Intelligent 3D BIM Model Created for Reconstruction of Steven Spielberg Building

Using state-of-the-art point cloud scans, VIATechnik was able to assess the building's existing layout and systems while allowing business to operate as usual on the upper three stories of the building as the ground floor was completely renovated.

A Leica C10 scanner was utilized to take accurate scans of the existing structure, HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems within the building. VIATechnik then compiled the information into a 3D BIM (Building Information Modeling) utilizing Autodesk Recap and Revit. Once the Revit model of the existing systems was completed, VIATechnik engineers created BIMs for the all the new mechanical, plumbing, electrical and fire protection systems based on the designer's 2D drawings.

"Due to the density of the existing systems, as well as the uniqueness of some of the systems such as acid waste, liquid nitrogen piping, or medical gas, we felt that it would be important to create an intelligent BIM that identified each type of pipe or duct. To obtain this information, we took photos with the point cloud scan to give a true color 3D point cloud," says President and Co-Founder of VIATechnik, Danielle Dy Buncio.

"The challenge was in coordinating the new construction work around the rest of the building, of which three floors above had to stay fully operational for the safety and care of the hospital patients," continued Dy Buncio.

Time was of the essence in this project and due to the strict construction timeline, the initial cloud point scans were completed in one day, with the existing model completed in one week. The VIATechnik team was able to complete the entire modeling project in just one month so that an initial coordination effort could be achieved prior to MEP construction.

The value of the BIM provided by VIATechnik goes beyond the typical construction coordination. Carey Collier, Project Manager for LCS Constructors explains further, "We are using the BIM for our construction as-builts and Cedars-Sinai really likes that."

To be able to turn over an accurate and intelligent model to the client has immense value – from utilizing that model for future construction efforts, to inputting facility management information.

BIM USES ON THE PROJECT

  With reference to the BIM requirements on the project, the following BIM Users have been identified (Penn State University; The Computer Integrated Construction Research Program,2010)

Design Authoring: A process in which BIM software/Technology is used to develop a Building Information Model from available design intent input documentation, incorporating metadata and other requirements to successfully translate design intent into a BIM.

Design Coordination: A process in which Clash Detection software is used during the coordination process to determine field conflicts by comparing 3D models of building systems.

4D Modeling : Process in which a 4D model(3D models with the added dimension of time ) is utilized to effectively plan the phased occupancy in a renovation, retrofit ,addition, or to show the construction sequence and space requirements on a building site.

Existing Conditions Modeling: A process in which a project team develops a BIM reflecting existing conditions on the site, including locati0on facilities, graded levels etc.

Site Utilization Planning: A process that uses construction simulation based modeling to represent both permanent and temporary facilities on site and related construction activities.

As-Built Modeling: A process used to depict an accurate representation of the actual condition of the Building in a BIM. 

BIM - Generation Phase

I phase – Till early 1980s: Before 80’s design documents are
made traditionally by drawing lines to represent a building. These
documents like plan, section and elevation are the main source to
describe the building to be built. In these traditional drawings each
line meant to convey design so that a building can eventually be
constructed.

II phase – 1980s to Late 1990s: With the introduction of computers,
the major switch over started from manual drafting towards
the computer aided drafting, which helped in producing drawings
faster. As buildings became more complex, specialization in the
design and construction process emerged, which in turn lead to
more elaborate forms of information. Use of computers, especially
for 2D drawings and reports are revolutionary changes into
Architectural Documentation.

III phase – Beginning of the 2K: In the present day, buildings
involved in producing drawings are too large. With the growth
of technology, the building systems are also many. Today, buildings
have more security, electrical, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation,
and Air Conditioning), and energy requirement. Computer based
technology has been updated in order reduce errors, but in the
end, they are still collections of manually created, non-intelligent
lines and text.

How can BIM help you ?

          BIM brings together all of the information about every component of a  building, in one place. It makes it possible for anyone to access that information for any purpose, e.g. to integrate different aspects of the design more effectively. In this way, the risk of mistakes or discrepancies is reduced, and abortive costs minimized.

          BIM data can be used to illustrate the entire building life-cycle, from cradle to cradle, from inception and design to demolition and materials reuse. Spaces, systems, products and sequences can be shown in relative scale to each other and, in turn, relative to the entire project. And by signalling conflict detection BIM prevents errors creeping in at the  various stages  of development /   construction. 

Scope of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in India

The BIM is a new and promising approach in India which is gradually
gaining acceptance by the owners, architects, engineers, and
builders. The survey explores the BIM potentials when used in the
field to better communicate and integrate construction information
across different trades, allowing for efficient work processes
and better decisions. More specifically, the study concentrated on
the deployment of the model to support planning, scheduling and
tracking of the job site operations in India. The survey has supported
the authors’ expectation that BIM has remarkable acceptance
potential among the AEC firms in India.

BIM : What the future holds?

                     In countries like the UK, the Netherlands and Singapore, the demand for BIM skills are rising and BIM is expected to become the standard practice in the coming years. A number of design teams are planning to adopt BIM within the next three years. BIM not only adds value to the technology but also changes the process of designing and building. In the near future, BIM managers and support engineers are likely to work for the owners directly in the facilities department or construction management divisions to manage project teams to project handovers. Companies which provide construction management services will probably retain the BIM professionals the most. The rest probably will migrate to the owner side. 

                  BIM managers have a solid career in the short term, say five to ten years. Beyond that, the game will very likely change. For an experienced person, this is definitely a good option as such people can build BIM-competence on their experience and not just on imagination. Such people should extend their knowledge to all areas where BIM is important, and not only where they come from. 

              For young professionals, becoming a ‘BIM manager’ is not the most exciting option. Before they gather the experience to be a manager in construction (or design, or both), such a role may cease to exist, and they may end up as a redundant ‘BIM-hand’ since the entire system is likely to be BIM-competent soon. 

BIM Pyramid