BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING (BIM) — THE WHOLE TRUTH

10:30am – 12:00pm

Presenter: Rod Yeoh, Principal,

Omicron Architecture Engineering Construction

Omicron AEC+ Architecture, Engineering, & Construction+ Established in 1998+ Almost 200 office and field staff+ Head office in Vancouver+ Office in Calgary, Satellite office in Victoria,

BC.+ Integrated Project Delivery focus + Market Sectors – Institutional/Commercial,

Retail, Renewals, Office Interiors, Residential/Oilsands

Omicron AEC+ BIM History

– Revit Architecture since 2003– Revit Structure since 2006– Revit MEP started 2008– 4D scheduling started testing 2009– 5D estimating – trials in 2010– Started linking specs to BIM in 2010– Created roles of Director of Virtual Design

& Construction, BIM Manager, and Virtual Construction Specialist

Outline+ Introduction+ BIM Mindset+ Training+ Standards & Processes+ Hardware+ Integration+ Model Sharing+ Fees

Introduction

What is BIM?1. BIM is significantly more than 3-D CAD drawing. 2. BIM is the process of generating and managing

intelligent building data during the building's life cycle.

3. BIM is a building design and construction methodology characterized by the creation and use of coordinated, consistent, and intelligent data about a building project in design and construction, and even into operation.

4. The key to BIM is the building INFORMATION model.

5. A BIM is a virtual prototype of the building.

BIM Mindset+ 2 Main challenges to overcome in Mindset

1. Traditional Design/Bid/Build thinking and processes

2. Tempering Expectations from BIM

BIM Mindset+ The current Industry process is traditional

(design/bid/build)

AIA IPD Guide

AIA IPD Guide (applies to BIM)

Challenges adopting IPD & BIM

+

BIM Mindset

Tempering Expectations+ Goal: to increase productivity and margins, create a

better product, and increase value for clients – To do this, would ideally have a detailed, fully

coordinated “Virtual Building” from which we can coordinate systems, schedule construction tasks, obtain accurate cost estimates, and even fabricate and lay out systems

– Initially expect a single or linked models that are fully interoperable & coordinated

BIM Mindset

Expectations+ The realistic goal

(in the near term) is that there will be multiple models (Architectural, Structural, MEP, Construction) that can be used to coordinate, schedule, and estimate costs

BIM MindsetExpectations

– The industry and tools have not reached the point where we can have a single model that can be used by all stakeholders for their respective purposes

BIM MindsetExpectations

– There will be some perceived duplication of work in creating multiple models and separate details, but in the long run, BIM will still increase productivity and quality, reduce schedules, improve cost certainty at various stages, and add value for the client

BIM Mindset

+ Cannot work in BIM and expect traditional deliverables (especially at preliminary project stages)

– Information is in the model, not drawing sheets

– Tagging, call-outs, etc. will be wrong, or not there at all

– Learn to review the model, not traditional drawing sheets

Leadership

The key to success is Leadership*:+ Leadership group must share aspirations

– create the current you want to swim in

+ *Credit to Ken Sanders, FAIA, Gensler at AU 2008

Leadership

+ Smart and talented people will surprise you with their innovation – seek influence, not control

Leadership

+ Focus on those who want to innovate and achieve success – let the laggards lag

Leadership

+ One word – Integration –technology/disciplines/partners/culture all have to integrate

Leadership

Emotional Phases of Change:+ Prophets

• pioneers with high thresholds for pain

Leadership

Emotional Phases of Change:+ Bandwagon

• More enthusiasm than understanding

Leadership

Emotional Phases of Change:

+ Disillusionment• Limits of

technology revealed

LeadershipEmotional Phases of Change:+ “The Right Stuff”

• The payback for your investment begins to materialize

Successfully navigating these phases means calibrating your pace of delivery

Training

Training

+ Mix of self-directed (tutorials, etc), internal (staff as trainers) and external (3rd party trainers) training

+ Training must be practical, not just theoretical – source trainers who use the tools regularly on projects

Training

+ “Just in time” training– Provide training on projects when the tool

will be used right away

Training

Training

+ Review knowledge and capabilities of all staff

+ Develop training plan tailored to the various levels that exist

Training

+ Continue ongoing training at these various levels– Production Staff new to BIM– Production Staff with some BIM

knowledge– Project Managers – BIM Workflow

Training+ Architecture

– Train on BIM workflow – how different it is from regular workflow

– Train on creating and managing models to be shared with all disciplines

Training+ Architecture

– Train on using model review software (Autodesk Design Review)

– Train on specification software (Especs) in relation to BIM Authoring tool

– Train on process –decisions need to be made earlier

Training

+ Structural– Train on not just modeling, but using BIM

authoring software (Revit Structure) to generate Construction Drawings – hands on training on projects

Training+ Structural

– Train on analysis software and their interface with BIM authoring software

– Train on coordination and sharing of models with other disciplines & fabricators

Training+ MEP

– Train on using BIM authoring software (Revit MEP) – Initial implementation and hands on training on projects to generate construction drawings

– Train on analysis software (IES) and its interface with BIM authoring software

Training

+ MEP– Train on energy

modeling and lighting (including daylight) analysis

– Train on coordination and sharing of models with other disciplines & trades

Training

+ Construction– Train on using estimating and scheduling

tools (QTO/Navisworks/Vico)– Train on constructability and clash

detection reviews using BIM tool– Train Site Superintendents on use of

Virtual Model for visualisation, site coordination, clash detection, and scheduling

Standards and Process

+ Important items to address– Modeling Standards– Naming Conventions– Content Standards– Worksets (Revit)– Exporting to CAD (you will still use CAD)– Model Linking

Standards and Process

+ BIM Execution Plan– Autodesk BIM Deployment Plan– BIM Project Execution Planning Guide

• Developed for the buildingSMART Alliance by Penn State

Standards and Process

+ BIM Execution Plan– Omicron uses customized

hybridized version of both– Outlines BIM goals and

desired outcomes– Defines what, how, and

when to model based on BIM goals and desired outcomes

Standards and Process

Standards and Process

Standards and Process

+ Model Progression Specification– Standard that defines levels of modeling detail

required at different phases of a project• Level 100 – Massing model• Level 200 – Generic elements shown on 3D – Design

Development, many sizes not known• Level 300 – Specific Elements, Confirmed 3D object

geometry – Construction Drawings, Engineered sizes known

• Level 350 – Fully Coordinated Model• Level 400 – Shop Drawing/Fabrication Drawings• Level 500 – As Constructed Drawings

Standards and Process

+ Model Progression Specification– Also defines Model Component Author (MCA)

• Who models and controls what elements at various stages

• Arranged by uniformat structure (customize to suit)

– Customize the MPS to suit your policies and processes – may be different for different projects

MPS

Standards and Process

+ New modelers have a tendency to over-model

+ Don’t try to model all details+ You don’t have to model everything -

Don’t be afraid to use drafting views

Standards and Process+ Level of Detail

– Define the purpose for each model and model only what you need to suit this purpose

Standards and Process+ Level of Detail

Hardware

+ Get the best and fastest hardware that you can afford for power users– 64 bit, Dual Quad cores, fastest front side

bus (FSB)– 12 gigabytes of RAM minimum– Fast Video Cards, 2 gigs, Direct X 9 (10)

Hardware

+ Flow higher end computers to average users as you upgrade– 64 bit, 4-8 cores, fast processor– 12 gigabytes of RAM minimum– Fast Video Cards, 1 gig, Direct X 9 (10)

Hardware

+ Multiple offices or locations– Riverbed / accelerators– WAFS– Revit Server

Integration

+ Mechanical and Electrical “blood and nerves” are then installed and very closely linked and coordinated with the “bones” and “skin”

+ Need to design and model the building more like how it would be constructed in the field. The structural “skeleton” should be the basis on which the Architectural “skin” is overlaid

Integration+ Team members need to understand what

other team members need and to what level of detail they need it, at each phase of design and construction

Integration+ Using Architectural Models for Engineering

and Construction Analysis– Ideally would be able to easily convert

Architectural Models for use in analysis– Doesn’t work as easily as advertised

• Eg. Converting Architectural Model to use for Energy modeling

• Architectural models need to be created in a specific way

• We’ve found it is currently easier to create the energy model from scratch

Integration+ Omicron uses Revit suite or products

– Create separate models• Architectural• Structural• Mechanical• Electrical• Construction

– Link models together and copy monitor critical items (grids, structural walls, etc.)

Integration+ Coordination

– Low hanging fruit of BIM– Can save enough in change order costs

to pay for costs of BIM many time over– Need not model everything

• Major Architectural, Structural, HVAC, Large Piping, Conduit, Cable trays, etc.

Integration+ Coordination

Integration+ Coordination

Integration+ Coordination

Integration+ Coordination

Integration

+ Integration with Construction– Build Models the way the building will be

constructed• Eg. Columns should be modelled floor by floor, not

continuous• Slabs zoned to match concrete pours

– Allows for accurate quantity take-offs, estimates, and just-in-time delivery

Integration

+ Integration with Construction– Model elements must have information required

by Construction• Codes mapped to CSI Master format or Uniformat cost

codes• Materials and quantity information for take-offs• Elements broken out as required for sequencing

Integration

+ Integration with Construction– Allows for realistic 4D sequencing simulations

• Can tie model elements to scheduled tasks

– Model assembly codes that can be used for scheduling and estimating

• Revit / Timberline estimating / Timberline Accounting / Especs / Navisworks

Integration

+ Sequencing model

– BC Hydro Horne Payne Building (Burnaby, BC)

– Jaguar/Land Rover Dealership (Victoria, BC)

Model Sharing

+ Sharing model with Trades– For information only?– For visualization?– To form part of Contract?– To take off quantities?– Expedite or eliminate shop drawings?– Legal implications

+ Currently difficult (in local market) to find BIM capable trades

Fees & BIM

Fees & BIM

+ Overall project costs to owner should be lower (including change orders etc.)

+ Need to re-think the traditional distribution of Design Fees

+ Construction Managers may require more CM fee, but should result in fewer RFIs, change orders, etc.

Fees & BIM

+ Depending on levels of detail and uses –modeling effort could take more time than traditional drawings

+ Who benefits?– Owner– Contractor– Designers– Everyone!

Fees & BIM

+ Shared compensation model– Overall project costs lower– Sharing of saved costs among entire

design and construction team– Owner benefits with lower costs,

shortened schedules, and better quality

Implementation

+ Start using various BIM tools on projects, but not all at once– Staged process - implement various BIM

components or tools one at a time on different projects

+ Develop and implement methodology to link various models together

+ As use of various BIM tools becomes more successful, begin using multiple BIM tools on projects

Implementation

Implementation

+ Find or develop tech savvy people who are excited about BIM

+ Staff building models have to also know how a building is actually built – can’t “fake-it” like in CAD

+ Process, Process, Process

Final Thoughts+ BIM is inevitable – get on board or get left

behind

+ There is no “Easy” button

+ Implementing BIM is not as simple as some think – can’t just buy BIM software and think you are now doing BIM

Final Thoughts+ Most difficult aspect of BIM implementation

is changing traditional mindsets, expectations, and processes

+ Industry hasn’t even started scratching the surface of what is possible - efficiency, integration & interoperability, facility management, etc.

Questions?