Introduction
Building information modeling (BIM), which has numerous benefits over conventional building techniques, has evolved into a crucial component of the construction business. It’s crucial for AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) professionals to be conversant with prevalent BIM terms in order to remain current with market developments and advance their skills.
By offering an interactive environment for different stakeholders in the project in order to exchange details, synchronize process steps, and visualize project designs in 3D, BIM technology simplifies the building process. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to comprehend the numerous terminologies related to the technology in order to use BIM proficiently. Each AEC professional ought to become familiar with the most frequently employed BIM terms, which are covered in this piece.
- Building information modeling (BIM)
Building information modeling, or BIM, refers to the digital depiction of a building’s structural and operational features. It enables better coordination and collaboration between design, building, and maintenance tasks between engineers, architects, as well as construction industry experts. - BIM Level of Development (LOD)
The degree of complexity and precision of a 3D model at various phases of a building project has been defined by the BIM LOD structure. LOD 100 (conceptual design) to LOD 500 (as-built condition) have been the six layers of BIM LOD.
In order to represent a component’s presence at LOD 100, that is the pre-design phase, the representation uses 2D icons and weights.By describing the components’ approximative quantity, dimensions, form, as well as a position at LOD 200, they are partly specified.By LOD 300, the components have been precisely identified with precise measurements and their corresponding positions in relationship.
LOD 350 defines a component’s relationship to and interaction with the other elements as well as accurately describing an element’s details.
The fundamental details regarding the creation of distinct components are described at the LOD 400 level.
By LOD 500, the model starts to depict the actual uses of components in a real structure.
- BIM Execution Plan (BEP)
A paper called a BIM Execution Plan describes how BIM is going to be applied to a particular project. It contains information or details pertaining to data sharing standards, BIM software, as well as project completion schedules. - BIM Coordination
The method of discovering and fixing design and construction problems while utilizing BIM software has been referred to as BIM coordination. All parties involved, such as construction workers, engineers, architects, and proprietors, must work together. - BIM Modeling
BIM modeling has been the procedure that employs BIM software to create a computerized model of a structure. Making 3D models, including architectural elements, as well as delineating their characteristics are all included. - BIM Library
A BIM library consists of a repository for pre-made BIM elements that can be downloaded and utilized in order to rapidly construct building models, including barriers, entrances, and windows. - BIM Clash detection
The procedure of finding confrontations or clashes among various constructional elements in a 3D model is known as BIM clash detection. Prior to building starts, it aids in identifying and resolving design conflicts, minimizing mistakes, and reworking. - BIM Software
BIM Software AEC professionals can build, oversee, and communicate BIM models using BIM software, a digital instrument. Graph iSOFT ArchiCAD, Bentley MicroStation, as well as Autodesk Revit, represent a few of the most popular and well-known BIM applications. - BIM Support
In order to use BIM software and create BIM models, AEC professionals receive BIM help from a BIM Company. It involves advisory services, assistance with technology, alongside instruction. - BIM Company
A business that focuses on offering BIM Services to AEC professionals is commonly referred to as a BIM Company. It provides a variety of products and services, involving BIM coordination, BIM assistance, identification of clashes, and BIM modeling. - 4D/5D BIM
The incorporation of time and expense data into a BIM model is known as 4D/5D BIM. Although 5D BIM incorporates the expense of both labor and supplies, 4D BIM merely comprises the construction schedule. Project partners can visualize the building process and follow the development of the project in real-time thanks to 4D/5D BIM. - 6D AND 7D
At the beginning of the design process, 6D building information modeling aids in analyzing a structure’s energy use and producing energy projections. The use of 6D BIM, which takes into account a structure’s different phases of existence, guarantees precise estimation of energy usage needs. The traditional strategy, which only emphasizes the up-front costs connected with a project, is advanced by 6D BIM technologies. This method aids in gaining an understanding of an asset’s total cost as well as how funds ought to be allocated to achieve longevity and cost-efficiency.Management and facility administration by building managers and owners are the focus of 7D BIM. The dimension serves to store crucial asset data for later use, including its state, upkeep and operation guides, warranty details, and technical requirements. In a novel method known as 7D BIM, all information pertaining to the facility management procedure is gathered in one location in the building information system.A strategy like this aids in raising the caliber of service delivery throughout an initiative’s complete lifespan. From the first day of a project until the day the building is demolished, everything in it remains in top condition thanks to the use of BIM for facility administration.
- Building Operations Construction Information Exchange
Building data is exchanged between software programs using the COBie data-sharing format. Building operations and upkeep are made simpler by COBie’s standardized structure for exchanging commodity data as well as maintenance details. - Integrated Project Delivery (IPD)
IPD has been an interactive project delivery methodology that entails teamwork among all project stakeholders from the initial phases of the design process until project fulfillment. IPD places a strong emphasis on sharing risks, collaborating, and communicating with all project stakeholders in order to produce a project that achieves the owner’s objectives. - Revit
Autodesk created the BIM program called Revit. Using Revit, engineers, designers, and construction experts can develop and manage 3D building models that contain extensive details regarding the building’s individual parts. - Navisworks
Autodesk created the BIM program Navisworks. Project stakeholders can collaborate and evaluate BIM models with Navisworks, spot conflicts, and replicate construction workflows.
Conclusion
BIM has completely changed the AEC business and has many benefits over conventional construction techniques. Knowing common BIM jargon is crucial for AEC professionals in order to remain current with market trends and advance their careers. One of the most essential and frequently used terminologies that every AEC professional needs to be familiar with is the list of BIM terms previously. You may work together or collaborate with greater efficiency, interact with other interested parties more successfully, and produce better project results if you are aware of these terms. If you need BIM assistance, think about collaborating with a respected BIM business that might assist you in achieving your project objectives.