Why OpenBIM?
BIM
BIM is a method of collaborative project management for construction, based on 3D digital models associated with reliable and structured data.
OpenBIM is a BuildingSMART initiative based on open standards and workflows. OpenBIM enhances the collaborative aspect of BIM by facilitating data interoperability between software applications. With this methodology, all project stakeholders can work together and exchange data regardless of the software they use. In contrast, ClosedBIM requires all project stakeholders to work with the same software. The main standards proposed by BuildingSMART are as follows:
IFC: IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) format is an open and neutral standard used in the construction and architecture industry to facilitate information exchange between different building information modeling (BIM) software applications. IFC files contain data related to building elements such as walls, doors, windows, etc., as well as information about their geometry, properties, and spatial relationships. Due to its standardized structure, IFC enables efficient collaboration throughout the lifecycle of a construction project, from design to facility management.
BCF: BCF (BIM Collaboration Format) format is an open standard used in the BIM industry to facilitate communication and collaboration among different stakeholders in a construction project. BCF files contain comments, annotations, and issues related to the BIM model, allowing users to report and track defects, changes, and suggestions directly within the model. This approach promotes transparent and effective communication throughout the design, construction, and building management process.
IDS: IDS (Information Delivery Specification) format is a set of standardized specifications that defines data and process requirements for building information modeling (BIM). It provides a structured framework for creating, managing, and exchanging BIM data throughout the lifecycle of a construction project. By using the IDS format, stakeholders can agree on the information required for each phase of the project, ensuring efficient collaboration and seamless data integration across different disciplines and software systems.
This approach also offers increased flexibility, allowing professionals to choose software tools that best suit their specific needs while ensuring integration of data from multiple sources and disciplines. Additionally, OpenBIM promotes long-term data sustainability and encourages transparent knowledge sharing within the construction industry, thus contributing to more efficient processes and a better understanding of projects.
BIM Use Cases and BIM Data
Data exchange is one of the fundamental pillars of BIM, offering a multitude of use cases in the construction industry. Through the collaborative design process, teams can exchange 3D models and information to visualize and analyze different phases of a project. During planning and construction, data exchange allows for the exchange of valuable information such as element characteristics, their spatial relationships and positions, costs, deadlines, information specific to dimensions, guarantees, and element functions. There is no limit, and any information useful to a use case can be included in digital models. After project delivery, BIM data continues to be valuable for facility management, preventive maintenance, and decision-making based on historical data. In summary, BIM data exchange enables transparent collaboration throughout the lifecycle of a construction project, improving efficiency, quality, and building sustainability.
How IDS Works
According to BuildingSMART, an Information Delivery Specification (IDS) is presented as a machine-interpretable document that establishes information exchange conditions in a model-based context. It defines how objects, classifications, properties, as well as values and units should be delivered and shared. This specification represents the standard to follow to define the required level of information. It ensures the validation of IFC for the client, the modeler, and the software tools used for (automated) analyses. It is a crucial element that can serve as a contract to guarantee the provision of correct information. Additionally, it offers the possibility to create specific and localized requirements tailored to the different use cases encountered in your projects and asset portfolio. In summary, IDS represents the solution to establish predictable and reliable data exchange workflows.
BIM Data Quality
With BIM, the amount of information becomes significant, and this data must be usable by other project stakeholders. We can liken this process to exchanging databases, and by making this analogy, we quickly realize the importance of having a well-established data structure. For this reason, it is important to implement collaboration methods that allow defining requirements, transmitting these requirements understandably, verifying the data to be transmitted or received, and maintaining this process over time. Today, establishing a data quality management process becomes a major challenge in our BIM projects. Furthermore, BIM applications evolve as companies deepen their adoption of this technology, leading to a significant increase in the volume of information to manage.
EstiaBIM
The EstiaBIM platform simplifies and makes the data quality control process efficient by relying on OpenBIM methods. Moreover, it offers the possibility to create its own Information Delivery Specifications (IDS) and export them in formats readable by both machines and individuals. This platform provides all project stakeholders with a model verification system and analysis reports. EstiaBIM also allows importing external IDS to make them accessible to relevant individuals or adapt them to our specific project needs. Designed to simplify the information quality management process, EstiaBIM aims to promote the establishment of these processes in the construction and maintenance field.
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