Sukhmani Avadhoot

BIM model of Randselva Bridge, the world's longest bridge built with BIM models only - no drawings.

Across the world, BIM (Building Information Modeling) is a crucial and even mandated process to ensure the planning, design, and construction of buildings is highly efficient and collaborative. Read on to discover what BIM is, how BIM is used, and what BIM levels mean.

What Is BIM?

BIM is an acronym for Building Information Modeling or Building Information Management. It is a highly collaborative process that allows architects, engineers, real estate developers, contractors, manufacturers, and other construction professionals to plan, design, and construct a structure or building within one 3D model.

Using a level 3 BIM model for digital clash detection— one of the primary uses cases for BIM.

It can also span into the operation and management of buildings using data that building or structure owners have access to (hence the Building Information Management). This data allows governments, municipalities, and property managers to make informed decisions based on information derived from the model— even after the building is constructed.

In the past, blueprints and drawings were used to express information about a particular building plan. This 2D approach made it very difficult to visualize dimensions and requirements. Next came CAD (Computer Aided Design), which helped drafters see the benefit of plans in a digital environment. Later on, CAD turned 3D, which brought more realistic visuals to blueprints. Now, BIM (Building Information Modeling) is the standard— but it is much more than just a 3D model.

BIM objects, the components that make up a BIM model, are intelligent, have geometry, and store data. If any element is changed, BIM software updates the model to reflect that change. This allows the model to remain consistent and coordinated throughout the entire process so that structural engineers, architects, MEP engineers, designers, project managers, and contractors can work in a more collaborative environment.

Example of a BIM object: Optibal W6 ball valve with Actuator - downloaded from the manufacturer and used by plumbing engineers in their BIM models.

BIM, as a whole, refers to the process of all parties involved in the construction and lifecycle management of built assets, working collaboratively and sharing data. However, the true power of BIM lives in the “I” (information). All of the information gathered— from conception to completion— isn’t just stored, it’s actionable.

The data can be used to improve accuracy, express design intent from the office to the field, improve knowledge transfer from stakeholder to stakeholder, reduce change orders and field coordination problems, and provide insight into existing buildings for renovation projects later on.

This information in a BIM model is shared through a mutually accessible online space known as a common data environment (CDE), and the data collected is referred to as an 'information model'. Information models can be used at all stages of a building’s life; from inception to operation— and even renovations and renewals.

Now that we’ve covered what BIM is and how it can be used, let’s move on to BIM levels.

Different levels of BIM can be achieved for various types of projects. Each level represents a different set of criteria that demonstrates a particular level of ‘maturity.’ BIM levels start with 0 and go to 4D, 5D, and even 6D BIM. The purpose of these levels is to gauge how effectively, or how much information is being shared and managed throughout the entire process.

So what does each level involve, and how can you identify which at which level you’re working? Below are brief descriptions of the first three levels and an explanation of what criteria is involved at each stage.

Level 0 BIM refers to not operating collaboratively at all. If you’re using 2D CAD and working with drawings and/or digital prints, you can safely say you’re at level 0. Today, most of the industry is working above this level, although not every professional in the industry has sufficient BIM training and some projects do not include the use of BIM in contract specifications.

Using 3D CAD for concept work, but 2D for drafting production information and other documentation, probably means you're working Level 1 BIM. At this level, CAD standards are managed to the standard of BS 1192:2007, and electronic sharing of data carried out from a common data environment (CDE) usually managed by the contractor. Many firms are at Level 1 BIM, which doesn’t involve much collaboration, and each stakeholder publishes and manages their own data.

Level 2 BIM begins to add in a collaborative environment. BIM Level 2 was actually made a mandatory requirement in April of 2016 on all publicly tendered projects in the UK. France followed shortly after with their own mandate in 2017.

At level 2, all team members use 3D CAD models but sometimes not in the same model. However, the way in which stakeholders exchange information differentiates it from other levels. Information about the design of a built environment is shared through a common file format.

When firms combine this with their own data, they save time, reduce costs, and eliminate the need for rework. Since data is shared this way, the CAD software must be capable of exporting to a common file format, such as IFC (Industry Foundation Class) or COBie (Construction Operations Building Information Exchange).

BIM level 3 is even more collaborative. Instead of each team member working in their own 3D model, Level 3 means that everyone uses a single, shared project model. The model exists in a ‘central’ environment and can be accessed and modified by everyone. This is called Open BIM, meaning that another layer of protection is added against clashes, adding value to the project at every stage.

Benefits of Level 3 BIM are:

BIM level 4 brings a new element into the information model: time. This information includes scheduling data that helps outline how much time each phase of the project will take or sequencing of various components.

Viewing a 5D BIM model within a common data environment to run a structure sequencing breakdown based on pour numbers.

Level 5 BIM adds cost estimations, budget analysis, and budget tracking to the information model. When working at this level of BIM, project owners can track and determine what costs will be incurred during the length of the project.

Level 6 BIM information is useful for calculating the energy consumption of a building before it's built. This ensures that designers take into account more than just the upfront costs of an asset. Level 6 BIM ensures accurate predictions of energy consumption requirements and empowers stakeholders to build structures that are energy efficient and sustainable.

Benefits of Levels 4, 5, and 6 BIM:

Because of the clear benefits, BIM is here to stay.

It has defined goals and objectives that are clearly beneficial to all those who work their way through the levels. Undoubtedly, the future of construction will be even more highly collaborative and digital. As BIM becomes increasingly more sophisticated, 4D, 5D, and even 6D BIM will start to play a part in the process.

More and more, stakeholders are walking through BIM models using augmented and virtual reality. This application can help contractors and manufacturers with clash detection and training, architects to sell their designs, and owners to "see" into their structures and make better decisions for maintenance and retrofitting.

Furthermore, around the globe, there is an attempt to reduce waste in construction. Much of this  is attributed to supply chain inefficiencies, clashes, and reworking. By working collaboratively in a BIM environment, all of this becomes much less likely, setting the stage for a better tomorrow.

As we look to the future, we see tremendous potential. BIM is only the beginning of what's possible with modern construction tools and technology. When BIM is layered with the principles of Connected Construction, the dream of BIM becomes an achievable reality.

Trimble is joining forces with industry leaders in architecture, engineering, and construction to put Connected Construction to the test in The Great Library docuseries. Over a series of episodes, we will digitally transform the Library of Celsus into a modern-day facility.

Ready to witness connected construction in action? Watch episode one!

winning adjective · very attractive; capturing interest Synonyms : fetching, taking Examples - a fetching new hairstyle - a winning personality - something

1. Record your TikTok video as you normally would, then continue to the editing screen.
2. On the editing screen, tap the 'Voiceover' button in the corner, indicated by a microphone icon.
3. Find the section of the video where you want to add your voiceover, then tap the 'Record' button to begin.

The city of Cairo.

Egypt is the top destination for mummies. In no other corner of the planet has the dead attracted so many people for so long. The tomb of Tutankhamen is more famous than any other tomb.

The face of ancient Egypt hides a lot of mystery. There is a broken body behind her and she can't explain how a pharaoh died so young. Murder, malaria, an accident? You can follow the footprints of its main character, even though scientists scrutinize its remains. The Valley of the Kings tomb was filled with treasures when it was discovered.

They are in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, where you can see the impressive coffin and see the mask.

Tutankhamen's tomb costs a little more than the three others in the Valley of the Kings.

AreQUIPA, PERU.

Poor woman. They sacrificed her to appease the mountain when she was only 13 years old and took her to 6,130 meters of altitude. She was frozen and alone until 1995 when an eruption uncovered her resting place. The Santury Museum of Arequipa houses the Ice Lady, who was preserved almost perfectly because of the altitude and low temperatures.

Her muscles, stomach contents, and even her once-delicate clothing have provided some amazing insight into the life of the Inka.

The Santury de Arequipa Museum is open every day, but in January and April they don't expose Juanita, but another child sacrifice.

Philadelphia, USA

There are mummies that are not human.

The crow daredevil is still on top. The Free Library of Philadelphia has a small glass case with the winged creature that inspired The Raven. He has a good literary past, having been Charles Dickens' pet and appearing in his main novel, Barnaby Rudge. Dickens contemplates the rare books section of the library, where there are works by Dickens and others.

The third floor of the Central Library has a place called Grip. There are guided circuits on Mondays to Fridays.

Nevers is a French phrase.

Saint Bernadette is the most attractive person to die in France. The town of Lourdes was turned into a landmark for Christianity after a French nun had visions of the Virgin Mary.

She was exhumed three times after her death at 35 years old and she was declared intact three times. Her body, exposed in an urn in the chapel of San Gildardo, in Nevers, continues as always, since they thought the black color would scare off pilgrims.

Even the incorruptible need some tweaking.

In the center of France, you can take a train to Paris.

The Czech Republic has a republic called BRNO (CZECH REPUBLIC).

It is not a question of one fascinating corpse, but of many, and all of them are monks, in the crypt of a Capuchin monastery. Before health and safety regulations were put in place, these frugal souls used the same coffin every time, and the beloved brother was removed from the coffin and placed on the ground. It seems that the well-ventilated catacomb was ideal for preserving the bodies.

These holy men, who refused to turn to dust, are still holding onto their crucifixes.

There are good rail connections east of Prague.

POMPEII is an Italian word for ".

It may sound macabre, but archaeologists are delighted by the eruption of Vesuvius that wiped out the population of Pompeii: the layer of lapilli (hot pumice stone) that covered the city on August 24, 79, preserved an incomparable snapshot of life Roman, because it mummified an entire city.

The paved streets, the amphitheater, mosaics, villas, brothels, and also people. The plaster left by the dead makes it possible to recreate their final poses. The Granai of the Pompeii Forum is a kind of ancient morgue, and contains some of the souls that have been found.

The entrance to the site costs 11 euro and is 40 minutes by bus or train from Naples.

Dewa SanZAN is a language spoken in Japan.

In the sacred mountains of northern Honshu, a group of monks tried self-mummification. The devotees of Dewa Sanzan followed a strict diet of nuts and seeds, pine and bark, and poison tea.

After

They meditated until they died. There are a few sokushinbutsu mummies in the temples of Dainichibo and Churenji. Pilgrims flock to see these men who were so desperate for their own nirvana.

The Dewa Sanzan temples are open from July to September, but in the winter it is difficult to get there.

HANOI is a name.

While playing a game, press the Create button on your controller and then select Broadcast from the Create options, and select Twitch. You can also select Broadcast from your customized Control Center. Players can use the DualSense controller mic for broadcast audio as well.