What BIM means for our customers
At A-Plant we recognise the benefits that BIM implementation can provide.
We have constructed a glossary of key BIM terms in order to help our customers understand the different elements of BIM.
- Client benefits
- Glossary
Clash Avoidance
Having access to product information and associated technical data ensures that our customers can check dimensions, and anticipate and manage potential problems before construction.
Asset Management
BIM helps optimise the performance of an asset over its whole lifecycle, through having immediate access to integrated data.
Operational Efficiencies
Operational efficiencies refer to benefits such as time and cost reductions. BIM makes information easier to retrieve. Information is therefore accessible on demand, which makes decision making occur much quicker, thus resulting in faster project delivery.
Improved Collaboration
An important feature of BIM is the Common Data Environment (CDE), which allows multiple parties to upload and share information onto a cloud system. Separate teams working on the same project can access this information at each stage of the production process. This increases the overall quality and efficiency, therefore increasing its value.
Planning and Logistics BIM
simplifies the operational pathway and makes it easier to construct a plan. Not only does this make operations leaner, and more efficient, but also, keeps tasks closer to their schedule.
Asset Information Model (AIM)
Information model once project is complete and handed over.
Attribute
Data that forms a partial description of an object.
Building Information Modelling Execution Plan (BEP)
A plan shared by all project members which documents how aspects of a project are to be carried out, including roles and responsibilities, schedule data, how information will be shared etc.
Building Information Modelling (BIM)
Process by which information models and datasets about built assets (graphical and non-graphical) are compiled and managed in a shared digital space until handed over to the client on project completion.
BIM Model
A BIM model presents information about asset components in a geometric or structured fashion.
CIC Scope of Services
A list of tasks which are, or maybe, required on all projects.
BIM Maturity
Refers to the relative level of BIM software sophistication. Maturity is expressed in terms of different levels; i.e. Level 3 is of a higher maturity than Level 0.
Clash Avoidance
Involves the identification, analysis and reporting of interferences within a 3D model. This can be stretched to cover an interpretation of the native format model file which is used for spatial coordination processes (better known as Clash Rendition).
Cloud
Internet based system in which data and resources can be shared amongst multiple parties.
Construction Operation Building Information Exchange (COBie)
Spreadsheet containing digital information about a building and passed to a building operator. In effect, COBie is a BIM.
Common Data Environment (CDE)
Shared digital space for collecting, managing and sharing information relating to a project by all participants.
Computer Aided Design (CAD)
The use of computer systems to help in the design, analysis and optimisation of a design.
Employer’s Information Requirements (EIR)
A pre-tender document which sets out the information to be delivered and the standards and processes to be adopted by the supplier as part of the project. Helps know what graphical and non-graphical information is needed and when.
Industry Foundation Classes
Relates to interoperability and is a standard which helps in the transfer of information from one platform to another; therefore, allowing information to be shared whatever the format.
Information Model
A representation of concepts and operations to specify domain semantics.
Information Modelling
Data contributed to the CDE, also referred to as a data set and is not graphical information.
Lean
Production focused on delivering value for the employer or client by eliminating all non-value adding activities. There is a focus on efficiency.
Master Information Delivery Plan (MIDP)
Key deliverables, format of delivery, timescales etc.
PAS1192
Refers to the specification for information management for the delivery of construction projects using BIM. It supports the objective to achieve BIM maturity Level 2 by specifying requirements for this level.
Project Implementation Plan (PIP)
Statement relating to the suppliers’ IT and HR capabilities to deliver the EIR.
Project Information Model (PIM)
Information model developed during the delivery phase.
Revit
Software provided by Autodesk which is specifically built for BIM.
Soft Landings
The handover of a built asset from the design and construction team to the management and maintenance team.
Standard Method and Procedure (SMP)
Set of standard methods and procedures which cover the way information is named and referenced.
Supplier Information Modelling Assessment Form
A document which conveys the capability and experience of a supplier to carry out information modelling in a collaborative environment.
Supply Chain Capability Assessment Form
A document which summarises the HR and IT capabilities of each organisation in a supply chain.
Third Party Capability Assessment Form
A document which conveys the management and IT capabilities of non-design, non-construction companies within a supply chain.
Virtual Construction Model
Subsequent version of the project information model developed from the design intent model by the construction supplier and their supply chain.
2D BIM
Drawings and illustrations of a project. Part of Level 2 BIM.
3D BIM
Models of a project that show to scale properties. 3D BIM includes laser scanning, ground penetration and ground work. Part of Level 2 BIM.
4D BIM
Scheduling and phasing of a design as well as simulations of construction projects. Lean scheduling of events is also a feature, this involves last planning and just in time deliveries. Part of Level 2 BIM.
5D BIM
Linking of cost data into the information model to generate estimates. Part of Level 2 BIM.
6D BIM
Details the expected lifespan and maintenance requirements of a component to support facilities management. Contains information such as manufacturers’ details, installation information etc. Part of Level 2 BIM.
7D BIM
Refers to the management of shared software applications; this is a key component of being part of BIM Level 3.
8 Pillars of BIM
The definition of Level 2 in the UK has been defined by eight documents. The suite of documents has been created to allow customers and all parties involved in the creation of physical assets, to define processes and procedures around the electronic exchange of data sets. The eight documents are: PAS1192/2, PAS1192/3, BS1192/4, PAS1192/5, The BIM Protocol, Government Soft Landings, Digital Plan of Works and Classification.