BIM

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It is nearly 10 years since BIM (Building Information Modeling) appeared. Its use as 3D CAD for the design of intricate 3D forms has made great progress. Meanwhile, environmental and building services engineers are on the way to achieving the “organic integration of building information,” which they have been looking forward to as technology for a new age. Work on BIM as a tool for high-quality, high efficiency lifecycle information sharing is making progress day by day.

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BIM: Recent Issues

Looking from the perspective of an environmental and building services engineer, BIM still needs updates. Library development is a recent issue. There is not enough library component data supplied by manufacturers, and not enough manufacturer-free data which can be used neutrally at the design stage. That is the first challenge encountered when users make the transition from 2D drawings to BIM for the practical preparation of order placement drawings.
Nikken Sekkei is tackling that issue by researching and developing a common parts database that can be used to substitute in the necessary attributes at each stage, such as design, estimation, construction, and operation. This development needs to be carried on while keeping an eye on industry trends, such as the use of the BIM Library Consortium.
Another issue is the development of engineering calculation tools. It is obvious that the use of 3D data can greatly reduce the routine work elements of designing, but different vendors are at different stages in this effort. We are keeping track of related developments while also advancing development for internal drawing production using Dynamo.

BIM study frame for equipment development BIM study frame for equipment development

An advancing library - Illustration of a common components database An advancing library - Illustration of a common components database

BIM: Realizing Expectations

BIM faces no hardware constraints and can flexibly link elements (information) within a building. Can information on structural frame, cladding, and building services be linked and coupled to give knowledge of the environment, energy, and costs from moment to moment? With the addition of AI (artificial intelligence) functions, environmental and building services engineers need to aim even higher. But even without evolving that far, BIM will be used to the full as a platform for building information. Applications include linkage with costs, environmental considerations, and FM (facility management), as well as link with IoT tools such as sensors and positioning system. Dream grows how to use BIM throughout the life cycle.
One more expectation of BIM is the transformation of work processes. At Nikken Sekkei, we currently have standard workflows based on DSM (Design Structure Matrix), but many workbacks still occur, and there is plenty of scope for improvement. BIM offers unique potential to raise efficiency while ensuring quality, in ways such as using visualization to promote collaboration, and thereby bringing decision-making forward (front loading).

BIM concept model (data continuesly accumulated after construction completion)

Illustration of integrating various types of information

Circulate information at the level of basic design needed for FM

Expansion of BIM

MEP design processes expected to improve efficiency by using BIM MEP design processes expected to improve efficiency by using BIM

Example of BIM compatible with equipment schedules Example of BIM compatible with equipment schedules

The essence of MEP design is to create comfortable spaces with the least energy. This project is developing a support tool for MEP designers using BIM’s basic position information.

Visualizing Drawings into Forms

Designing with BIM (Japan Radio Co., Ltd., Kawagoe Plant project) Designing with BIM
(Japan Radio Co., Ltd., Kawagoe Plant project)

3D printer model 3D printer model

Construction study using a 3D printer Construction study using a 3D printer

One of the important roles of designers is to deliver the design intent to building owners, operators and contractors. Complex designs created with digital technology may need further help of digital tools such as 3D printers to communicate with stakeholders.

Libraries of Don’ts

This project compiles the Don’ts of equipment installation detail in digital and paper based libraries, in addition to the Dos.

As-built - “As-seen” - Drawings

Shooting using 3D scanners Shooting using 3D scanners

Completed view of a mechanical room, using stereoscopic imaging data set Completed view of a mechanical room, using stereoscopic imaging data set

Conversion from stereoscopic imaging data to pipe centerline data Conversion from stereoscopic imaging data to pipe centerline data

Final BIM deliverable Final BIM deliverable

As-build drawings are important information, though they are mostly in 2D and not updated after repeated renovations, resulting in discrepancies from the present condition. Stereoscopic imaging data, which converts on-site “as-seen” information into drawing, is essential for operating a building through its life cycle.

Sharing Building Information by BIMCAST

Developing BIMCAST by linking BIM and BEST Developing BIMCAST by linking BIM and BEST

BIM IFC tag configuration BIM IFC tag configuration

Example of data linkage Example of data linkage

Thermal load calculation using building data Thermal load calculation using building data

Detailed building information is required for building energy performance report, which is mandatory, equipment selection, and calculation of indoor environment. This project aims to facilitate accuracy and efficiency of these calculations by linking BIM and calculation softwares.

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