off of Division-3, Result Comparison with BIM Take-off & Analysis

Job Overhead

Recap w/one accepted Alternate

Bid Calculation

Bid Proposal form w/ accepted alternate

Schedule

Project Schedule

Phasing Plan using Navisworks or other appropriate software application

Structural Assessment

Visual and conceptual assessment of typical vertical, and lateral load paths

Representative Temporary structure detailed analysis

Job Specific Safety Plan

Additional Work

Paperless Thesis

Structural Analysis

Energy Assessment

Other

Project Photos

High-Quality Model Renderings

Overview, Structural + MEP, Structural

Sections

PowerPoint Presentation

BIM Project Questionnaire

Complete an online questionnaire after the thesis jury

Completing all the minimum requirements listed in the preceding section doesn’t mean an

automatic grade of ‘A’. If all the items are included and most of the items are reasonably correct,

then the student can expect a grade of ‘C’. If all the items are included, and most of the items are

correct, then the student can expect a grade in the ‘B’ range. If all the items are included, nearly

all the items are correct, and one or two ‘extras’; then the student can expect a grade in the ‘A’

range. Significant omissions and/errors will result in a grade in the ‘D’ range or an ‘F’. ‘Extras’

will not make up for errors and/or omissions. Additional copies of the items listed in minimum

requirements will not be considered ‘extras’. Further information about ‘extras’ can be found in

the Additional Work section. Per the University’s definition, an ‘A’ is for superior work.

The jury will evaluate the projects according to “Thesis Grading Criteria” (see Appendix B) for:

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Meeting the minimum requirements listed in the Thesis Requirements

The accuracy and applicability of extra work

The integration of the minimum requirements and the extra work into a cohesive whole

The professional quality of the thesis document

The professional quality of the student’s presentation and defense

The student’s ability to explain the reason and meaning of each part of his/her thesis. (If

you don’t know what it is, how it was developed, why it is there, and what it means, it

lowers your grade!)

The jury will assign a letter grade based on this evaluation. Possible grades are A+, A, A-, B+, B,

B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, D- and F.

If the thesis is grade as an ‘F’ (failure), the thesis will be retained. The School Head will

determine whether the student is allowed to retake the course using another approved set of

drawings and specifications. An ‘IN’ (incomplete) will be assigned only if extenuating

circumstances warrant and requires the School Head’s approval and per University mandated

criteria.

A thesis that is submitted on time but that is not complete, will be evaluated and given a grade

appropriate to the degree of completion and the quality of the work submitted. A thesis that is

submitted after the designated time will be penalized by a letter grade reduction. Theses will not

be accepted for grading after the due date and an ‘F’ will be assigned.

25

Appendix A: BIM Resources

1. The Revit Kid- http:// therevitkid.blogspot.com

2. RevitCity- http://www.revitcity.com/index.php

3. Autodesk User Group International- http://www.augi.com/home/default.asp

4. AGC BIM Forum- http://bimforum.org/

5. Autodesk Education Community- http://students.autodesk.com/