A transformative solution for architecture, engineering, construction, operation & maintenance.
What is BIM?
BIM (Building Information Modeling) is a process of creating, managing, using digital representation of physical buildings. It enables AECOM (architecture, engineering, construction, operation & maintenance) professionals.
BIM lets you plan, design, construct, manage, operate, and maintain buildings throughout its life-cycle more efficiently.
BIM creates a complete digital representation of a building, not just 2D drawings or 3D Models.
- BIM is a Process
- BIM is a Geometric Model
- BIM is an Information System
- BIM is a Data Source
- BIM is a Management Tool
- BIM is a Visualization Platform
- BIM is a Collaborative Environment
BIM is a Process, What does this mean?
It’s a simple step-by-step process. In the planned workflow, create, manage, and share the BIM data package throughout the project lifecycle. On a single common data environment, collaborate on the project from start to finish.
What is BIM as geometry?
Geometry in BIM is refers to the 2d, 3d shape & spatial definition of all building elements. This geometry is based on the Level of Definition of each element.
What is Information in BIM?
The term “Information” in BIM is the structured way of assigning meaningful values to building elements.
| Building Element | Information Attached |
| Wall | Type = Partition Wall, Material = Brick, Fire Rating = 2hr |
What is Management in BIM?
Management in BIM means planning, organizing, monitoring, and maintaining the digital transformation. Ensure right data is created, shared, and updated for making BIM projects, using BEP (BIM execution Plan).
Alongside, set up standards & protocols, coordinate with teams, manage clashes & monitor project delivery.
What is Visualization in BIM?
Visualize digital models made by BIM in real-time. Present, understand and analyze the design, construction sequence, and operation of the building. This powers the popular term ‘Seeing is believing’.
Visualization in BIM helps you to understand the design intent, coordinate between disciplines, energy analysis simulation, and decision making in construction.
What is Collaboration in BIM?
It’s a way of coordinated workflow by multiple stakeholders such as architects, engineers, contractors, and owners. Each model is worked on a single common data environment. This solves issues prior to construction, leading to fewer errors, better decisions, increasing efficiency in the project.
Core of BIM: Explained in Detail
Levels
- Level 0
The project is made using 2D CAD design, drafting techniques in the form of drawings (plans, sections, elevations) with no collaboration via paperwork or email.
Use Cases
- An architectural firm designs a residential building using AutoCAD. They send PDF floor plans and elevations to the structural and MEP teams separately via email.
- No 3D model exists, and every collaboration or coordination is done manually.
2. Level 1
This level is the transition of using both 2D drawings & 3D cad models. This 3D cad models are just used for conceptual work. 2D Cad drawings are shared via Single Common Data Environment (CDE).
Use Cases
- The architect uses AutoCAD for 2D floor plans and SketchUp for 3D visuals.
- The structural and MEP engineers work on separate AutoCAD files using Xrefs.
- All 2D drawings are uploaded weekly to a shared drive (CDE).
- Coordination is still manual — errors are discovered during construction, not design.
3. Level 2
The project is built on a Full Collaboration Scale, where each team will produce their own Federated model with their discipline specific data, shared via CDE. This model is combined as One Unified Model.
Use Cases
- Architects model the building shell in Revit.
- Structural engineers creates Tekla model of beams, columns, and foundations.
- MEP engineers model ducts and pipes in Revit MEP.
- All models are exported as IFC and shared through a Common Data Environment.
- A BIM Coordinator uses Navisworks to link these models and run clash detection.
- Quantity Surveyors extract data for 5D estimation using the model.
4. Level 3
This is a Full Integration level, where the project model is kind off shared in which all the stakeholders, project teams will work on a single Model file, enabling Real-time collaboration within the same CDE.
Use Cases
- The architect, structure, and MEP teams all work on the same cloud-based Revit model using Autodesk Construction Cloud.
- The contractor uses the same live model to plan sequences and generate quantities.
- The facility manager accesses the same model to manage operations, maintenance schedules, and performance.
- All stakeholders can collaborate in real time, comment on the model, and track changes.
Dimensions
2D: CAD drawings made up of lines and splines, only in the X and Y axis.
3D: Model made with geometry in the X, Y, and Z axes.
4D: Scheduling time to sequence the data helps in construction planning and progress tracking.
5D: Adding cost information to the components helps in quantity takeoff and budget monitoring.
6D: Sustainability and simulation aim at analyzing energy consumption and thermal performance to improve building performance.
7D: Facility management includes asset data, warranty, and maintenance information, helping in building life cycle management.
8D: Embeds safety planning into the model, used to analyze hazards, identify risks, and support training.
9D: Reducing waste, maximizing efficiency, and optimizing the construction process — leading to Lean Construction.
10D: Full life cycle management and industrialization of buildings, through advanced digital integration.
Level of Definition (LOD)
The Level of Definition is classified into three. They are:
- Level of Detail
| LOD | Represents |
| 100 | Concept – a space or location of AC unit |
The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or views of nhance.ai or its affiliates. All content provided is for informational purposes only.
