breakwithanarchitect
BIM common terminology
Updated: Aug 15, 2021
In this blog post you will find some basic terms of Building Information Modeling, BIM terminology, usefull for anyone just starting with BIM.
Building Information Modeling
BIM is a shared digital representation of a built asset to facilitate design, construction, and operation processes to form a reliable basis for decisions.
Building Information Model
BIM model is the object – based 3D digital model, that contains information and data for the whole lifecycle of a built asset.
3D
3D modeling based on objects that include non-graphical data
4D
4D refers to the addition of time information to a 3D model
5D
5D refers to attaching cost data to a 3D object
6D
6D refers to the use of data- rich models for facility management
Level 0
In Level 0, 2D simple CAD objects are used to create 2D drawings, Communication is done via paper and basic prints. The is no collaboration.
Level 1
In Level 1, 3D simple 3D CAD objects are used to create 3D models and 2D drawings, Data are shared through Common Data environment. The collaboration is partial with 3D visuals and controls in modeling tools.
Level 2
In Level 2, 3D objects with information and libraries are used in a BIM environment. The collaboration is combined and at this level 4D and 5D can be developed.
Level 3
In Level 3, data is open and available for all parties in the Common Data Environment.
The collaboration is integrated with advanced simulation and integrated project delivery.
At this stage the concept of lifecycle management can be developed.
BIM object
A BIM object is a virtual representation of a real object, that includes detailed information about object’s geometry and physical characteristics.
Level of Development
The Level of Development (LOD) Specification is a reference that enables practitioners in the AEC Industry to specify and articulate with a high level of clarity, the content and reliability of Building Information Models at various stages in the design and construction process.
Asset information model, AIM
The information model that relates to the operational phase. It contains the information necessary to support asset management.
Project information model,PIM
Information Model relating to the delivery phase. The PIM model is being developed during the design and construction process of a project.
BIM Execution Plan, BEP
BEP is a plan prepared by suppliers to explain how information modeling aspects of a project will be carried out.
Common Data environment, CDE
CDE is one location for any given project or asset, for collecting, managing and sharing project data/information.
COBie
Construction Operations Building Information Exchange (COBie) is a non-proprietary international data format, used to exchange non – graphical information for facilities management.
Uniclass
Uniclass 2015 is a unified classification for the UK industry covering all construction sectors. It contains consistent tables classifying items of all scale from a facility such as a railway down through to products such as a CCTV camera in a railway station.
IFC
IFC is an open industry Foundations classes format developed by Building Smart. It is considered the interoperability solution between different software applications.
Exchange Information Requirements, EIR
EIR requirements define the information that will be required by the employer from both their own internal team and from suppliers for the development of the project and for the operation of the completed built asset.
RACI
RACI is a compiled abbreviation to identify participants or stakeholders (on a project), as Responsible for (R), need to Authorize (A), those who can Contribute to (C) or are to be kept Informed (I) about a project activity.
Level of information need
The level of information need is a framework that enables the right level of information to be provided, to satisfy the information related purposes at each information exchange.
This list gives an idea of some basic terms used in BIM. However, the list is not comprehensive. You can also check the presentation BIM basic terminology here.
Author: Panagiotidou Nicoleta
Terms and conditions
All content provided on breakwithanarchitect is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. We are happy for others to share our blog posts through all social media platforms, including the original blog posts with credit to the author and providing a link to the original content. However we would appreciate it if the content is not reproduced in full on other sites or publications without written consent being granted by breakwithanarchitect. These terms and conditions of use are subject to change at any time and without notice