Despite the type of building project, construction demands coordination and collaboration of several systems. A range of clashes can arise if you combine different models to generate the final coordinated model. This is where BIM coordination comes in handy.
But how can the BIM coordination process assist in the construction?
With BIM, engineers, modelers and architects can identify any 3D geometrical issues. Also, they can solve such problems effectively before the construction project commences. Further, clash detection enables designers to circumvent on-site conflicts and saves necessary building costs.
Want to know how can you perform effective cross-disciplinary BIM coordination? Keep reading!
What Is Cross-Disciplinary BIM Coordination?
Many of us might not know the clear concept of cross-disciplinary BIM coordination. So, let’s delve into it first. Cross-disciplinary BIM coordination is also called multi-disciplinary or multi-trade BIM coordination. This process refers to combining many discipline models and inspecting if there are any clashes between them.
In cross-disciplinary BIM coordination, we also check model information accuracy, send appropriate collision reports, generate model element lists, and perform coordination meetings.
7 Pro Tips To Perform Cross-Disciplinary BIM Coordination
In the following, we’ve given the top 7 pro tips to help you coordinate BIM. Let’s check them out:
- Proper Placement of Models
No matter what the 3D model is, you need to set it precisely. Why so? This is because dimensional inaccuracies and indifferent coordinate systems can cause a collision on combining models. However, 3-D models from cross-disciplines must be combined with higher precision in the very coordination system.
You might not know, but the Revit model contains a paired coordination system. Therefore, BIM modelers need to be aware of this fact. Broad knowledge of the Project Base Points and Survey Points, using worksets and linking models correctly, can help place BIM models properly.
- Selection of Right Coordination Tools
You can find a number of BIM coordination tools on the internet. But it is requisite to choose the right tool. So, when selecting coordination tools, ask yourself a few questions. For example:
- Is the 3-dimensional model created in multiple programs or just a single program?
- Are you licensed to use the Building Information Modeling tools?
- Which tools are currently utilized by the organization for cross-disciplinary coordination?
When designing drafting, accuracy matters a lot. The same applies to the BIM coordination procedure. Moreover, below is the category of 3 essential groups to help conduct this process:
Common Data Environments
CDEs (Common Data Environments) allow teams to perform interference checks using tools like Trimble Connect, iField Smart Technologies, etc.
Modeling Programs
On top of that, if you are using only one tool to model multiple BIM disciplines, modeling programs are an ideal choice. For instance, Autodesk Revit enables you to check any collisions.
Exclusive BIM Coordination Tools
Above all, exclusive BIM coordination tools can be worthwhile to end up with advanced model coordination. However, Navisworks Manage and Solibri Office are the two most employed tools.
- Importing Models to IFC Format
Next, export your BIM models into IFC (International Foundation Class) format files. Project teams use different 3-dimensional BIM modeling software for interdisciplinary coordination.
Different providers develop all such software; they can save BIM models to many file formats.
On the contrary, connected construction demands the usage of the following tools or software:
- Tekla
- iField Smart Technologies
- Navisworks
- Revit
BIM modelers need to combine and create a 3D model in the International Foundation Class format with BIM coordination. However, accurate data mapping is critical for precise IFC files.
- Specifying Model Checking Purview
Once you’ve coordinated different models, ensure to determine the BIM coordination scope. Moreover, answering the following questions can help specify the coordination scope effectively.
- Is the space validation precise? Are modeled spaces adhering to the required design conditions?
- Can you check 3-dimensional models for data accuracy, interference or validity?
- Does the coordination process comprise checking installation distances and necessary following standards?
Answering all these questions can aid you in modeling quickly, determining any missing data and detect interferences.
- Determining Model Checking Rules
The next step you need to conduct is determining the model checking rules. In short, these are the rules to identify which BIM model elements are checked.
For example, you can deploy BIM coordination to analyze collisions between architectural and air conditioning models. Apart from this, the latest BIM tools are beneficial in filtering, classifying, and grouping rules to specify the project requirements. Although the need to determine BIM model checking rules is extensive, it can be powerful at the same time.
- Performing Model Checking
Finally, your model is ready. Next, you need to check it following predefined rules. However, if you’re deploying Solibri software, you must follow the below steps to perform model checking:
- Open the rules as defined above
- Afterwards, hit the button with the name “Check model.”
Wait until Solibri BIM software completes analyzing the model
- Now, check the results panel and check for any collisions
- Last, you need to press on each issue to check their location.
This is how you can perform model checking in Solibri software. However, it may differ depending on the tools and software used.
- Sending Coordination Reports
The last step involves issuing coordination management reports. You can filter these reports trade-wise or leverage level-wise. Further, you can also share these reports with different disciplines and teams to resolve any clashes.
Construction management software and tools can help easily assign various tasks via task management. However, sending reports in BCF (BIM Collaboration Format) format is advisable.
Wrapping It Up
As aforementioned, multi or cross-disciplinary coordination demands a comprehensive knowledge of tools. All the tips mentioned above are the essence of how to perform the cross-disciplinary coordination process correctly. We hope you are now familiar with the importance of going deep into the details of specified BIM tasks. Whether you run a residential or industrial construction project, it is equally important to follow the coordination process.