7 - BIM Based Collaboration

CIVE 3062 BIM Project
Topic 7
BIM Based Collaboration
Dr Wong Jing Ying 1

Contents
• 3D/ 4D/ 5D/ 6D BIM

• BIM Based Collaboration
2
H23BIM – Building Information Modelling
3D/ 4D/ 5D/ 6D BIM
Using extra 'dimensions' of data with the information model,

BIM has the potential to give a richer understanding of a
construction project
–how it will be delivered, what it will cost, and how it should
be maintained
3
3D BIM
3D BIM is the BIM we have looked at so far in this module

-the process of creating graphical, non-graphical
information, and documents and sharing this information in
a Common Data Environment (CDE).
4
3D BIM: 3D Information Model
• model comprising: documentation, non-graphical

information and graphical information
5
3D BIM: Massing Models
Concept Design Massing Studies
6
3D BIM:
Architectural Visualisations
Higher quality presentation materials for approvals,
marketing and even design investigation
7
3D BIM: Simple Visualisation
Simpler models for 3D visualization when designing

complex buildings
8
3D BIM : Design Coordination
Clash detection
9
3D BIM : Compliance checking
Checking the building model against rules

(Compliance checking / model checking)
– Collision detection
– Spacing
– Escape route
lengths
10
3D BIM : Design Documentation
Generating floor plans, sections and elevations conforming to
standards
– Reduction of time and number of errors
– Data consistency among plans upon any modification (no
separate updating
11
3D BIM : Fabrication
Use of BIM fabrication has the potential to change

the industry holistically.
12
4D BIM
• Before staring on site the contractors planner must prepare a

construction programme.
• Programme can be based on many factors:
-contractors experience
-weather (time of year)
-site constraints (noise, access)
-logistics
-material lead in times
-resource/plant availability
-Required finish date
13
4D BIM
• Planners use computer software to help schedule work

(e.g. Microsoft Project)
• Software can simplify the task of scheduling
• Easy to create very complex schedules
14
4D BIM
Still no direct link between programme and drawings
15
4D BIM :
Construction scheduling
• BIM can bridge (link) the gap between schedule and
drawings.
• 3D + Scheduling = 4D BIM
• 4D BIM shows 3D
over time.
• An animation
• Quality and accuracy of animation is directly linked to

quality of programme data and model information
16
4D BIM
BIM Planning Software
17
4D BIM : Benefit
• Using Model information = most up to date information

• Direct Link between Model and schedule = mitigation of
errors
18
4D BIM : Benefit
• Identify time and space conflicts (4D clashes)

e.g. spatial clashes between plant and construction activity
at a point in time?
• Useful to ensure project is safely and logically sequenced.
19
4D BIM : Benefit
• Allows for feedback at an early stage and avoids wasteful

and costly on-site design co-ordination and rework
• Identify and try out potential programme improvements
before getting on site
20
4D BIM : Benefit
• Sharing 4D simulations gives everyone a clear visual

understanding of sequence of planned works
• Can annotate up a 4D model to highlight key points to
others
21
4D BIM : Benefit
• Can compare planned vs actual progress in 3D visually

• Better contractor management
• Clearer reporting to rest of the team
22
4D BIM : Limitations
Limitations:
• What is the sequence actually telling us? Is a simple 2D
cross section actually clearer?
• Don’t just produced sequences because you can.
• Intelligent thought is still needed by the engineer/planner
to think carefully about what and how something is being
built.
• 4D is a tool to help visualise the sequence and highlight
potential problems. It does not replace engineers
judgement.
23
4D BIM : Typical workflow
• Load a BIM model(s) into

construction management
software (e.g. Navisworks)
• Create a schedule or import
data from a programme
• Attach objects in the model
to tasks.
• Simulate your schedule.
24
4D BIM:
Automatically Mapping the Model to the Schedule
• You can embed additional data in the model to create rules

that map the objects to the schedule.
=Increase efficiency by automating portions of the linkage
=Mitigates risk of errors
25
4D BIM : Equipment libraries
• When simulating the construction process,

it’s helpful to have representations of the
equipment that will be used on site for the
various activities.
• Objects can be inserted into 4D BIM

software as space holders.
-Visual reminder of an activity

-4D clashes
• Get objects come from a variety of source

e.g. SketchUp, Online libraries
• The equipment objects do not need to have
considerable object property data.
26
4D BIM:
Embedding Animations in 4D Simulations
• Objects can be animated within a 4D simulation

• Object animations can be assigned to a specific schedule
task and triggered when the task is execute
• e.g. mobile crane that is lifting prefabricated wall assemblies
on site
27
4D BIM
• When using animations, consider what the goal is by

animating the object.
• Presentation for a client might have embedded animations to
add realism.
• For 4D clashes a static object with highlighted zones is much
more effective.
• e.g. tower crane modelled with the extents of the horizontal jib
and radii of the various lifting capacities as color-coded rings.
• While animations are extremely useful,
sometimes the old adage that less
is more holds true for object
animations.
28
4D BIM :
Showing context in the model
• Need consider type of environment the project is being
constructed in.
• e.g. a dense urban environment poses numerous challenges
beyond the site fence than a typical greenfield rural setting.
• The 4D simulation can take into account such items as
delivery access and material laydown areas
29
4D BIM :
Simulating Trades and Equipment Paths
• When working with numerous trades onsite, safety and

productivity issues may arise when too many workers are
assigned to a small area.
• To avoid trade stacking issues and prevent safety problems,

you can simulate the various trades by representing the
footprint of their active work area and assigning a specific
task so the area is easy
to identify when running
your 4D simulation.
30
5D BIM
31
5D BIM
• Traditional way of estimating is to use PDF’s or 2D ACAD

files and manually take off quantities
• As soon as 2D drawing is generated information is
potentially out of date. Also potential for errors during
manual take off.
• The only thing that is current is the model, because it is
producing the 2D drawings
32
5D BIM
3D quantities + scheduling information + cost information

= 5D BIM
33
5D BIM: Types of quantity used
1. Quantities based on actual model components (based on

properties length, width, depth etc.)
2. Quantities derived from model components (such as
mouldings around windows) but that aren’t modelled ( could
be 2D drawings)
3. Non-modelled quantities (these include temporary works,
construction joints etc.).
• The design model will show, graphically, design quantities

but not the construction quantities (unless the construction
phase is modelled in detail). A cost manager still needs to be
skilled professional in picking up the quantities that aren't
solely based on model components.
34
5D BIM:
Ways to link quantity take offs and costing
• Direct link between BIM models and costing

software
• Output to Excel. Create material take-offs in BIM
software and output the data to a spreadsheet.
• Data then used to produce costs in spreadsheet
35
5D BIM: Benefit
• Can visually see the actual spend over the course

of a project with the 4D animation (3D BIM +
scheduling + costings = 5D BIM)
• Costing information is always consistent with the
design model.
• Mitigation of errors in information transfer,
compared to manual take off
• More efficient than manual take off
36
5D BIM: Limitations
• Accuracy of any cost calculations reliant on the data

produced by multiple teams and shared within the CDE. If
that information is inaccurate, so too will be any calculations
that rely upon it.
• Estimators still have to check the accuracy of information
and also interpret and fill information 'gaps’.
• Many elements of a project will still be modelled in 2D or not
at all.
• There will be differences between models in how things are
classified and the LOD.
37
6D BIM
38
6D BIM
• 6D BIM is the linking of attribute data to support Facilities
Management (FM) to provide efficiency in the management
and maintenance of a built asset
39
6D BIM: Data
6D = 3D + project life-cycle data (time + cost + performance)
Once linked into the information model, 6D data can support

decision making:
a) During the design process
b) During the operation of the built asset
41
6D BIM: Design stage
• Using performance data enables

design teams to consider their
impact of their proposals over a built
asset’s lifecycle, simulating
outcomes and anticipated costs.
• Switch focus from initial capital costs
to operational costs.
• Earlier this is done the better value.
42
6D BIM
43
6D BIM: Operation Stage
• With data on maintenance, lifespans and energy performance
to hand, Facilities Managers can determine the costs of those
activities and create spend profiles over a built asset’s life,
pre-planning maintenance activities years in advance.
• It helps adopt a completely planned and pro-active approach
to FM and operation as opposed to a reactive one when
unexpected events and costs can crop up at any moment.
44
6D BIM:
After operational phase
• When designing future buildings, or renovating an existing
building, design teams can hone their proposals by
modelling using real in-use data for that building or similar
buildings.
• As an industry this will create better buildings/ assets
45
• BIM-based collaboration:
– What are the characteristics of the building design

process with regard to collaboration?
– What (common) data environment is used?
– What is the difference between synchronous and
asynchronous collaboration?
– What are BIM model servers?
46
Computer Supported
Collaborative Work (CSCW)
• Is a platform for the optimization of BIM software among AEC
professionals
• Is a product of cloud computing technology which enables these
professionals to collaborate on projects online at real-time
47
Synchronous vs
asynchronous collaboration
• Synchronous collaboration
– Simultaneous work on the
same subject
– Co-located: meeting room,
flipcharts
– Remote: phone call, video
chat, Google Docs
http://www.imedicalapps.com/
• Asynchronous collaboration
– Collaboration separated in
time (one after the other)
– Co-located: site trailers
– Remote: email, internet
forum, Dropbox 48
Synchronous vs
asynchronous collaboration
49
Synchronous collaboration
• Model state is synchronises among

all involved actors
• Locking prevents simultaneous
modification (pessimistic approach)
– Request locking  modification 
release locking
– Open questions:
• Granularity: What parts to lock? For
how long?
• How to treat interdependent model http://http://tutorials.jenkov.com
parts? Lock them all?
– Transactions (database)
• Transfer the system from one valid
state into the next valid state
50
Asynchronous collaboration
• Actors collaborate temporally

independent
• At defined points in time, the model
needs to be synchronised explicitly
• Typical way of collaboration in
building design
• Implementation
– Pessimistic Concurrency Control
 Locking: no conflicts
http://http://tutorials.jenkov.com
– Optimistic Concurrency Control
 Check-out / check-in / merge
 Conflicts are resolved when
merging
51
• Pessimistic Concurrency control

– Example: Revit Central Model/File
52
https://sites.google.com
• Pessimistic Concurrency control

– Example: Revit Central Model/File
http://cdn.hagerman.com/
53
Example: Collaboration for Revit

• Is a Cloud Subscription service that works with Revit®
software to connect building project teams with centralised
access to BIM project data in the cloud
• Teams use collaboration tools to stay connected in real
time using the Communicator chat tool within models.
• Integrated with BIM 360 Team to enable the entire project
team to work on shared building information models.
• BIM 360 Team

• A360
54
Single File Exchange
• Today
– Data exchange using
single files
• Problem
– Local copies are being
modified simultaneously
– Inconsistencies
– Merging is difficult
– All disciplines need to be
involved
55
Document Management Systems
• Document = recorded information or object which can be

treated as a unit (ISO 12651-2)
• DMS = the use of a computer system and software to store,

manage and track electronic documents and electronic
images of paper based information captured through the use
of a document scanner
56
Document Management Systems
• DMS: Features
o All files are stored on a
central server
o Access using the Internet
o Change management
(who has changed what
when?
o But: smallest unit = file
• Software: BIM 360 Docs http://cdn2.hubspot.net/
o View, edit and manage all

project documents, plans and
models – online or offline – to
keep your project team in
synchronize
57
o Video – BIM 360 Docs
Internet Based Project Platform
• Examples
– Conject
– Autodesk BIM 360
• Features
– Based on DMS
– Locking of entire
files after check-out
– Project has to be
https://i.ytimg.com
split in several files
to allow for parallel
processing
58
Model Server
• Features
– Central data base
– Management of Building
Information Models
– Access control based on
individual building
components
– No inconsistencies
https://knowledge.autodesk.com
59
Model Server
• Proprietary solutions
Example: Revit Server
– Is a server application for Revit
Architecture, Revit Structure, Revit
MEP, and Autodesk Revit
• Open Source solutions

Example: BIMserver.org
– Enables you to create your own
BIMserver
– Software core is based on the open
standard IFC and therefore knows
how to handle IFC data
60

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CIVE 3062 BIM Project

Dr Wong Jing Ying 1

• 3D/ 4D/ 5D/ 6D BIM

Using extra 'dimensions' of data with the information model,

3D BIM is the BIM we have looked at so far in this module

• model comprising: documentation, non-graphical

Concept Design Massing Studies

Simpler models for 3D visualization when designing

Checking the building model against rules

Use of BIM fabrication has the potential to change

• Before staring on site the contractors planner must prepare a

• Planners use computer software to help schedule work

Still no direct link between programme and drawings

• Quality and accuracy of animation is directly linked to

BIM Planning Software

• Using Model information = most up to date information

• Identify time and space conflicts (4D clashes)

• Allows for feedback at an early stage and avoids wasteful

• Sharing 4D simulations gives everyone a clear visual

• Can compare planned vs actual progress in 3D visually

• Load a BIM model(s) into

• You can embed additional data in the model to create rules

• When simulating the construction process,

• Objects can be inserted into 4D BIM

-Visual reminder of an activity

• Get objects come from a variety of source

• Objects can be animated within a 4D simulation

• When using animations, consider what the goal is by

• When working with numerous trades onsite, safety and

• To avoid trade stacking issues and prevent safety problems,

• Traditional way of estimating is to use PDF’s or 2D ACAD

3D quantities + scheduling information + cost information

1. Quantities based on actual model components (based on

• The design model will show, graphically, design quantities

• Direct link between BIM models and costing

• Can visually see the actual spend over the course

• Accuracy of any cost calculations reliant on the data

6D = 3D + project life-cycle data (time + cost + performance)

Once linked into the information model, 6D data can support

• Using performance data enables

– What are the characteristics of the building design

• Model state is synchronises among

• Actors collaborate temporally

• Pessimistic Concurrency control

• Pessimistic Concurrency control

Example: Collaboration for Revit

• BIM 360 Team

• Document = recorded information or object which can be

• DMS = the use of a computer system and software to store,

• Software: BIM 360 Docs http://cdn2.hubspot.net/

o View, edit and manage all

• Open Source solutions

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