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Workflow Processes:

• Programming

  A process in which a spatial program is used to efficiently and accurately assess design performance in regard to spatial requirements. The developed BIM model allows the project team to analyze space and understand the complexity of space standards and regulations. Critical decisions are made in this phase of design and bring the most value to the project when needs and options are discussed with the client and the best approach is analyzed.

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  Process start > Site information

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  Process start > Site analysis model, existing conditions model
  Process end > Program model

• Site Analysis

  A process in which BIM/GIS tools are used to evaluate properties in a given area to determine the most optimal site location for a future project. The site data collected is used to first select the site and then position the building based on other criteria.

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• Phase Planning (4D Modeling)

  A process in which a 4D model (3D models with the added dimension of time) is utilized to effectively plan the phased occupancy in a renovation, retrofit, addition, or to show the construction sequence and space requirements on a building site. 4D modeling is a powerful visualization and communication tool that can give a project team, including the owner, a better understanding of project milestones and construction plans.

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• Cost Estimation (Quantity Take-Off)

  A process in which BIM can be used to assist in the generation of accurate quantity take-offs and cost estimates throughout the lifecycle of a project. This process allows the project team to see the cost effects of their changes, during all phases of the project, which can help curb excessive budget overruns due to project modifications. Specifically, BIM can provide cost effects of additions and modifications, with potential to save time and money and is most beneficial in the early design stages of a project.

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• Existing Conditions Modeling

  A process in which a project team develops a 3D model of the existing conditions for a site, facilities on a site, or a specific area within a facility. This model can be developed in multiple ways: including laser scanning and conventional surveying techniques, depending on what is desired and what is most efficient. Once the model is constructed, it can be queried for information, whether it is for new construction or a modernization project.

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  Geotechnical report
  Historical site / facilities information
  GIS data

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  Laser scan model
  Survey model

• 3D Control and Planning (Digital Layout)

  A process that utilizes an information model to layout facility assemblies or automate control of equipment’s movement and location. The information model is used to create detailed control points aid in assembly layout. An example of this is layout of walls using a total station with points preloaded and/or using GPS coordinates to determine if proper excavation depth is reached.

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• 3D Coordination

  A process in which Clash Detection software is used during the coordination process to determine field conflicts by comparing 3D models of building systems. The goal of clash detection is to eliminate the major system conflicts prior to installation.

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• Design Authoring

  A process in which 3D software is used to develop a Building Information Model based on criteria that is important to the translation of the building’s design. Two groups of applications are at the core of BIM-based design process are design authoring tools and audit and analysis tools.

  Authoring tools create models while audit and analysis tools study or add to the richness of information in a model. Most of audit and analysis tools can be used for Design Review and Engineering Analysis BIM Uses. Design authoring tools are a first step towards BIM and the key is connecting the 3D model with a powerful database of properties, quantities, means and methods, costs and schedules.

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• Engineering Analysis (Structural, Lighting, Energy, Mechanical, Other)

  A process in which intelligent modeling software uses the BIM model to determine the most effective engineering method based on design specifications. Development of this information is the basis for what will be passed on to the owner and/or operator for use in the building’s systems (i.e. energy analysis, structural analysis, emergency evacuation planning, etc.). These analysis tools and performance simulations can significantly improve the design of the facility and its energy consumption during its lifecycle in the future.

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• Facility Energy Analysis

  The BIM Use of Facility Energy Analysis is a process in the facility design phase which one or more building energy simulation programs use a properly adjusted BIM model to conduct energy assessments for the current building design. The core goal of this BIM use is to inspect building energy standard compatibility and seek opportunities to optimize proposed design to reduce structure’s life-cycle costs.

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• Structural Analysis

  A process in which analytical modeling software utilizes the BIM design authoring model so to determine the behavior of a given structural system. With the modeling minimum required standards for structural design and analysis are used for optimization. Based on this analysis further development and refinement of the structural design takes place to create effective, efficient, and constructable structural systems. The development of this information is the basis for what will be passed onto the digital fabrication and construction system design phases.

  This BIM Use does not need to be implemented from the beginning of the design to be beneficial. Often structural analysis is implemented at the connection design level to make fabrication quicker, more efficient and for better coordination during construction. Another application is that this relates and ties into is construction system design, examples include but not limited to: erection design, construction means and methods, and rigging. The application of this analysis tool allows for performance simulations that can significantly improve the design, performance, and safety of the facility over its lifecycle.

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• Lighting Analysis

  A process in which intelligent modeling software uses the BIM model to determine the most effective engineering method based on design specifications. Development of this information is the basis for what will be passed on to the owner and/or operator for use in the building’s systems (i.e. energy analysis, structural analysis, emergency evacuation planning, etc.). These analysis tools and performance simulations can significantly improve the design of the facility and its energy consumption during its lifecycle in the future.

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• Sustainability (LEED) Evaluation

  A process in which a BIM project is evaluated based on LEED or other sustainable criteria. This process should occur during all stages of a facilities life including planning, design, construction, and operation. Applying sustainable features to a project in the planning and early design phases is more effective (ability to impact design) and efficient (cost and schedule of decisions). This comprehensive process requires more disciplines to interact earlier by providing valuable insights. This integration may require contractual integration in planning phase. In addition to achieving sustainable goals, having LEED approval process adds certain calculations, documentations, and verifications. Energy simulations, calculations, and documentations can be performed within an integrative environment when responsibilities are well defined and clearly shared.

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• Code Validation

  A process in which code validation software is utilized to check the model parameters against project specific codes. Code validation is currently in its infant stage of development within the U.S. and is not in widespread use. However, as model checking tools continue to develop, code compliance software with more codes, code validation should become more prevalent within the design industry.

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• Design Reviews

  A process in which stakeholders view a 3D model and provide their feedbacks to validate multiple design aspects. These aspects include evaluating meeting the program, previewing space aesthetics and layout in a virtual environment, and setting criteria such as layout, sightlines, lighting, security, ergonomics, acoustics, textures and colors, etc. This BIM use can be done by using computer software only or with special virtual mock-up facilities, such as CAVE (Computer Assisted Virtual Environment) and immersive lab. Virtual mock-ups can be performed at various levels of detail depending on project needs. An example of this is to create a highly detailed model of a small portion of the building, such as a facade to quickly analyze design alternatives and solve design and constructability issues.

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• Building (Preventative) Maintenance Scheduling

  A process in which the functionality of the building structure (walls, floors, roof, etc) and equipment serving the building (mechanical, electrical, plumbing, etc) are maintained over the operational life of a facility. A successful maintenance program will improve building performance, reduce repairs, and reduce overall maintenance costs.

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• Building Systems Analysis

  A process that measures how a building’s performance compares to the specified design. This includes how the mechanical system operates and how much energy a building uses. Other aspects of this analysis include, but are not limited to, ventilated facade studies, lighting analysis, internal and external CFD airflow, and solar analysis.

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• Asset Management

  A process in which an organized management system is bi-directionally linked to a record model to efficiently aid in the maintenance and operation of a facility and its assets. These assets, consisting of the physical building, systems, surrounding environment, and equipment, must be maintained, upgraded, and operated at an efficiency which will satisfy both the owner and users in the most cost effective manner. It assists in financial decision making, short-term and long-term planning, and generating scheduled work orders. Asset Management utilizes the data contained in a record model to populate an asset management system which is then used to determine cost implications of changing or upgrading building assets, segregate costs of assets for financial tax purposes, and maintain a current comprehensive database that can produce the value of a company’s assets. The bi-directional link also allows users to visualize the asset in the model before servicing it potentially reducing service time.

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• Space Management and Tracking

  A process in which BIM is utilized to effectively distribute, manage, and track appropriate spaces and related resources within a facility. A facility building information model allows the facility management team to analyze the existing use of the space and effectively apply transition planning management towards any applicable changes. Such applications are particularly useful during a project’s renovation where building segments are to remain occupied. Space Management and Tracking ensures the appropriate allocation of spatial resources throughout the life of the facility. This use benefits from the utilization of the record model. This application often requires integration with spatial tracking software.

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• Disaster Planning

  A process in which emergency responders would have access to critical building information in the form of a model and information system. The BIM would provide critical building information to the responders that would improve the efficiency of the response and minimize the safety risks. The dynamic building information would be provided by a building automation system (BAS), while the static building information, such as floor plans and equipment schematics, would reside in a BIM model. These two systems would be integrated via a wireless connection and emergency responders would be linked to an overall system. The BIM coupled with the BAS would be able to clearly display where the emergency was located within the building, possible routes to the area, and any other harmful locations within the building.

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• Record Modeling

  Record Modeling is the process used to depict an accurate representation of the physical conditions, environment, and assets of a facility. The record model should, at a minimum, contain information relating to the main architectural, structural, and MEP elements. It is the culmination of all the BIM Modeling throughout the project, including linking Operation, Maintenance, and Asset data to the As-Built model (created from the Design, Construction, 4D Coordination Models, and Subcontractor Fabrication Models) to deliver a record model to the owner or facility manager. Additional information including equipment and space planning systems may be necessary if the owner intends to utilize the information in the future.

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• Site Utilization Planning

  A process in which BIM is used to graphically represent both permanent and temporary facilities on site during multiple phases of the construction process. It may also be linked with the construction activity schedule to convey space and sequencing requirements. Additional information incorporated into the model can include labor resources, materials with associated deliveries, and equipment location. Because the 3D model components can be directly linked to the schedule, site management functions such as visualized planning, short-term re-planning, and resource analysis can be analyzed over different spatial and temporal data.

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• Construction System Design (Virtual Mockup)

  A process in which 3D System Design Software is used to design and analyze the construction of a complex building system (e.g. form work, glazing, tie-backs, etc.) in order to increase planning.

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• Digital Fabrication

  A process that uses digitized information to facilitate the fabrication of construction materials or assemblies. Some uses of digital fabrication can be seen in sheet metal fabrication, structural steel fabrication, pipe cutting, prototyping for design intent reviews etc. It assists in ensuring that the downstream phase of manufacturing has minimum ambiguities and enough information to fabricate with minimal waste. An information model could also be used with suitable technologies to assemble the fabricated parts into the final assembly.

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