the hitch hikers guide to bim july 2012

7/23/2019 The Hitch Hikers Guide to BIM July 2012

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The Hitch Hikers Guide to BIM

the Software and Process

and all the things in between!

Web Site http://www.cadalot.co.ukBlog http://cadalot-revitlearningcurve.blogspot.com/LRUG http://lrug.org.uk

JULY

2012

Edition

Alan James Wooldridge

cadalot.co.uk 2012

Published by Uranus Corporation LLP Inc

The Hitch HikersGuide to BIM

Dont PanicThe Hitch Hikers Guide to

the Galaxy

Fell through a wormhole,was wiped clean, reversed

engineered and is now sold

as an e-book or kindle!

For image details see inside publication


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Is dedicated to the memory of

an outstanding human being

My Mum

Shirley Wooldridge1936 - 2012


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July 2012 Edition 1


Dont PanicWeb Site http://www.cadalot.co.uk

Blog http://cadalot-revitlearningcurve.blogspot.com/

LRUG http://lrug.org.uk

Welcome to The Hitch Hikers Guide to BIM in homage to Douglas Adams, who wrote a trilogy in

five parts!

The inspiration or catalyst that made me compile this guide was an out of the blue phone call from

a director (lets call him Mr X) from a leading international consultancy practice providing

independent project management, cost management, health & safety consultancy and facilities

and building management consultancy for the property and construction industry (well thats what

it says on their web site).

Mr X telephoned me and said I know your into all this BIM stuff, Ive been given the task of

researching what this BIM stuff is all about and what impact its likely to have on our company by

way of workflow, software, hardware and training. Can I pop over and have a chat with you about it?

He contacted me because we have been working on a couple of projects during 2011 one civil

engineering project of which I could have easily done using Flat CAD, but decided I could give his

client and him so much more by using Revit and creating a 3D model.

So we spent an extended lunch time over the pub, talking BIM then he came back to my office and

I showed him some of the other projects we have been working on with Revit.

So for Mr X and Y and Z out there who are still using Flat CAD and have not discovered joys of 3D

Parametric Modelling and the snakepit that is BIM and IPD, and have just heard that the

Government want to use it on all public sector schemes welcome to the pleasure dome. And I hopethis little guide helps in some small way.
http://www.cadalot.co.uk/http://cadalot-revitlearningcurve.blogspot.com/http://lrug.org.uk/http://lrug.org.uk/http://cadalot-revitlearningcurve.blogspot.com/http://www.cadalot.co.uk/


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July 2012 Edition 2

TLAs or Three Letter Acronyms and Mnemonics.

During work and particularly in the construction industry we are surrounded by TLAs. Computers

have used TLA for the file extension for years up to the new crop that can have FLA (you guessed it

Four Letter Acronym extensions. Autodesk have spent years taking people to court and arguing

about who owns the rights to the term and file format *.dwg for DraWinG!

With texting on mobile phone, my 21 and 18 years old daughters seem to talk a completely

different language to the Queens English I learnt at school, my youngest daughter Kelly exclaiming

O.M.G. in a posh voice, when she saw that I had actually finally got a round to spring cleaning

and tidying up my study one weekend.

At work we spend an awful lot of time completing PQQs (Pre-Qualifying Questionnaires) these

days just to get on the possible selection list for schemes. Recently a Partner completing a PQQ

emailed me and asked could we produce drawings in IFC and what was it?

So I promptly informed him that IFC standard was developed by the IAI (International Alliance for

Interoperability) to handle 3D file data. Major CAD (Computer Aided Design or Drafting) vendors

helped to develop the standard and the tools to support it.

The IAI is a division of the ISO (International Standards Organization), the body that controls the

IGES and STEP data standards. The IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) standard is being used in

leading construction projects in Europe and beyond. IFC is used as a basis for the Building

Information Modelling (BIM), a 3D model of the building project and a rich source of informationshared by all the project participants.

Then I proudly informed him that Revit can export IFC files of three varieties, and it is all about the

I for Information in BIM. I asked him to find out what information they actually wanted to capture

and how they were intending to try and use this file format and the data.

He sent me an email for the originator of the PQQwhich simply said Sorry I mean ISSUED FOR

CONSTRUCTION. (IFC) drawings

So take care and dont ASSUME or it may make an ASS out ofU and ME


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July 2012 Edition 3


Dont Panic

Glossary of Terms & Acronyms

Alphabetical List of Terms and Acronyms used in connection with BIM Building Information

Modelling.

2D 2 (Two) Dimensional graphics height and width

2D / 3D CAD Vector Based with blocks non intelligent software see CAD Computer-Aided

Design (CAD), and CAD or CADD

3D 3 (Three) Dimensional graphics Height, Width and Depth

AACE American Association ofCost Engineers were part of the task group that included amongst

others CSI, GSA, AACE, the Tri-Services, R.S. Means and CIQS who worked on UNIFORMAT II

AEC Architecture Engineering and Construction industries.

AEC/FM Architecture Engineering and Construction/Facility Management.

AIA American Institute ofArchitects

AIM Architectural Information ofModel see also BrIM (Bridges)BSIM (Building Services), FIM

(Facilities), LIM (Landscaping), SIM (Structural) amongst others were letters of the alphabet are put

in front ofIM

AIM Asset Information Model source Draft PAS 1192-1:2012

ANZRS Australian and New Zealand Revit Standards was an initiative conceived at RTC (Revit

Technology Conference) 2009 in Melbourne in response to the Revit user communitys frustration

with lack of consistency and quality in Revit families available from Autodesk, Content Creators and

other sources.Add URL

API An Application Programming Interface is a particular set of rules ('code') and specifications

that software programs can follow to communicate with each other. It serves as an interfacebetween different software programs and facilitates their interaction, similar to the way the user

interface facilitates interaction between humans and computers.

An API can be created for applications, libraries, operating systems, etc., as a way of defining their

"vocabularies" and resources request conventions (e.g. function-calling conventions). It may include

specifications for routines, data structures, object classes, and protocols used to communicate

between the consumer program and the implementer program of the API.

ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials first issued UNIFORMAT II, in 1993


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July 2012 Edition 4

AutoCAD is AutoDesks best known flagship computer-aided design software program.

In addition to AutoCAD, Autodesk develops digital prototyping solutions to visualize, simulate, and

analyze real-world performance using a digital model during the design process.

The company also develops Building Information Modeling software Revit to generate and managebuilding data using a three-dimensional building model. Autodesk also provides digital media

creation and management software from film and television visual effects, colour grading, and

editing to animation, game development, and design visualization.

AutoDesk AutoDesk Inc. is an American multinational corporation that focuses on design

software for use in architecture, engineering and building construction, manufacturing, and media

and entertainment. Autodesk was founded in 1982 by John Walker, a co-author of early versions of

the company's flagship CAD software product AutoCAD, and 12 others. It is headquartered in San

Rafael, California.

AUGI Autodesk User Group International is a source for tips and tricks as well as excellent user

forums. The forums are free to participate in, and its a great place to ask questions and get peer to

peer support for Autodesk products.

AVI - Audio Video Interleave (also Audio Video Interleaved), known by its acronym AVI, is a

multimedia container format introduced by Microsoft in November 1992 as part of its Video for

Windows technology. AVI files can contain both audio and video data in a file container that allows

synchronous audio-with-video playback. Like the DVD video format, AVI files support multiple

streaming audio and video, although these features are seldom used. Most AVI files also use the

file format extensions developed by the Matrox OpenDML group in February 1996. These files aresupported by Microsoft, and are unofficially called "AVI 2.0".


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July 2012 Edition 5

Bandwagon US a wagon, usually high and brightly coloured, for carrying the band in a parade

jump, climb, or get on the bandwagon to join or give support to a party or movement that seems

to be assured of success.

BCUKI The Bentley Community UKand Ireland

Bentley Bentley is a global company dedicated to providing architects, engineers, constructors,

and owner-operators with comprehensive architecture and engineering software solutions for

sustaining infrastructure. Founded in 1984, Bentley has nearly 3,000 colleagues in more than 45

countries, $500 million in annual revenues, and, since 2001, has invested more than $1 billion in

research, development, and acquisitions. Their most popular products include: MicroStation ,

ProjectWise & AssetWise,

BIGBIMTM is an initiative promoted and demonstrated by _space group

BIG BIM takes Building Information Modelling further, moving beyond design and build, creating a

single integrated data model that can be used for any project and works through four interlinkedstages. BIG BIM challenges established procurement norms, pushing the industry to deliver at less

cost, with less risk, less carbon and in less time.

BIM Below are a number of common definitions of BIM

BIM Building Information Model is a digital representation of the physical and functional

characteristics of a building, structure or facility. As such it serves as a shared knowledge resource

for information about the building, structure or facility, forming a reliable basis for decision during

its life cycle from inception onwards.

BIM Building Information Modelling is the human activity of using BIM Software and other

related software, hardware to create and use in a building information model.

BIM - The RIBA, CPIC and BuildingSmart jointly proposed a definition of BIM for UK construction,

as a starting point for discussion and refinement. It is:

'Building Information Modelling (BIM) is digital representation of physical and functional

characteristics of a facility creating a shared knowledge resource for information about it forming a

reliable basis for decisions during its life cycle, from earliest conception to demolition.


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July 2012 Edition 6

BIM 360 (from the Autodesk web site) People working in the architecture, engineering, and

construction (AEC) industries are swimming in information. Whether its the design dataoften

dozens of models and even thousands of drawingsor all the other "non-design" information that

surrounds a project, such as contracts, bid documents, photographs, or email, if AEC professionals

dont have a way to securely manage all of that information, they can encounter big problems.

Autodesk is targeting the complex collaboration and data management challenges in AEC with

Autodesk BIM 360. Autodesk BIM 360 is Autodesks name for products and services for

collaboration and data management in AEC, and our vision for delivering these.

Autodesk BIM 360 vision is to provide AEC project teams with a complete, accurate, digital view of

their project, with access to information across the project lifecycle wherever they need itfrom

the office, the web, or the field. To do this, we are leveraging platforms and technologies, existing

and new, from across our portfolio to deliver robust, complete collaboration and data management

for the AEC market.

3D BIM Modelling in 3 dimensions (3D) e.g. width, length and height, using objects, element,

families or content to build a digital representation of the physical and functional characteristics of

a building, structure or facility.

4D BIM - is a 3D BIM that has objects and assemblies that have "schedule and time" constraint

data added to them. The information can be contained in the BIM or can be linked or otherwise

associated (integrated and/or operable) with project design and construction activity scheduling

and time sensitivity estimating and analysis systems.

5D BIM - is a 4D BIM that has objects and assemblies that have a "cost" dimension added to them.The cost information can be contained in the BIM or can be linked or otherwise associated to the

building objects.

6D BIM 6D - The aspect of Life Cycle Management (owner/FM)

Higher Levels of BIM that have been quoted on the worth while web as individuals and companies

want to bluff their BIM credentials these include:-

7D BIM Sustainability

7D BIM Adds the aspect of Safety or Life Safety8D BIM Maintainability

9D BIM Acoustics

10D BIM Security

11D BIM Heat


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July 2012 Edition 7

BEP BIM Execution Plan (aka BMP BIM Management Plan) is a written plan of engagement of a

BIM enabled team, this should include all stakeholders, exchanges and processes

BIM Maturity Levels for a full explanation of the BIM Wedge Diagram make reference of the

report for the Government Construction Client Group entitled Building Information Modelling

(BIM) Working Party Strategy paper March 2011. See later for link to the Report

BIM Wash The term BIMwash is derived from Whitewash, a cheap white paint or coating of

chalked lime used to quickly give a uniform clean appearance to a wide variety of surfaces.

Metaphorically, to whitewash means to gloss over or cover up vices, crimes or scandals or to

exonerate by means of [] biased presentation of data (Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2003).

In essence, BIMwash is the attempt to hide imperfections (BIM Incompetency), while at the same

time, promoting an inaccurate view of ones BIM capability or credentials.

BLM Building Lifecycle Management

BMP BIM Management Plan (aka BEP) developed to provide a master information/data

management plan and assignment of roles and responsibilities for model creation and data

integration at project initiation. The BMP shall align the project acquisition strategy needs and

requirements with technical standards, team member skills, construction industry capability, and

technology maturity. Through this process, the team members and project management shall

jointly agree on how, when, why, to what level, and for which project outcomes BIM will be used.

The BMP should be considered a living document and shall be continually developed and refined

throughout the project development lifecycle.

BP Best Practice source ANZRS


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July 2012 Edition 8

BPM Building Product Manufacturer specific is a term normally relating to Revit or other BIM

software content. BPM content normally contains more detail and data than generic content

supplied with the software package.

BRE Building Research Establishment is a former UK government establishment (but now aprivate organisation, funded by the building industry) that carries out research, consultancy and

testing for the construction and built environment sectors in the United Kingdom. The BRE is

headquartered in Watford with regional sites in Glasgow and Port Talbot.

Among the BREs areas of interest are participation in the preparation of national and international

standards and building codes, including the UK Building Regulations. The organisation is now

funded by income from its commercial programmes, the BRE bookshop, contracted work, and by

bidding for research funding from government and the industries it serves.

BREEAM BRE Environmental Assessment Method is a voluntary measurement rating for greenbuildings that was established in the UK by the Building Research Establishment (BRE). Since its

inception it has since grown in scope and geographically, being exported in various guises across

the globe. For the United States of America see LEEDS

BrIM Bridge Information Model see also AIM (Architectural) FIM (Facilities) SIM (Structural), and

BSIM (Building Services)

BSIM Building Services Information Model see also AIM (Architectural) FIM (Facilities) SIM

(Structural), and BrIM (Bridge)

BSRIA (owned by The Building Services Research and Information Association) was founded in

1955 and had a turnover of 11 million in 2009/10. they employ 180 people at our head office in

Bracknell (UK), at regionally based airtightness offices throughout the UK, and offices in France,

Spain, Germany, China, Malaysia and North America see http://www.bsria.co.uk/about/

buildingSMART - formally the International Alliance for Interoperability (IAI), is an alliance of

organizations within the construction and facilities management industries dedicated to improving

processes within the industry through defining the use and sharing of information. Organizations

within the alliance include architects, engineers, and contractors, building owners, facility managers,

manufacturers, software vendors, information providers, government agencies, research

laboratories, universities and more.

BUZZSAW is fully integrated into the Autodesk portfolio of design and data management

software solutions, Autodesk Buzzsaw Software as a Service (SaaS) includes document, model,

and data management tools to support Building Information Modeling (BIM) workflows with more

secure access to project information from your desktop, mobile device, or the web.
http://www.bsria.co.uk/about/http://www.bsria.co.uk/about/


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July 2012 Edition 9

CAD Computer-Aided Design (CAD), also known as Computer-aided design and drafting (CADD)

, is the use of computer technology for the process of design and design-documentation.

Computer Aided Drafting describes the process of drafting with a computer. CADD software, or

environments, provides the user with input-tools for the purpose of streamlining design processes;

drafting, documentation, and manufacturing processes. CADD output is often in the form of

electronic files for print or machining operations. The development of CADD-based software is indirect correlation with the processes it seeks to economize; industry-based software (construction,

manufacturing, etc.) typically uses vector-based (linear) environments whereas graphic-based

software utilizes raster-based (pixelated) environments.

CAD or CADD Computer-Aided Design (CAD), also known as computer-aided design and

drafting (CADD) , is the use of computer technology for the process of design and design-

documentation. Computer Aided Drafting describes the process of drafting with a computer. CADD

software, or environments, provides the user with input-tools for the purpose of streamlining

design processes; drafting, documentation, and manufacturing processes. CADD output is often in

the form of electronic files for print or machining operations. The development of CADD-basedsoftware is in direct correlation with the processes it seeks to economize; industry-based software

(construction, manufacturing, etc.) typically uses vector-based (linear) environments whereas

graphic-based software utilizes raster-based (pixelated) environments.

CADCAM - The term CAD/CAM (computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing) is

also often used in the context of a software tool that covers a number of engineering functions

CAE Computer Aided Engineering

CAFM Computer-Aided Facility Management is the support of facility management byinformation technology. The supply of information about the facilities is the center of attention.

The tools of the CAFM are called CAFM software, CAFM applications or CAFM systems.

CAM Computer Aided Manufacturing

Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) is the use of computer software to control machine tools

and related machinery in the manufacturing of workpieces. This is not the only definition for CAM,

but it is the most common;

CAM may also refer to the use of a computer to assist in all operations of a manufacturing plant,

including planning, management, transportation and storage. Its primary purpose is to create afaster production process and components and tooling with more precise dimensions and material

consistency, which in some cases, uses only the required amount of raw material (thus minimizing

waste), while simultaneously reducing energy consumption.

CAM is a subsequent computer-aided process after computer-aided design (CAD) and sometimes

computer-aided engineering (CAE), as the model generated in CAD and verified in CAE can be

input into CAM software, which then controls the machine tool

CDE Common Data Environment Defines a process for sharing data throughout the design

lifecycle. It incorporates a system of model and document versioning and revisions to be used.

CDM The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007


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July 2012 Edition 10

CFD Computational Fluid Dynamics model used to virtualise the movement of fluids through a

system using Finite Element algorithms.

CIC Construction Industry Council

CIQS Founded in 1959, The Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors is a self-regulatory,professional body that sets the highest standard for construction economics in Canada. Designated

Professional Quantity Surveyors (PQS) and Construction Estimator Certified (CEC) professionals

counsel building owners, developers, government bodies, designers and contractors at every stage

of the design, procurement and construction process to help ensure a return on investment is

delivered. For more information see http://www.ciqs.org

Clash Detection Allows for the effective identification, inspection and reporting of interferences

in a 3D project model. Typical example is the Mechanical Engineer designing plant that wants to

pass through the Structural Engineers designed structure.

Autodesks Navisworks is one package that can be used for Clash Detection

Cloud - Group of computers that are used for processing large amounts of information remotely

from the computer hosting the originating program. The in thing at the moment, Autodesk are now

talking more about the cloud than they are BIM;0)

CIBSE - The Chartered Institution ofBuilding Services Engineers received its Royal Charter in 1976.

It is the professional body that exists to: support the Science, Art and Practice of building services

engineering, by providing our members and the public with first class information and education

services and promoting the spirit of fellowship which guides our work.' which govern constructionand engineering occupations in the UK, Europe and worldwide.
http://www.ciqs.org/http://www.ciqs.org/


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CIM Construction Information Modelling, basically its BIM during the Construction process, term

is synonymous with BIM, but for a particular phase of the design, construction and maintenance

process.

Clients Delivery Plan is proposed in the BIM Overlay to the RIBA Outline Plan of Works and

appears to be the next generation of the traditional clients briefprepared at the commencementof the project, but with the Client Representative and their advisors setting out how the project

information is to be prepared, who does what, and what protocols and procedures to use. The

document would be owned by the client but may be updated and managed using change control

as the supply chain procedures and protocols are expanded and agreed.

It might contain details of:

roles, responsibilities and authorities with relevant organograms;

standard methods and procedures;

the Employers Information Requirements (EIR); and

the Project Programme (PP).

CMMS Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) enable the facility manager,

subordinates and customers to track the status of maintenance work on their assets and the

associated costs of that work. CMMS are utilized by facilities maintenance organizations to record,

manage and communicate their day-to-day operations. The system can provide reports to use in

managing the organization's resources, preparing facilities key performance indicators

(KPIs)/metrics to use in evaluating the effectiveness of the current operations and for making

organizational and personnel decisions. In today's maintenance world the CMMS is an essential

tool for the modern facilities maintenance organization.

COBie - In June 2011 the UK government published its Building Information Modelling (BIM)

Working Party Strategy. This report announced the Government's intention to require collaborative

3D BIM (with all project and asset information, documentation and data being electronic) on its

projects by 2016. The software and data requirements for this detailed in the report are

Construction Operations Building Information Exchange (COBie).

For more information visit http://www.bimtaskgroup.org/cobie-uk-2012/

COBie UK 2012 - UK specific version of COBie spreadsheet. Generally identical to COBie, but

uses UniClass classification in place of OmniClass.

Content Are the Objects, Elements or Families that the BIM application uses to construct the

Model. Manufacturers are just starting (2011) to produce Content of their products for 3D

Modeling and BIM applications in a similar way that they historically have in the form of 2D Blocks

(DWG) and DXF format files for CAD programs

CPIC the Construction Project Information Committee, responsible for providing best practice

guidance on the content, form and preparation of construction production information and making

sure this best practice is disseminated throughout the UK construction industry.

See http://www/cpic.org.uk/en
http://www.bimtaskgroup.org/cobiehttp://www.bimtaskgroup.org/cobie


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Cradle to Cradle Is a recycling and sustainability view ofCradle to Grave in that when related to

the construction industry that the materials from one building or project may be recycled and used

in following projects not necessarily on the same site. See also LCA Life Cycle Assessment or

Analysis

Cradle to Grave From creation to disposal; throughout the life cycle. The term is used in a

number of business contexts, i.e. relating to humans and health care, Health and Safety, CDM whenrelated to buildings etc. See also LCA Life Cycle Assessment or Analysis

CSI Construction Specifications Institute and Construction Specifications Canada. See

MasterFormat for more information.


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Data Drops relating to information from the BIM process

Data Drop 1: Model represents REQUIREMENTS and CONSTRAINTS

Data Drop 2: Model represents OUTLINE SOLUTION

Data Drop 3: Model represents CONSTRUCTION INFORMATION

Data Drop 4: Model represents OPERATIONS and MAINTENANCE INFORMATION Data Drop 5 (and subsequent drops): Model represents POST OCCUPANCY VALIDATION

INFORMATION and ONGOING O&M

The download (Link below) shows a conceptual representation of a Data Drop for a dummy

configuration of two cells. After each conceptual representation of a Data Drop for a Standard MoJ

Cell, a series of screenshots show what the actual COBie file looks like and how it evolves. There are

also extracts from the COBie file for the standard cells to show the actual content of each tab a

COBie file. http://www.bimtaskgroup.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/COBie-data-drops-29.03.12.pdf

Data Set Is a term used to describe the data contained within a design.

Digital Projects Gehry Technologies owned modelling package. Built on top of the Catia

program base, with specific tools relevant to building design.

DWF Design Web Format (DWF) is a secure file format developed by Autodesk for the efficient

distribution and communication of rich design data to anyone who needs to view, review, or print

design files. Because DWF files are highly compressed, they are smaller and faster to transmit than

design files, without the overhead associated with complex CAD drawings (or the management of

external links and dependencies). With DWF functionality, publishers of design data can limit the

specific design data and plot styles to only what they want recipients to see and can publish

multisheet drawing sets from multiple AutoCAD drawings in a single DWF file. They can also

publish 3D models from most Autodesk design applications.

DWF files are not a replacement for native CAD formats such as AutoCAD drawings (DWG). The

sole purpose of DWF is to allow designers, engineers, project managers, and their colleagues to

communicate design information and design content to anyone needing to view, review, or print

design information without these team members needing to know AutoCAD or other design

software.

The current AutoCAD file format (.dwfx) is based on ISO/IEC 29500-2:2008

DWFx DWFX is an Autodesk DWF XPS Document. Autodesk has teamed with Microsoft to

seamlessly integrate DWF technology with Windows Vista using the XML Paper Specification (XPS).

DWFx files can be opened directly within Microsoft`s XPS Viewer, which is automatically installed

with Microsoft Vista, bundled with .NET 3.0, and is available as an optional download for Windows

XP users.

DWG Autodesk DraWinG Format There are several claims to control of the DWG format. As

the biggest and most influential creator of DWG files it is Autodesk who designs, defines, and

iterates the DWG format as the native format for their CAD applications.
http://www.bimtaskgroup.org/wphttp://www.bimtaskgroup.org/wp


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DXF Data eXchange Format aka Drawing Interchange Format, is a CAD data file format

developed by Autodesk for enabling data interoperability between AutoCAD and other programs

which dates back to AutoCAD version 1.0 and December 1982.


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EIR- Employers Information Requirements Document setting out the information to be delivered

by the supply chain as part of the project. The document would set out the Data Drops required

by the client.

Elements One of the important things to understand about BIM modelling software is that they

are object oriented, rather than line based as in traditional 2D drafting. Instead of drawing a seriesof lines on a flat sheet to represent a column, you go to a virtual library, load a column element,

and then place it in your virtual working space. That column displays in every view.

Three types of elements are used to model and document a project in modelling software: model

elements, datum elements, and view-specific elements. These elements are organized in order to

allow you to easily control their on-screen and printed appearance and display.

FM Facilities Management is an interdisciplinary field devoted to the co-ordination of business

support services, often associated with maintenance functions in buildings such as offices, arenas,

schools, convention centres, shopping complexes, hospitals, hotels, etc. However, FM supports thebusiness on a much wider range of activities than just maintenance and these are referred to as

non core functions. They vary from one business sector to another

Family or Families See Elements

FBX is a file format and technology (*.fbx) developed by Kaydara and now owned by Autodesk. It

is used to provide interoperability between digital content creation applications.

FIM Facilities Information ofModel see also AIM (Architectura;) SIM (Structural), BSIM (Building

Services) and BrIM (Bridges)

gbXML The Green Building eXtensible Mark-up Language was developed to facilitate a common

interoperability model integrating a myriad of design and development tools used in the building

industry. gbXML is being integrated into a range of software CAD and engineering tools. This

interoperability standard reduces the time to develop a building and also assures that when the

building is put into operation it can meet the design intent.

GFA Gross Floor Area.

GIS Geographical Information System data will give you your relative location globally and allow

you to see how much sunlight you will be receiving or what the local temperature swings will be

during the course of a day. All of these variables can affect building design.

GSA Oasys tool for Structural load analysis.

GUI Graphical User Interface

GUID Global Unique IDentifier


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Hollywood BIM All show and bluff but not really been working with BIM for very long.

HVAC Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning

IAI the International Alliance for Interoperability (IAI), is an alliance of organizations within the

construction and facilities management industries dedicated to improving processes within theindustry through defining the use and sharing of information. They have now changed their name

and rebranded as buildingSMART

IES Integrated Environmental Solutions.

Integrated Integrated data processing is that which has been organised and carried out as a

whole, so that intermediate outputs may serve as inputs for subsequent processing with no human

intervention. The same can be said for any human activity or process (see integrated practice).

IBD Integrated Building Design is the practice of designing sustainably. Green design andintegrated building design should be thought of as equivalent terms.

iBIM Intelligent BIM, were the model not only contains information and guidance related to the

project, but actually suggests elements and relevant guidance to the designer. This is still in its very

early stages, but the potential can be seen when using BIM enabled CAD and master specification

systems Definition Source NBS Report on BIM April 2012

iBIM Integrated BIM Alternative definition source BIM Overlay to the RIBA Outline Plan of

Work May 2012

iBIM Can also be defined as BIM Level 3 according to BS1192-2:2012 Draft document

IDM Information Delivery Manual See BEP BIM Execution Plan


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IFC Industry Foundation Classes are the open and neutral data format for openBIM.

IFC specification is developed and maintained by buildingSMART International as its Data

standard. It is registered with ISO as ISO16739. The specification of the IFC standard includes for

each major and minor edition:

the IFC Specification html documentation

the IFC EXPRESS long form schema

the ifcXML XSD schema

the property set and base quantity library

The IFC specification is written using the EXPRESS data definition language, defined as ISO10303-

11 by the ISO TC184/SC4 committee. It is the same data definition language as used e.g. in STEP or

CIS/2. It has the advantage of being compact and well suited to include data validation rules within

the data specification. The IFC exchange file structure (the syntax of the IFC data file with suffix

.ifc) is the so called STEP physical file format, defined as ISO10303-21 by the same ISOTC184/SC4 committee. It is an ASCII file format used to exchange IFC between different

applications.

In addition to the IFC-EXPRESS specification an ifcXML specification is published as well (since the

IFC2x release). The ifcXML spec is provided as an XML schema 1.0, as defined by W3C. The ifcXML

exchange file structure (the syntax of the IFC data file with suffix .ifcXML) is the XML document

structure. The XML schema is automatically created from the IFC-EXPRESS source using the XML

representation of EXPRESS schemas and data, defined as ISO10303-28 ed. 2. This ensures that

both IFC-EXPRESS and ifcXML handle the same data consistently and that the *.ifc and *.ifcXML

data files can be converted bi-directionally.

Add information about the various schemas ir IFC 2x2, 2x3 and 2x4

*.ifc IFC data file using the STEP physical file structure according to ISO10303-21. The *.ifc file

shall validate according to the IFC-EXPRESS specification.

This is the default IFC exchange format.

* ifcXML is an.IFC data file using the XML document structure. It can be generated directly by the

sending application, or from an IFC data file using the conversion following ISO10303-28, the XMLrepresentation of EXPRESS schemas and data.

Note: an .ifcXML file is normally 300-400% larger then an .ifc file.

*.ifcZIP - IFC data file using the Pkzip 2.04g compression algorithm (compatible with e.g. Windows

compressed folders, winzip, zlib, info-zip, etc.). It requires to have a single .ifc or *.ifcXML data file in

the main directory of the zip archive.

Note: an .ifcZIP files usually compress an .ifc down by 60-80% and an .ifcXML file by 90-95%.


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IFD International Framework Dictionary

IP Integrated Practice According to a friend who works for Arup Associates, they or Foggo

Associates, are the only two in the UK currently doing this. AKA Unified Design (credit Ove Arup

1970 key speech)

IPD Integrated Project Development The American are very good at taking something and re

branding it then selling it back to us as a new idea. IPD is fundamentally Partnering which is a term

used within The Latham Report, titled Constructing the Team.

This influential report written by Sir Michael Latham, published in July 1994. Latham was

commissioned by the United Kingdom government and industry organisations to review

procurement and contractual arrangements in the UK construction industry, aiming to tackle

controversial issues facing the industry during a period of lapse in growth as a whole.

Interoperability is a property referring to the ability of diverse systems and organizations towork together (inter-operate). The term is often used in a technical systems engineering sense, or

alternatively in a broad sense, taking into account social, political, and organizational factors that

impact system to system performance.

While interoperability was initially defined for IT systems or services and only allows for information

to be exchanged (see definition below), a more generic definition could be this one:Interoperability

is a property of a product or system, whose interfaces are completely understood, to work with

other products or systems, present or future, without any restricted access or implementation.

This generalized definition can then be used on any system, not only information technologysystem. It defines several criteria that can be used to discriminate between systems that are really

inter-operable and systems that are sold as such but are not because they dont respect one of the

aforementioned criteria, namely:

non-disclosure of one or several interfaces

implementation or access restriction built in the product/system/service

Intelligent Object The object (or set of objects) represents not only the geometry required to

represent the component or assembly graphically (visually) but also has the ability to have much

more information about that object associated with it or related to other intelligent objects

associated with it.

Think of the geometric parameters of the object as being only one of many fields in a database

that describes the visual features and characteristics of the object. Other parameters might include

variables such as how the object may change (a rule set) when something with which it is

associated changes.

For example, if a relationship is established between a duct and a diffuser that are connected in the

model and assigned a specified airflow and the modeler (engineer, designer, etc.) decides to

change the specified airflow of the diffuser then the duct size and diffuser, neck size automatically

(parametrically) are adjusted to accommodate the new specification, and pressure loss calculations

throughout the entire duct system are automatically updated at the same time.


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Intimate BIM The Full Monty of BIM, Full IPD and involving a contractor from feasibility stage

onwards. The top end of the process Lonely BIM, Social BIM, Intimate BIM

ISO International Standards Organisation is the world's largest developer and publisher of

International Standards. ISO is a network of the national standards institutes of 164 countries, one

member per country, with a Central Secretariat in Geneva, Switzerland, that coordinates the system.

ISO is a non-governmental organization that forms a bridge between the public and private

sectors. On the one hand, many of its member institutes are part of the governmental structure of

their countries, or are mandated by their government. On the other hand, other members have

their roots uniquely in the private sector, having been set up by national partnerships of industry

associations.

Therefore, ISO enables a consensus to be reached on solutions that meet both the requirements of

business and the broader needs of society. For more information see http://www.iso.org

J Currently no BIM terms

KPIs Key Performance Indicators Performance measurement is an integral part of business

management. By championing key company and project aims, managers are more likely to achieve

success. But the only way of knowing whether those goals are being delivered is by identifying

indicators of their success and using them to keep an eye on the way the business is performing.
http://www.iso.org/http://www.iso.org/


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LCA Life-Cycle Assessment or Analysis is the process of evaluating a component, product,

assembly, building etc. and their development from the moment of extraction of raw materials,

transportation, processing, manufacturing, use, recyclability, and disposal and assigning a value or

assessment of its cumulative and ultimate social, environmental and economical costs, benefits and

impacts. This is often referred to as a cradle to grave or cradle to cradle assessment.

Lead Designer may or may not take on the role and responsibility of the Model Manager,

however they will need to define the outputs required at each stage clarify the inputs that they

require at each stage of the design in order to co-ordinate the design as it progresses.

LEEDS The USA Version ofBREEAM, the main difference between the two methods is the

process of certification. BREEAM has trained assessors who assess the evidence against the credit

criteria and report it to the BRE, who validate the assessment and issue the certificate.

While LEED does not require training, there is a credit available if an Accredited Professional (AP) is

used. The role of the AP is to help gather the evidence and advise the client. The evidence is thensubmitted to the US-GBC which does the assessment and issues the certificate.

Both schemes share common components. Early involvement of the assessor or AP at the design

stage is beneficial to the project and the final rating. Both schemes drive the market to improve

building design. The judging criteria also keep pace with legislative developments and current best

practice.

Level Object defining floors in a building or grade heights that can be defined by a plane.

LOD Level OfDetail required for elements of the project at any particular stage. The informationbecomes more rich as the project moves evolves closer to the construction stage.

LIM Landscape Information Modelling the term is synonymous with BIM, but for a particular

subset.

Lonely BIM Lonely BIM commonly defined as early adaptors who are just starting to use 3D

Modelling packages and have yet to work in collaboration with someone else using the same

software or providing their own 3D data


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Mass Model Type of model file that contains only the volumes describing a project or component

MasterFormat is a standard for organizing specifications and other written information for

commercial and institutional building projects in the U.S. and Canada. Sometimes referred to as the

Dewey Decimal System of building construction, MasterFormat is a product of the Construction

Specifications Institute (CSI) and Construction Specifications Canada.

CSI standard formatting is used throughout the construction industry to format construction

specifications in building contracts. The purpose of this format is to assist the user in locating

specific types of information. Information contained in CSIs MasterFormat is organized in a

standardized outline form within 16 (pre-2004) or 50 (post 2004) divisions. Each division contains a

number of sections. Each section is divided into three partsgeneral, products, and execution.

Each part is organized by a standardized system of articles and paragraphs.

Model Manager A position cited in the BIM Overlay to the RIBA Outline Plan of Work May

2012 Report the role of the Model Manager needs to be considered and the roles andresponsibilities of the various designers and contracting parties need to be clearer, particularly in

relation to Performance Specified Work.

The outputs required at each stage will also require greater definition, and in turn this

will require the Lead Designer to clarify the inputs that they require at each stage of the design in

order to co-ordinate the design as it progresses.

MEP Mechanical Electrical Plumbing and Piping

MDO Multidisciplinary Design Optimization are methods that leverage massively parallelcomputing to reduce design-cycle time by orders of magnitude compared to conventional

approaches. The goal of these methods is to enable AEC professionals to systematically evaluate a

much broader range of design alternatives than is currently possible, and thereby, to facilitate the

discovery of innovative solutions that enhance the quality of our built environment from an

economic and ecological perspective.

MicroStation is a CAD software product for 2- and 3-dimensional design and drafting,

developed and sold by Bentley Systems. The latest versions of the software are released solely for

Microsoft Windows operating systems, but historically MicroStation was available for Macintosh

platforms and a number of Unix-like operating systems. MicroStation is the platform architectural

and engineering software package developed by Bentley Systems, Incorporated. Among a number

of things, it generates 2D/3D vector graphic objects and elements.

MIDI Master Information Delivery Index federated lists of information deliverables by eachtask, including format, date and responsibilities. Source PAS 1192-2:2012

MIDP Master Information Delivery Plan primary plan for when project information is to beprepared, by whom and using what protocols and procedures, incorporating all relevant MIDIsSource PAS 1192-2:2012

Model General term used to refer to the computer file, or files, that contain BIM data.


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Navisworks Software by Autodesk commonly used on multi-disciplinary AEC projects, it

enables one to combine 3D CAD data from dissimilar and competing sources into a single model

environment. The result is a whole-project view that helps everyone make better design decisions,

increases the accuracy of construction documents, and helps predict performance and planning.

Once brought together, a single file can be produced that can then be sent to the client. Using this

consolidated file, you can explore your integrated project model using advanced navigation toolsthat produce a realistic, real-time experience. Real-time navigation capabilities are included in

Navisworks

Navisworks also has advanced visualization features to create 3D animations and renderings to

present projects to clients. Users have the ability to configure render settings including materials,

lights, backgrounds, and rendering styles. Environment backgrounds can be used to add real-world

scenery and there are over 1,000 materials built-in to create an accurate, photorealistic look.

Navisworks utilizes three native file formats: NWD, NWC, and NWF. However in addition it can also

read over 40 different 3D CAD formats. Model entities contained in both 2D and 3D geometryand all associated object property data is typically supported. Being able to work with such a wide

range of file formats allows Navisworks to accommodate almost every design and engineering

application. Having this level of file compatibility in turn allows one to collaborate, coordinate,

and communicate effectively.

NBS offer distinctive, innovative specification and information solutions to construction industry

professionals. They have produced specification products for over 30 years, including the

recognised national standard specification system for the UK.

The NBS specification products cover building construction, engineering services and landscapedesign. They also produce a range of information products, including The Construction Information

Service, CIS a joint venture with HIS. From 2005 they have been the publisher of the Building

Regulations Approved Documents for England and Wales. More than 5,000 offices subscribe to

their products.

The NBS employ 130 staff, most of which are based in Newcastle upon Tyne. NBS are part of RIBA

Enterprises Ltd, which is wholly owned by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

NBS is a trading name of RIBA Enterprises Ltd. Registered office: 15 Bonhill Street, London EC2P

2EA, Registered in England 978271. VAT number: GB 232 3518 91


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NLA (Note to self or reader of the Guide - find out what NLA actually stands for?) is an

independent forum for debate about the future shape of the city and a permanent information

resource about whats happening in architecture, planning, development and construction across

the capital.

A year-round programme of events, publications and exhibitions bring together politicians,professionals and the public to share knowledge, analyse policy, debate change and identify

opportunities.

Their galleries at the Building Centre in central London are open free of charge six days a week

NWC NavisWorks Cache files, are generated when CAD files or laser scans are opened, merged,

or appended in Navisworks. They can also be created by using a designated file exporter.

NWC files are read-only files and can be thought of as a transfer mechanism to convert CAD,

Autodesk Revit, and other model data into a format that Navisworks recognizes. All geometry,relevant object property information, and display settings from the original source files will carry

over with the NWC export. Once the file is opened in Navisworks, any changes madesuch as

redlines, markups, viewpoints, or display overridescannot be saved back to this format.

When the native CAD format file is first brought in, Navisworks creates a file with the same

name but with the .nwc file extension in the same directory as the original source file. This is an

important concept of a successful Navisworks project, so keep in mind that good model

management skills make this process easier.

When NWC files are opened, merged, or appended, Navisworks compares the original data to thenewly created NWC file and re-caches the file if data in the original file is newer than the NWC.

This ensures that as changes are made to the project design, they are reflected in your Navisworks

project. If no changes are detected, Navisworks opens from the original NWC file, resulting in

quicker loading.

As a best practice, consider standardizing on using the Append command instead of Open. Doing

so reinforces this concept of file aggregation, which is an important part of the overall project

coordination process.

NWD File Format An NWD, or NavisWorks Document file *.nwd, is the basic file format thatcontains all geometry, relevant object properties, and clash tests, as well as any markup, comments,

and viewpoint information. As the project evolves, an NWD can be thought of as a snapshot of the

model that captures the current conditions or milestone events. This also includes clash tests and

4D simulations, which will be covered in subsequent chapters. The file size of most NWDs is

considerably smaller compared to the corresponding CAD format.


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NWF File Format NWF files host no 3D geometry but rather contain links to the geometry from

the original native source files. Besides the links, NWF files contain such items as markup data,

viewpoints, comments, graphical overrides, search/selection sets, TimeLiner, and Clash Detective

data.

.

When working with the NWF file format, youll notice the file size for NWFs is extremely smallas compared to the NWC/NWD formats; however, remember the user must have access to the

original source files to view properly. As you work toward mastery of Navisworks, consider using

the NWF as the standard file format during your project. While NWD files can be thought of static

snapshots that capture specific milestones, using the NWF workflow is dynamic and allows for easy

updating of design changes from the original source files. Later in the book, youll explore clash

detection, 4D simulation, and other concepts, so having a good grasp of the file formats is crucial.


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ODBC Open Data Base Connectivity.

OmniClass Classification system as used in the USA, similar to UniClass but sufficiently different

to not be Interoperable. Built into many BIM authoring tools as default classification system

Omniformat is a free document conversion utility which allows dynamic conversion and imagemanipulation of over 75 file formats including HTML, DOC, XLS, WPD, PDF, JPG, GIF, TIF, PNG, PCX,

PPT, PS, TXT, Photo CD, FAX and MPEG. http:/www.omniformat.com

Open BIM is a universal approach to the collaborative design, realization and operation of

buildings based on open standards and workflows. Open BIM is an initiative of buildingSMART and

several leading software vendors using the open buildingSMART Data Model.

Open BIM Programme is a marketing campaign initiated by GRAPHISOFT, Tekla and other

members of buildingSMART to urge and facilitate globally coordinated promotion of the Open

BIM concept throughout the AEC industry, with aligned communication and common brandingavailable to programme participants.

Open BIM Certification is a technical certification system being developed by buildingSMART to

help AEC software vendors improve, test and certify their data connections to work seamlessly with

other Open BIM solutions.

Why is it important?

Open BIM supports a transparent, open workflow, allowing project members to participate

regardless of the software tools they use.

Open BIM creates a common language for widely referenced processes, allowing industryand government to procure projects with transparent commercial engagement, comparable

service evaluation and assured data quality.

Open BIM provides enduring project data for use throughout the asset lifecycle, avoiding

multiple input of the same data and consequential errors.

Small and large (platform) software vendors can participate and compete on system

independent, best of breed solutions.

Open BIM energizes the online product supply side with more exact user demand searches

and delivers the product data directly into the BIM.
http:///www.omniformat.comhttp:///www.omniformat.com


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Parameter A quality that is constant under a given set of conditions (rule set) but may be

different under other conditions.

Parameter (Instance) An Instance parameter is an information container that has a value

particular to a single entity in a BIM model.

Parameter (Project) A Project parameter is an information container that has a value that can be

applied to an entire project. For example; project name.

Parameter (Type) A Type parameter is an information container that has a value that is applied

to a set of objects in a BIM model. Changing this value will alter many objects at once.

Parametric Rule basic relationships between intelligent objects that enable related properties to

be updated when one property changes.

Parametric Modelling A model or feature defined by relationships between component entitiesthat are governed by rules and constraints. Changing a rule or constraint or modifying a part of the

model often has implications on the component parts and/or the entire model

Partnering The Latham Report, titled Constructing the Team, was an influential report written by

Sir Michael Latham, published in July 1994. Latham was commissioned by the United Kingdom

government and industry organisations to review procurement and contractual arrangements in

the UK construction industry, aiming to tackle controversial issues facing the industry during a

period of lapse in growth as a whole.

A key concept was that through teamwork the construction industry could delight its customers.Latham made 53 recommendations to change industry practices, to increase efficiency and to

replace the bureaucratic, wasteful, adversarial atmosphere prevalent in most construction projects

with one characterised by openness, co-operation, trust, honesty, commitment and mutual

understanding among team members.

PDF Portable Document Format Invented by Adobe Systems and perfected over 17 years, PDF is

the global standard for capturing and reviewing rich information from almost any application on

any computer system and sharing it with virtually anyone, anywhere. With the launch of Adobe

Acrobat X software, PDF is more secure and dynamic than ever. Thats why individuals,

businesses, and government agencies around the world trust and rely on PDF files to communicatetheir ideas and vision.

An open standard PDF is a formal open standard known as ISO 32000. Maintained by the

International Organization for Standardization, ISO 32000 will continue to be developed with the

objective of protecting the integrity and longevity of PDF, providing an open standard for the more

than one billion PDF files in existence today.

Multiplatform PDF files are viewable and printable on virtually any platform, including

Windows, Mac OS, and mobile platforms such as Android.

PIM Product Information Modelling


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PIP Project Implementation Plan Source Draft PAS 1192-2:2012

Platform - Computer program family used for BIM, CADD or CAD processes. No one platform is

required for BIM, in fact no platform is needed at all, only COBie is required for BIM at the most

basic level as specified by the Government (UK & USA etc)

PLM Product Lifecycle Management

Plug & Play working methods Product Lifecycle Management

PP Project Programme - Programme setting out the clients key milestone dates and overall

programme objective

Project - Often a single file or federation of files that contain the information on a particular

design.

Property A property is an information container that usually does not have the ability to be easilychanged or change other values or geometries.

Q Currently no BIM terms


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Revit is Building Information Modeling software originally produced by Revit Technology

Corporation a Massachusetts-based company and purchased by Autodesk for US$133 million in

2002. It allows the user to design with both parametric 3D modeling and 2D drafting elements.

RIBA Royal Institute ofBritish Architects Professional association of architects in the United

Kingdom along with international members. http://www.architecture.com/

RTC Revit Technology Conference is a unique, independent conference covering all things Revit

and BIM and the whole ecosystem that supports it, and that goes to ensuring your success in the

marketplace. No other event brings so many opportunities and benefits together in a single

location. As a 'by users, for users' event. There are RTC events in Australia and America however

there are plans for future events in Europe and the UK for more information

http://www.revitconference.com

RIBA Enterprises Ltd, is wholly owned by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

The NBS are part of RIBA Enterprises Ltd and employ 130 staff, most of which are based inNewcastle upon Tyne.

RMCSG Revit Model Content Style Guidelines is a document published by Autodesk which was

accompanied by a series of other supporting documents. It remains freely available to anyone at

http://seek.autodesk .com/revit.htm

RTC Revit Technology Conference . more to come ;0)

RUG Revit User Group . more to come ;0)

RVT Autodesk ReViT File Format Revit uses .RVT files for storing BIM models. Typically, a building

is made using 3D objects to create walls, floors, roofs, structure, windows, doors and other objects

as needed. These parametric objects 3D building objects (such as windows or doors) or 2D

drafting objects (such as surface patterns) are called families and are saved in .RFA files, and

imported into the RVT database as needed.
http://www.architecture.com/http://www.revitconference.com/http://seek.autodesk%20.com/revit.htmhttp://seek.autodesk%20.com/revit.htmhttp://www.revitconference.com/http://www.architecture.com/


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SCIEP Supply Chain Information Execution Plan Source Daft PAS 1192-2:2012

SDK Software Development Kit (see alsoAPI)

Silos, Silo Thinking This expression is typically applied to management systems where the focus

is inward and information communication is vertical. Critics of silos contend that managers serve asinformation gatekeepers, making timely coordination and communication among departments

difficult to achieve, and seamless interoperability with external parties impractical.

They hold that silos tend to limit productivity in practically all organizations, provide greater

opportunity for security lapses and privacy breaches, and frustrate consumers who increasingly

expect information to be immediately available and complete. Although much has been written

about them, information silos are becoming far more recognized as the major reason why

organizations are unable to take full advantage of the Internets power to interconnect business

processes.

SIM Structural Information Model See also belowSite Information Modelling?

SIM Site Information Modelling - BIM for Site design and Construction, term is synonymous with

BIM, but for a particular subset. Definition from the Landscaping

Social BIM an integrated IPD method of working where you are no longer practicing Lonely BIM

and are now stating to share data and models. The next step up from Lonely BIM and the step

before Intimate BIM

Soft Landings an initiative by BSRIA (see www.softlandings.org.uk) developed to assist clientsduring the first months of their occupation and operation of their buildings and beyond, to help

fine-tune the systems and ensure the occupiers understand how to control and best use their

buildings.

SPie Specifiers' Products Information Exchange - Similar to COBie formats, but for products used

during construction. Not widely used outside the USA currently.

SCIEP Supply Chain Information Execution Plan Source Draft BS1192-12012

System Family - A type of Family that only exists inside projects, no external file can existof this family type (may be a Revit specific term).
http://www.softlandings.org.uk/http://www.softlandings.org.uk/


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Trailing Edge - Term used by HM Government to describe the least technically advanced

companies within the construction process. This is the target audience for the Government's

mandate on BIM


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Uniclass is a classification scheme for the construction industry, the full name of which is "Unified

Classification for the Construction Industry". It was published in 1997 by NBS on behalf of CPIC.

Since then changes in the construction industry require us to look at the classification system in the

light of new methods of procurement, new construction technology and new software for

preparing drawings, specifications and bills of quantities.

CPIC have set up a working group to share the work that is being carried out by the RICS on the

new method of measurement; NBS developing a new structure for specifications and the software

houses developing CAD packages for design.

The ICE have also set up a discussion forum with CPIC to expand the classification of civil

engineering projects.

For more on Uniclass see the CIPC web site at http://www.cpic.org.uk/en/

Unified Design - Design process by which all designed aspects are considered as a whole and areof equal value. A project developed by a multidisciplinary team working together with shared

responsibilities and shared goals.

UNIFORMAT was developed jointly by the General Services Administration (GSA) and the

American Institute of Architects (AIA) in 1972 for estimating and design cost analysis.

UNIFORMAT II, first issued by ASTM in 1993, is an enhanced version developed by a task group

that included amongst others CSI, GSA, AACE, the Tri-Services, R.S. Means and CIQS.

It is more comprehensive than the original, particularly with respect to the mechanical and sitework

elements. Thus the format is suitable for numerous other applications, such as Schematic Phase

Preliminary Project Descriptions

URL Universal Resource Locator.

US-GBC United States Green Building Council is an organisation which does the LEEDS

assessment and issues the certificate.

VB Virtual Building is a concept in which all design, construction, environmental performance,

and operational problems are visualised, solved, and optimised using integrated computer

simulation. The virtual building is intended to support stakeholders throughout the project lifetime

in the following areas:

Exploration: a constantly evolving tool for exploring new directions in design and

construction.

Communication: enabling project teams to quickly and accurately communicate design

forms, functions, and behaviours to other team members, and the broader collection of

stakeholders

Optimisation: facilitating analysis tools that are capable or optimising performance,

sustainability, and costs to meet both short-term and long-term goals

Tools and techniques used in the virtual building are constantly evolving

Ref CIFE Mission Statement" CIFE website, retrieved December 2007
http://www.cpic./http://www.cpic./


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VBE A Virtual Building Environment is a place where building industry project staffs can get

help in creating Building Information Models (BIM) and in the use of virtual buildings. It consists of

a group of industry software that is operated by industry experts who are also experts in the use of

that software. The purpose of a VBE is to facilitate expert use of appropriate software applications

in conjunction with each other to efficiently support multidisciplinary work. For more informationread http://www.osti.gov/bridge/servlets/purl/841066-AxkQgb/native/841066.pdf

VDC Virtual Design to Construction (Project Management) is the management of integrated

multi-disciplinary performance models of design-construction projects, including the product (i.e.,

facilities), work processes and organization of the design - construction - operation team in order

to support explicit and public business objectives.

WIP Work In Progress

Workflow Consists of a sequence of concatenated (connected) steps. Emphasis is on the flowparadigm, where each step follows the precedent without delay or gap and ends just before the

subsequent step may begin.

This concept is related to non overlapping tasks of single resources. It is a depiction of a sequence

of operations, declared as work of a person, a group of persons, an organization of staff, or one or

more simple or complex mechanisms. Workflow may be seen as any abstraction of real work. For

control purposes, workflow may be a view on real work under a chosen aspect, thus serving as a

virtual representation of actual work.

The flow being described may refer to a document or product that is being transferred from onestep to another. Workflow concepts are closely related to other concepts used to describe

organizational structure, such as silos, functions, teams, projects, policies and hierarchies.

Workflows may be viewed as one primitive building block of organizations. The relationships

among these concepts are described later in this entry. The term workflow is used in computer

programming to capture and develop human-to-machine interaction.
http://www.osti.gov/bridge/servlets/purl/841066http://www.osti.gov/bridge/servlets/purl/841066


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Worksharing Using software in a file-based worksharing environment, in which multiple people

work on one project at a time.

Autodesk Revit Worksharing Monitor facilitates the use of Revit software in a file-based

worksharing environment, in which multiple people work on one project. For workshared projects,

the Autodesk Revit Worksharing Monitor answers questions like the following:

Who is currently working on this project?

Is my local copy of the project up to date?

When will my Synchronize with Central operation finish?

Has my request to borrow elements been granted?

Are any issues interfering with my work on a Revit project?

Note Autodesk Revit Worksharing Monitor is not useful for standalone Revit projects, which do not

use worksharing to divide the work for a project among several people.

Autodesk Revit Worksharing Monitor works with all Revit products, including Revit Architecture,

Revit MEP, and Revit Structure. If you are working on one or more workshared Revit projects, install

Autodesk Revit Worksharing Monitor on your computer. When you open a workshared project in

the Revit software, also start Autodesk Revit Worksharing Monitor. (Using Autodesk Revit

Worksharing Monitor with worksharing projects is not required, but it is strongly recommended.)

XML eXtensible Mark-up Language was developed to facilitate a common interoperability model

integrating a myriad of design and development tools used in the building industry.

Y Currently no BIM terms

Zero Harm means zero injuries and zero environmental damage.

Every manager is accountable for achieving Zero Harm and is expected to demonstrate leadership

in creating a culture which actively promotes Zero Harm. Everyone is responsible for committing

and contributing to Zero Harm.

Typical Zero Harm values and behaviours are

We commit and contribute

We value everyone equally We respect ourselves

We think first of Zero Harm

We continuously improve

We share

We respect the environment

We continue to develop a culture that delivers the best occupational health, safety and

environmental practice for employees, contractors, customers and communities.

Editors Note Ive had the comment that this is nothing to do with BIM However its linked to the environment andsustainability, Reduction in Carbon etc. so its an associated BIM term and thats why its in Room 101 or this Guide ;0)


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Dont Panic

Alphabetical List of File Formats

Editors Note This is a work in progress and the list is to be expanded upon, happy toreceive nominations for additions ;0)

*.3ds 3DS 3D Studio File

*.csv CSV Comma Separated Value is a common exchange format which can be exported

from a number of applications including, Microsoft Excel.

*.dgn DGN - MicroStation File Format (similar to DWG for AutoCAD)

*.dwf DWF Design Web Format is a secure file format developed by Autodesk for theefficient distribution and communication of rich design data to anyone who needs to

view, review, or print design files.

*.dwfx DWFx Design Web Format is an Autodesk DWF XPS Document. Autodesk has teamed

with Microsoft to seamlessly integrate DWF technology with Windows Vista using the

XML Paper Specification (XPS). DWFx files can be opened directly within Microsoft`s XPS

Viewer, which is automatically installed with Microsoft Vista, bundled with .NET 3.0, and is

available as an optional download for Windows XP users.

*.dwg DraWingG file format (denoted by the *.dwg filename extension) was the native fileformat for the Interact CAD package, developed by Mike Riddle in the late 1970s, and

subsequently licensed by Autodesk in 1982 as the basis for AutoCAD From 1982 to 2009,

Autodesk created versions of AutoCAD which wrote no fewer than 18 major variants of

the DWG file format, none of which are publicly documented.

The DWG format is probably the most widely used format for CAD drawings. Autodesk

estimates that in 1998 there were in excess of two billion DWG files in existence.

There are several claims to control of the DWG format. As the biggest and most

influential creator of DWG files it is Autodesk who designs, defines, and iterates the DWGformat as the native format for their CAD applications. Autodesk sells a read/write library,

called RealDWG. Under selective licensing terms for use in non-competitive applications.

Several companies have attempted to reverse engineer Autodesk's DWG format, and

offer software libraries to read and write Autodesk DWG files. The most successful is

Open Design Alliance a non-profit consortium created in 1998 by a number of software

developers (including competitors to Autodesk), released a read/write/view library called

the OpenDWG Toolkit, which was based on the MarComp AUTODIRECT libraries. (ODA

has since rewritten and updated that code.)

*.mlib MLIB - material library file Products like Mental Ray & Revit use these files

*.mpx MPX Microsoft Project Exchange Format which is the common project exchange


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format which can be exported to from a number of scheduling packages

*.pdf PDF Adobe portable document format

*.prj 3D Studio file format

*.prp PRP MicroStation file

*.prw PRW MicroStation file

*.rfa RFA - Revit family file

*.rte RTE - Revit template file

*.rtf RTF - Rich Text Format file

*.rvg RVG - Revit External Group file No longer used

*.rvt RVT - Autodesk ReViT File Format Revit uses .RVT files for storing BIM models. Typically,

a building is made using 3D objects to create walls, floors, roofs, structure, windows,

doors and other objects as needed. These parametric objects 3D building objects

(such as windows or doors) or 2D drafting objects (such as surface patterns) are called

"families" and are saved in .RFA files, and imported into the RVT database as needed.

*.sat SAT 3D ACIS model file

*.skp SKP SketchUp file format


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Dont Panic

Reference Material

Some of these publications especially the Government ones are the background to why you are

getting into BIM, the others like those from RIBA are about how BIM is going to impact andfundamentally alter the way we currently work.

Most of these publications listed here are FREE, however there are those that are making a quick

buck out of selling information about what BIM is and isnt. I suggest you read the material below

before parting with 199 or more.

Draft PAS 1192-2:2012 Released for comment June 2012

Building Information Management Information requirements for

the capital delivery of construction projects

http://www.bimtaskgroup.org/pas-1192-22012/

This document is a working draft that despite the warning on the front cover has

been released for comment. IMHO there are too many levels of Management and

duty owners being proposed, renaming of people and documents, and

bottlenecks being built in the proposed processes. In its present state it kind of

makes you wonder if the people on the committee have actually been involved in

the real construction industry or only played SIM city! (thats the computer game

and not another term for SIM)

Bottom line this document will be ultimately trust down our throats, so take the

time to read review and feedback to the committee creating it to help them get itright.

BIM Overlay to the RIBA Outline Plan of Work May 2012http://www.ribabookshops.com/uploads/b1e09aa7-c021-e684-a548-

b3091db16d03.pdf

May 2012

This document is the result of a review of the Outline Plan of Work 2007

(Amended November 2008) by a working group under the direction of the RIBA

Practice and Profession Committee. A number of clients have assisted in the

review, and the RIBA members involved in the UK Government Cabinet Office andCIC BIM working groups have also contributed to the document.
http://www.bimtaskgroup.org/pashttp://www.ribabookshops.com/uploads/b1e09aa7http://www.ribabookshops.com/uploads/b1e09aa7http://www.ribabookshops.com/uploads/b1e09aa7http://www.bimtaskgroup.org/pas


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NBS National BIM Report 2012

http://www.thenbs.com/pdfs/NBS-NationalBIMReport12.pdf

Introduction

BIM and the UK Construction Strategy

BIM from the point of view of a small practice

BIM Survey: Summary of findingsWhat will BIM mean for design fees?

BIM collaboration and engineering

ICT and Security, Norman Disney & Young

ANZRS Australian and New Zealand Revit Standards

Version 3 [01-2012]

http://www.anzrs.org/

The Australian and New Zealand Revit Standards (ANZRS) was an initiative

conceived at RTC (Revit Technology Conference) 2009 in Melbourne in responseto the Revit user communitys frustration with lack of consistency and quality in

Revit families available from Autodesk, Content Creators and other sources.

HM Government Low Carbon Action Plan

http://www.bis.gov.uk/assets/biscore/business-sectors/docs/l/11-976-low-

carbon-construction-action-plan

June 2011

The Government Response to the Low Carbon Construction Innovation and

Growth Team

Government Construction Strategy May 2011http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/sites/default/files/resources/Government-

Construction-Strategy.pdf

The strategy has been prepared by the Efficiency and Reform Group of the

Cabinet Office and the Construction Sector Unit of BIS, working closely with

Infrastructure UK (IUK).
http://www.thenbs.com/pdfs/NBShttp://www.anzrs.org/http://www.bis.gov.uk/assets/biscore/businesshttp://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/sites/defaulhttp://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/sites/defaulhttp://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/sites/defaulhttp://www.bis.gov.uk/assets/biscore/businesshttp://www.anzrs.org/http://www.thenbs.com/pdfs/NBS


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NBS Building Information Modelling Report March 2011

www.thenbs.com/bim

This is the first NBS BIM Report in what will be a series of reports on the

adoption of what we currently call BIM or Building Information Modelling. These

reports will track changes in attitudes towards BIM as well as implementation

within the industry. They will act as a reference point for the industry to sharesuccess and to highlight areas of developmental need. Ultimately, they will also

strip away much of the hype and hysteria around BIM to provide detailed answers

to important issues including Return on Investment.

BIM Management for value, cost & carbon improvement BIM

Working Party Strategy Paper March 2011https://connect.innovateuk.org/c/document_library/get_file?uuid=6842e020-20df-

4449-8817-08ce2ba9ef7c&groupId=68909

The purpose of this document is to brief the Construction Clients Group of the

progress and findings of the BIM Industry Working Group, who were invited by

BIS and the Efficiency Reform Group from the Cabiniet Office to look at the

construction and post occupancy benefits of BIM (Building (Asset) Information

Modelling & Management) for use in the UK building and infrastructure markets.

The document describes the Working Groups recommended strategy to deliver a

structures Government / Sector capability to increate BIM take-up over a five year

horizon as part of a joined up plan to improve the performance of the

government estste in terms of cost, value and carbon performance.

HM Government Low Carbon Construction

Innovation & Growth Team Final Report Autumn 2010http://www.bis.gov.uk/assets/biscore/business-sectors/docs/l/10-1266es-low-carbon-construction-igt-

executive-summary.pdf

This is the final report of an Innovation and Growth Team (IGT), drawn from

across the UK construction industry to consider how the UK construction industry

can rise to the challenge of the low carbon agenda. It follows Emerging Findings

published in March 2010, and builds

on those findings, as charged by Mark Prisk MP, the Minister for Business and

Enterprise in the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills; and the report

has also been produced with the support DECC, CLG and DEFRA.

The VA BIM Guide

http://www.cfm.va.gov/til/bim/BIMGuide/downloads/VA-BIM-Guide.pdf

April 2010

This guidance shall apply to design and construction by the architects,

engineers, other consultants, and contractors hired for those projects by

the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Construction &

Facilities. VAs Minor Program shall actively support and encourage the

use of BIM where practicable, taking into account the size, type of project,and the availability of the BIM skill sets that are needed to accomplish the
http://www.thenbs.com/bimhttp://www.bis.gov.uk/assetshttp://www.cfm.va.gov/til/bim/BIMGuide/downloads/VAhttp://www.cfm.va.gov/til/bim/BIMGuide/downloads/VAhttp://www.bis.gov.uk/assetshttp://www.thenbs.com/bim


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project.

AEC (UK) BIM Standard for Autodesk Revit Version 1.0http://aecuk.f