BIM

Benefits of BIM

• A more collaborative way of working through the exchange of digital models produced in accordance with shared standards, methods, and procedures.
• Easier visualisation of the project through the production of detailed 3D models.
• Improved clash identification through use of specific clash detection tools enabling correction prior to start on site.
• Reduction of wastage through more accurate quantity measurement and minimisation of abortive work.
• Provision of a fully integrated asset information model containing all the necessary information about the built asset to be utilised during the operation and use phase of the project.

As part of our commitment to BIM, we have aligned the way in which we develop, organise and manage all our production information with BS 1192:2007. This ensures that we can effectively collaborate with other disciplines on projects where required. In addition, we have a suite of documents in place that enables us to deliver BIM up to Level 2 and in line with guidance set out in PAS 1192-2. We are currently reviewing the new ISO19650-1 with the plan to bring our documentation in line with this latest international BIM standard.

Further to this we have set the ambitious target of achieving the BRE BIM Level 2 Business Systems Certification. This highly regarded certification scheme will assess our business in relation to the BIM policy and capability defined in the relevant British Standards and will offer our clients enhanced confidence in our abilities within this field of expertise.

Building Massing

FormIt is a package within the Autodesk Suite that is very similar to SketchUp but can be directly transferred to the Revit platform. In this way, early stage massing models and concept forms can evolve into a fully-fledged Revit model. This avoids the process of discarding models and starting afresh at each stage. FormIt is a powerful tool for exploring early stage massing in context with surrounding buildings and testing key views. It can also be layered into Infraworks to enable greater co-ordination with early site information.

Building Survey

Laser scans are a quick and easy way to collect extremely accurate data about on-site conditions. We would typically receive a point cloud survey from the surveyor which can be used in a variety of ways:

• TruView – This is a 3D viewer which can be used by clients and consultants to explore a full colour 3D survey. This is a viewer only, and cannot be used to interrogate the model, such as to take measurements.
• Recap – This is an Autodesk package which can be used to measure, mark-up and communicate throughout the point cloud data and share it with collaborators.
• Revit – Point clouds can also be overlaid in Revit to help produce accurate models from the survey data.

Visualisation

By exporting models from Revit into Twinmotion, we are able to produce high quality photorealistic images of exteriors and interiors to help communicate design concepts and details to clients. This helps foster a collaborative approach to design and improves buy-in from a variety of stakeholders.

Site Exploration

Infraworks is a package within the Autodesk Suite which enables us to quickly and easily convey preliminary design intent in a real-world, contextual environment, which helps improve clients buy-in and decision making. Infraworks infrastructure design also supports engineers in review civil / ground works including g cut & fill analysis.

• Brings together large amounts of data to create intelligent design models in the context of the real world.
• Seamlessly integrates design with geospatial data to generate a more comprehensive site model.
• Aids exploration of conceptual designs in-context using tools that integrate engineering principles.
• Generate compelling and immersive visual outputs to helps communicate design intent.

4D Phasing

4D Phasing is an extension of the 3D building model with the fourth dimension added: Time. Construction or demolition sequencing of a project can be visualised to show the progress of construction events, which is beneficial to bid stages and ultimately to the construction phase itself.

We are able to utilise Timeliner  - part of Navisworks  - which animates a construction programme sequence (produced in Microsoft Project) using 3D modelled elements.

Revit can also be utilised more simplistically to animate a sequence of elements, one after the other, rather than to a set timeline.

Technical Co-ordination

For the production of a co-ordinated technical design at RIBA Stages 3 & 4, the collaboration of shared models is essential for a smooth and efficient design process. Outputs can be provided in a number of ways from traditional plans and elevations to 3D views and schedules.

Collaboration and co-ordination are key benefits of integrated models in a BIM environment. We are able to utilise various clash detection packages throughout the process to eliminate co-ordination issues before they reach site. Primarily this is to co-ordinate service runs and to avoid clashes with structural elements.

Construction

Revit can be utilised to perform a number of functions during the construction phase: Production of construction issue drawings, co-ordinated via shared models with other disciplines, in a variety of formats. We typically produce plans, sections, and elevations but can also generate 3D model views and details to help better communicate complex construction interfaces.