- We just defined the levels of BIM.
Now to further define what specific data is contained
in a building information model,
we need to discuss the dimensions of BIM.
Let's start with a term that I guess technically exists,
but I really don't hear it used that often,
and that's 2D BIM.
This actually doesn't even really fit my definition of BIM
that I gave you earlier, because 2D BIM is really just
a two dimensional CAD drawing
or computer aided design drawing.
This does go towards supporting those broader definitions
of BIM that consider any digital model
that contains building information,
to be a building information model though.
So, I'll include it here in case you ever hear it used.
2D BIM is really just digital blueprints.
3D BIM is what many people think of when they hear the term
building information model.
It simply refers to a virtual model of the building,
a site, road or any facility
that's drawn in three dimensions,
and that contains other additional text information
that's needed to build the structure.
Basically, it's what I've referred to so far
when discussing BIM.
4D BIM adds the additional element of time.
Time is added to each of the components in a structure,
reflecting the scheduling data for the project.
Adding this time dimension to each component
helps detect construction issues,
since it can be used to visualize
how the project will progress sequentially over time.
It can help you visually not only see
the construction sequence,
but you can see things like site access over time
and conflicts with actual trade scheduling.
5D BIM adds a cost element to the model.
This can allow stakeholders to visualize project costs
as a function of time as the project progresses.
It requires the input of detailed cost information
for each element.
And it requires some frequent updating of this information
to keep it accurate.
Now, I can see the 5D BIM approach with both scheduling
and cost information included in the model,
being useful on a project that utilizes
a true integrated project delivery or IPD approach.
Where there are multiple stakeholders
that are all a party to a single construction contract.
Finally, we have 6D BIM.
Which includes project life cycle information.
This is sometimes referred to as
the facility management model.
A model is created and updated by the trades
throughout the entire construction cycle
to include as-built changes and adjustments
and traditional shop drawing information.
So that a model becomes a complete record
of what's actually been put in place during construction.
This model will also contain all of the operation
and maintenance or O&M manuals
and all of the warranty information.
Then to be useful in the management and maintenance
of a facility, it also has the ability to capture data
throughout the operational phase of a building.
This enables the model to be used to evaluate things
like energy efficiency and life cycle cost.
My opinion is that you have to have at least
a BIM level two adoption, to create a 6D model.
And it would probably be much easier to achieve
using a level three adoption.
You can see that the level of collaboration
and the level of input increases substantially
as you progress through the dimensions of BIM.
A 6D BIM with level three adoption
will require the input of many trade partners
working in a shared model,
to include detailed installation drawings
and as-built model corrections.
Now, I discussed some of this type of work,
which included laser scanning to update the model
to as-built status, in another course called
construction management technology on the jobsite.
Now here, this was really useful on the project
because it had value to the owner.
It was a hospital patient tower where detailed as-built
and facility maintenance information is critical
to the hospital.
It was facilitated through an IPD like
project delivery method, with a very high level
of collaboration among all of the parties
and stakeholders on the project.
Alright, now that we have all that information defined
and you have an understanding of the levels
and dimensions of BIM, you may be able to see
that all projects are not suited for all levels of BIM.
Hospitals and manufacturing facilities might benefit
from 6D BIM and they'll need level two or three adoption
to achieve that.
A 6D BIM project that's using level two adoption,
will require contract language
to determine who will put all of the individual model data
together into the single model
that will be handed off to the owner.
These things all have costs associated with them.
Again, some facility owners will see enough value
to justify those costs and some will not.
Conversely, when an owner is expecting
a building information model that they can use to manage
the life cycle of their facility,
they need to understand that 6D BIM costs more than 3D BIM.
Then finally, it's also important to understand
that there are all kinds of in between levels
that are not clearly defined anywhere.
Building information models can contain a great deal
of data and information.
They can include information from many trades and suppliers.
They can also contain very little information.
The expectations need to be properly managed
by including language in the project specifications
or other contract documents.