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BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING A CASE STUDY OF NESPAK HOUSE

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 BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING

A CASE STUDY OF NESPAK HOUSE-ISLAMABAD

Session 2010-2014

Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering

Project Supervisor Engr. Zia Ud Din

Abdul Mughees Khan (Group Leader) 2010-NUST-SCEE-BE-CE-05

Syed Kashif Ali Shah 2010-NUST-SCEE-BE-CE-176
Sharjeel Ahmad Tariq 2010-NUST-SCEE-BE-CE-170
Malik Awais Ali Shah 2010-NUST-SCEE-BE-CE-69
Hamza Khan Shinwari 2010-NUST-SCEE-BE-CE-53

NUST Institute of Civil Engineering (NICE)

School of Civil & Environmental Engineering (SCEE)

National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST)

Islamabad, Pakistan
 ABSTRACT

Although Building Information Modeling (BIM) is incipient in the construction industry in

Pakistan, yet it is regarded as the new emerging technology in the world of construction in most

developed countries. BIM maybe yet inexistent in most underdeveloped countries but such

countries are mending their ways to become more suited to adopt this appealing technology.

BIM offers a better ability to plan, simulate, manage and execute the complete project life cycle

using powerful BIM tools. The main objective of this project is to obtain knowledge about BIM

to develop BIM model of NESPAK House Islamabad and to run analysis such as QTO, clash

detection, scheduling, energy analysis and structural analysis using appropriate BIM tools for

each task. A 3D BIM model of the building was made first, comprising of an architecture

model, a structural model and a MEP model. This all was accomplished using Autodesk Revit

2013 software. QTO of the model for cost estimation purposes was generated using Revit and

Navisworks. Clash detection and Scheduling of the BIM model were done using Autodesk

Navisworks. A preliminary energy analysis of the building was done using the online Autodesk

360 service Green Building Studio to understand the energy requirements and environmental

impact of the building. For structural analysis, Robot Structural Analysis 2013 was used. The

results strengthened the belief that BIM tools provide better capability for planning and

management of a building project.

i
 This is to certify that the

Report entitled

BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING: A CASE STUDY OF

NESPAK HOUSE, ISLAMABAD

Submitted by

Abdul Mughees Khan (Group Leader) 2010-NUST-SCEE-BE-CE-05

Syed Kashif Ali Shah 2010-NUST-SCEE-BE-CE-176
Sharjeel Ahmad Tariq 2010-NUST-SCEE-BE-CE-170
Malik Awais Ali Shah 2010-NUST-SCEE-BE-CE-69
Hamza Khan Shinwari 2010-NUST-SCEE-BE-CE-53

Has been accepted towards the partial fulfillment

of

the requirements

for

Bachelors of Engineering in Civil Engineering

_______________________________________
Engr. Zia Ud Din
Assistant Professor,
Department of Construction Engineering and Management,
National Institute of Transportation (NIT),
School of Civil & Environmental Engineering (SCEE),
National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST), H-12 Islamabad.

ii
 DEDICATION

We would like to dedicate our efforts and this report to all the construction workers of

Pakistan, on whose 'shoulders' stand the nation. They are the ones who bring dreams into

realization and to whom we owe the gratitude for taking on the harder and unacknowledged

part of the job.

iii
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We take this opportunity to evince our profound appreciation to our supervisor, Assistant

Professor, Engr. Zia-ud-Din, for his conscientious guidance and encouragement. His comments

reflected his experience as a counselor and as an engineer; his actions manifested his

willingness to devote his time and energy to help us, by always being available despite his busy

schedule.

Sincere gratitude is extended to Engr. Tahir Shamshad, Vice President NESPAK who has keen

interest in adopting this modern technology. We are thankful to him for giving us an

opportunity to work with Pakistan's premier consultancy organization i.e. NESPAK on their

pilot project of implementation of BIM within the organization. Special thanks are due to Mr.

Kamran Hasan, Senior Architect, NESPAK who supervised our project at NESPAK. Thanks

is also due to Senior Engr. Umer Latif who helped us in structural engineering related aspects

of the project. Thanks and appreciation to all the helpful people at NESPAK for their support.

We would also like to thank Dr Arshad Ali Principal SEECS, Mr Yasir Iqbal and Mr Tahir

Naqsh of ITS department SEECS for helping us provide computer lab which facilitated the

intense computer work of the project.

We are ineffably indebted to Engr. Lt. Col.(R) Hameedullah Khan Shinwari, Project Manager,

Engineering Works and Housing Schemes, Army Welfare Trust(AWT), Rawalpindi, for taking

time out of his toiling schedule and sharing his ‘pearls of wisdom', as a successful professional

civil engineer, with us. Last, but not the least, we would like to extend our regards and blessings

to our parents and our friends who have been a great moral support throughout the course of

the project. An omission of recognition does not imply lack of gratitude.

iv
 LIST OF ACRONYMS

AEC Architecture, Engineering and Construction

API Application Programming Interface

AHU Air Housing Unit

BIM Building Information Modeling

BOQ Bill of Quantities

CAD Computer aided design

CFD Computation Fluid Dynamics

CIFE Centre for Integrated Facility Management.

DTU Technical University of Denmark

FEM Finite Element Method

GBXML Green Building eXtensible Markup Language

GHG Green House Gas

GSA General Services administration, America

HVAC Heating, ventilation and air conditioning

IFC International Finance Corporation

LAN Local Area Network

LOD Level of Detail

NBIMS National Building Information Modeling Standard

NBS National BIM Survey

NESPAK National Engineering Services Pakistan Pvt. Limited

MEP Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing

RFI Request for information

ROI Return on Investment

v
 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 2.1: Construction and Non-Farm Labor Productivity Index (Teicholz, 2004) ............... 9

Figure 2.2: Effectiveness and effort required to achieve technology (Autodesk- White Paper)

(Autodesk 2003)....................................................................................................................... 11

Figure 2.4: Value added, cost of changes, and current compensation distribution for design

services. (Patrick Mac Leamy, CURT (2007) ......................................................................... 20

(Bedrick 2008), (Leite, Akcamete et al. 2010) ........................................................................ 22

Figure 2.5a- The manual estimating process compared to the model based estimating Tiwari S

et al., (2009) ............................................................................................................................. 25

Figure 2.5b- The manual estimating process compared to the model based estimating Tiwari S

et al., (2009) ............................................................................................................................. 26

Figure 2.6: Hard Clash between Pneumatic Tube (purple) and Waste and Vent (W&V, red),

and Soft Clash between Pneumatic Tube (purple) and Fire Pipe (red) (Eric Osterling, Unger

Construction)............................................................................................................................ 30

Figure 2.7: Left: Architectural Model, Right: Structural Model. (Bips 2006) ........................ 32

Figure 2.8: The information flow from the BIM (model) to the results of calculations. ......... 33

Figure 2.9: The BIM (model) and some of the participants of the building process. .............. 34

Figure 3.1: Research Methodology .......................................................................................... 47

Figure 5.1: Awkward projection in basement .......................................................................... 70

Figure 5.2: Misalignment of ventilators................................................................................... 70

Figure 5.3: Extrusion of ventilator in column .......................................................................... 71

Figure 5.4: 4D scheduling at different phases ......................................................................... 73

Figure 5.5: Clash Detection through Visualization in Revit in Plumbing Model .................... 74

Figure 5.6: 4th Floor vertical duct collision with 5th floor slab ................................................ 75

Figure 5.7: Clash between vertical ducts in consecutive floors ............................................... 76

vi
Figure 5.8: Clash between vertical ducts in consecutive floors (CAD drawings) ................... 76

Figure 5.9: Clash between plumbing shaft and HVAC duct ................................................... 77

Figure 5.10: Clash between plumbing shaft and HVAC duct (CAD Drawings) ..................... 77

Figure 5.11: Annual Carbon Emissions (Conceptual) ............................................................. 78

Figure 5.12: Conceptual Model ............................................................................................... 78

Figure 5.13: Annual Carbon Emissions (Actual) ..................................................................... 79

Figure 5.14: Element Model .................................................................................................... 79

Figure 5.15: Potential Energy Savings/Loss (Conceptual) ...................................................... 80

Figure 5.16: Potential Energy Savings/Loss (Actual).............................................................. 81

Figure 5.17: Specific structural type and corresponding analysis models ............................... 83

Figure 5.18: Moment distribution diagram .............................................................................. 83

Figure 5.19: Deflection diagram .............................................................................................. 84

vii
 LIST OF TABLES

Table 2.1: Percentage-share of all tumbling stone in the case study ....................................... 11

Table 2.2: Advantages of BIM Implementation ..................................................................... 17

Table 2.3: BIM Tools .............................................................................................................. 19

Table 2.4: LOD Definitions ..................................................................................................... 21

Table 2.5: Common Analysis Applications and their Comparison ......................................... 44

Table 5.1: Comparison between Model and BOQ Quantities ................................................. 72

Table 5.2: Clash Detection Results of Naviswork ................................................................... 75

Table 5.3: Improvement in Architect’s work by BIM ............................................................. 85

Table 5.4: Improvement in Structural Engineer’s work by BIM ............................................. 86

Table 5.5: Improvement in HVAC Engineer’s work by BIM ................................................. 86

Table 5.6: Improvement in Plumbing Engineer’s work by BIM ............................................. 87

viii
 TABLE OF CONTENT
CONTENTS PAGE.NO
ABSTRACT ............................................................................................................................... i

DEDICATION........................................................................................................................ iii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ...................................................................................................... iv

LIST OF ACRONYMS ........................................................................................................... v

LIST OF FIGURES ................................................................................................................ vi

LIST OF TABLES ............................................................................................................... viii

TABLE OF CONTENT ........................................................................................................... 1

CHAPTERS

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION........................................................................................... 6

1.1 OBJECTIVE................................................................................................................ 7

1.2 REASON/JUSTIFICATION ....................................................................................... 8

1.3 ADVANTAGES AND EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES ........................................... 8

1.4 AREA OF APPLICATION ......................................................................................... 8

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW............................................................................... 9

2.1 BACKGROUND ..................................................................................................... 9

2.1.1 Construction Productivity .................................................................................... 9

2.1.1 Importance of Communication in Construction ................................................ 10

2.1.3 Development of CAD Systems .......................................................................... 11

2.4 BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING (BIM) ................................................. 13

2.4.1 Definition ........................................................................................................... 13

2.4.2 Types of BIM ..................................................................................................... 15

2.5 BIM APPLICATION AREAS .................................................................................. 15

2.5.1 Visualization ...................................................................................................... 15

2.5.2 Fabrication/Shop Drawings ............................................................................... 15

1
 2.5.3 Code Reviews .................................................................................................... 16

2.5.4 Forensic Analysis ............................................................................................... 16

2.5.5 Facilities Management ....................................................................................... 16

2.5.6 Cost Estimating .................................................................................................. 16

2.5.7 Construction Sequencing ................................................................................... 16

2.5.8 Conflict, Interference and Collision Detection .................................................. 16

2.6 ADVANTAGES OF BIM ......................................................................................... 16

2.7 BIM IN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AROUND THE WORLD ...................... 18

2.8 BIM TOOLS ` ........................................................................................................... 19

2.9 PROJECT LIFE CYCLE AND BIM ........................................................................ 20

2.10 LEVEL OF DETAIL IN BIM ............................................................................... 21

2.11 BIM IN CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT ..................................................... 22

2.11.1 Project Scheduling in BIM................................................................................. 23

2.11.2 Cost Estimation in BIM ..................................................................................... 24

2.11.3 Methods of Cost Estimation in BIM .................................................................. 26

2.12 BIM AND CLASH DETECTION ........................................................................ 27

2.12.1 The Clash Detection Process ............................................................................. 28

2.12.2 Types of Clash ................................................................................................... 29

2.13 STRUCTURAL MODELING AND ANALYSIS IN BIM .................................. 31

2.13.1 Structural Modeling .............................................................................................. 31

2.13.2 Structural Analysis ............................................................................................... 32

2.14 BIM & ROLE OF DIFFERENT PROJECT STAKEHOLDERS ......................... 34

2.14.1 Architect ................................................................................................................ 35

2.14.2 Civil Engineers................................................................................................... 36

2.14.3 MEP Engineer .................................................................................................... 38

2.14.4 Contractor .......................................................................................................... 39

2.14.5 Owners ............................................................................................................... 41

2
 2.15 BIM AND SUSTAINABILITY ............................................................................ 42

2.15.1 Energy Modelling Applications ......................................................................... 44

2.15.2 Whole Building Energy Analysis ...................................................................... 45

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY........................................................................................ 47

3.1 LITERATURE REVIEW .......................................................................................... 48

3.2 SURVEYS ................................................................................................................. 48

3.3 SOFTWARE LEARNING ........................................................................................ 48

3.4 SITE SELECTION .................................................................................................... 48

3.5 BIM MODEL (CASE STUDY) ................................................................................ 49

3.6 ANALYSIS ............................................................................................................... 49

3.7 RESULTS.................................................................................................................. 49

3.8 PREPARATION OF REPORT ................................................................................. 49

3.9 PREPARATION OF PRESENTATION .................................................................. 50

CHAPTER 4: CASE STUDY ............................................................................................... 51

4.1 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................... 52

4.2 DESCRIPTION ......................................................................................................... 53

4.3 APPROCH ................................................................................................................ 54

4.4 MODEL BUILDING PROCESS .............................................................................. 55

4.4.1 Architectural Model ........................................................................................... 55

4.4.2 Structural Model ................................................................................................ 59

4.4.3 MEP Models ...................................................................................................... 61

4.4.4 Work Sharing ..................................................................................................... 64

4.5 QUANTITY TAKEOFF ........................................................................................... 65

4.5.1 Quantification by Revit ...................................................................................... 65

4.5.2 Quantification by Naviswork ............................................................................. 65

4.6 SCHEDULING/SIMULATION ............................................................................... 65

4.7 CLASH DETECTION .............................................................................................. 66

3
 4.8 ENERGY ANALYSIS .............................................................................................. 66

4.9 STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS .................................................................................... 67

CHAPTER 5: RESULTS & ANALYSIS ............................................................................. 69

5.1 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................... 69

5.2 ERRORS IN DRAWINGS........................................................................................ 69

5.3 QUANTITY TAKEOFF ........................................................................................... 72

5.4 SCHEDULING/SIMULATION ............................................................................... 73

5.5 CLASH DETECTION .............................................................................................. 74

5.5.1 Clash Detection by Visualization in Revit ......................................................... 74

5.5.2 Clash Detection through Naviswork .................................................................. 75

5.6 ENERGY ANALYSIS .............................................................................................. 77

5.7 STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS .................................................................................... 81

5.8 EFFECT & BENEFITS FOR DESIGN PARTICIPANTS ....................................... 84

5.8.1 Architect............................................................................................................. 85

5.8.2 Structural Engineer ............................................................................................ 86

5.8.3 HVAC Engineer ................................................................................................. 86

5.8.4 Plumbing Engineer............................................................................................. 87

5.9 PROBLEMS & HURDLES ...................................................................................... 87

CHAPTER 6: CONCLUSION.............................................................................................. 89

6.1 REVIEW OF RESEARCH OBJECTIVE ................................................................. 89

6.2 CONCLUSIONS ....................................................................................................... 89

6.3 RECOMMENDATIONS .......................................................................................... 90

6.4 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE STUDY................................................... 90

REFRENCES ......................................................................................................................... 92

APPENDIX-1: HVAC VS STRUCTURAL CLASH DETECTION REPORT

APPENDIX-2: PLUMBING VS HVAC CLASH DETECTION REPORT

APPENDIX-3: CONCEPTUAL ENERGY ANALYSIS REPORT

4
APPENDIX-4: BUILDING ELEMENT ENERGY ANALYSIS REPORT

APPENDIX-5: BEAM RESULTS METER ROOM ( 26 ft )

APPENDIX-6: BEAM RESULTS METER ROOM ( 13.25 ft )

APPENDIX-7: COLUMN RESULTS METER ROOM

5
 Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

Extensive works have been done to make the most out of ever evolving technological advances

in all fields of science, the products of such works are nothing less than wonders, from space

exploration to nano technology, from internet to curing diseases and from erecting magnificent

skyscrapers to building mammoth dams. Technological advances have made possible what was

only fanaticized half a century ago. Engineering fields have specifically seen a boom and their

productivity as well as innovation have shot sky high with technological advances. In the case

of civil engineering, technology has led to the construction of 30-storey building in merely 15

days (Ark Hotel in the Chinese city of Changsha, Hunan province). You can effectively cure

concrete working in Antarctica’s subzero temperatures (Korhonen 2003) or in the Sahara’s

blazing hot weather (Hampton 1981) with the right mix design and the appropriate technology

employed to provide suitable curing conditions. There are now tunnel boring machines to cut

through earth with pace which could have never been imagined before. In short technology has

provided construction industry with amazing tools and methods to build dreamlike structures.

However it has been noticed that construction industry has not experienced the same increase

in productivity which other disciplines experienced due to technological advance (Teicholz

2004). The level of uncertainty associated with a construction process is usually high

(Hendrickson 1998). Limitations in the planning process lead to delays during construction.

These limitations are mostly due to the fact that collaboration and information sharing between

different team members has been poor. Stakeholders involved usually are not on the same page

with regard to the methodology to achieve the final outcome of the project (Sequeira 2007).

Also the inability to foresee the issues that could arise in field such as working space

limitations, collision of building elements, clash of working schedules of different project

6
teams etc. was another major factor affecting the productivity of a construction process

(Emmitt, Gorse et al. 2003). Thus it was the need of time to develop tools which provide better

collaboration between stakeholders and a virtual environment able to imitate the real building

process providing enhanced visualization for the issues which could arise during construction

process. Building Information Modeling (BIM) promises to overcome the above mentioned

issues. It is a process envisaging the complete building life cycle from its conceptual design to

facility management and demolition phases. BIM utilizes different tools for different purposes.

All these tools are compatible with each other thus not only reducing the repetitive work and

allowing focus to be more on planning than on modeling but also providing a robust link for

collaborative work between different team members of a construction project. BIM modeling

tools generate parametric 3D models which possess all the information related to a project

(Carmona, Jorge et al. 2007). These BIM models are imported to other tools for different

purpose like QTO, simulation (scheduling), structural analysis, energy analysis, clash detection

etc. Studies have shown BIM to be a rapidly growing trend in construction industry with more

construction firms preferring BIM (Sattineni and II 2011) and states like the UK encouraging

the adoption of BIM given its vast applications and benefits its promises.

1.1 OBJECTIVE

The objectives of this project are following:

 To learn about BIM.

 Create a BIM Model of a building to do quantity estimation, scheduling, and clash

detection between different building elements.

 To perform energy analysis and structural analysis using BIM tools.

 To explore the areas where BIM can help improve efficiency of a building design

process.

7
1.2 REASON/JUSTIFICATION

The reason for selection of this project is to facilitate the introduction of BIM in local industry

where it is least known among professional engineering firms by providing an insight into the

possibilities a BIM process provides and to bring to light the advantages and limitations of BIM

in a third world country such as Pakistan.

1.3 ADVANTAGES AND EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES

The project provides a document that will help the engineering firms analyze the BIM process,

its tools, work and the benefits. The document provides insight to encourage firms to go for

BIM.

1.4 AREA OF APPLICATION

The outcomes of our project are applicable on the broader scale of construction industry. The

BIM model developed is utilized throughout the life cycle of a building from estimation,

scheduling, clash detection, energy analysis in the design phase to the generation of

construction and shop drawings as well as providing better visualization during construction

phase. The same model is utilized in facility management operations.

8
 Chapter 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 BACKGROUND

2.1.1 Construction Productivity

The construction industry of the world is experiencing a gradual decline in its productivity

since 1960’s while other industries are improving their productivity at a considerable rate. This

trend is visible in Figure 2.1.

Figure 2.1: Construction and Non-Farm Labor Productivity Index (Teicholz, 2004)

Fragmented nature due to traditional project delivery approach, use of traditional 2D Computer

Aided Drafting (CAD) technology and the size of constructions are the main cause of lack of

labor productivity in the construction industry (Teicholz 2004).

Traditional construction project delivery methods like Design-Bid-Build hinders the

collaborative involvement of project stake holders during the design phase of the project. Use

of traditional visualization and project planning techniques like two dimensional nonintegrated

9
CAD drawings and scheduling techniques usually pose conflicts of information which result

in construction delays and inefficiency in labor productivity.

Moreover many researchers and practitioners have identified that poor performance such as

scope changes, lack of proper planning and scheduling, design errors and omissions, improper

management of equipment, tools, labor and materials among many other factors are due to poor

management practices currently practiced in construction industry (PEng 2009).

2.1.1 Importance of Communication in Construction

Communication is an important topic in the construction industry. Many problems in

construction are referred to as communication problems (Emmerson 1962) ; (Higgin and Jessop

1965); (Latham 1994) ; (DETR 1998).The industry forms a complex communication

environment due to its specific nature. Construction is a fragmented and dynamic sector with

a project based nature. The efficiency and effectiveness of the construction process strongly

depend on the quality of communication.

Talking about the construction site, it is the job of Project Manager to organize the information

arriving on site, often it happens that workers are not notified or the accidental use of old

drawings lead to larger or smaller occurrence of mistakes. (Richter and Koch 2004).

A study conducted in 2004 by NCC and DTU shows that 61% of errors made during

construction were due to lack of communication and cooperation (Table 2.1)

10
 Table 2.1: Percentage-share of all tumbling stone in the case study

Weakness in % share
Communication & Cooperation 61
Design Activities 45
Work Organization & Planning 42
Project Review 36
Execution of work on site 34
Process and work control 29
Weather and Theft 20
Access to skilled labor 15
(Richter & Koch, 2004)

2.1.3 Development of CAD Systems

Although building information modeling is a complete methodology of project delivery and

not a technology, it does require suitable technology to be implemented effectively. Some

examples are given in increasing order of effectiveness below:

• CAD

• Object CAD

• Parametric building modeling

Figure 2.2: Effectiveness and effort required to achieve technology (Autodesk- White

Paper) (Autodesk 2003)

11
In the figure 2.2 provided preceding the vertical axis represents the effectiveness of the three

mentioned technologies while the horizontal axis shows the effort required to achieve that level

of benefit or effectiveness. The horizontal dashed line shows the minimum degree of

effectiveness that can be termed as building information modeling. Below this building

information modeling threshold are traditional industry processes while above this line are

increasing degrees of building information modeling effectiveness. The three solid lines

represent the level of benefit achievable at a given level of effort using these three different

technologies.

2.1.3.1 CAD Technology

The gray line in the chart represents CAD-based technology that is in use traditionally for

decades. Drafting can be done using this technology very effectively in fact better than any

other technology because of the low effort required for it. However greater effort is required if

higher efficiencies are to be achieved resulting in higher administrative and management costs.

Skill of the professionals handling data input defines the standard being maintained in drafting,

layers naming etc. Effectiveness in the building information modeling range can be achieved

using CAD but the level of effort required is so high that it is rarely practiced at this level.

Autodesk® Autocad can be referred as an example of CAD technology software.

2.1.3.2 Object CAD Technology

The blue line on the chart represents software based on Object CAD which simulates building

components in a CAD-based environment, envisaging both 3D and 2D geometry and extraction

of data from them to evaluate quantities and costs. Coordination of various representations of

the project data can be done effectively using this technology and can be extended into building

information modeling. However its effectiveness is dependent on user skill level. Object CAD

cannot ensure the achievement of high quality data coordination for the highest levels of

12
building information modeling efficiency. Example includes Autodesk® Architectural

Desktop and Autodesk® Building Systems software.

2.1.3.3 Parametric Building Modeling Technology

The orange line on the chart shows parametric building modeling technology which is

equivalent to the decision support systems adopted in the financial industry. These systems

combine a data model which includes geometry and data with a behavioral model like change

management that gives meaning to the data through relationships. The outcome of this activity

can simulate the behavior of a real life project or system, a building in our case. Some important

features of software based on parametric building modeling technology include:

• An integrated database is generated including all the Information about the building project

which is parametric and therefore completely interrelated.

• Any change to the relationships among objects is seen to show its effect on the other

representations of the project data.

• User can define all relationships in a plan which not only includes the relationships that have

been preprogrammed by the developers but also the parametric objects.

Parametric building modeling can offer remarkable benefits but in order to reap these benefits

a shift from traditional ways of project delivery to the new way of working of parametric

modeling achieving the building information modeling efficiency is required. Autodesk® Revit

can be cited as an example of software which use this technology (Autodesk 2003).

2.4 BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING (BIM)

2.4.1 Definition

The National Building Information Modeling Standards (NBIMS) committee of USA defines

BIM as follows: “BIM is a digital representation of physical and functional characteristics of a

13
facility. A BIM is a shared knowledge resource for information about a facility forming

a reliable basis for decisions during its life cycle; defined as existing from earliest conception

to demolition. A basic premise of BIM is collaboration by different stakeholders at

different phases of the life cycle of a facility to insert, extract, update or modify information

in the BIM to support and reflect the roles of that stakeholder (NBIMS, 2010).”

The US General Service Administration (GSA) BIM Guide (2007) defined Building

Information Modelling (BIM) and Building Information Model as follows:

Building Information Modeling is the development and use of a multi-faceted computer

software data model to not only document a building design, but to simulate the construction

and operation of a new capital facility or a recapitalized (modernized) facility. The resulting

Building Information Model is a data-rich, object-based, intelligent and parametric digital

representation of the facility, from which views appropriate to various users’ needs can be

extracted and analyzed to generate feedback and improvement of the facility design.

BIM also provides consistent and interlinked views of the digital model including reliable data

for each view. This is a time saving feature for the designer as coordination of views is done

through programmed intelligence of the model. According to the National BIM

Standard, Building Information Model is “A digital representation of physical and functional

characteristics of a facility and a shared knowledge resource for information about a facility

forming a reliable basis for decisions during its life-cycle; defined as existing from earliest

conception to demolition” ("About the National BIM Standard-United States", 2010). Building

Information Modeling (BIM) is a platform for data sharing between project stakeholders while

carrying out design and construction throughout project’s life cycle process and practice of

virtual design and construction throughout its lifecycle.

14
2.4.2 Types of BIM

2.4.2.1 Hollywood BIM

BIM being used only for developing 3D models and other features of BIM, not utilizing the

advanced features of BIM. Contractors may use it to win contracts without utilizing full

potential of BIM.

2.4.2.2 Lonely BIM

BIM being adopted internally within a single organization and data not being shared with rest

of stakeholders.

2.4.2.3 Social BIM

It is a more inclusive approach which allows for data sharing related to project plans between

the engineer, architect, construction manager, and subcontractors.

2.4.2.4 Intimate BIM

When the designer, owner and contractors share the risk and reward through integrated project

delivery using BIM.

Intimate as well as social BIM encourages the production of better drawings, reduce time and

cost, collaboratively (Hergunsel 2011).

2.5 BIM APPLICATION AREAS

A building information model can be used for the following purposes:

2.5.1 Visualization

3D renderings, sections and elevations can be easily generated domestically with little extra

effort.

2.5.2 Fabrication/Shop Drawings

It is easy to generate shop drawings for various building systems like MEP etc.

15
2.5.3 Code Reviews

Fire departments and other officials may use these models for building projects review.

2.5.4 Forensic Analysis

A building information model can easily be adapted to graphically illustrate potential failures,

leaks, evacuation plans, etc.

2.5.5 Facilities Management

Facilities management departments can use BIM for renovations, space planning, and

maintenance operations.

2.5.6 Cost Estimating

BIM software(s) have built-in cost estimating features. Material quantities are automatically

extracted and changed when any changes are made in the model.

2.5.7 Construction Sequencing

A building information model can be effectively used to create material ordering, fabrication,

and delivery schedules for all building components.

2.5.8 Conflict, Interference and Collision Detection

Because BIM models are created, to scale, in 3D space, all major systems can be visually

checked for interferences (Azhar, Nadeem et al. 2008).

2.6 ADVANTAGES OF BIM

The efficient and accurate 3D representation of the building parts of a project is the main

advantage of BIM (Innovation.2007). Other benefits of implementing BIM are explained in

the following table:

16
 Table 2.2: Advantages of BIM Implementation

Life Cycle Phase Benefits

Planning  Provide easy and quick alternative analysis
 Facilitates energy analysis and modeling
 Provide easy quantity and cost estimates
 Facilitates specifications development
Design  Improves coordination
 Provide easy information exchange
 Provide auto code checking
 Facilitates easy tracking of design changes
Construction  Reduce interpretation problems
 Improves coordination among various trades
 Reduces Request for Information (RFI)
 Reduces material value
 Reduces Constructability problems
 Facilitates proper equipment selection
 Provide more safe work environment
Operation and Maintenance  Reduces down time
 Provides easy access to maintenance records,
warranties, installation and operation manuals
 Reduces rework and wastage
 Resolves space management issues
 Facilitates emergency evacuation planning
(Meadati, Irizarry et al. 2010)

Stanford University Center for Integrated Facilities Engineering (CIFE) survey showed

following statistics concerning BIM benefits (CIFE. 2007)

• As much as 40% termination of unbudgeted change.

• Cost estimates with accuracy within 3% range of actual cost.

• Up to 80% time saved to generate QTO.

• Due to conflict detections, savings of up to 10% of the total contract value can be made.

17
• Project Time period reduced by an amount as much as 7%.

2.7 BIM IN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AROUND THE WORLD

BIM is rapidly developing among Construction and Architecture Industry. By 2016 all British

Public Sector Projects will be carried out using BIM. According to NBS- National BIM Report

2013, 95 percent people of construction industry of Britain are now aware of BIM i.e. now

almost a common word , 54 percent are aware and currently using BIM, while a very small

amount 5 percent neither know about it nor they are using it (NBS 2013).

Similarly in North America adoption of BIM increased rapidly in the past few years. (McGraw-

Hill Construction SmartMarket Report), 2012 that BIM adoption in North America is increased

to 71% in 2012 from 49% in 2009 and 28% in 2007 respectively.

This rapid increase in adoption is happening because of the following reasons mentioned in

Figure below.

Reduced Litigation and Insurance Claims

44%
Reduced Construction Schedule
50%
Reduced Number and Need for Information Requests
53%
Shorter Time Drafting and More Time Designing
55%
Reduced Construction Costs
59%
Improved Budget and Cost Estimating Capabilities
61%
More Owner Demand
66%
Reduced Field Coordination Problems
68%
Improved Communication Between All Parties
70%
Improved Accuracy of Construction Documents
71%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%

Figure 2.3: Factors Influencing Non Users to Adopt BIM ( McGraw-Hill

Construction 2012)

18
2.8 BIM TOOLS `

Various software’s are used across the construction industry as Building Information

Modeling tools, they are summarized in Table 2.

Table 2.3: BIM Tools

Company Software Primary Usage

Revit BIM Model generation
Clash Detection,4D Scheduling, Quantity
Navisworks
Takeoff
Autodesk
Robot Structural
Structural Analysis
Analysis
Green Building Studio Energy Analysis
ArchiCAD BIM Model generation
Graphisoft Estimator Estimation
EcoDesigner Energy Analysis
AECOsim BIM Model Generation
Bentley
Project Wise Navigator Review and Analysis

Tekla Structures Structural Model generation and Detailing

Tekla
Tekla BIMsight Review and Analysis

Vico Control 4D Scheduling

Vico
Takeoff Manager Quantity Takeoff
Synchro Synchro Professional 4D Scheduling
Visual 4D Simulation 4D Scheduling
Innovaya Visual Estimating Estimation
Visual Quantity Takeoff Quantity Takeoff
U.S. Cost Success Estimator Estimation
On Center On Center Quantity Takeoff
Exactal Exactal Quantity Takeoff
(Jiang 2011)

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2.9 PROJECT LIFE CYCLE AND BIM

Figure 2.4: Value added, cost of changes, and current compensation distribution for

design services. (Patrick Mac Leamy, CURT (2007)

BIM automates standard forms of detailing, thus significantly reduces the amount of time

required for producing construction documents. The general relationship between design effort

and time is illustrated in Figure 3. Line 3 shows the effort traditionally distributed and effect

on it by application of BIM is shown by Line 4. The change in the distribution by BIM aligns

effort more closely with the value of decisions made during the design and build process shown

in Line 1, and the growth in the cost of making changes within the project lifetime shown in

Line 2.

Early design decisions highly impact on overall functionality, costs and benefits of a building

project , emphasized in the Figure 3. This change in distribution of effort is also affected by the

delivery method and contracting. This change is resulting in the change of fee structure of

20
design firms reflecting the value of decisions made during the schematic design and the reduced

amount of effort required for producing construction documents (Eastman, Teicholz et al.

2008).

2.10 LEVEL OF DETAIL IN BIM

As defined by (Bedrick 2008), Level of Detail (LOD) are

“The steps through which a BIM element can logically progress from the lowest level of

conceptual approximation to the highest level of representational precision”. There are five

levels of detail to describe the BIM models, which are named from Level 100 to Level 500:

Conceptual, Approximate Geometry, Precise Geometry, Fabrication and As-built. Different

LOD in different project phases are defined in Table 3 ((Bedrick 2008),(Leite, Akcamete et al.

2010) ) LOD of the models moves to higher level and richness of information improves as the

project progresses. Cooperation of all parties involved in the project like architects, engineers,

estimators and scheduler is require to embed the information in model according to its

requirement.

Table 2.4: LOD Definitions

Project LOD 100 LOD 200 LOD 300 LOD 400 LOD 500
Phase
Design Conceptua Schematic / Detailed Construction As built
l Preliminary Specific Shop
Non- Three elements Drawing/fabricatio
geometric dimension- with n with
lines, generic dimensions, manufacture,
areas or elements capacities installation and
volume and space other specified
zones relationship information.
s

21
 Project LOD 100 LOD 200 LOD 300 LOD 400 LOD 500
Phase

Scheduling Total Time- Time scaled Fabrication and

Project scaled, ordered assembly detail
Constructi ordered appearance including
on appearance of detailed construction means
duration of major assemblies and methods
activities
Cost Conceptua Estimated Estimated Committed As built cost
Estimation l cost cost based cost based purchase price of
estimation on on specific assembly
measureme measureme at buyout
nt of nt of
generic specific
element assembly
Energy Strategy Conceptual Approximat Precise simulation Commissioni
Analysis and design e simulation based on specific ng and
performan based on information recording of
ce criteria geometry measured
based on and performance
volumes assumed
and areas system
types
(Bedrick 2008), (Leite, Akcamete et al. 2010)

2.11 BIM IN CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT

The decisions made by the contractor directly influence the progress and cost of a project. As

much as 30% of the cost of construction is wasted in the field due to coordination errors, wasted

material, and labor inefficiencies and other problems in the current construction practice

(CURT 2002). BIM reduces above mentioned inefficiencies consequently enhancing the

productivity and decreasing the cost of the project. According to (Gallaher, O'Connor et al.

2004), the estimated “cost of inadequate interoperability in the U.S. capital facilities industry

is $15.8 billion per year” and the AEC industry are targeting to reduce this $15.8 billion losses

by providing a more integrated project life-cycle. The utilization of BIM in scheduling,

estimating and project controls to increase efficiency of a plan is described as follows:

22
2.11.1 Project Scheduling in BIM

Project scheduling is the linking of a BIM model to a schedule which simulates the progress of

a project in 3D environment as the project progress in accordance with the schedule baseline.

A wide collection of software tools is available for user to pick from and carry out 4D project

scheduling using BIM through different techniques. They are:

i) Manual method using 3D or 2D tools

ii) Built-in 4D features in a 3D or BIM tool

iii) Export 3D/BIM to 4D tool and import schedule.

The two main 4D scheduling methods will be discussed in this following section

i) Built-in 4D features in a 3D or BIM tool

ii) Export 3D/BIM to 4D tool and import schedule.

2.11.1.1 4D Scheduling Method

In this method a parameter is assigned to a BIM object called phase. A BIM object may be

assigned existing and new construction phase for renovation projects, demolished phase for

temporary construction as a parameter thus classifying different BIM objects according to the

phase assigned to them. The basic timeline of a project can also be defined during designing

which requires a built in scheduling tool in design software. In Autodesk Revit Architecture™,

under the project phase’s tab the above mentioned phases or basic timeline can be defined and

assigned to the BIM objects which generates a breakdown of project phases once the model

is completed. Filters can also be applied, under the phase filter tab which will only show the

objects associated with the filtered phase(s). This method is however used for basic project

phasing since date and time are not assigned to the said phases. For more precise scheduling,

schedules generated by tools such as primavera are incorporated into the model (Jiang 2011).

23
2.11.1.2 Export 3D BIM to 4D tool and import schedule

In this method the 3D BIM Model and the schedule generated by a non BIM tool like primavera

are imported into the BIM software tool and then interlinking of the 3D model and schedules

is done generating a 4D model. In some BIM software tools, there is also a built in tool to

define the schedule in-house.

The advantages of such a 4D model are:

 It can simulate the project status at different points in time.

 Better communication between Contractors and other stakeholders based on the

projected project progress (Eastman, Teicholz et al. 2008).

 It allows for rapid updates to the project process (Hwang and Liu 2010).

 Space for dumping of material and storing equipment can be determined because of the

virtual 4D model during different project phases (Jiang 2011).

2.11.2 Cost Estimation in BIM

Decision making in any project is solely dependent upon cost and environmental impacts. Both

of these factors require quantities of the material being used in the project. Considering the

dynamic nature of such construction projects, accurate quantities are required in a timely

manner.

Traditionally, estimators used the 2D drawing sheets to perform the quantity takeoff. Alder

(2006) described the challenges of this method as follows: “Unfortunately for large

projects, manual takeoff can be a very time consuming and tedious task. An estimator must use

a well-organized systematic method of takeoff to avoid missing or double counting items. An

estimator must also take special care when transferring measurements to their ledger by

verifying that each measurement is recorded correctly. Additionally, the ledger must be

24
organized in a way that when changes occur or measurements must be verified the estimator

can easily review the calculations performed” (Alder, 2006).

Using BIM technology quantity takeoffs can be generated directly from the model. The most

effective thing about this process is that the information remains consistent throughout the

project and the changes can be accommodated easily. BIM has the capability to support

complete project lifecycle and can be beneficial for the integration of costing efforts throughout

the project phases. The different phases of the project determines what type of information is

required in a model and type of cost estimate needed i-e from high level schematic drawings

during the pre-programming stage to the detailed working drawings as construction is about to

start, the data can easily be extracted out from the model saving a lot of hectic calculations and

time consumed (Sabol 2008).

Figure 2.5a- The manual estimating process compared to the model based estimating

Tiwari S et al., (2009)

25
 Figure 2.5b- The manual estimating process compared to the model based estimating

Tiwari S et al., (2009)

2.11.3 Methods of Cost Estimation in BIM

As BIM tools generate a model that is object based and coordinated with parametric functions,

it is convenient to quantify the objects used in BIM model with less inefficiencies. The QTO

process is also enhanced saving 50% to 80% of an estimator’s time on a project (Rundell 2006)

BIM can be used in three ways for cost estimation namely:

 Export quantities to estimating software

 Link the BIM tool directly to the estimating software

 Use a BIM quantity takeoff tool (Jiang 2011)

2.11.3.1 Export Quantities to Estimating Software

Once BIM model has been completed and the quantities have been extracted off the model, the

QTO data can then be exported to an external database such as Microsoft Excel for estimation.

26
This method needs standardization and efficient setup to obtain reliable quantities of the model

so that more accurate QTO lists are created (Jiang 2011).

2.11.3.2 Directly link BIM Components to Estimating Software

A BIM model can be directly linked to a built in or external tool for quantifying the objects

and estimating the costs. Many software tools provide capabilities to generate QTO data

directly off the Model without having to first quantifying the data and then importing the data

to a third party estimating tool (Jiang 2011).

2.11.3.3 Quantity Takeoff Tool

Another method for estimating in BIM is to use a BIM tool specifically designed for cost

estimation. Users can easily carry out QTO process without requiring to learn all of the features

in a given BIM tool. After assembling the data in a BIM tool, the dimensional data can be

transferred to the QTO list for further pricing. The simulation of the objects being taken off

reduces the chances of estimator missing out on items, thus producing an accurate estimate

with insignificant effort. Also, when a change is made in the model, the estimated quantities

are automatically updated (Khemlani 2006).

2.12 BIM AND CLASH DETECTION

In the construction business, members need to work together to effectively complete a venture.

In numerous ventures, the members create their outlines as indicated by the accompanying

request. The architect creates a few designs focused around the necessities of the owner. After

the owner picks and endorses one plan, a structural specialist creates a structural framework

which compares to the architectural design. At the point when these two framework plans are

prepared, the establishment counsel creates an establishment framework plan which

incorporates with the other two system designs.

27
As indicated by Plume, J. also J. Mitchell (2007), numerous system coordination issues emerge

on the grounds that members create their design independently and have an individual

centering. Along these lines, customarily, work preparators think about and control the

distinctive specialty plans for clash circumstances. As a rule, work preparators are in charge of

the planning exercises for the execution arrange as structuring contract with foremen, buying

materials, and guaranteeing a great coordination and gathering request of the diverse

frameworks of an undertaking. As per Khanzode et al (2006), guaranteeing a great coordination

by analyzing and controlling drawings is an awkward procedure, in which work preparators

effectively make disappointments since they don't have a reasonable diagram of the outlines

and their coordination identified with one another. Missed clash circumstances between diverse

frameworks in the outline stage, bring about change requests which cost a great deal of cash

and reason delay.

A Building Information Model gives a finer visualization by consolidating the strength

framework plans in one 3D model. This makes it less demanding for preparators to contrast the

distinctive forte systems to attain a great framework coordination. BIM organizers can utilize

the Navisworks Clash Detective device to lead a Clash Detection to understand a great

framework coordination.

2.12.1 The Clash Detection Process

Throughout a Clash Detection, work preparators utilizing 2D drawings, and BIM facilitators

in the event of 3D Designs, look at the different plans for clashes. In both cases, not all clashes

are applicable to discover, however clashes which cause change requests throughout the

execution stage, work preparators/BIM organizers must find. An important clash is a clash

which happens between no less than two components and brings about a change request in the

execution stage, on the off chance that the BIM organizer does not locate the clash, and/or the

capable member does not settle the clash. To discover these pertinent clashes, work preparators

28
and BIM organizers center at focuses in the plans where distinctive frameworks meddle with

one another.

These clashes will result in change requests which postpone the task and cost additional cash.

Regularly, project coordinators recognize these clashes past the point of no return, and need to

illuminate the clash in situ. In addition to postponement and additional expenses, these

pressurized choices bring about unsatisfied results. Hence it is important for work preparators

and BIM organizers to evade these clashes by discovering them throughout the design stage

leading a Clash Detection. In the wake of discovering the significant clashes, work preparators

and BIM facilitators can give forte members the task to modify their design at the crash area.

(S. Gijezen, T. Hartmann, N. Buursema and H. Hendriks)

2.12.2 Types of Clash

Some BIM organizers utilize the expression "clash" to allude comprehensively to one of a few

sorts of spatial clashes uncovered in a BIM, that is, they portray the clash focused around the

way of its presence. Case in point, they separate 'hard clashes' from 'soft clashes,' and 'time

clashes' (e.g., Mangan 2010). Other BIM facilitators highlight clashes focused around their

presence, as well as focused around the procedure used to follow up on them. For instance,

Gijezen et al. (2010) utilize a work breakdown structure and characterize 'important crashes' as

those that prompt change requests. Whichever is the situation, clashes point at conflicts that

request the consideration of last designers and, as required, likewise of others in the venture

conveyance process.

A description of the terms used for types of clashes is as follows

• A 'hard clash' alludes to one building part physically yet unintentionally entering an alternate

building segment; that is, two (there could be more) segments seek the same physical space

29
(volume). Figure 2.6 outlines a hard clash between pneumatic tube (purple) and waste and vent

(W&v, red).

• A 'soft clash' (otherwise known as a 'clearance clash') alludes to parts (subsystems) that are

closer than a certain separation (a base leeway) from each other (e.g., separation in-between

outer cylindrical surfaces of two funnels). Figure 2.6 shows a delicate clash between pneumatic

tube (purple) and blaze funnel (red).

• A 'time clash' alludes to spatial difficulties (segments conceivably involving the same space)

expected when considering constructability or operability of the office. A time clash may be

displayed as a sort of freedom necessity, however one that has a worldly part.

Figure 2.6: Hard Clash between Pneumatic Tube (purple) and Waste and Vent (W&V,

red), and Soft Clash between Pneumatic Tube (purple) and Fire Pipe (red) (Eric

Osterling, Unger Construction)

30
2.13 STRUCTURAL MODELING AND ANALYSIS IN BIM

2.13.1 Structural Modeling

The Architects generally concentrate on the creative statement of the structure and the

association between the structure and the environment in every sense. Some structural

components may be shown in the architect’s design but they do not hold associated structural

data.

Modelers develop a model working with space, mass surface and shapes which implies they

work with articles in an alternate path as compared to engineers who work with structural

elements of a model in the structural modeling (Robinson, 2007).

Structural Model being a subset of BIM can contain vital data for structural engineers i.e. loads,

load combinations, geometry, boundary conditions, material properties, sectional properties,

etc. As a result Structural model could be utilized for structural analysis and for drawing and

report creation (Robinson, 2007).

An illustration of the contrast between Architectural Model and Structural Model is indicated

in Figure 2.7. The Architectural Model incorporates data about geometry, rooms and area of

openings which e.g. is significant to the architect. Further, data about the general ornamentation

and the introduction of the building which e.g. is important to the HVAC specialist is

incorporated. Extra, data about non-structural components and materials which e.g. is

applicable to the structural specialist is incorporated. In the structural model, data about the

framework, structural components, quality parameters etc. are incorporated. This data is

included by the structural designer and is just significant to the structural engineer.

31
 Figure 2.7: Left: Architectural Model, Right: Structural Model. (Bips 2006)

2.13.2 Structural Analysis

The Architectural Model– holding data from numerous members of the building procedure –

is given over to the structural engineer, e.g. through the IFC position. In the Structural

Modeling programming the engineer can relegate pertinent data to the model. This could be

particular data about e.g. geometry, material properties, burdens and limit conditions, which

e.g. the architect did not characterize. From the Structural Modeling programming the specialist

can perform structural examination through structural BIM instruments.

The data streams from the BIM (model) to the aftereffects of the computations are

demonstrated in Figure 2.8 where Architectural Model is referred to by the BIM (model), S-

BIM refers to the structural BIM modeling, FEM is the analysis software while Results might

be coefficients of use and deflections etc.

In Figure 2.8 the procedure with structural add-on tools is indicated in the top. This procedure

gives the most run data stream from Structural Modeling to the results. The procedure with an

immediate connection is indicated in the middle and the methodology with a indirect

32
connection e.g. by means of IFC is indicated in the bottom. These techniques hold an additional

step contrasted with the methodology with the add-on tools

In the incorporated design process the progressions to the structure acquired from the

consequences of the structural analysis are upgraded in the Structural Model and thus in the

fundamental model. In connection to Figure 2.8 separate sorts of softwares might be utilized

as a part of the distinctive stages. Cases of Structural Modeling softwares are Tekla Structures

and Autodesk Revit Structure.

Samples of FEM software which might be utilized for analysis and design within connection

to BIM are Bentley Staadpro and Autodesk Robot Structural Analysis. In this undertaking

Autodesk Robot Structural Analysis Professional 2013 [autodesk, 2010b] is utilized. The

reason behind this choice is that there is an immediate connection from Revit Structure to Robot

Structural Analysis. Utilizing Robot Structural Analysis makes it conceivable to test both this

immediate connection and the roundabout connection.

Figure 2.8: The information flow from the BIM (model) to the results of calculations.

33
2.14 BIM & ROLE OF DIFFERENT PROJECT STAKEHOLDERS

What can be deduced from BIM model is basically a well-coordinated method of keeping all

the processes coordinated i.e. engineering, designing and developing and essentially

maintaining a building focused around the Building Information Model. It can be stated safely

that the Building Information Model needs to be developed in order to use the model as a

procedure. After the development of the procedure, the model can be used as part of the

traditional workplace culture for the different people involved in the building process, as shown

in Figure 2.9. This interpretation of the Building Information model is put forward as ‘BIM as

a vision’ by Coenders (2009).

Figure 2.9: The BIM (model) and some of the participants of the building process.

There are many benefits of utilizing the Building Information Model in the workplace since it

leads to better cooperation and coordination between the people working on a project which

results in a smoother flow of work. Another major benefit is that there is less repetition i.e. the

same data isn’t entered multiple times. This is basically because instead of cluttered data that

is provided by all the members, the raw data is fed into a typical model. Utilization of the

Building Information Model also leads to minimization of errors that appear in the form of

construction and design failures. Different fields of engineering all have varying models, i.e.

there could be models focusing on components related to structure, or those that are primarily

34
used in mechanical or electrical engineering related fields, models that are made to analyze

ventilation systems or models that are used for environmental design and so on. In the Building

Information Model application, designers and sketchers cooperate and since all the parts of the

various orders are brought together, the number of errors (relating to construction and design)

are marginally reduced since all the components that ‘clash’ are easy to spot and mistakes are

easy to rectify there and then. ‘BIM as a software technology’ is also put forth by Coenders

(2009) and there it is inferred that the state of programming that is currently being used is a far

cry from the vision and the current requisitions are over simplified.

2.14.1 Architect

Architects have picked up the value of Building Information Model in ways that are

quantifiable and that improve the final outcome. Productivity is increased exponentially since

there is less clutter and less repetition and designers spend less time rekeying information or

coordinating and dealing with any apprehensions that the team members might have. The

model essentially creates a new dimension for the designers and increases interaction and

creativity at all levels. The Building Information Model was initially recognized only as a

program used for design but with increased usage and awareness, the architects have realized

that there is a growing need for more and more team members to use the model.

Architects have realized that BIM leads to efficiency. Through the Building Information Model

there is vast improvement in the management and coordination of documents and drawings.

There is substantial time conservation since the processes are simplified and efficient and that

leads to increased creativity since they have to spend minimal time on making and analyzing

various documents and reports. When the work flows down the process chain, there are

minimal errors and that get passed down, and since all the information is made available to all

parties through the model, there are minimum requests for information and less hassle.

35
The primary benefit that architects derived from the BIM was that they could improve their

return on investment through its application. 74% architects report that this factor is more

important than all the other ones (Construction 2009).

Communication of a vision or an idea is the most important part of an architect’s job. After

coming up with a creative idea, they have to sell that idea to the client and then be a part of the

execution in order to transform the idea into reality.

BIM helps present and visualize the various designs which is one of the major selling points of

the model. There are various models that serve that criteria but the 3 Dimensional aspect of the

model sets it apart and creates unparalleled value.

It has been said by various architects that:

■ Through BIM there is better communication in the case of more than one party, there

is better comprehension through the three dimensional visualization; and it has been

realized as one of the best ways to see the ROI. Seventy nine percent architects rate this

aspect as very significant.

■ Through BIM there is an improvement in the collective overall understanding of the

design intent and since there is more understanding, more value is derived. Sixty five

percent architects rate this dimension as highly significant (Construction 2009).

2.14.2 Civil Engineers

In addition to Architects, BIM is also highly beneficial for Civil Engineers. It is the belief of

many that application of the model can prove beneficial in many ways since successful

application can give them an edge with respect to the competition, as it is easier to report

challenges and improve processes. Incomplete or flawed software leads to issues arising that

create chaos, thereby reducing value. Many engineers, who are not proficient in the application

have reported flaws in the model and also that there is no application of it in their work.
36
Engineers that are proficient in BIM know that they can add value to the overall project due to

increased efficiency, creativity and accuracy. They, who have the ability to add value to a

project know that they have acquired a skill that will help the project in terms of both the short

run and the long run and helps them compete.

It has been said by Engineers:

 BIM helps to market business to potential clientele. Forty three percent view this aspect

as highly important.

 BIMhelps in providing new services – Thirty eight percent see this aspect as highly

important.

 Positive ROI is determined mainly by a significantly positive influence on marketing.

For Engineers the equation is crystal clear. More problems, less efficiency and less

profit. Less problem, more efficiency and more profit.

 BIM significantly minimizes the errors in documentation and this benefit is ranked at

third most important.

 BIM also results in minimal conflicts and digression during the actual constructing of

the building.

To maximize the value derivation from the Building Information Model, engineers have to

realize the importance of improvements in softwares and their inter-operability

The major aspects that maximize the ability of the engineers to realize the benefits of the

business are:

 Improvements in inter-operability of different software applications. 83% ranked this

factor as vital.

 Improvements in the functions of the Building Information Model. 78% rated this factor

as vital.

37
  Building Information Model Deliverables that are clearly defined are rated as an

important factor by 65% of the engineers

Tasks that provide the most benefits through BIM:

 Presenting the architectural design and helping others visualize it

 Analysis of the Structure

 Spatial Coordination

Factors of the project that may affect the value derived:

 The level of complexity in the project

 Design professionals that are proficient in the usage of BIM

 Inter-operability b/w software applications being used by different group members

(Construction 2009).

2.14.3 MEP Engineer

The MEP engineers i.e. engineers belonging to the mechanical, electrical and plumbing

disciplines are involved hands on the in project since they have to study the planning and

construction in minute detail.

In the 2008 SmartMarket report pertaining to the BIM, research led to the knowledge that a

large number of BIM users use it to make models of ventilation systems, duct systems, diffusers

while twenty percent used it to model energy conservation control and management systems.

Only a tiny percentage of electrical engineers used the BIM to model elements.

MEP engineers who are proficient in the use of BIM also recognize that the model can lead to

distinct competitive advantage.

The benefits derived from the model for the MEP engineers are:

38
  The BIM helps in marketing business to potential clientele

 It helps in providing new service offerings

 The mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineers realize the benefits of cost

estimation more than engineers or people from other disciplines

 Similar to the other engineers, the MEP engineers rate the presenting of the architectural

design through superior visualization as one of the top benefits provided by the

Business Information Model.

2.14.4 Contractor

Since contractors are mostly deeply involved with the project, they get to see the major benefits

that the Building Information Model provides. Since the major chunk of cost is associated with

the initial construction phase, the contractors can easily see the benefits that the BIM provides

in terms of cost and time savings. Since through BIM the sequence of activities is planned out

thoroughly, and clashes are minimized, changes that come up in construction are also

minimized and that consequently leads to no errors as far as the budgets and scheduling is

concerned.

Change is normally preached but when there are changes made during construction it means

major setbacks and setbacks in construction mean money wastage. Scheduling and budgeting

has to be re done according to the changes and that brings the whole process to a halt.

Contractors have realized that the model leads to error reductions and that means that there is

no reworking required during the construction. Clashes are taken care of in the planning phase

and coordination is maximized which ensures that all parties including the sub-contractors, are

on the same page. The contractors are of the opinion that conflict management and reduction

in changes are the top two ways to maximize value from the BIM.

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  Conflict reduction and management is one of the top benefits of the BIM and around

eighty three percent say that this factor maximizes value derived.

 Seventy eight percent of the contractors are also of the opinion that there is a major

improvement in spatial coordination and they believe that maximizes the value derived

from BIM.

The model can simplify even the most complicated projects by bringing in un-parallel clarity.

There is improved coordination that ultimately leads to value maximization. And since

coordination and interaction is highly difficult in a complex project, if it is done right the

advantage is clear for everyone to see. Since there is visible improvement in the coordination,

contractors can afford to ask for systems being pre-fabricated and building elements that

improve scheduling.

 Projects that are complex in nature affect value in a major way as noted by seventy two

percent of the contractors and they rated this aspect as vital.

 Prefabrication of the bigger parts that have more complexity are the areas that require

the most improvement and seventy eight percent contactors expect that this area will

lead to maximum value in the future and rate this as vital.

Contractors that have used BIM know that there are problems that arise in any large project;

mainly pertaining to communication, coordination and repetition of information. If BIM is to

be implemented in an integrated environment with people from varying backgrounds working

together, certain needs need to be fulfilled mainly:

 Most of the contractors, i.e. eighty two percent are of the opinion that communication

improvements throughout the diverse team and the three dimensional visuals that aid

comprehension are the best methods to derive value from the BIM.

40
  Improvements in inter-operability between differing applications of different softwares

are considered to be one of the best ways to derive value from BIM. Nearly seventy

eight percent of the contractors rate this aspect as vital in deriving value (Construction

2009).

2.14.5 Owners

Owners have the liberty of not being involved wholly in all the steps of the project and they

have a holistic view about it. This is why they look for value maximization in the overall costs

decreasing, the delivery time decreasing and the work being done efficiently and effectively.

Even though the benefits of the BIM are visible in operations and even in the maintenance, few

owners focus on the parts rather than the whole.

The primary need of an owner is being kept aware. Since the BIM is an integrated information

system, with information from all levels fed into it, the owners have access to all kinds of

information from all the diverse team members working on the project. This leads to saving

time, effort, hassle and money and better coordination throughout the project.

The owners are of the opinion that:

 Presenting and helping potential clients visualize the designs that the architects have

produced is one of the major benefit of the BIM and sixty six percent view this as one

of the top benefits.

 The improvement in combined understanding of the design is also one of the major

ways that a project can achieve value throughout the life of the project. Sixty six percent

rate this as one of the major benefits.

 BIM makes the coordination and interaction better between diverse individuals from

varying backgrounds who are working as a team since the three dimensional visuals

41
 make comprehension better and improve ROI. Seventy six percent see this factor as

one of the most vital.

However, owners think in terms of profitability, and they will always look at numbers before

anything else and after a through cost benefit analysis they come up with their decisions.

Owners have said that:

 Since it is easy to spot clashes through BIM and repetition is avoided, there is time

saved and money earned.

 Since the cost of the project is substantially lower, the value of BIM is even higher.

Despite the individual benefits that BIM gives to various team members, the big picture can

only be judged by the owner.

So if the final outcome is an improved construction through BIM, forty eight percent owners

state that this is the top benefit. If the construction work throughout the project is improved and

the outcome is considerably better, BIM gives them a winning combination and forty eight

percent owners think this is one of the most important aspects.

 The improvements in the final result i.e. minimal RFIs and better cooperation and

interaction is one of the best ways to improve value through BIM according to fifty two

percent of the owners.

 Projects with improvements in design and buildings that perform better in the long run

are the two value creating elements that owners hope to achieve through the Business

Information Model (Construction 2009).

2.15 BIM AND SUSTAINABILITY

The basic concept of sustainability is to guarantee that our actions and decisions meets the

requirements of today but do not compromise the opportunities for future generations(Wiersum

42
and K.F 1995). The world is making advancements in the field of technology but this has

adverse effects to our environment which is deteriorating by each passing year.

Sustainable building (Green building) is a structure that throughout its life cycle promises to

be energy efficient and as environment friendly as the design can possibly allow. Buildings

contribute a lot to this deteriorating environment. More buildings mean lesser forests and lesser

land for agriculture. Green buildings are the ones that are environmentally responsible.

“The US Green Building Council (USGBC, 2009) data shows that buildings in the United

States consume 30 percent of the world’s total energy and account for 48 percent of greenhouse

gas (GHG) emissions in the US.”

Sustainability has become a major objective during in the design of the building.

“Many countries have established policies promoting sustainability in terms of preventing

environmental degradation, e.g. the Hong Kong Government has enacted the Buildings Energy

Efficiency Ordinance prescribing minimum energy efficiency standards for key building

services installations (Council of Sustainable Development, 2011).”

Unfortunately, sustainability is not the key criteria in the building design process. Energy

analysis tools have been available for decades. Using traditional CAD solutions energy analysis

is a manual and tedious work. Traditionally, energy analysis is performed after the completion

of architectural design and contract documents. That gives us an estimate of predicted energy

use but doesn’t give us the opportunity to make design chances to make the building more

energy efficient.

BIM is believed to be a critical element in reducing wasted energy and environmental damage.

BIM makes the energy analysis easier and simpler and requires little manual work. Using BIM

in the design process, energy analysis is carried out is various stages of the design process with

increasing level of detail available for the latest energy analysis. Simulation is cheaper than
43
building a non-energy efficient building. The BIM tools predict building energy usage and

suggests design alternatives which will make the building more energy efficient.

2.15.1 Energy Modelling Applications

Various tools are currently available for Energy Analysis and many new tools are now being

currently introduced like Autodesk Vasari. The Table shows various applications currently

used in industry and their Advantages and Disadvantages.

Table 2.5: Common Analysis Applications and their Comparison

Application Advantage Disadvantage

IES<VE>  High level of accuracy and  Complex for the user.
Integrated interoperability with BIM  Expensive comparing with
Environment  Whole environmental series is relative tools.
Soloution operated i.e. Analysis, CFD’s,  The inability to import a large
Day lighting number of gbXML.
 Saving the IES files in many of
separate files such as, light,
CFD etc.
Ecotect  Friendly graphical interface  It has challenges with
 Easy in usage importing, exporting BIM
 Supported with other tools model directly depends on
(Day Lighting, Ventilation, program used for example
Airflow analysis) Revit, but Autodesk about to
 Produce annual and peak build API-level integration
loads between them.
eQuest  Free tool.  Cannot export geometry to
 Has the ability for energy programs.
simulation including (heat  Cannot estimate the thermal
loads, HVAC, climate data). comfort and analysis the natural
 The ability to import from ventilation.
CAD programs.

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 Application Advantage Disadvantage
Design Builder  Has the ability to export and  Relatively expensive.
import models.  Does not have the ability to
 Has a great ability for analysis simulate the heat and cold
(heat loads, HVAC, climate storage that gained seasonally.
data).
Green Building  Free service.  The survey details are not high.
Studio  Produce quick graphical  It has limited choices, if the
simulation for building building does not suitable for
energy performance. these options, the result will be
inaccurate.
(Alsaadi 2014)

2.15.2 Whole Building Energy Analysis

Whole building energy analysis is used to simulate expected energy use in a building. It can be

used throughout the design process with added level of detail available for each newer analysis.

Whole Building Energy Analysis can be further subdivided into two major categories.

1. Building Energy Analysis during Conceptual Design

2. Detailed Building Energy Analysis in the late Design using building elements

Conceptual Energy Analysis tools allow you to compare the performance of early alternative

design strategies. You can get quick feedback on the expected energy use of your proposed

designs and compare the effectiveness of building form, orientation and envelope design

options.

Autodesk® Vasari is an easy-to-use, expressive design tool for creating building concepts. We

use Vasari When you’re at the early stages of conceptual design and are exploring design

options like the basic building form, orientation and envelope for a specific location/climate.

45
In Revit you can analyze a more detailed model than in Vasari. You can do whole building

energy simulations on architectural building information models that include wall, window,

floor, and roof constructions that all have unique thermal properties (building elements)

Revit and Vasari are both softwares that are used to create energy models. Conceptual energy

analysis tools are included in both Autodesk Revit and Vasari. More detailed analysis is

available in Green Building Studio and third party tools. The energy models are then exported

to a linked software or a third party software that has the ability to run energy simulations,

analyze the model and create detailed analysis reports in forms of graphs and tables. Green

Building Studio, Ecotect Analysis and eQuest are some of the softwares capable of running

energy simulations from imported energy models.

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 Chapter 3

METHODOLOGY
The following flow chart gives a brief overview of the methodology adopted for conduction of

the project. Each phase of the flow chart has been described in the following lines.

• Literature review
1

• Surveys
2

• Site selection
3

• Software Learning
4

• BIM model ( Case Study)

5

• Analysis
6

• Results
7

8
• Preparation of report

• Presentation of report
9

Figure 3.1: Research Methodology

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3.1 LITERATURE REVIEW

To have a deep understanding of the application of BIM, a thorough study of the literature

related to BIM, which was deemed to be useful in carrying out the project, was done. This

literature review enforced the thought that in order to have command on the subject regarding

the project, each component of a BIM process that is part of the project needs to be studied

thoroughly.

3.2 SURVEYS

To execute the project, a real life building was required as case study whose construction data

generated through traditional methods was available. Surveys were done in the local

construction industry for this purpose.

3.3 SOFTWARE LEARNING

Since the modeling work required use of a BIM tool which are relatively new and not taught

in undergraduate courses therefor the learning of BIM tools was done through video tutorials

and online blogs. A sample theoretical project was made in order to have grip on the software

before the start of main work. Following softwares were learned and used in the project:

 Autodesk Revit 2013 and 2014

 Autodesk Navisworks 2013 and 2015

 Autodesk Green Building Studio

 Autodesk Robot Structural Analysis 2013

3.4 SITE SELECTION

The surveys lead us to premiere consultancy firm of Pakistan NESPAK. The firm agreed to

conduct a pilot project for the purpose of implementation of BIM in their firm. The already

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constructed 5 story NESPAK House, Islamabad was chosen as case study for the pilot project.

All data required (drawings, specifications, BOQ) and assistance was provided by the firm.

3.5 BIM MODEL (CASE STUDY)

An architectural, structural and MEP BIM as planned (LOD 400) model was generated through

the as planned drawings on Autodesk Revit 2013. Revit built in tools for material takeoff as

well as Navisworks 2015 were used for Quantity estimation. Autodesk Naviswork was also

used for scheduling and clash detection. Energy analysis was performed through Autodesk

Green Building Studio and structural analysis through Robot Structural Analysis.

3.6 ANALYSIS

Quantities obtained from BIM model were compared with those obtained by traditional

approach. Clash detection results, scheduling, structural analysis and energy analysis results

were analyzed and compared to know the advantage they offer as compared to the approach

used in building.

3.7 RESULTS

After analysis and expert opinion from project sponsor and NESPAK experts, results were

deduced in the form of a documentation which are to be used as a comparative study of

traditional and BIM approach, for planning and executing a building project. It could also be

used for other educational purposes.

3.8 PREPARATION OF REPORT

After results were compiled, a comprehensive report of the entire project describing in detail

the different phases of project and the methodology adopted to achieve the required results was

compiled. The report will also envisage the hurdles and setbacks faced during project

execution.

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3.9 PREPARATION OF PRESENTATION

Finally, the findings, conclusions, the knowledge gained and the project execution details were

compiled in the form of a power point presentation and presented to the project sponsor as well

as to the NESPAK officials.

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 Chapter 4

CASE STUDY

In this main part of the project, NESPAK House Islamabad, sector G-5/2, was studied in order

to make a BIM model of the building. NESPAK, being the consultant of the NESPAK House

building, herself was interested in the outcome of this project to consider BIM implementation

at NESPAK. A pilot project was thus launched by NESPAK in collaboration with NUST with

the aim to understand BIM, its advantages and limitations in a third world country such as

Pakistan. A senior architect from NESPAK was assigned project head to oversee the

collaboration between NUST and NESPAK and to provide required data to the students who

were also provided space to work at NESPAK House Islamabad. The results would be used by

NESPAK for industrial use while for academic use by NUST. The main objectives of the pilot

project were to explore the use of BIM tools in quantity take-off, scheduling, clash detection

and collaboration between stake holders. Later it was decided to include energy analysis and

structural analysis in the scope of the project to further explore the possibilities in BIM. The

BIM model was developed using Revit 2013 while to determine QTO (quantity take-off) of the

building, built in material take off tool of Revit as well as Navisworks 2015 were used. The

values obtained were compared with the ones calculated by traditional approach. A clash

detection report of the BIM model was generated with Autodesk Navisworks 2013. Its purpose

was the visualization of collisions between different building elements to help resolve conflicts.

Sequencing of the model i.e. linking the schedule of the building construction with the BIM

model elements to virtually simulate the building construction process, was also done using

Navisworks 2013. The purpose of simulation is to check space availability and smooth

workflow during construction. A preliminary Energy Analysis of the building was done using

the online Autodesk 360 service Green Building Studio to understand the energy requirements

51
and environmental impact of the building. Structural Analysis was done using Autodesk Robot

Structural Analysis software to show the structural engineer’s role in a BIM process.

4.1 INTRODUCTION

National Engineering Services Pakistan (Pvt.) Limited (NESPAK) is one of Pakistan’s prime

consultancy firms and makes it into the Top 200 consultancy organizations in the world.

NESPAK House Islamabad manifests NESPAK’s expertise in design and their commitment to

a better environment as NESPAK House Islamabad is one of the few green (sustainable)

buildings in the country. It is a Rs. 238 million (PKR) project and houses NESPAK’s offices

as well as Hashoo Group head office.

NESPAK House Islamabad covers an area of 3000 meters squared and is located in Sector G-

5/2. It consists of a ground floor, 5 upper floors and 2 basements. The basements are used for

parking facilities and can accommodate nearly 90 vehicles. Salient features of the project are

as follows:

 RCC frame structure based on RCC raft foundation enclosed by RCC retaining walls.

Basements are specifically designed to accommodate daylight, fresh air intake and

exhaust of vehicle emissions.

 Structural glazing based on high performance tempered reflective double glazed panels.

 Facade finish consists of wooden textured RCC pre cast panels in combination with

high quality black granite.

 Flooring entirely consists of high grade full bodied porcelain tiles with marble elements.

 NESPAK house is equipped multiple-passenger and cargo lifts including capsule lift.

 The building includes fire alarm system, firefighting system, security cameras and

standby generators.

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4.2 DESCRIPTION

The development of a BIM model for NESPAK House Islamabad required a different approach

than what could be expected from the BIM process for a new construction. The building was

already constructed through traditional design approach and tools. The building was chosen

because of the challenge it represents due to its complex, modern and sustainable design and it

gave a chance to work with one of the country’s finest design and consultancy firm.

Since the building is already constructed through traditional approach, it was planned to start

with modeling an LOD 400 (As planned) model of the building. Quantity takeoff was to be

calculated based on that model and it was to be compared with the quantity takeoff values

generated by NESPAK through traditional approach. “As-Planned” Architectural drawings of

NESPAK House were provided. They consisted of a Site Plan, Floor Plans of all floors and 2

cross-sections. Instead of importing the CAD files to the Revit 2013 software to develop the

model, modeling started from scratch with minimum set of architectural drawing needed to aid

us with the modeling and a complete LOD 400 (as-planned) architectural model was

developed. This Model was then imported to Autodesk Navisworks to carry out a detailed

quantity take off of the building, Revit built in tools were also used for QTO, the quantities

obtained were then compared with the manually calculated quantities.

Complete Structural and MEP drawings of NESPAK House were later provided by NESPAK

to be used for clash detection. Structural and MEP models were first built in Revit 2013, MEP

included the HVAC, electrical and plumbing models. These models were exported to Autodesk

Navisworks to generate a clash detection report of different building elements e.g. collision of

a beam with an HVAC duct.

For sequencing, the architectural model was imported to Navisworks and a schedule of the

building process was linked with model to visualize the progress of building process in

53
harmony with the scheduled timeline. This helped in visualizing optimum space utilization as

the project progressed.

For energy analysis, the conceptual mass and as planned architectural model were imported

online to green building XML to generate detailed energy analysis reports of the building at

both mentioned phases.

For Structural Analysis, the structural model was exported to Robot Structural Analysis and

Finite element model analysis was carried out with applied loads and boundary conditions

specified to check the structural safety of the model and to design the structure elements such

as beams and columns, automatically generating the reinforcement details. These design

changes including the reinforcement detail were updated back in the Revit model utilizing the

robust bidirectional link between Revit and Robot.

The process was impeded due to several problems. Acquiring computer systems that could run

BIM tools smoothly and learning to use the BIM tools was a tedious and time consuming

process. The difference between as-planned drawings of the building and how the building

actually exists is NOT negligible. There were several errors, omissions and ambiguities in the

CAD drawings provided to us by NESPAK.

4.3 APPROCH

The following is a brief overview, in chronological order, of our approach to develop the LOD

400 BIM model of the NESPAK House Islamabad.

 Development of generic Architecture model.

 Centralizing the file for collaborative workflow while developing architectural model.

 Creation of customized Revit families.

 Replacing generic elements with customized families and addition of materials to the

generic architectural model.

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  Development of Structural model.

 Development of MEP Models including HVAC and plumbing models.

 Generation of Clash Detection Report of different building elements with Autodesk

Navisworks.

 Generation of Energy Analysis Report with Green building XML.

 Structural Analysis with Robot Structural Analysis.

 Determination of quantity takeoff (QTO) using Revit and Navisworks 2015.

 Comparison between QTO determined through BIM and through traditional manual

approach.

 Sequencing of a small part of building i.e 4D scheduling using Navisworks.

4.4 MODEL BUILDING PROCESS

At first the generic architectural model was developed according to the as planned drawings.

The families already provided in the standard Revit software were utilized as well as some

families were developed from scratch. Modifications were made to the families to bring the

model in coherence with the specifications provided after the generic model was completed.

The development of structural and MEP models followed the completion of architectural

model.

4.4.1 Architectural Model

4.4.1.1 Revit Families

Families in Revit are components that are needed to create a model. They include doors,

windows, stairs, walls, floors, etc. A family can have many variations. They can have

differences in size, building materials or other parameters. A change made to a certain family

type is updated throughout the project where ever that type may have been used. For instance,

55
if we change the wall thickness of a wall type, all the walls with that wall type are changed

automatically.

Revit provides a wide range of default families. In most cases, these families are not enough to

develop a detailed Revit model. We can create our own families by the following methods:

 Edit an existing family according to our needs.

 Create a new library from scratch by choosing any of the family templates Revit

provides.

 Download families online from different resources.

In our model, most of the default families were edited to suit our modeling needs e.g. walls,

windows, doors, stairs, etc.

Some families were downloaded from online resources such as ‘Autodesk Seek’ and

‘Revitcity’. These families were edited according to our needs e.g. Low E IGU curtain wall

library was downloaded and the panel dimensions were changed according to the requirements.

2 libraries were created from scratch using the family templates. They are the following.

4.4.1.1.1 Lightweight concrete façade panels

The façade panels were a quite challenging feature in the building. There were no families

available online that suited our needs. The curtain wall panel family template was chosen to

create this family. The curtain wall feature in Revit is a very versatile feature and can be used

for a variety of structures consisting of panels rather than just glass curtain walls. The curtain

wall family template is a wall hosted family and that suited our requirements as façade panels

are also wall hosted. Details of the façade panels were not available. The panels were

rectangular in shape. Dimensions of the panel were manually measured at site. The measured

dimensions were added to the template. The material chosen for the family was lightweight

56
concrete. Each panel had a hole in each of the 4 corners. The diameter of the holes was

measured at site and the required holes were extruded from the created family. The

reinforcement or joint details in the panels were not available so we added 2 steel rods at the

back of the panels to make up for the steel quantities in the panels.

4.4.1.1.2 NESPAK logo

The same curtain wall family template suited our needs to create families for the NESPAK

logos as the logos were also wall hosted. The shape of the logo was far more complicated than

a rectangular panel. The panel divisions were removed from the family and a fixed size was

chosen for the family. A panel of the same size was created when needed on the model. The

family was edited according to requirements as there were variations in size and material of the

logos used in the building

The rest of the architectural model elements were developed by modifying the parameters of

the families provided in Revit or downloaded from the websites mentioned above.

4.4.1.2 Frame Structure

Basic frame structure consisting of beams and columns were modelled in the first stage due to

the fact that we required a reference for further modelling. The beams and columns were

generic i.e. without rebar details. Materials were assigned to the beams and columns after the

frame structure was completed. The beams and columns in the drawings provided to us were

at times incorrectly placed. Ambiguities had to be cleared with the senior architect.

4.4.1.3 Walls and Shafts

As the work progressed we added walls and elevator shafts to the model. The consideration of

walls, after the successful creation of basic structure, was due to the fact that the addition of

windows and doors require a host family to be placed in. We started with the exterior walls and

57
then moved to interior walls and shafts. The walls used were generic brick walls. Layers and

materials were assigned to the walls after the completion of Architectural walls. This was a

hectic job as adding a layer would move the wall from its position by a distance equivalent to

the thickness of layer added, it would be therefore preferred to assign layers and materials to

the walls while drafting them in the model if the wall section detail is available. Structural walls

were placed according to the drawings as well.

4.4.1.4 Windows

Windows were the next element to be added. They required walls to host them and are easy to

place through a drag and drop operation. Window dimensions were assigned according to the

specifications provided. Different families were thus used.

4.4.1.5 Curtain walls

Curtain walls in the as-planned drawings were different from the as-built structure but the

drawings were clear enough to aid us to model the curtain walls. Mullions were provided as

per the drawings and low-E Insulated Glass Units were used for the curtain walls which is a

green aspect of the building. Place wall command was used to place curtain walls.

4.4.1.6 Doors

Doors like windows also require a host family to be placed. Doors and openings were placed

next in the model, again by simple drag and drop operation. Dimensions were set as per the

specifications.

4.4.1.7 Slabs

The slabs were expected to be the same on the 5 upper floors and it would have been easier to

copy the floor of ground floor onto the upper floors but slab on each floor was slightly different

due to difference in dimensions thus each floor’s slab had to be modeled separately. Layers

58
with different materials were defined after the model had been completed. Floor by footprint

command was used to model slabs.

4.4.1.8 Roof

Placement of roof is almost the same as placement of a slab in Revit. Layers with different

materials were assigned to the roof after the completion of model. Roof by footprint command

was used and the footprint was manually sketched.

4.4.1.9 Stairs

Adding stairs to the model was more tedious than we imagined. It was partially due to some

errors in the drawings and partially due the complex nature of the way the stairs were designed

in the planned structure. Spiral stairs were placed inside the building while half landing type

was used as fire exits on two sides of the building. Both stair by component and stair by sketch

command were utilized in this process.

4.4.2 Structural Model

Unlike the previous versions of the software, Revit 2013 integrates architecture model,

structural model and MEP models into a single design suite and therefore different segments

of the same software are not required. After the completion of architectural model, it was linked

to a new .rvt file which had a structural template assigned to it. Structural elements of the

architectural model such as columns, slabs, structural walls etc. were copied from the

architectural model into the structural model keeping center to center alignment between both

models. These elements were also monitored so if any change was made to them the owner of

the architectural model would be notified.

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4.4.2.1 Structural beams

It’s worth mentioning here that beams are not capable of being copy/monitored which could

be termed, in our humble opinion, as a built in shortcoming of the software. Beams could either

be copied manually without using the monitor command or modeled from scratch in the

structural model. It was decided to model them from scratch using the structural drawings

provided by NESPAK. Materials were assigned to them while modeling. It was noted that the

beam placement in the architectural drawings was a lot different from the placements in

structural drawings. Beam command under the structural tab was used for this process

4.4.2.2 Structural Columns

Structural columns were copy/monitored from the architectural model and then their accuracy

with respect to the structural drawings was checked. It was found that column placements like

beam placements also were not the same in architectural and structural drawings. This showed

that the structural engineer had made changes to the architects plan and architects plan was not

updated, probably because of lack of coordination. The column placement was then updated

accordingly to bring in harmony with the structural drawings.

4.4.2.3 Structural Slabs

Like structural columns these were copy/monitored from the architectural model and

afterwards their coherence with the structural drawings was ensured.

4.4.2.4 Reinforcement Details

There were multiple options for modeling the reinforcement details of the structural model.

Either manual modeling using the built-in tools of Revit could be used or Revit extensions

could be used to automatically generate the reinforcement details of structural elements. It was

decided to go ahead with manual modeling of rebar using Revit built in features. This was a

60
very tedious and time consuming task, so much as to undermine the productivity of the whole

BIM process whose purpose is to reduce the workload, not increase it. Revit extensions were

than used to incorporate rebar into our model. This was a simple process requiring rebar sizes

and patterns definition to generate rebar automatically.

4.4.3 MEP Models

NESPAK House Islamabad boasts of very complex, intelligent and modern MEP systems. This

is largely due to the fact that it is designed to be a green building. It consists of all the latest

MEP systems being used in the country. For the MEP we again linked the architectural model

to new .rvt files. Plumbing template was assigned to the plumbing file while HVAC template

to the HVAC file. The purpose of linking the architectural model with the MEP models is to

provide reference for modeling of MEP elements.

4.4.3.1 HVAC Model

Since HVAC system designing comes under a Mechanical Engineer, difficulty was faced in

understanding of the HVAC drawings as well as process of design and placement of HVAC

systems as all project members were undergraduate civil engineering students. Therefore help

was taken from a senior HVAC engineer of NESPAK who explained the drawings as well the

process which is currently followed in designing and placement of HVAC systems.

Afterwards modelling work was done. Autodesk Revit 2013 was again used for the HVAC

modelling. Firstly Architectural model was linked to a new Revit file which was assigned MEP

template. Using the Copy-Monitor tool all the levels and grids were copied from the linked file.

4.4.3.1.1 Fixtures

First thing that was performed in HVAC modeling is placement of all the HVAC fixtures on

all the levels. Generic fixtures were placed. Main fixtures are Diffusers, Exhaust fans, Air

Handling Units (AHU’s) etc.

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4.4.3.1.2 Duct layout

Second step was to design duct system on each required level. In this step we only introduced

the layout of the duct system. Connections with fixtures were performed after the sizing of the

ducts. Four kind of ducts were introduced

1) Supply Air Duct

2) Return Air Duct

3) Exhaust Air Duct

4) Fresh Air Duct

Each duct system was given with a specific offset to avoid the clash with each other.

4.4.3.1.3 Duct sizing

In this step of HVAC modeling we done the process of sizing of the duct according to the

requirement of the connected fixtures and their air loads. Sizing must be done carefully because

most of the times connections between duct get disturbed.

4.4.3.1.4 Connections

This step consists of the connection of fixtures with ducts. We connected the supply air ducts

with the help of flex duct to its diffusers, Return air ducts and exhaust ducts mostly are

connected directly to their respected diffusers. The reason behind different connection was

difficult to sort out at first but then we realized that if the distance between duct system and

diffusers are too low then direct connection of duct cannot be happened because of the very

short angle so in that case flex duct was being used.

4.4.3.1.5 Vertical ducts

In this step we drew Vertical duct system by using elevation view or cutting the sections. This

step was a bit tricky part because in section view one must take good care of duct connections

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because in section view u can accidently draw a vertical duct with the wrong duct because in

section view all ducts are aligned at same level so care must be taken. These vertical ducts were

then connected to their respected AHUs on the roof.

4.4.3.2 Plumbing Model

Separate Revit file was made for plumbing model. Plumbing Template was assigned to it. In

first step Architectural and Structural model was linked with the file. Using Copy/ Monitor tool

Grids and Levels were copied to the Plumbing file.

4.4.3.2.1 Fixtures

Plumbing fixtures like Sink, Indian flush, Commode, Water Heaters etc. were placed in their

respective locations.

4.4.3.2.2 Piping Systems

Following Piping Systems were introduced in the Piping system family

 Domestic Cold Water

 Domestic Hot Water

 Sanitary Pipe

 Soil Pipe

 Vent Pipe

Their Material and appearance in drawing i.e. color and line pattern was assigned in their

respective Type properties. Afterwards for each piping system Mechanical Settings were

changed i.e. Pipe Type and their respective offset from the base of the level they are placed in.

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4.4.3.2.3 Pipe Placeholders

The pipe placeholder feature in Revit allows to place pipes in the model without adding much

detail about joints. Slope value and its direction can be assigned to the pipes while placement.

This feature helps the designers in earlier phase of design when layout is planned. In the later

phase all pipe holders can be updated to pipe so that joints and bending detail can be added.

All the pipes were placed first using the pipe placeholder tool and later they were updated to

pipes when vertical pipes were placed i.e. when joint detail was needed.

4.4.4 Work Sharing

Work sharing was practiced for collaborative workflow. Work sharing is a real time process

where multiple users are working on the same file at the same time but on different worksets.

The main idea is to share a central file between multiple users, assign each user its workset

where workset is a collection of building elements. Assigning a workset to a user defines the

elements editable to the user. Any element not included in the workset is not editable to the

user. However if the owner (assigned user) of a work set grants access to another user, that user

can then edit the elements in that work set. The central file can be shared through various means

i.e. cloud, LAN etc. The choice should be made depending upon the accessibility to the server,

a robust connection established with the server ensures smooth work sharing. It was decided to

share the central file through LAN. 3 users made their local files from the central file and

worked simultaneously on the architectural model. Each user had a work set assigned to them.

When a user needed to work in another work set, a request was placed with the owner of that

work set to be granted which would immediately pop up in the owner’s interface. The access

would be granted with a note to keep specific information in mind while working on that

element or denied if the owner did not want the element to be edited.

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4.5 QUANTITY TAKEOFF

Two methods were used to determine quantities of different items. These are as follow

4.5.1 Quantification by Revit

Schedule/Quantities and Material Takeoff commands were used to generate quantities

schedules of different items. The latter is used to generate quantities according to material

assigned in layers of different items while former for the whole component. The schedule

generated can then be later exported as editable Excel file by using Revit extensions. BIM

Coder Suites was used in this project, a free extension to export the schedule as editable excel

files.

4.5.2 Quantification by Naviswork

Quantification feature was introduced by Auotdesk in Naviswork 2014 version. The Naviswork

2015 version also includes 2D quantification techniques. In this project only model based

quantification was done using Naviswork.

Architectural, Structural and MEP models were exported from Revit as nwc extension. They

were later appended in Naviswork. CSI-48 catalogue was assigned for quantification, imperial

units were set and quantification of different items was carried out.

4.6 SCHEDULING/SIMULATION

The BIM models were exported to Navisworks for simulation of the building process. There

were two options to simulate the building process, a schedule developed in Primavera, MS

Project etc. or any other scheduling tool compatible with Navisworks could be linked to the

model or a schedule could be developed inside Navisworks and linked with the model. A

schedule was developed inside Navisworks and the model elements were linked to individual

activities. This incorporated a time dimension in the BIM model. The simulation was run to

visualize the building process with respect to the timeline defined in the schedule.

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4.7 CLASH DETECTION

During construction process, it is possible that building elements are in conflict with each other

with respect to their location like a beam being cut by an HVAC duct. These clashes can be

numerous and usually result in slowing down progress of a project thus increasing the duration

and cost of a project. Navisworks provides a clash detector tool to detect these conflicting

building elements. Clash reports can be generated and managed to resolve clashes. These

interactive reports not only tabulate the clashes but also provide an effective tool to resolve the

clashes. Each clash can be assigned a status of resolved or not. Navisworks has the flexibility

to either clash detect whole models or specific elements in a model. To carry out clash detection

test, the structural model and the HVAC model were first imported to Navisworks after which

beams from the structural model and HVAC ducts from the other model were selected for clash

detection. After the test type had been defined, clash tests were run and reports were generated.

For future use and clash resolution, statuses were assigned to the clashes which would be

automatically updated once the clashes would be resolved. Same procedure was repeated to

run clash detection tests on other building elements like beams and plumbing pipes etc.

4.8 ENERGY ANALYSIS

The Revit architectural model was saved in gbXML format and was exported to Green Building

Studio was detailed analysis. Several settings must be defined in the revit model before it can

exported as a gbXML file. You must log in to autodesk 360 account to use these settings. Revit

gives us two options to create an energy model.

1. By using conceptual mass

2. By using building elements

In energy settings, the real life location of the building was selected and the building type was

specified e.g. hospital, school, office etc. You can select either ‘rooms’ or ‘spaces’ as export

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category. Rooms is selected to run energy simulations based on architectural elements of the

building. Spaces are selected to run MEP elements based energy simulations. Rooms was

selected as our export category. All the floors of the building were divided into rooms. Default

thermal properties and systems properties were used since the details were not available. Care

must be taken that there are no open spaces left in the building and the building forms a whole

closed figure. Open spaces will lead to errors that will not allow the model to be exported as a

gbXML file. All the open spaces were closed and the model was exported to Green Building

Studio. Energy simulations were run on Green Building Studios and detailed reports were

created as an output.

4.9 STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS

Revit extensions are a quick and effective way of modeling reinforcements but they have one

major drawback, extensions have limited available shapes and patterns of rebar distributions

and do not necessarily provide the as-planned rebar distribution patterns. Further research and

interviews with structural engineers were done to gain knowledge about the general workflow

of collaboration between architects and structural engineers to understand if the rebar modeling

had any significance in the design phase. It was concluded that the rebar detailing is done after

the structural analysis has been completed and elements have been designed according to the

building codes, site conditions, load distribution etc. It was therefore decided to incorporate the

robot structural analysis BIM tool into the project to carry out the structural analysis as well as

to generate the rebar detail automatically using its built in features. Due to lack of available

time and the fact that structural analysis was not included in the scope of project, it was decided

to only execute structural analysis for a small part of the BIM model with the objective to

explore areas of interest in a BIM process for a structural engineer. Robot structural analysis

tool provides a robust bi-directional link with Revit. Traditionally for structural analysis, an

analytical model representing the structural model needs to be developed first and in Revit this

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analytical model is generated automatically while developing the structural model further

decreasing a structural engineer’s work. The meter room located near the back entrance of

NESPAK house was chosen for structural analysis using BIM tools due to its simplicity. The

structural model was exported to Robot using the Robot Add-in button incorporated into Revit

interface after Robot installation. This opened the model in Robot after which standard Loads

and their combinations were defined according to UBC97 and assigned to structural elements

of the meter room after which the analysis was run. The analysis was simple linear static

analysis. The results were viewed and steel reinforcement was designed for each RC element.

This additional information was imported back into the Revit model by using the update model

option under Robot add-in tab in Revit. A SAP2000 analytical model similar to the meter room

was developed and the analysis results produced in SAP were compare with the ones produced

using Robot.

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 Chapter 5

RESULTS & ANALYSIS

5.1 INTRODUCTION

To learn about BIM tools and applications and know benefits and issues involved in the process

a case study was done. Architectural, Structural and MEP models of NESPAK House

Islamabad, a 3000 meters squared area building with 5 stores and two basements were made.

This chapter includes Results of the Case Study. Quantity Estimation, Clash Detection,

Scheduling, Energy Analysis and Structural Analysis was performed using BIM tools.

5.2 ERRORS IN DRAWINGS

BIM tools provide enhanced visualization enabling the designer to rectify any awkward and

inappropriate features of the building which only become visible after execution and sometimes

even complete construction of the building due to limited visualization capability of CAD or

any 2D tools. With BIM these mishaps can be rectified easily beforehand and the change is

reflected automatically in all drawings (plans, sections, 3D views etc.) of the project

eliminating possible inaccuracies. One such mishap was pointed out in the upper basement of

NESPAK House where under the front entrance stairs an awkward inward projection from the

wall was created. This projection gave the room, which was used as an office, an awkward

appearance. It is illustrated in the following figure 5.1:

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 Figure 5.1: Awkward projection in basement

The bathroom ventilators at the back of the building were not in alignment. Those on upper

basement level were out of line from the ventilators on upper levels. The cause, again, being

the limited visualization of 2D CAD drawings. Shown below in figure 5.2.

Figure 5.2: Misalignment of ventilators

Some ventilator sizes were inappropriate and were being blocked by walls on the ground level

as shown in figure 5.3. They were assigned suitable dimensions very easily.

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 Figure 5.3: Extrusion of ventilator in column

Another example of missing data is the absence of guard room from the drawings because it

was not part of the initial plan. BIM tools would have easily incorporated the guard room into

the initial plans as all the information related to a project is extracted from a single model which

can be easily edited without the need to rectify all drawings one by one. Also the height of

columns supporting the main gates was not mentioned. Guard room and gate column details

had to be measure manually to be incorporated into the BIM model.

On many occasions it was found that the construction drawings were not updated and were a

lot different from the actual building. One such instance was the discovery that though the

drawings showed waffled slab in the central gallery of each floor, in actual there was plain slab

across each floor. The drawings were not updated according to the site change orders. BIM

tools would have been a quick way to make changes in all the drawings. The updated drawings

would then be more effective in facility management and maintenance/repair operations.

BIM also ensures enhanced collaboration between different team members of a project e.g.

architect and engineer, this enhanced collaboration and work sharing allows coherent working

of the team members. All stake holders are on the same page and disparities are eliminated.

However in this case, due to poor level of collaboration between the architect and the engineer

there were numerous ambiguities and inaccuracies in the architectural and structural drawings.

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At times the location of beams and columns in structural drawings would differ from that in

architectural drawings. BIM tools would have provided a robust collaboration between the two

team members and the difference in their drawings would have been negligible or none at all.

Working on the structural model brought to light the beams with conflicting details in schedules

and drawings, GB-44 beam is one example. Numerous beams were find to have no related

information in the schedules. 5B-93, 4B-9a, 3B-45 beams are some examples. Use of BIM tool

would have ensured that all beams had similar details in drawings and schedules and no beam

without any data associated at all.

5.3 QUANTITY TAKEOFF

Some of the quantities obtained using Revit schedule and material takeoff commands are listed

in the Table 5.1. The Table also shows the comparison between the Tender BOQ quantities

which were calculated through traditional approach.

Table 5.1: Comparison between Model and BOQ Quantities

Quantity from Quantity from

Item Unit
Model Tender BOQ
Concrete in RCC Walls 17006 17250 Cft
Concrete in Columns 16959 17000 Cft
Concrete in Raft Foundations 62863 63100 Cft
Bricks 40266 42400 Cft
Wood Skirting 3261 3000 Rft
Granite Cladding 25808 12250 Sft

The Naviswork quantification tools is helpful in easily obtaining and arranging quantities in

catalogue format, it also provide a 3D interface to visualize the items which are going to be

takeoff, but a limitation found in Naviswork quantification is that it provides wholesome

quantities of items without material detail. If takeoff is carried out at material layered level it

gives error.

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Moreover care must also be taken during modeling and picking items for takeoff to make sure

no duplicate geometry is placed and selected. Some modeling cheats used to improve

visualization of the model may give result giving in wrong quantities of the items. For example

walls used for geometry not meant for walls.

The model must be reviewed to ensure that each element is properly takeoff and superfluous

elements are ignored. Nature of elements must also be understand to correctly takeoff items.

For example if wall surface area is taken off from Revit it gives the net surface area i.e. without

doors and windows areas instead of gross area.

5.4 SCHEDULING/SIMULATION

Scheduling was done to simulate the building process in a virtual environment which provided

the user with insight enabling the visualization of issues to tackle in the later stages of the

project such as working space, procurement management, material storage etc. This would

greatly enhance a project manager’s ability to take better decision and to manage working of a

project smoothly. Illustration 5.4 below shows screen shots of the building process at different

times.

Figure 5.4: 4D scheduling at different phases

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5.5 CLASH DETECTION

If BIM tools are utilized in design process the quality of construction documents increases as

well as RFI (Request for Information) orders from site also decreases as drawings are well

detailed and have less errors due to the improved tools used in design process. Clashes between

different elements while designing can be spotted and removed in two ways.

5.5.1 Clash Detection by Visualization in Revit

Working in multiples views enhances the ability of the designer to spot and remove clash errors

during modeling. This was not possible in traditional CAD based approach since majority of

drawings are in 2D. The in house clash detection feature of Revit tells about the instances

where duplicate geometry is placed or the instances when two things intersects which are not

meant to be intersect.

The figure 5.5 shows that during plumbing modeling it was figured out that Soil Pipe (Red)

was intersecting Drain Pipe (Pink) and Vent Pipe (Green). Therefore elevation and slopes of

the two pipes were adjusted to fix the clash.

Figure 5.5: Clash Detection through Visualization in Revit in Plumbing Model

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5.5.2 Clash Detection through Naviswork

The following table 5.2 shows the result of clash detection performed in Navisworks 2013. The

hard clashes are as follow:

Table 5.2: Clash Detection Results of Navisworks

Element Element Errors

HVAC vs Structural 98
Plumbing Structural 44

The majority of the clashes in HVAC vs Structural was between the ducts and beams which

can be removed by an iterative process of revising ducts heights. Some other clashes due to the

errors in drawings are as follows:

1. The vertical duct going from 4th floor to roof was colliding with the 5th floor base slab

according to the clash detection report since vertical opening was not provided in the

5th floor slab according to the structural drawings. This is shown in figure 5.6

Figure 5.6: 4th Floor vertical duct collision with 5th floor slab

2. The location of vertical duct going from first floor to ground floor changes haphazardly

in the ground floor and first floor drawing. Its distance from shaft changes from 4’-2”

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 to 2’-4”. This error was deducted when clash detection was run between the two floors

HVAC system. The figures 5.7 and 5.8 elaborate the details.

Figure 5.7: Clash between vertical ducts in consecutive floors

Figure 5.8: Clash between vertical ducts in consecutive floors (CAD drawings)

3. The clash detection between plumbing and HVAC model showed error in first floor

where the HVAC duct was passing through bathroom soil and drainage pipe. This is

illustrated in figures 5.9 and 5.10

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 Figure 5.9: Clash between plumbing shaft and HVAC duct

Figure 5.10: Clash between plumbing shaft and HVAC duct (CAD Drawings)

5.6 ENERGY ANALYSIS

NESPAK House Islamabad has used several passive green techniques to make the building

energy efficient. These include.

 Cavity walls

 Deep windows

 Low E IGU

 Exterior Cladding

 Roof Insulations

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The conceptual and element building analysis performed using Green Building Studio

quantitatively verified the effectiveness of the use of these passive techniques in the building.

Figure 5.11: Annual Carbon Emissions (Conceptual)

The figure 5.11 shows annual carbon emissions of the building obtained through conceptual

model of the building i.e. the model early design stage with just conceptual building mass. This

is shown in figure 5.12.

Figure 5.12: Conceptual Model

The Annual Carbon Emissions of the actual building model, figure 5.13, shows that Energy

use is reduced from 80 tons/year to 50 tons/year i.e. by the use of the green techniques as

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described above the building energy consumption is decreased. The element energy model is

shown in figure 5.14

Figure 5.13: Annual Carbon Emissions (Actual)

Figure 5.14: Element Model

By analyzing the model Green building studio also suggests 12 different areas where potential

energy saving and loss can occur by making changes in them. The figure 5.15 shows Potential

Energy saving/loss diagram of the conceptual model. The 12 areas are arranged descending

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order wise based on the potential saving that can be gained if changes are made to them or

better practices are used while using them. The diagram suggests that Windows Glass Daylight

Control and general windows glass of the building are the main areas where attention should

be focused in order to make the building green i.e. reduce the energy consumption.

Figure 5.15: Potential Energy Savings/Loss (Conceptual)

The figure 5.16 shows the energy saving / loss diagram of the actual building model. Since in

actual model low e IGU were used in windows as well as deep windows were installed. The

potential saving was thus achieved and the feature moved below in rank. The graph of actual

model now suggests that Plug load efficiency and lighting efficiency areas should be focused

now in order to further reduce the energy consumption.

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 Figure 5.16: Potential Energy Savings/Loss (Actual)

In current design process in the local industry no quantitative energy analysis is done by

architects to check and compare energy efficiency of their different design options. HVAC

design team though do quantitative energy analysis but that data is not shared and used by

Architects.

BIM allows architects to do energy analysis easily since they are particularly not trained to do

energy analysis. Architectural model can be easily exported to Analysis tools for analysis. The

above example verified the practicality of these tools as the green techniques effectiveness of

the NESPAK house are now verified quantitatively.

The detailed energy analysis reports are attached in Appendix.

5.7 STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS

Carrying out structural analysis with a BIM tool such as Robot Structural Analysis has many

advantages over a traditional analysis tool. Robot has the ability to carry out detailed structural

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analysis ranging from a simple linear static analysis to a more complex dynamic seismic

analysis. A number of nonlinear analyses can be considered; they include but are not limited

to:

 P-Delta analysis

 Tension/Compression members and supports

 Cables

 Plastic hinges

Thus Robot provides ability to carry out detailed analysis of a structure early on in the design

phase. The repetitive work of developing analytical and physical models separately and

keeping them in harmony with each other is eliminated. The co-ordination and documentation

can be done concurrently with design of structure underway as compared to traditional

approach where collaboration and documentation has to wait for the analysis and design

process to complete. Also, the bi-directional link between Robot and Revit enables the updating

of construction drawings flawlessly as well as effortlessly. After the design has been finalized,

code checks can be made automatically through Robot ensuring the building design is in

compliance with the building codes. Robot has an extensive database including a large number

of steel codes, reinforced concrete codes, materials and section libraries etc. Robot also offers

flexibility to import only a part of Revit model in it, consequently making possible separate

analysis of different types of elements with different loadings as shown in figure 5.17.

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 Figure 5.17: Specific structural type and corresponding analysis models

Robot can be used to carry out structure analysis of not only concrete structures but

also steel and timber structures. It automatically generates the rebar details for a

building element according to the specified code as well as generates schedules and

drawings. Any additional data incorporated into the robot model can easily be updated

into the revit model. Thus using BIM tools for structural analysis has many perks for a

structural engineer.

A few of the results of linear-static analysis under standard loadings (UBC97) that

was carried out on the guard room are shown below ,figure 5.18 showing moment

distribution and figure 5.19 showing deflection distribution respectively.

Figure 5.18: Moment distribution diagram

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 Figure 5.19: Deflection diagram

The results were also compared with the SAP2000 model and were found to be similar.

Reinforcement percentages for RC elements designed by Robot and SAP2000 were similar e.g.

for RC columns, Robot suggested 1.09% while SAP2000 suggested 1% reinforcement

percentages.

Detailed reports generated by Robot of the analysis on beams and columns are attached in

Appendix.

5.8 EFFECT & BENEFITS FOR DESIGN PARTICIPANTS

Adoption of BIM helps all stakeholders involved in Design process. During the case study by

working with the BIM tools and observations of the current process revealed following

observations.

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5.8.1 Architect

Table 5.3: Improvement in Architect’s work by BIM

Traditional BIM
Visualization mostly depends upon designer Work in multiple views support designer
experience and tools available takes a imagination as well as simultaneous
considerable time. generation of 3D model support visualization
and helps designer communicate design to
owner.
Cumbersome work due to separate Sections, elevations etc are automatically
generation of plans, section and elevation. generated therefore time is not wasted in
drawing generation and generated drawings
are error less since human factor is reduced.
Conceptualization model prepared by current Conceptual model generated can be used for
in use tools (3D studio max, Rhino etc.) are other analysis purposes along with
not object attributable so they are only used visualization like structural analysis, energy
for Visualization purpose. analysis.
If a change is made in one drawing all other All drawings and other data is interlinked
subsequent drawings (plans, elevations, which automatically change in all places if
sections) will have to be updated manually change is made in one place thus time is
which can cause error. saved as well as chance of error is reduced.
Preliminary cost estimates generation takes Preliminary Quantity takeoffs can be
time and effort and may contains errors. generated directly from the model more
In case of change quantity takeoff tables need accurately.
to be separately adjusted. Changes are automatically adjusted in QTO
thus time is saved as well was chance of
human error reduces.

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5.8.2 Structural Engineer

Table 5.4: Improvement in Structural Engineer’s work by BIM

Traditional BIM
The designer has to create separate model for Analysis model is automatically generated
analysis which is time consuming along with physical model so time is saved.
Analysis model has no link with 2D CAD Analysis model is linked with the drawings
drawings. Recreation in case of change is and physical model thus in case of change
time consuming and may cause error. regeneration of analysis model is not
required.
When a change is made in one drawing all If a change is made anywhere in a model it
other subsequent drawings (plan, elevation, will be automatically be addressed in all
sections). other subsequent drawings making this
process efficient by saving time and a lot of
hectic work.
5.8.3 HVAC Engineer

Table 5.5: Improvement in HVAC Engineer’s work by BIM

Traditional BIM
In design only layouts of ducts are planned. Due to 3D modelling, plan as well as
Typical section drawing are only made. i.e. elevation of all the layout is made. Requires
not much design effort is put due to limitation more effort.
of tools
Detailed section are made at made on site by Detailed section are made during design
specialty contractor after viewing clear stage
spacing from structural members.

More clashes and slow process because Clashes are reduced due to better design
majority of work is done at site. effort and clash detection tools therefore
faster work at site.
Change in one drawing all other subsequent If a change is made anywhere in a model it
drawings(plan, elevation, sections, QTO) will be automatically be addressed in all
will have to be prepared again other subsequent drawings making this
process efficient by saving time and a lot of
hectic work.

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5.8.4 Plumbing Engineer

Table 5.6: Improvement in Plumbing Engineer’s work by BIM

Traditional BIM
Lack of ability to identify conflicts due to the Multiple views designing process help
2D representation of the designs. identify and reduce clashes with other
members.
Delays in construction process due to Clashes are reduced due to better design
conflict being unidentified in the design effort and clash detection tools therefore
process so more work on site. faster work at site.
Lack of trust in the fabrication offsite due to Design can be trusted since clashes are
the fear of system not fitting leading to a lot removed earlier therefore pre fabrication can
of on the site fabrication be done reducing on site work.
Rework to fix the conflict issues that were Less rework needed.
not identified during design and coordination
Increased site supervision required to avoid Less site supervision and effort required
conflicts between trade contractors since more effort is done in design process.
Increased administrative burden of more Less administrative burden of more Request
Request for Information (RFIs) and Change for Information (RFIs) and Change Orders.
Orders.
Identification of conflicts in the field after Conflicts can be detected in earlier stages of
budgets are approved project.
Change in one drawing all other subsequent If a change is made anywhere in a model it
drawings(plan, elevation, sections, QTO) will be automatically be addressed in all
will have to be prepared again other subsequent drawings making this
process efficient by saving time and a lot of
hectic work.

5.9 PROBLEMS & HURDLES

Lack of knowledge and experience about BIM and the use of its tools in the construction

Industry was a major hurdle. We were basically on our own when it came to learning the use

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of BIM tools. Whenever there was an issue in modeling, we had to apply hit and trial approach

applying various solutions to our problems posted on the internet. This was a time taking

process.

Acquisition of computer systems with heavy specifications with capability to smooth run the

Revit software. As the size of the project files increases the system virtual RAM requirement

increases. Rendering process specially necessitates the need to acquire such computer systems.

There were several ambiguity/errors/omissions in drawings provided to us by NESPAK.

Several beams and columns were misplaced in the plans, sections and plans had contradicting

information. This hampered our progress and were cleared by discussions with the senior

architect and by examination of the as-built structure.

Time and schedule has always been against us. The monotonous and hectic schedule made has

also hindered our progress in some way

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 Chapter 6

CONCLUSION

6.1 REVIEW OF RESEARCH OBJECTIVE

The objectives of this project were following:

 To learn about BIM.

 Create a BIM Model of a building to Estimate Quantities, do Scheduling, generation of

Clash Detection reports of different building elements, Energy Analysis and Structural

Analysis using BIM tools.

 To explore the areas where BIM can help improve efficiency of a building design

process.

6.2 CONCLUSIONS

After studying of this new process, it is concluded that this must be adopted by the AEC

industry because of the benefits it offers. Following conclusions are made through this study.

 Since drawing quality and errors are greatly reduced and time is saved in the process

BIM should be used in the design process of the building to make quality drawings in

less time.

 Use of BIM tools by Architects since allow them to make better designs in less time

and help them to communicate them to owners as well as it gives the ability to easily

increase energy efficiency of their design therefore it must be used by them.

 BIM use in HVAC design process since greatly add value to the process by making it

accurate, efficient and less prone to clash errors therefore it must be used.

 Plumbing Design process can also benefit from BIM by ensuring greater coordination

in earlier phase of project.

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  Quantity takeoff process from BIM since takes very less time therefore it must be used

but care should be taken while modeling to ensure accuracy of the quantities.

 Clash Detection tools greatly help in reduction of clashes therefore they must be

iteratively used in the design process in collaboration with other disciplines.

 BIM allows easy energy analysis in less time thus the process can be used to ensure

greener and environmentally friendly buildings.

 Manual Structural detailing is a time taking process. BIM can be used by structural

engineers if whole BIM process is followed i.e. BIM analysis and automatic detailer

tools are used.

 Since all BIM tools require heavy computation power therefore in order work and get

maximum from BIM tools heavy workstations must be used with 2,3 screens to fully

utilize the visualization capabilities of these tools.

6.3 RECOMMENDATIONS

Due to the benefits provided by BIM as mentioned in the above section. It is recommended

that steps must be taken by design firms to fully implement Building Information Modeling in

their organization.

To get familiarize with the process as a first step towards implementation BIM tools can be

used in the current design process to get specific benefits like removing errors from drawings,

removing clashes between different disciplines, getting extra sections for detailing etc. High

spec computer infrastructure must be built before starting any BIM project.

6.4 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE STUDY

Further studies should be done in the following areas:

 Comparison of efficiency between various BIM quantity takeoff tools

 Use of Structural BIM Model to for analysis with different FEM Analysis tools.

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 Use of BIM in procurement management.

91
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APPENDIX-1: HVAC VS STRUCTURAL CLASH DETECTION REPORT
APPENDIX-2: PLUMBING VS HVAC CLASH DETECTION REPORT
APPENDIX-3: CONCEPTUAL ENERGY ANALYSIS REPORT
APPENDIX-4: BUILDING ELEMENT ENERGY ANALYSIS REPORT
APPENDIX-5: BEAM RESULTS METER ROOM ( 26 ft )
APPENDIX-6: BEAM RESULTS METER ROOM ( 13.25 ft )
 APPENDIX-7: COLUMN RESULTS METER ROOM

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