1. Introduction to BIM
BIM Curriculum 01

2. Topics History / Overview From 2D to BIM The BIM Concept Future Trends
There is a lot of talk these days about model-based design, Building Information Modeling: BIM, or Virtual Building to mention just some of the names this approach is often given. The topic of this lecture is what does this really mean and how does this approach differ.

3. Evolution of AEC CAD 2D solutions 3D solutions BIM solutions
Electronic drafting board
3D solutions
Modeling for purely visualization purposes
BIM solutions
Models with integrated architectural information
Construction Coordination (5D)
Timing/scheduling and Cost estimation
CAD (Computer Aided Design) applications have gone through major changes over the course of time. The evolution of CAD software was particularly significant in the AEC (Architecture, Engineering and Construction) industry, in which simple two dimensional drafting programs have evolved into integrated building information modeling (BIM) applications during the past 30 years. The most important milestones of AEC CAD are the following:
2D solutions
Electronic drafting board
3D solutions
Modeling for purely visualization purposes
BIM solutions
Models with integrated architectural information
Construction Coordination (5D)
Timing/scheduling and Cost estimation
Early commercial CAD applications were no more then electronic drafting boards capable of creating 2D drawings only.
A major milestone of AEC software history was the release of 3D CAD applications capable of handling three-dimensional models in addition to the 2D documentation. Some of these programs also had basic visualization functions, such as photo rendering engines and simple movie tools.
Contemporary BIM applications provide integrated solutions for architects and designers. Developed specifically for the AEC industry, the BIM programs feature real building elements, automatically attached building information data and rich visualization capabilities.
The latest AEC applications focus on the construction industry. Adding time and cost information to the 3D BIM model (making it into a so-called “5D” model) allows construction companies to optimize their processes and minimize the risk of building errors.

4. AEC CAD Timeline 1960 1970 1980 1990 1980 1990 2000 CAD usage % 100%
Experimental CAD in research
Commercial CAD on mainframes and workstations
Commercial CAD on personal computers
BIM
4D-5D CAD
Commercial 3D CAD
1980
Hand Drafting
2D CAD
3D CAD
BIM
4-5D CAD
1990
2000
CAD usage %
100%
50% 0%
The history of CAD goes back to the early sixties. In this pioneering era of computer science, researchers and programmers laid the foundations of the CAD industry. Computer input devices (such as the mouse) and basic computer interface techniques were also invented that time.
The first commercial CAD applications were released in the seventies for mainframe computers and workstations. Since these machines were very expensive, computer-aided drafting remained the privilege of state institutions and large design firms (mainly in the engineering industry).
The breakthrough in CAD usage came in the early eighties, with the appearance of personal computers on the market. The drop in computer prices opened the way for smaller architectural firms to start experimenting with CAD drafting.
Thanks to the rapid development of computer hardware and computer programming, within a few years 3D CAD solutions followed the 2D CAD applications.
By the end of the eighties, CAD developers realized that different industry segments required different solutions. The 1990’s were characterized, then, by specialization of CAD software. The Building Information Modeling concept was also developed during these years, although some revolutionary CAD companies released similar products in the early eighties.
The latest trend in the industry is the integrated solution offered for construction companies. This approach is also known as 5D CAD (3D+time+cost).
The adoption of new CAD concepts by institutions and businesses usually followed the industry innovations with a few years delay. The accompanying chart shows the tendencies in CAD usage during the past 30 years.
As you can see, from the mid-80s onwards, more and more of the industry has adopted some form of CAD, and we are now going to discuss the 3 most common CAD methods
2D CAD
3D CAD
BIM

5. Working Concept - 2D CAD Draft everything in 2D No 3D model is created
Design changes maintained manually on every drawing
Typically, each drawing is saved in its own file
Before we talk about the BIM concept, let’s take a closer look at the earlier CAD methods. 2D applications are nothing more than “electronic drafting boards” capable of providing only two-dimensional drawings, without the capability for 3D models.
The working concepts of 2D CAD are the following:
Draft everything in 2D
No 3D model is created
Design changes maintained manually on every drawing
Typically, each drawing is saved in its own file

6. Evaluation - 2D CAD Benefits Drawbacks Faster modifications Accuracy
Compared to hand drafting
Faster modifications
Accuracy
Smart drafting tools (fills, dimensions)
Repetitive elements (blocks, xrefs)
Compared to other CAD methods
Easy to understand concept (electronic drafting)
Relatively small files due to reduced data
Quick (but less intelligent) solution for all building types
Drawbacks
Changes on one drawing don’t influence other drawings
Drawing coordination is essential
No more content compared with hand drawing
Collisions and other design problems are difficult to identify
The most important benefits and drawbacks of 2D CAD are listed below. 2D CAD has major advantages compared to hand drafting, but it cannot provide solutions for many problems facing designers. The most critical drawback of 2D CAD is the lack of automatic change management among multiple drawings.
Benefits
Compared to hand drafting
Faster modifications
Accuracy
Smart drafting tools (fills, dimensions)
Repetitive elements (blocks, xrefs)
Compared to other CAD methods
Easy to understand concept (electronic drafting)
Relatively small files due to reduced data
Quick (but less intelligent) solution for all building types
Drawbacks
Changes on one drawing don’t influence other drawings
Drawing coordination is essential
No additional content compared with hand drawing
Collisions and other design problems are difficult to identify

7. Manual or automatic update
Working Concept – 3D CAD
The application has both 2D and 3D capabilities
Buildings can be modeled in 3D if necessary
3D and 2D information can be included in a single file
Drawings can be partially derived from the model
No automatic documentation
Application mostly works with 2D and 3D drawing tools instead of real architectural elements
Additional content can be created including visualization and basic quantity take-offs
Project File
Drawings
Manual or automatic update
The main features of 3D CAD are:
The application has both 2D and 3D capabilities
Buildings can be modeled in 3D if necessary
3D and 2D information can be included in a single file
Drawings are (partially) derived from the model
No automatic documentation
Application mostly works with 2D and 3D drawing tools instead of real architectural elements
Additional content can be created, including visualization and basic quantity take-offs
3D CAD programs allow users to create a spatial model of the building together with the necessary 2D documentation. Some drawings (e.g. sections or elevations) can be partially derived from the 3D model but in most cases the documentation is kept in a separate file (or set of files) from the model. Most 3D applications offer built-in visualization tools and basic quantity calculation features (e.g. floor areas, roof areas). .
3D Model

8. Manual or automatic update
Evaluation– 3D CAD
Benefits
Compared to 2D CAD
Easier checking of planning errors
Managing changes is easier
Visualization and calculation
Compared to BIM
Users may work purely in 2D if they wish
Smaller file size
Easier to model complex geometries
Drawbacks (compared to BIM)
Concept doesn’t follow the architectural design process
Documentation is not fully automatic
No architectural content like in BIM applications
Project File
Drawings
Manual or automatic update
Some of the benefits and drawbacks of 3D CAD are given on this slide. In general, 3D applications provide many advantages for architects and designers compared to 2D CAD and hand drafting. Visualization and listing are just the two most obvious benefits of 3D modeling. Even so, 3D CAD also has major drawbacks compared to BIM. Most importantly we can mention the lack of real architectural intelligent elements and automatically updated documentation.
Benefits
Compared to 2D CAD
Easier checking of planning errors
Managing changes is easier
Visualization and calculation
Compared to BIM
Users may work purely in 2D if they wish
Smaller file size
Drawbacks (compared to BIM)
Concept doesn’t follow the architectural design process
Documentation is not fully automatic
No architectural content like in BIM applications
3D Model

9. The BIM Concept
Definition:
BIM= Building Information Modeling
Also known as „Virtual Building” or „Building Simulation”
The basic concept of BIM modeling is that architects are able to use the 3D building model to extract all the required project drawings and building views – including sections and elevations, presentation drawings, renderings and detailed construction drawings, as well as quantity calculations and price estimations. Consequently, changes to the model are instantly updated on all drawings. The image below is an illustration of this concept.
Working with a 3-Dimensional building model gives the architects flexibility and benefits that are not available in a traditional 2D building project. The commonly used phrases ‘Virtual Building’, ‘Building Simulation’ and ‘Building Information Modeling’ are largely interchangeable.
Drawings, building views, visualizations, calculations and quantity take-offs are automatically derived from the 3D model.
BIM= Building Information Modeling
Also known as „Virtual Building” or „Building Simulation”

10. Working Concept – BIM
Single file concept: The complete building model and all of its representations are included in the BIM file
Real architectural elements used for modeling
Changes of the model affect all related drawings (and vice versa)
Automatic generation and updating of documentation
Architectural content (libraries)
Building information data attached to the elements
Additional materials (rendering, animation, quantity take-offs, schedules)
The most significant highlights of the BIM method are:
Single file concept: The complete building model and all of its representations are included in the BIM file
Real architectural elements used for modeling
Changes to the model affect all related drawings (and vice versa)
Automatic generation and updating of documentation
Architectural content (libraries)
Building information data attached to the elements
Additional materials (rendering, animation, quantity take-offs, schedules)
We must emphasize that unlike in 3D CAD, the BIM model consists of real architectural elements (walls, slabs, roofs, etc.) and the documentation workflow is automatic.

11. Evaluation– BIM Benefits Compared to 2D and 3D CAD
Elements have architectural meaning
Changes on one drawing have influence on all others
Rich visualization content (animation, sun studies, renderings etc.)
Automatic quantity take-offs, schedules
Connection to structural, energy calculation, collision detection etc. software
Drawbacks
Higher training requirements
Might be difficult to learn the BIM approach for people who were previously 2D users
Might be more difficult to handle complex geometry (e.g. freeform structures) then in 3D and 2D CAD
Since the BIM concept was initially developed to serve the AEC market, it offers many particular advantages for architects and designers compared to traditional CAD methods. The only possible drawback of BIM is the relatively higher training requirements of novice users and cross graders from 2D applications.
Benefits
Compared to 2D and 3D CAD
Elements have architectural meaning
Changes on one drawing have influence on all others
Rich visualization content (animation, sun studies, renderings etc.)
Automatic quantity take-offs, schedules
Connection to structural, energy calculation, collision detection etc. software
Drawbacks
Higher training requirements
Might be difficult to learn the BIM approach for people who were previously 2D users
Might be more difficult to handle complex geometry (e.g. freeform structures) then in 3D and 2D CAD

12. Real Architectural Elements - BIM
Drawing representation
Floor plan, section and elevation views
Adjustable contours, fills, backgrounds
Scale sensitivity
Model representation
3D shapes connected to drawing elements
Surface color and texture
Non-graphical information
Material descriptions
Quantities, volumes
Cost
Values specific to certain elements (e.g. lux values of lights, fire resistance of doors)
The BIM model is made of real architectural elements that are represented correctly (according to local architectural standards) in all views. Furthermore, non-graphical building information data can be attached to the building components that serve as a basis for various calculations.
Drawing representation
Floor plan, section and elevation views
Adjustable contours, fills, backgrounds
Scale sensitivity
Model representation
3D shapes connected to drawing elements
Surface color and texture
Non-graphical information
Material descriptions
Quantities, volumes
Cost

13. Model Based Documentation - BIM
Coherence between model and drawing
All drawings derived from the model
Model itself coordinates drawings
Automatic scale change
The complete project lifecycle can be controlled from a single file
Rich 3D visualization content helps you to win the job
The ultimate goal of architectural design - even in the era of BIM modeling - is to produce the construction documentation set from which the building can be constructed. Three dimensional models and visualization materials are also important since they help to win the job, but architects still get paid for delivering drawings. The BIM programs support the automatic production of drawings from the 3D model, allowing architects to spend more time on design and less on documentation.
The benefits of model-based documentation are:
Coherence between model and drawing
All drawings derived from the model
Model itself coordinates drawings
Automatic scale change
The complete project lifecycle can be controlled from a single file
Rich 3D visualization content helps you to win the job

14. Estimation-BIM Additional information attached to the model
Quantity
Materials
Descriptions
Product details
Construction details
Safety details
Cost
Instant Calculation
Quantity take-offs
Room Inventories
Door-Window Schedules
BIM
DATA
3D model
Calculations
Assigning non-graphical data (quantity, materials, description, cost etc.) to the model elements allows the user to derive instant calculation from the BIM model.
Additional information attached to model:
Quantity
Materials
Descriptions
Product details
Construction details
Safety details
Cost
Instant calculation materials:
Quantity take-offs
Room Inventories
Door/Window schedules

15. Collaboration -BIM Areas of collaboration: Internal External
The AEC industry is moving towards integration of disciplines. The collaborative mode will become a standard approach. Only advanced data-sharing technology will enable effective enough communication to support this working method.
Areas of collaboration:
Internal
External
Designing, building and managing a building is a highly complex process that requires smooth communication and collaboration among all members of the project team. Advanced BIM applications offer integrated data communication and data sharing solutions for all project stakeholders.

16. External Collaboration-BIM
The BIM data can be shared with the project stakeholders via:
IFC (Industry Foundation Classes)
DXF-DWG (Autocad Drawing)
PDF (Portable Document Format)
XML (Extensible Markup Language)
Other native CAD file formats
The AEC industry is moving from a “file-based environment” toward a “data-based environment”. The information stored in the BIM model can be shared in many file formats with external project team members:
IFC (Industry Foundation Classes)
DXF-DWG (Autocad Drawing)
PDF (Portable Document Format)
XML (Extensible Markup Language)
Other native CAD file formats
IFC is a standard universal framework that enables information sharing and interoperability throughout all phases of the whole building life cycle

17. Internal Collaboration-BIM
Central File
Advanced BIM applications allow the seamless sharing of the virtual building data between the project team members
The teamwork approach:
Central file contains the complete virtual building database
Team members work on local copies
Team members have dedicated workspaces
Team members send and receive changes regularly
Workspace 3
Workspace 2
Workspace 1
Send & receive changes
Well-established communication protocols in the office are critical to minimize the risk of project coordination errors. Complex or large buildings also require the sharing of the BIM model among the project team members. The teamwork approach offers an integrated solution for these problems.
The teamwork approach:
Central file contains the complete virtual building database
Team members work on local copies
Team members have dedicated workspaces
Team members send and receive changes regularly
Local Copy 1
Local Copy 2
Local Copy 3

18. Analysis, Coordination-BIM
Jetstream from NavisWorks
Further processing the BIM data allows a wide range of analytical activities:
Code checking (collision detection)
Energy efficiency analysis
Structural analysis
EnergyPlus
The BIM model, when imported into external analysis programs, allows a wide range of analytical activities including:
Code checking (collision detection)
Energy efficiency analysis
Structural analysis
These tools help minimize the risk of construction and design errors.
Xsteel from Tekla

19. Trends: Construction Coordination
Construction industry is moving towards automated solutions. Adding time and cost information to the 3D model results the virtual construction model.
Time (4D)
The needs and approaches of construction companies are different from those of the architects. Construction must excel in two areas: winning bids and effectively managing the money, manpower, machinery, and materials required to construct buildings. Not surprisingly, the building industry is moving toward automated solutions. Assigning time and cost information to the BIM model (5D) is such a solution.
Cost (5D)
Linked Schedules
Linked Estimating Recipes
BIM Model (3D)

20. Virtual Construction Workflow
Constructability Analysis and Coordination
Schedule
Procurement 5
D Model
Cost Estimate
Project Control
Accounting
The 5D model –or Virtual Construction Model- is the basis for all elements of the project control, including constructability analysis, cost estimation and construction documentation. The figure below shows the new construction coordination workflow.
Fabrication 2
D Drawings