Technology : B.I.M. News

4D BIM finally unleashing its potential

4D BIM has long been hailed as the ‘magic bullet’ for project planning within digital construction, yet outdated perceptions have prevented the process from reaching its true potential. Now a new wave of thinking on the concept is revolutionising the sector’s approach. Mark Chapman, Head of Innovation at Elecosoft, explains

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Polypipe Building Services supports smarter project design with BIM assets

Polypipe Building Services supports smarter project design with BIM assets

Polypipe Building Services has released Revit families for its Terrain PVC Soil and Waste and Terrain FUZE Stax drainage systems. The content has received BSI Kitemark accreditation to BIM Level 2, underscoring the company’s commitment to construction best practice. Terrain PVC, now manufactured with up to 65% recycled materials, combines

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ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions launches revolutionary BIM mobile app

ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions launches revolutionary BIM mobile app

ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK & Ireland has launched its new Openings Studio™ Mobile App, which allows users to manage buildings as a holistic system. Information stored within the app enables buildings to be safely and effectively designed, constructed and operated. Openings Studio is a cloud based, custom configuration tool

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Cambashi: Building Information Modeling (BIM) software market expected to grow to $21bn by 2025

New research data from Cambashi reveals that digital transformation in the construction industry is accelerating the demand for BIM software.  Cambashi’s latest BIM Observatory research data indicates that, while the construction industry’s use of software could be described as being in the ‘Stone Age’ compared with manufacturing’s deployment of digital engineering software,

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Use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) increasing but construction industry often fails correct implementation, expert warns

The use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) is on the rise but PropTech specialist Virtual Viewing warns that incorrect implementation can increase construction costs, cause delays and even carry legal consequences. Recent statistics by Statista* reveal that 73% of UK construction professionals have implemented BIM into their project in 2020.

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Nuaire Awarded BSI Kitemark for BIM

Nuaire Awarded BSI Kitemark for BIM

Leading ventilation specialist for the built environment Nuaire, has announced it has been awarded the BSI Kitemark for its Building Information Modeling (BIM) processes. One of the first companies in the UK to achieve this certification, the BIM Kitemark is the benchmark in best practice when it comes to the

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Latest Issue
Issue 323 : Dec 2024

Commercial : B.I.M. News

4D BIM finally unleashing its potential

4D BIM has long been hailed as the ‘magic bullet’ for project planning within digital construction, yet outdated perceptions have prevented the process from reaching its true potential. Now a new wave of thinking on the concept is revolutionising the sector’s approach. Mark Chapman, Head of Innovation at Elecosoft, explains why the technology is at its ‘genesis moment’ and why it marks a new chapter in digital scheduling and project delivery.  The notion of 4D BIM is not a new idea within digital construction – it’s potential to achieve greater precision on construction timelines and minimise financial risk is well known by business leaders and planning teams alike. Yet despite high levels of awareness, the way 4D is currently being used remains fundamentally flawed. A reliance on outdated ‘2D’ processes and a lack of understanding of 3D models as effective planning tools has meant that 4D BIM has a perception problem – it’s no longer being seen to add ‘value’ to construction projects.  However, this is all about to change as teams look to ‘actively’ use 4D models to plan and forecast, updating as they evolve, rather than ‘passively’ using the designs as a visualisation tool. It’s an approach that, at its core, is objectively different to common working practices around 4D BIM. Yet despite going against the grain, it’s proving to be a ‘game-changer’ in terms of project deliverables – reducing risk and project overrun whilst increasing bottom lines.  2D tool in a 4D world To understand why passive 4D BIM needs to evolve, we must first take a look at the sector’s current approach to project forecasting and its use of 4D BIM. As it stands, construction teams are still opting for inaccurate planning methods. ‘2D’ Gantt chart-style formats, initially form the basis of 3D models. 4D BIM is then possible by integrating project scheduling information, turning 3D models into detailed planning tools.  The issue is that once projects progress, 4D BIM is quickly abandoned in favour of the ‘tried and tested’ but ultimately flawed ‘2D’ format. Should a client then request an updated 4D model further down the line, planning teams must then scramble to obtain a revised version. Previously, this has been a costly and timely exercise – as well as an illogical one.  It also means that 4D BIM is reduced to a mere visualisation tool. Not only does this create unnecessary expense for stakeholders, but for planning teams, it overlooks 4D’s ability to understand construction timelines and calculate risk. It’s 4D for the sake of it – or as I prefer to term it ‘Hollywood 4D’. The process of creating 2D Gantt charts can, in itself, take months, depending on the complexity of the project. Major infrastructure projects such as airports or nuclear power stations for example, require the creation of hundreds of data fields, each containing project specifics.  This ‘2D’ approach also requires time-intensive manual input from across multiple teams, be it the architect, engineer or contractor. This ‘lo-fi’ approach then fails to record the level of detail and nuance needed at each stage of construction. Staying active This is where what we at Elecosoft call Active 4D® comes into its own. By splitting it into two chains of thought – ‘passive’ and ‘active’, the sector is turning 4D BIM on its head. Passive being the use of a 3D model simply to visualise plans once data has been manually entered. Active on the other hand, takes a more dynamic stance and is fundamentally different.  This works by using the 3D model during the entirety of the planning process to ensure that the programme is correct, first time around.  It also allows for a deeper level of information to be attached to design plans, using data linked to digital objects for greater oversight and future gazing.  In the end, it means greater precision around risk and cost calculations as well as a more informed client, who understands the necessary timeframes for completion.  The root of the issue Given that the industry’s approach to project planning and scheduling hasn’t seen meaningful change in nearly a decade, it’s no surprise that widespread project overrun is now standard practice. In fact, a study by Cornerstone Projects, an underground utility provider, found that the main cause of project overrun in 2022 was poor original planning and unrealistic scheduling. What’s more, some nine in ten construction professionals had experienced project delays last year – a rise of 6% since 2016. If the sector is serious about fixing its productivity problems, then methods such as active 4D should be embraced with open arms.  It also presents another opportunity – the chance for construction leaders to become early adopters and spearhead this new, innovative approach.  By doing so, businesses may be able to ‘unlock’ the answer to time, money and risk, which is stifling construction growth. At a time of wafer-thin profit margins, 4D BIM, or more specifically, ‘Active 4D’, could be the tech they’re looking for.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Polypipe Building Services supports smarter project design with BIM assets

Polypipe Building Services supports smarter project design with BIM assets

Polypipe Building Services has released Revit families for its Terrain PVC Soil and Waste and Terrain FUZE Stax drainage systems. The content has received BSI Kitemark accreditation to BIM Level 2, underscoring the company’s commitment to construction best practice. Terrain PVC, now manufactured with up to 65% recycled materials, combines exceptional performance with enhanced sustainability standards, while the Terrain FUZE Stax HDPE drainage system offers two-part fabricated stack configurations designed to make high-rise installations simpler and quicker saving time spent on sizing, cutting and welding loose components. The award of the BSI Kitemark means that data-rich Revit files are now available to designers – making it easier to produce accurate plans as part of a project’s golden thread and to ensure these are followed right through to quotation and ordering. Providing data to BIM Level 2 standards means that Polypipe Building Services offers product performance and specification information that has been validated to meet strict requirements, and that it is presented using standardised templates. This means it’s simple to use, store and share – ultimately making it easier to create accurate project designs.  Carl Brunger- Building Services BIM Manager at Polypipe Building Services commented: “Ensuring the availability of accurate, transparent data for our products is extremely important to us, and we see BIM as a key route in achieving this. We have been accredited to BIM Level 2 for two years and in that time we have been working hard to increase the volume of content we have available to drainage system designers.  “The Revit assets for Terrain PVC Soil and Waste and Terrain FUZE Stax systems will open up access to a wealth of product information to support best practice within the design of drainage systems. It will help with faster building design, greater traceability and accuracy right through to ordering. “With this high level of BIM data available across a key product range, project specifiers and designers can be confident that working with Polypipe Building Services allows for maximum flexibility and product choice at their fingertips, within the convenience of the Revit platform.” For more information about Revit files available from Polypipe Building Services go to: https://www.polypipe.com/bim-revit-files Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions launches revolutionary BIM mobile app

ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions launches revolutionary BIM mobile app

ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK & Ireland has launched its new Openings Studio™ Mobile App, which allows users to manage buildings as a holistic system. Information stored within the app enables buildings to be safely and effectively designed, constructed and operated. Openings Studio is a cloud based, custom configuration tool for the creation, visualisation, modification, and management of door openings. The unique BIM application provides access to complete doorset information at all stages from product concept to product care. Not only does Openings Studio help builders, architects and specifiers develop, design, and specify doors and hardware with live BIM connectivity, it also assists with the manufacture and quality check of approved doors. The installation process and on-site information is also captured, and products are asset tagged (with either a QR code or RFID tag) for ease of access to details and history, allowing comprehensive door-by-door fire and performance inspections to be completed and recorded. The Openings Studio Mobile App is the latest evolution of this innovative software solution, providing a genuine seamless link between design intent during the specification process through to product in service. Users can easily access the information relating to each door via the app, and enable a full and detailed inspection to be carried out. Any remedial work that is recommended can be reported within the app, and users can record details of any general maintenance or repairs completed too. Paul Thompson, BIM Manager for ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions, explains: “The evolution of BIM technology has coincided with the tightening of building regulations within the industry, with emphasis currently placed on the ‘golden thread’ approach. “Introduced as a tool to manage buildings as holistic systems, and allow people to use information to safely and effectively to design, construct and operate buildings, BIM is now an industry staple, with a current adoption rate of 71 per cent[1]. The Openings Studio Mobile App is one of the latest developments in digital construction tools. “It simplifies the collaboration with architects, builders and others so that changes to door openings are communicated clearly and on time, allowing the building owner to define exactly what components are required before, during and after the construction of a building. “The use of Openings Studio from specification to product in service and beyond captures the ‘golden thread’ of information in relation to doors and ironmongery, and ensures door compliance at all times, which is essential for life safety.” For more information on ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions, please visit https://www.assaabloy.com/uk/en, or to learn more about Openings Studio, go to https://www.assaabloy.com/group/en/about-us/our-solutions/openings-studio. [1] https://www.thenbs.com/digital-construction-report-2021/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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CLIVET extends its technical service by providing a complete library of BIM objects!

Only with integrated building design can truly sustainable buildings be built. Clivet, in order to meet the needs of design professionals in terms of BIM (Building Information Modeling) content and information, has made available the BIM objects of its air conditioning systems on the BIM&CO platform and implemented its website with the online 3D cataloging service, offering access to further technical information in a dedicated area. BIM & CO is a cooperative platform that allows everyone to create, publish, contribute and use BIM objects from all over the world, free of charge, for digital modelling (multilingual management, LOD classification, standard properties coordination system, IFC compatibility, etc.). The BIM library of Clivet products, which includes VRF systems, air conditioning systems and heat pumps for the residential sector, heat pumps and hydronic chillers for the tertiary sector and industry, air renewal and purification systems and is constantly implemented, allows the designer to quickly find the digital product he needs, in the most congenial format and with all the information required at that precise stage of design. Andrea De Piccoli, who coordinated Clivet’s BIM project, comments: Innovation and digitalization are elements in which Clivet has always invested, so we immediately took advantage of the opportunity offered by the Bim&CO platform.  The company’s objective is to become the European centre of excellence in air conditioning systems, and being present on portals and within the tools used by designers will allow us to reach a greater number of professionals worldwide, responding to their needs to simplify design and guaranteeing a complete 360° service.”

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Cambashi: Building Information Modeling (BIM) software market expected to grow to $21bn by 2025

New research data from Cambashi reveals that digital transformation in the construction industry is accelerating the demand for BIM software.  Cambashi’s latest BIM Observatory research data indicates that, while the construction industry’s use of software could be described as being in the ‘Stone Age’ compared with manufacturing’s deployment of digital engineering software, evolution is definitely driving BIM software uptake.  “Remote working trends resulting from the global pandemic, as well as government initiatives and regulations, are driving digital transformation in the construction industry,” said Petra Gartzen, Lead Analyst, Cambashi. “This in turn is accelerating a growth in demand for BIM software, enabling the construction industry to evolve from the ‘Stone Age’ to the ‘Digital Age’.”   She added: “Overall, we estimate that $14bn was spent on BIM software in 2021. Despite disruptions caused by the global pandemic, the market growth has remained positive at 9% in 2020 and 11% in 2021. We forecast the BIM software market to continue with double digit growth CAGR of 12%, reaching $21bn by 2025.”  Cambashi’s research data incorporates three categories of BIM:• BIM Design, which includes software used in the design stage of building and infrastructure projects. This includes five sub-segments – architectural design, structural engineering, civil engineering, MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) and plant design.• BIM Construct, which covers software for collaboration on planning and building, such as data management, estimating and costing.• BIM Operate, which includes software for facilities management.  According to Cambashi’s Employment dataset, currently around 200 million people work in a BIM-related profession, incorporating architecture and design, civil engineering and structural engineering services, as well as building owners/operators.  Key trends covered by the research include Building Digital Twin/IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things), Simulation and off-site manufacturing of prefabricated buildings.  Visit the Cambashi website to download “BIM – evolution from Stone Age to Digital Age” 2022 Research Paper. 

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Use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) increasing but construction industry often fails correct implementation, expert warns

The use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) is on the rise but PropTech specialist Virtual Viewing warns that incorrect implementation can increase construction costs, cause delays and even carry legal consequences. Recent statistics by Statista* reveal that 73% of UK construction professionals have implemented BIM into their project in 2020. That’s a 4% increase from 2019 and a staggering 60% uplift since 2011 when only 13% of respondents confirmed using BIM. The UK’s use of BIM hasn’t gone unnoticed as it was recently announced that the US intends to adapt the UK’s national BIM development programme in order to comply with the international standard for BIM- ISO19650. Stewart Bailey, director of Virtual Viewing, says: “BIM has become an essential tool for efficiently managed construction sites, helping teams to create homes that are safe and commercial developments that are functional. Although the industry is incorporating BIM into their sites more frequently, we are witnessing projects where the system hasn’t been used properly by all parties involved. This stops the technology’s capacity from reaching its full potential and can cause a variety of problems along the way. “In addition to construction delays and increased costs caused by poor communication between teams, companies must be aware that any data gap can cause the BIM model to be outdated. This can result in the final development differing from the originally approved plans and building permission. After the passing of the new Building Safety Bill, this could be a criminal offence.” To maximise your BIM performance, Bailey shares his Top 3 Tip 1. BIM Beyond Build An often overlooked key USP of BIM is the array of benefits this technology holds for the future tenant of the property. Not only does a correctly designed BIM structure benefit the construction process, it also functions as an information hub for the property’s end user. Your BIM system could hold all of the property’s important documents such as warranties, contracts and even feature digital home user guides. Virtual Viewing’s clients who have incorporated this in their BIM for residential projects confirm that it has contributed to buyers feeling more confident about the project and effectively boosted sales. At the same time, giving the owners of the property a 3D model protects you from unfair post-construction law suits as the model acts as direct proof of your work and could help identify where any problem with the build may have originated instead. 2. Joined Effort To maximise the productivity level of your BIM, Virtual Viewing advises giving all relevant parties involved in the project access to the platform. This is the only way to ensure that everyone feeds progress updates into the system from their side in order to avoid problems further down the line. For example, if the design team were to develop a plan without considering updates from the construction team such as site conditions and material availability, it could have dire consequences on the success rate and construction timeline. Communication between teams is therefore essential and fully implemented BIM can offer exactly that. 3. BIM Managers To avoid any such hiccups in communications, it’s crucial to have a BIM Manager on board who is capable of overseeing the whole construction progress whilst monitoring all parties involved. Companies often make the mistake of not maximising the use of their BIM Manager to ensure that responsibilities are clarified from the very beginning – a good EIR (Employer’s Information Requirements) document is essential. A good BIM Manager will be able to truly maximise your BIM performance. One of Virtual Viewing’s apps is called SlimBIM2go™; a revolution in the application of BIM. Through advanced model processing SlimBIM2go™ uses a stripped-down version of your BIM model. The clever process and programming techniques allow you to simplify BIM models and make it fully interactive on mobile or tablet devices. To find out more, visit www.virtualviewing.co.uk or call the team on +44 (0) 203 714 8710. *Source: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1019177/construction-industry-bim-adoption-rate-uk/

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Nuaire Awarded BSI Kitemark for BIM

Nuaire Awarded BSI Kitemark for BIM

Leading ventilation specialist for the built environment Nuaire, has announced it has been awarded the BSI Kitemark for its Building Information Modeling (BIM) processes. One of the first companies in the UK to achieve this certification, the BIM Kitemark is the benchmark in best practice when it comes to the production of digital products used in BIM models.  “Building Information Modeling, or BIM, has probably been the single biggest step change in the construction industry in recent times, when it comes to the provision and exchange of accurate information. The possibilities and opportunities this creates is of course substantial and welcomed by the industry. However, inevitably it also means the market has been flooded by BIM providers with varying levels of quality and sophistication.  “This is where the BIM Objects Kitemark proves invaluable to the industry in terms of providing a highly credible third party ‘stamp of approval’ as it were. It’s really helpful and reassuring to our customers to know that our processes for creating BIM Objects are BSI rubber stamped. This means that our BIM models will contain the information required to achieve BS8541-1: 2012 compliance in architecture, engineering and construction,” said Alun Thomas, Engineering Director, Nuaire.  Characterised by complex multidisciplinary project teams, BIM is revolutionising the construction industry by allowing teams to collaborate much more easily to achieve significant efficiency and cost-saving benefits. By using 3D modelling to plan, design, construct and manage buildings and infrastructure, the BIM process means that everyone involved has a central, shared resource of data throughout a project. With the data staying with a project for the whole lifecycle of the building, from plan to final build to decommissioning and demolishing, errors are reduced, and cost control, improved safety, reduced waste and minimal environmental impact are all more easily achieved.  Achieving the BSI, BIM Objects Kitemark is part of Nuaire’s ongoing digital transformation strategy to provide quality products and customer service to domestic and commercial clients, including; architects, engineers and the construction industry.  “We are continuously innovating to provide our customers with best in class ventilation systems for their particular domestic or commercial need. The BSI Kitemark for our BIM Objects process in the construction sector means that our customers can have 100% confidence that what they see on screen will translate seamlessly into the physical product they want. We’re delighted to have achieved this certification as it gives existing and potential clients the reassurance that there are quality BIM certified providers in the market, like Nuaire, they can trust.” The BMI Objects Kitemark also provides reassurance to companies working with BSI certificate holders in that they are expected to regularly maintain and update their processes and procedures to reflect product changes and validate they meet the latest standards. 

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Tridify awarded Epic MegaGrant to develop BIM streaming service for Unreal Engine

Tridify announced today it has been awarded an Epic MegaGrant to develop a new BIM streaming service, enabling AEC professionals to view interactive BIM models rendered with Unreal Engine streamed to any mobile device. Designed to improve collaboration at all stages of the construction process, the service will make existing workflows more efficient and increase the quality of the viewing experience, when sharing large BIMs remotely.  Breaking down existing barriers to sharing large BIMs, the service works with any size of model on any device. Previously, due to the size of data and restrictions of mobile devices, viewing large models remotely made collaboration difficult. Users can now benefit from uninterrupted workflows, seamlessly interacting with complex models from any location.  Tridify’s new service automatically publishes any IFC file to Unreal Engine and streams it to users via a URL. As the model is streamed directly to a device, there is no need to download any additional applications. The service will be available during October via a range of different priced packages and is an addition to Tridify’s existing set of BIM publishing tools.  “Being able to view any type of BIM model on any device, rendered in the industry’s highest quality game engine Unreal, is a major milestone in the streamlining of AEC workflows,” said Alexander Le Bell, Tridify CEO. “The service solves the problem of how to share complete models of large scale developments such as airports, hospitals or shopping malls with everyone, anywhere, without any technical or financial barriers. Tridify is delighted to receive the MegaGrant from Epic Games to create the new service and transform the working practices of architects, engineers and BIM managers.”  “The new Tridify service opens up amazing opportunities for the AEC community to benefit from the power of Unreal Engine visualisations, as they work more remotely with increasingly complex BIMs,” commented David Weir-McCall, Business Development, Unreal Engine Enterprise, Epic Games. “Making Unreal Engine more accessible in this way will allow the AEC ecosystem to understand projects more easily and open communication between designer and client.”  Users can select to combine different models, such as architecture, HVAC, plumbing or electricity, or simply choose to stream a complete BIM model. Future tools will include mark-up, annotations, measuring and cutting planes.  For more information and video demo please visit: https://go.tridify.com/bim-streaming-signup

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