©OPEN BIM Focus 2015 1
BIM – Industry Matters Issue 14 - July 2015
Content
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buildingSMART UK and Ireland User Group: IFC/COBie Trials 2015 - Update
3
buildingSMART International Council Meeting & Chapter Conference 2015
10 Profile - Richard Kelly Operations Director buildingSMART International
15
BIM Prospects 2015 & 2016
17
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There is an increasingly vociferous consensus that the UK is leading the BIM revolution. With a government mandate and a clear strategy, global decision makers are looking to our shores for guidance. The ongoing ‘IFC/COBie Trials’ are delivering what industry wants and are proving definitively, that industry involvement is key to the success of BIM implementation. buildingSMART is evolving into a more professional and pro-active organisation, better equipped to drive the global openBIM agenda. Collaboration is key and Chapters are encouraged to play a greater part in the development of open and international standards. As always comment and contributions are welcome.
Janette Jellings Editor
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EIR Template
buildingSMART UK and Ireland User Group: IFC/COBie Trials 2015 - Update
Progress on the current trials was reported at the BIM Prospects Conference in March. Detail on earlier stages of the IFC/COBie Trials can be found in past issues of OPEN BIM Focus.
The buildingSMART User Group thanks trial participants.
Nick Nisbet - Project Team Lead AEC 3 Paul Oakley BRE Sylvia Kirby Sir Robert MacAlpine Rebecca Hodgson-Jones Sir Robert MacAlpine Mark Stodgell Sir Robert MacAlpine Tom Loader Balfour Beatty Neil Thompson Balfour Beatty John Lawton Laing O’Rourke Julian Jameson Gatwick Airport John Ford Carillion
Trial 1 - Employers Information Requirements (EIR) and Information briefing
Project scope To deliver a ‘buildingSMART EIR template’ that will enable information requirements to be defined which are aligned with the IFC and COBie standards. An EIR could include the following types of requirements:
• Organisational Information Requirements (OIR) • Asset Information Requirements (AIR) and • Information Requirements (IR).
Deliverables • buildingSMART EIR template form • Background report and guidance notes • Educational, training and presentation material
including endorsements
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Background
EIRs are essential to the BIM process and as a ‘kick start’ activity they are arguably the most important thing.
What is not a moot point, is that misinterpretation and confusion still prevails as industry gets to grips with BIM. buildingSMART UK believes that the entire sector will benefit if clarification and guidance is made available.
Trial Objectives To develop a buildingSMART EIR Template Form – for Clients & Industry - to provide clarity to the initiation of BIM and its distribution down the supply chain.
Methodology
Review of published material from PAS 1192-Part 2, the BIM Task Group and a variety of published and commercial EIRs including:
• PAS 1192-PART 2 section 3.21 employer’s information requirements (EIR) A pre-tender document setting out the information to be delivered, and the standards and processes to be adopted by the supplier as part of the project delivery process
• PAS 1192-PART 2 annex A.58 employer’s Information Requirements (EIR) Document setting out the information to be delivered by the supplier as part of the project delivery process to the employer
• The BIM Task Group’s ‘Building Information Modelling - The Digital Plan of Work & Assemblies’ . This document summarises the content of EIRs as:
Technical Management Commercial Software Platforms
Alignment of data drops with HA project control stages
Model list aligned with protect control stages
Coordinate definitions
Level of detail definitions
Definitions of strategic purposes of information
Training
Standards
Roles and responsibilities
Work planning, design management and data segregation
Security issues
Coordination and clash detection process
Model sharing process
Model review meetings
H&S and CDM(M)
Detailed BIM deliverables for CPs
BIM capability and experience
Evidence of BIM execution planning
Confirmation of BIM toolset
Details of BIM workload and resourcing
1. Organisation 2. Principal supply chain
BIM assessment criteria with agreed scoring
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“I have produced a populated EIR using the template and I can say I would recommend it.
I love its simplicity. What this has done is make reference to protocols that do all the clarifications and setting out of the specifics so not to repeat the same guidance. EIR Lite!”
John Ford – Carillion
Conclusions After reviewing the materials detailed above, the group decided that it was time for ‘A buildingSMART Approach’. With the Primary Criteria ‘What does an EIR have to achieve’, the group determined that it had to: Support the:
• Acquisition of asset and product information by the client and employer • Supply chain response – to include advice, execution plans and delivery
Support based upon:
• Clarity for the Client/Employer, including - Formatting - Document navigation - Precision, e.g. prompted answers and check lists
• Repeatability for the Contractor/Supplier, including - Favoured standards and best practice - Focussed on demonstrable requirements
Creating an EIR Template Based on the earlier methodology and conclusions, the group has now structured an EIR template divided into two main sections, one to be completed by the client/employer and the other for expansion (or reduction) by each contracted stakeholder in the supply chain. This template is currently being tested by invited participants for usability and compliance. It will be released to the wider buildingSMART community at the end of that process. Going forward, the group is now discussing how the template can be referred back to PAS 1192-Part 2 and agreeing the optimum format for feedback, fine tuning and ultimately publication.
“The buildingSMART EIR is a good template referencing all the appropriate UK and international standards, ideal to be used as the base for creating a clear and unambiguous document.”
Mark Stodgell - Sir Robert MacAlpine
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Trial 2 - Product Data Capability
Project Scope The purpose of this trial is to test and evaluate a selection of intelligent objects that are currently available in BIM Libraries.
Deliverables • Sample IFC models and associated COBie excel
spreadsheet for each library object evaluated. • Report and guidance notes for users and providers
of BIM Library objects.
Background As more of the industry embraces BIM and the production of COBie data, there is an increasing need for manufacturers to produce data in a format that can be integrated into the process. Several vendors are already working in this area. buildingSMART User Group members, under the direction of Gary Scott, tested several products in a controlled environment. The intent of this trial is not to undertake a comparative study, as in comparing the performance of one product against another. Its purpose is to gather general observations via a common task.
The buildingSMART User Group thanks trial participants and supporting vendors.
Gary Scott Project Team Lead
Skanska Testing BIMObject
Julian Jameson Gatwick Airport Testing BIM Store Carl Ahearne Sir Robert MacAlpine Testing NBS National BIM Library Martyn Horne Computers Unlimited Testing ACO BIM Library
Product Data Capability
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Methodology Rudimentary models, such as those shown below, were created by each user, using design software available to them within their organisations. Content from their chosen object library was downloaded, inserted and used to construct the COBie deliverable. The following Objects were identified for use in the trial:
• Acoustic ceiling tiles/tiling • Fan Coil Unit • Furniture item • Lighting/emergency lighting unit • Pump set • Switch panel • Door • Window
Because the trial is only concerned with data embedded within the design object environment, completion of every field and tab within the schema was not possible. (Other field data was not obtained and added to the COBie deliverable as it was not within the remit of the trial). Trial participants used COBie construction programs available within their organisation to create the final output. The following sheets required completion in COBie:
1. Contact 2. Facility 3. Floor 4. Space 5. Type 6. Component 7. Assembly 8. Attribute 9. Coordinate
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Examples of completed COBie from two trial participants are shown below:
Feedback Feedback from participants highlighted some common themes:
1. Standard data structure required. Mapping/movement was necessary as every library had variations on the location and naming of data. This caused users to search for data in a number of locations. While this could be done on a small testing model, on large complex projects, it would prove extremely difficult to manage and collate a COBie deliverable.
2. Large file sizes. Objects focused on graphical truism, rather than intelligent data. Some software crashed as a result of this.
3. Loss of data. Parameters that were available in the object did not export into the IFC from design software.
4. Blank data fields. Objects had data missing that would be required for a design COBie deliverable.
5. A greater understanding of how to incorporate PDTs into the final COBie deliverable. Is this automated, manual or referenced data?
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Conclusions The conclusion of this trial is that while libraries and manufacturers can and are providing data, the data is unstructured and inconsistent across the industry. Projects need to incorporate data from a variety of sources and currently a user mapping of this data to a structured deliverable is required, which is time consuming and inefficient. It was also noted that some content providers are unaware of the COBie responsibility matrix schema which sets out the IFC COBie Property sets.
For example:
“COBie_Specification.Shape". In this case, companies may think they are providing the COBie properties, but are in fact supplying the aforementioned example as “COBie.Shape”. This can lead to unnecessary re-mapping work. It should be noted and checked by content providers.
The recommendation of the trial is that buildingSMART provides grass roots guidance to creators of content along the COBie structured data standard and assists with its deployment across the industry. As it is a global rather than national requirement, this recommendation will be forwarded to buildingSMART International User Group to inform its standards process.
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High Ambitions
Our Goal: Enable full benefits from digital ways of working in the built asset industry
Our Journey: Success will mean:
• Standards Body of Reference • Vibrant Chapters • Quality Mark in demand
buildingSMART International Council Meeting & Chapter Conference On the 16-17th June, buildingSMART International held its annual Council meeting and conference in Paris. The agenda centred on using the combined skills of chapter representatives, via a series of workshops, to shape the future of buildingSMART activities and standards. Together with the new appointment of Richard Kelly, Operations Director, this open and inclusive approach clearly shows that buildingSMART is evolving into a more professional and pro-active organisation, better equipped to drive the global openBIM agenda. This approach is endorsed by OPEN BIM Focus, as it is by everyone closely involved in the furtherance of integrated business process in the construction industry. The Council meeting was planned to allow a balance of communication from buildingSMART International Management and full engagement from Council members. This collaboration is essential to facilitate development of the business model.
Council Meeting – CEO report – Richard Petrie
Opportunity and Challenge The continued growth in the move towards BIM globally presents a unique opportunity across the full built asset value chain. This is being driven by the realisation that the BIM process improves predictability, increases asset value in addition to reducing costs, delivery time and carbon. The challenge is for buildingSMART ‘To become the credible Go To international standards body’ by expanding its operations and strengthening relations with governments and the wider industry.
Goals
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Activities and Outlook Progress and developments in strategy, standards and compliance programmes, were reported, as well as an encouraging report of International membership growth in the past 12 months. The outlook is positive, but greater member participation is essential at both International and Chapter levels. This in turn means that involvement of the sixteen existing, (plus five potential new), Chapters has to be coordinated to realise the outlook.
Chapter Involvement
The second day of the conference saw the emphasis shift from reporting to involvement. The day was complemented by presentations of government and client expectations from France and the UK, plus presentations of vendor and AECO expectations, from Autodesk and Nemetschek.
Key Messages from the UK presentation ‘Building Information Modelling - Level 2 by 2016; Just the beginning?’ - delivered by Mark Bew, are shown below. In the UK construction contributes nearly £90bn to the economy, 6.7% of the total.
Led by the Highways Agency, Ministry of Justice and Environment Agency, (who are close to 100% adoption of Level 2), almost £10bn worth of projects had been delivered, or were in progress by the end of 2014. All departments reported significant cost reductions (in the region of 10-20%), as a result of BIM implementation.
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Moving forward, early definitions of what Level 3 may look like were presented - with the key message that buildingSMART standards will be an essential part of the solution.
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Chapter Survey
Findings from a Chapter survey were disseminated. The survey was designed to:
• Gain an understanding of the profile of the Chapter network and its initiatives, opportunities & challenges.
• To find out how everyone is working together.
Survey Conclusions
General issues • Recent growth in membership is vibrant – the interest
and the demand is obviously there. • Government policy and client expectation are seen as
the biggest potential drivers. • But, owners, clients, operators and manufacturers are
not well represented yet. • Membership is mainly, software, academia and
consultancy. • The main limiters to openBIM uptake are: technology,
understanding the benefits and corporate lethargy. • The focus is predominantly on getting Level 2 right
before moving to Level 3.
buildingSMART International specific
• Standards Process is good and now needs implementing.
• Compliance Program needs to be developed. • Standardised education and certification programme. • Inter Chapter communication is desired and there is an
expectation for buildingSMART International to act as a catalyst.
• Support from buildingSMART International with improved communication, promotional material, benefit analysis and standardised approaches.
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Workshops Workshops were designed to capture knowledge, ideas and concerns regarding the improvement of coordination between buildingSMART International and its Chapters, from all participants. In essence, to leverage benefits from the overall community. Discussions were lively and intense. The large volume of information gathered from both the Chapter Survey and the Workshops, will inform new Chapter business plans. These will be distributed by each Chapter.
Board Structure The conference concluded with the election of a new International Board.
Newly Elected Board Chairman
Patrick MacLeamy (International)
Board Members
Jan Myhre (Norway)
Jeremy Watson (UK)
Tiina Koppinen (Nordic/Finland)
Rasso Steinmann (Germany)
Dirk Schaper (Germany)
Company Secretary
Christopher Groome (International)
Non-Voting
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Profile – Richard Kelly Operations Director buildingSMART International
How would you describe your role within buildingSMART International?
The short answer is enormously varied! We are at a very exciting time in bSI because we are transitioning from what has been a very vibrant organisation led by volunteers, into a professional business with paying members who want results. I’m covering all of the day to day aspects of running the business including the accounts, developing the IT strategy, managing the website and conference organising. The accountability that is going to make the biggest impact on future business success however is leading the Standards Program. Implementing our new standards process with our Standards Committee, Rooms and Groups is the machine that is going to drive pace and quality in the production of open sharable standards.
What is your background?
I’m a chartered engineer that has a particular enthusiasm for leading business improvement initiatives. I began by introducing lean practices with the workforce in the power generation manufacturing industry before moving to the construction sector as Head of Manufacturing for BAA, the then owner operator of seven airports including Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted. My role was to introduce manufacturing approaches into construction. Although the focus was initially on offsite assembly I moved the agenda on to an all-encompassing design for manufacturing and assembly strategy, which incorporated all aspects of a design approach to produce facilities, quicker, better, cheaper & safer.
Open BIM experience?
Very little. I describe open BIM as the missing link in the Lean Construction strategy. I’ve known about BIM and its aspirations for some time of course and I’ve been quietly amused by those that saw it only as 3D CAD design. What I hadn’t realised is how advanced the technology has become since I was talking about the dream of having configurators to enable mass customisation 15 years ago.
How do you know buildingSMART?
It’s a name that has been in the background of my industry awareness for some time but to be honest until I was approached about the role I wasn’t clear on what buildingSMART did or what benefit it could offer me as a client. Now I do know and have seen the latent powerhouse that is contained within its technical heritage I am very keen to ensure the output is focussed and the brand becomes synonymous with good quality practice and open, sharable data.
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What can you bring to buildingSMART?
My leadership experience is broad and includes managing teams from factory engineering, construction project and programmes, lean six sigma process improvement and asset management development. I know that these are all areas that would benefit from having open sharable data available to them. I can see with a client’s eyes to recognise the benefits achievable in the medium to long term, I know from first-hand experience what is possible in an engineering environment. Of course I have experienced that dichotomy of short term cost cutting versus step change development opportunity and I remain convinced that the answer to long term economic security and an improved world is remaining steadfast to the idea of long term improvement through eradicating wasteful practice, collaboration (particularly at the design phase) and interoperability.
How do you see the future?
In the hands of the capable next generation who are from the digital age and will be keen to join an industry that offers more opportunities for skills beyond the traditional. In my home country I have had a concern that we were teaching our children to be users rather than creators. This has recently changed and programming has been re-introduced after a 20 year gap into the curriculum. Sustainability, the internet of things, smart cities, asset management are all now high on young people’s agendas and developing open sharable data is an enabler to all of these. We need to ensure we create a legacy worth handing on.
Key Issues?
Getting the clients and the financiers to demand open BIM in their contracts. Developing a robust process to develop standards. Spreading the word and expressing the benefits, in terms business leaders can understand and therefore will want to get behind.
Any particular message you want to put out?
Varied spectacular architecture, faster design and build, better quality, lower CO2, safer construction and reduced whole life costs are very achievable. It just requires open BIM standards to unlock it.
Anything else?
Hey – let’s be careful out there.
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BIM Prospects Conference 2015 and 2016
The inaugural BIM Prospects Conference held on 26-27th March 2015, proved to be a great success. With its focus on the Future of BIM and Big Data, over 200 national and international delegates enjoyed presentations from a wide range of notable speakers, all authorities in their fields.
Details of the event, including presentations, can be found by clicking on the logo below.
BIM Prospects 2016 will be held next spring. Sponsors are already committing support. More information will follow in future issues of OPEN BIM Focus.
