Introduction to BIM
3D facade modeling offers various advantages during the design phase including time & cost savings. Creation of
facade models
facilitates reduction of a number of steps, improving design time, at
the same time retaining minute details of the final architecture plan.
Facade modeling allows architects to visualize the building in physical
space and predict clashes.
Building Information Modeling is the process of
creation of parametric, or intelligent, 3D models instead of 2D
perspective ‘un-intelligent’ drawings. A BIM model operates on a digital
database . Any change made to the BIM database is reflected throughout
the entire set of drawings. Every party involved in the building
lifecycle (architects, engineers, contractors, developers, and building
owners) – will be able to sync together their corresponding database
allowing them to view the model in different ways. This allows seamless
sharing of information without any hiccups.
There are endless number of advantages for utilizing BIM in construction. Some of them are:
- Saves time
- Reduces information loss
- Easy accommodation of design revisions
- Saves project cost
- Risk sharing
- Peak load sharing
- Easy handing over from one party to next
BIM enables the virtual information model to be
handed over from Design Team (architects, surveyors, consulting
engineers, and others) to Contractor and Subcontractors and then to the
Owner, each adding their own contribution in their discipline. Specific
knowledge and tracking of changes are accommodated into the single
model. This greatly results in the reduction of information loss that
usually occurs when a new team takes "ownership" of the project as well
as in delivering extensive information to owners of complex structures
far beyond that which they are conventionally accustomed to having.
BIM enables the production construction documents that resemble those
created by 2D CAD Drafting, but are which are much faster and contain
precise information about structure, quantities, materials and other
data that can be used in both phases— the construction and management of
a building. Using BIM, designers may assess the building design in
detail and locate human errors, if any.
BIM can greatly reduce errors made by design team members as well as
by the construction team (Contractors and Subcontractors) by enabling
the use of conflict detection where the computer actually informs team
members about parts of the building that are in conflict or clashing,
and through detailed computer visualization of each part in relation to
the total building. This kind of error reduction allows for a great part
of time & cost savings realized by all members of a project. It is
important to realize that this reduction can only be accomplished if the
models are sufficiently developed from the Design Development phase.
The Industry Foundation Classes (IFC/ifcXML) are an open forum for
Building Information Modeling (BIM) and are used to share and exchange
BIM in a neutral format among various software applications. GBxml is an
emerging schema, a subset of the Building Information Modeling efforts,
focused on green technology and operation.
BIM in Façade
Utilization of
BIM in Façade industry enables Facade
Engineers to effectively manage the façade design and fabricators to
manage the manufacturing process. This will result in the development of
both functionally and aesthetically superior complex building envelopes
that are crucial to contemporary buildings. From the perspective of a
façade engineer, BIM creates room for a better and more effective
communication of details and quantities of a building among the various
parties involved including designers, construction workers, architects,
etc.
The primary purpose of implementing a BIM model in facade systems is
to solve design issues and conflicts between facade building components
before the actual construction process. This will enable considerable
saving of time and money in all stages of construction process. The core
of Façade BIM process is the transition of an authoritative BIM model
among the various parties involved from which a complete and accurate
set of construction documents are extracted.
Implementation of
BIM in Façade is envisaged in the following three phases.
Design Phase
The implementation of BIM in the façade design phase involves a detailed study of Building Information Modelling
across the construction industry, and of design and manufacturing
process in façade engineering. The purpose of this phase is to identify
current barriers to the application of BIM in façade design and specify
the requirements for an effective implementation.
Developing a prototype
The second phase involves the development of a prototype BIM for
specific application to façade design in response to the issues faced.
This will involve the BIM software as addons and a database of
information that are to be captured and followed. The prototype model
thus developed will be utilized to gather detailed feedback from various
design professionals involved at that stage to inform the final design.
Application to a live façade project
In this phase the prototype is refined and fine tuned and then
applied it to a section of a live project. This will serve as a
detailed testing and observation of BIM application to a façade design.
