BIM is becoming a global language for the infrastructure and construction sector, enabling greater collaboration and movement of capabilities across borders. Trace Software International is at the forefront of integrating its electrical calculation with BIM. With our exciting partnership our of software elec calc™ and BIM & CO – produces a powerful combined software for BIM.
The Building Information Modelling (BIM) has been a growing, valuable tool in the hands of anyone who works in the building industry. That is why our elec calc™ BIM solution meets the changing demands within the construction industry. This a module that integrates calculation software in BIM with the following iterative processes: Facilitating the flow between a 3D model and the electrical sizing and calculation that all meet the IFC format standards.
What is BIM?
Based on this information, the full life-cycle of a building, from initial conception to project completion, can be managed effectively. In that sense, it’s an indispensable part of the decision-making process.
BIM refers to a collaborative method of working which is based on the generation and exchange of data between various project parties on the same project. In our elec calc™ BIM solution it features the ability within installation, to build the one-line diagram from the explorer and also build the one-line diagram from the 3D mock-up.
It provides a powerful way to access the BIM objects and stay current with this growing trend in construction design.
Architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC), for a long time these industries have sought out to increase productivity and quality, while at the same time decrease costs as well as project delivery time, hence using BIM gives the best potential in reaching these goals.
BIM simulates the construction project in a virtual environment. Just as in our elec calc™ BIM solution allows you to create a one-line diagram of electrical an installation from the BIM model and define the cable routing (calculating lengths, adding cables as objects).
The key benefit of a BIM is its accurate geometrical representation of the parts of a building, in an integrated data environment. Some great features of elec calc™ BIM include IFC Explorer, your electrical objects are recognized from IFC data and interactions between Explorer, 3D Viewer and elec calc™ one-line diagram, identifying components in real time between your 3D Viewer and the one-line diagram.
The BIM Maturity Model
The BIM maturity model describes levels of maturity with regards to the ability of the construction supply chain to operate and exchange information.
The BIM model levels are applied to the entirety of the project scenario however a company may claim to operate at Level 2 but, can only operate at Level 1 which is very normal as companies or organisation mature on different timescales.
There are different levels of shared collaboration in a construction project. Those are known as BIM maturity levels. As we proceed through the levels, the collaboration between the various sides is increasing. At the time being, there are four distinct BIM maturity levels.
· BIM Level 0 (Low Collaboration)
It’s the simplest step of the information generating process. It doesn’t practically involve any level of cooperation. Level 0 is essentially the use of computer aided design (or CAD tools) to create drawings and drawn elements using IT software.
· BIM Level 1 (Partial Collaboration)
Within Level 1, we progress from CAD to generate suites of 2D information, followed by non-federated 3D models.
· BIM Level 2 (Full Collaboration)
The focus of interest on this level is the way in which the information is shared across the various project members.
· BIM Level 3 (Full Integration)
BIM Level 3 is the goal for the construction industry. Its main point is the attainment of full integration (iBIM) of the information in a cloud-based environment.
The maturity model is also used to define the supporting infrastructure required at each level of capability.
BIM Dimensions
A common misconception around BIM relates with its dimensions. The dimensions are different than the BIM maturity levels. BIM dimensions are inextricably connected to the type of data that can become available through the process. They can be found both in BIM Level 2 and Level 3.
There are four types of BIM dimensions:
3D: It refers to 3D generated drawings.
4D: It is linked to time management.
5D: It concerns data that relates with the cost of the project.
6D: It’s a dimension dedicated to the life cycle management of a building.
What can BIM working do, that conventional working can’t?
elec calc™ BIM allows information to be shared by different participants along the different stages of design, construction and operation. From the aspect of cable routing you have the ability for the calculation of cable lengths, and of the added cables as objects in the layout.
Model checking could be described as the detailed process of examining a system model on if it is meeting certain criteria. It’s understandable that model checking has tremendous importance for BIM. Model checking is a central element in computer science and by extension in BIM. With elec calc™ BIM, 3D model updates are available, import a review of IFC and receive a notification of the changes in the installation one-line diagram – Export IFC and BCF.
There is no question that the concept of collaborative working has become more popular over the years and is now becoming the standard practice for many countries and companies.
