Elements to Consider in 3D BIM Coordination

Why is 3D BIM coordination so crucial to building design?

There are several elements to consider in 3D BIM coordination, and one of the first places to start the process is with a 3D coordinated model. Integrating architectural, structural and MEP trades together into a coordinated 3D model is part of the 3D BIM (building information modelling) coordination process. The BIM process is an effective 3D modelling tool that helps generate precise, accurate 3D coordinated models during the design development of a construction project. With a fully coordinated BIM model, users can see just how the architectural, MEP and structural systems have been coordinated in a 3D environment, and making changes becomes easy.

The process of 3D BIM coordination involves recording, using and reviewing detailed data about a building’s physical functions. The information can also be used to prepare task schedules in 4D, calculate project costs and material take-offs and optimise the sustainability of the overall business design. One way of looking at BIM coordination is to think of it as being a grouping together of 3 distinct functions, namely:

• Actual physical construction (building)
• Coordination of detailed data (information)
• Coordination of an accurate 3D model (modelling)

or BIM.

What is interesting about BIM coordination is that it involves much more than just modelling. It includes data and construction management responsibilities and improves efficiency in terms of saving costs and time and enables more informed decision-making.

A useful function of 3D BIM coordinated models is that they are used to perform clash-detection processes. A 3D BIM coordinated model can help find any clashes, interferences or shortcomings between architectural, structural and MEP systems. One of the most popular software used for this process is Revit, which has advanced features to help merge the different disciplines of the model effectively, helping architects, structural engineers and MEP engineers.

Models can also be studied to determine complex space allocation and how the different MEP trades can fit into the available space. Each of the building’s deliverables involving data-related tasks can be easily and clearly identified, tracked and coordinated at any point or stage of the project’s life cycle. Building risers, plant rooms, prefabricated corridors and ceiling modules can also be coordinated using quality checks in the process of BIM coordination.

Management tasks, such as common data environment (CDE) information management processes, are performed to support data exchange and help both model and data integration and coordination. Also included as part of the 3D BIM coordination process are constructability reviews, clash detection reports, virtual/personal coordination meetings with consultants, construction/project managers, sub-contractors, architects and engineers.

There are several benefits to be gained from using 3D BIM coordination, such as:

• Reduced errors by the construction team and design team
• Streamlined workflows in accordance with global standards
• Reduction of construction material waste
• Savings on total costs and project time
• Improved technology and innovative ways to maximise project value

A significant part of 3D BIM coordination involves BIM services, specifically MEP BIM, architectural BIM and structural BIM processes. These BIM services combine data from individual architectural, structural and MEP drawings, using Revit and Navisworks, to help generate intelligent BIM models that feature the following functions and products:

• Coordination
• Fabrication
• Optimisation
• Installation
• MEP engineering
• MEP BIM coordination
• MEP shop drawings
• MEP 3D modelling
• Mechanical room modelling
• Builders work drawings
• As-built drafting
• Piping spool drawings
• MEP quantity take-offs

Since the MEP systems of any building is crucial, it’s critical to be aware of some of the detailed MEP BIM modelling and drafting services available. They include:

• Mechanical equipment modelling
• Diffuser and grill modelling
• Electrical lighting fixture drafting and modelling
• Layout modelling
• Plumbing layout modelling
• Sanitary fixture Revit modelling
• Walk-throughs of MEP/BIM models
• Revit MEP Families Parametric modelling

Common Elements to Consider  

The classification of 3D BIM coordination can be as follows:

MEP BIM

Electrical Systems

• Electrical site plans
• Electrical one-line diagrams (riser diagrams)
• Electrical schematics
• Solar panel detailing
• Electrical, power and lighting plans

Plumbing Systems

• Drafting services for domestic water plumbing
• Plumbing and drainage drafting services
• Location and coordination of pipe sleeve requirements
• Isometrics, riser diagrams, details, schematics and schedules
• Sleeve/Penetration Drawings

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) Systems

• Equipment schedules
• Compressed air and medical gas system plan drawings
• Demolition and existing plan drawings
• Equipment piping sizing and design layout plan drawings
• HVAC system drafting
• Details, schematics, schedules, legends and control diagrams
• As-built drawings, equipment specifications, coordination drawings, shop drawings and addendums
• Mechanical equipment layouts, submittals and elevation drawings

Heating Systems

• Boilers
• Direct vents
• Space heaters
• Indoor coil systems
• Heat pumps
• Wall and floor furnaces
• Forced hot air/water
• Thermostats
• Natural gas heating
• Heat pumps – standard and ground source

Ventilation Systems

• Overhead units
• Ductless split systems
• Sheet metal ducts
• Humidifiers/Dehumidifiers
• Central air systems
• Window/rooftop unit systems
• Air cleaners and filters
• Cooling Systems
• Air conditioners
• Air handlers

Architectural BIM

Using the BIM methodology, architects can develop digital design simulations capable of managing the vast stores of information that is part of an architectural project. Besides the 3D characteristics of models, BIM can incorporate 4D (time) and 5D (costs) associated with a project. Stakeholders can access and manage data intelligently and several processes can be automated, such as programming, conceptual design, detailed design, analysis, documentation, manufacturing, construction logistics, operation, maintenance and renovation/demolition.

Libraries of architectural models are available online, providing elements that can easily be incorporated into a project, saving time. This way, data is loaded, the quality of work can be improved, and the amount of decision-making and modifications made can be reduced, lowering both time and costs. 

Importantly, these elements, with unique characteristics, can be parametrically related to other project elements, which means that any changes on one element will effect automatic changes to other elements that are connected to or dependent on the first element. Thus, architects can interact with clients, builders and engineers in a shared process.

Structural BIM

The methodology of structural BIM modelling enables design analysis and review of structural elements in a project to further improve the overall design process. Structural BIM services consist primarily of 3D modelling, detailing and drafting. The analysis of these services results in cost-effective design and improves the safety of the design. Building geometry, location and space data, building properties, building materials and resources are better understood with structural BIM services. Some of the major structural BIM services are the following:

• Structural analysis
• Structural design
• 3D modelling 
• Steel structure detailing
• Creation of 3D, 4D and 5D BIM services
• Extraction of structural components
• High-quality construction documents
• Clash detection and risk management
• Intelligent parametric library development
• Precise quantity take-offs and cost estimates

With the help of BIM services, design errors are reduced from the improved coordination and communication of decisions. Thus, the main benefits of BIM services include:

• Better communication
• Faster approvals
• Improved coordination
• Easy modifications of design 
• Reduced errors
• Reduced time to create drawings and revisions
• Improved performance analysis, evaluation
• Improved project efficiency 

There are many elements to consider in 3D BIM coordination, and there are many ways to utilise and optimise the benefits resulting from 3D BIM coordination. Typically, the processes of 3D BIM coordination require the expertise and experience of several stakeholders, sometimes separated by countries. Many Western construction firms opt to outsources these processes to countries further east, such as India, since they have large groups of technically qualified, experienced, English-speaking personnel who deliver these BIM services accurately, clash-free, on schedule and cost-effectively. Bringing together clash-free MEP, structural and architectural systems after careful consideration of its many elements, high-quality 3D BIM coordination services remain an essential part of modern construction.

Benefits of Collaboration for Revit (C4R) in Construction

Construction projects today involve teams working simultaneously from wide-ranging geographical areas, across towns, states or even countries. These teams coordinate on the same project at the same time, using a work-sharing method that is efficient, transparent and extremely accurate. Revit Architecture services used with Collaboration for Revit (C4R) for 3D BIM coordination plays an important role in fulfilling this requirement. 

A cloud-based worksharing tool, Collaboration for Revit (or C4R) is hosted on the cloud. BIM 360 Team (formally A360 Team) is required for users wishing to upload Revit files to C4R. In the event that a stakeholder does not have Revit and C4R, they can use a web browser to access BIM 360 Team for ‘view only’ access, which provides a range of marking up and viewing formats to use. They can preview models, upload and download other project documents too. All team members can access central models stored in a file at a network location. 

As cloud computing is increasingly used for storage, sharing and hosting of models, the need to use a tool that brings a team together with minimal training time and maintenance is required. Using BIM 360 Team, C4R provides access to, and collaboration on, central Revit models on the cloud to project teams across varied disciplines, locations and companies, so that stakeholders from any location can add, delete or modify elements of the project at any point. This way, changes can be reviewed by others and necessary action can be taken. In effect, C4R allows countrywide or international teams to work simultaneously across different time zones and collaborate in real-time, a form of Revit work sharing.

C4R Uses BIM 360 Team: C4R hosts a Revit model in a centralised location called the BIM 360 Team Hub. A BIM 360 Team Hub must be created before a model can be shared via C4R. Thus, the cloud can be used to share, store and communicate. 

For Revit users, C4R need not be separately installed. It is part of Revit and provides several options in the ‘Collaborate’ tab. Revit users will however need to be assigned to a BIM 360 Team project to use C4R features. 

Easy Communication: C4R Communicator is a chat feature in Revit, with extras. Communicator connects users in the same model, in a different model but same project, or in a completely different C4R project. Chats are in real time and communication includes sending messages, files, screen shots from Revit and even the chat log. Timeline tracks comments, who is synchronising in real time, who completed and when it was completed.

Integrated Project Delivery: C4R facilitates the sharing of server requirements and centralised systems by joint design ventures from separate locations. This allows architects and engineers to communicate and share data easily and practice informed decision-making.

Cloud-based Technology: 

Since most C4R tools are cloud-based, methods and client involvement enjoy almost total flexibility, greatly reducing downtime and rework. 

• Management – Permissions and restrictions set up in a BIM 360 Team project in Revit help manage the models.
• BIM 360 Integration – Stakeholders, non-Revit users also, can view, comment and mark up models through a browser.
• Communicator Tool – Communications can be on direct, real-time chat in C4R, within BIM project models.
• Publishing Tool – Models and 2D sheets in the cloud are published with the default 3D view, allowing communication between disciplines after updating changes. 

Financially, C4R projects save an average of 30 minutes per individual team member every week. Over an entire year, this could mean that C4R can pay for itself while providing significant advantages to project teams.

Technical Issues and Autodesk Support

The platform is actively supported by Autodesk to ensure uptime. Some examples of technical issues and how they are dealt with include:

When there are bottlenecks in the code, capacity scaling under varying loads, intermittent connectivity: -Product teams across the cloud ensure that services have the right approaches and architecture to carry out their operations consistently and with high levels of reliability.

When there are degradations or outages - Services are designed so that dependencies are ‘soft’ and don't bring down core products.

When there is deviation from operational behaviour - Services are constantly logging operation results for ‘health checks’. Notifications of deviation of behaviour occur within minutes and can be rectified quickly. In addition, data trends are studied for usage patterns to improve capacity. 

Ultimately, C4R may be a better fit for many firms that require easy-to-use and easy-to-operate cloud-based solutions for collaborating on their projects. Unlike so many forerunners in the online collaboration industry, C4R actually allows collaboration and working on the same model and files rather than act as a sophisticated file exchange system.

3D BIM Modeling: Key is to Interpret Client’s ‘Real’ Needs

The concept of building information modelling (BIM) has received universal acceptance from the building services, structural engineering and architectural fraternity mainly due to its need for lean construction and also its cross-disciplinary usability. 3D BIM modeling has existed for a number of years now and the industry is aggressively adapting itself to embrace the new workflows of the BIM process; however, there is still a lack of clarity amongst the owners (the clients) as to what exactly they can achieve from these models, what they need to achieve and how they can make optimum use of this concept.

3D BIM Modeling

This article seeks to explore some beliefs related to the use of BIM and sheds light on when it should be used and to what extent. For the sake of clarity, it is important to know the difference between non-BIM 3D CAD models and a parametric BIM models.

3D CAD models are virtual representations of a facility that provide only visual details. Applications such as AutoCAD Architecture and AutoCAD MEP are used to create 3D CAD models that can be used for design, development, construction and pre-fabrication. On the other hand, BIM models are intelligent models embedded with parametric details that are extremely important for design, development, construction, pre-fabrication, assembly, analysing energy performance and facility management of the built environment. For BIM projects, the details can be effectively shared between different project stakeholders: facility owners, designers/architects, MEP (M&E) engineers, fabricators, consultants and contractors. Revit Architecture and Revit MEP are applications used for BIM modelling whilst Navisworks is employed to detect clashes between different system models.

One of the most crucial aspects that helps decide whether BIM is actually required or not is gaining an in-depth understanding of the model’s purpose. More often than not, there is so much difference between client’s ‘stated’ needs and his/her ‘real’ needs.  In a lot of cases, clients state that they require a BIM model but actually what they require is a smart clash-free 3D model which can be used to extract respective construction drawings. In such scenarios, AutoCAD MEP or AutoCAD Architecture could easily be used to provide a 3D model that meets this need. Alternatively, a BIM software tool could be used to provide a 3D model without providing additional elements such as data rich 'information'.

In other cases, a BIM model may actually be the basis to plan, design, construct, and manage a particular facility. These scenarios require multidisciplinary project stakeholders to access the BIM model at different stages in the project lifecycle. As a result, the most important factor that dictates the success of any project employing BIM is the richness of ‘information’ embedded into the models. So, depending on the project’s scope, a full-fledged BIM model may contain valuable information, such as dimensions of building elements, quantity take-off data, material requirements, time scheduling, costing, prefabrication data, activity simulation, and energy performance. Other important factors that contribute to success of BIM include the data-sharing and interoperability standards to allow smooth multidisciplinary collaboration between key disciplines.

Irrespective of whether the client actually requires BIM or non-BIM CAD model, the BIM wave that has spread across the AEC industry has forced the agenda to adopt a more progressive approach to planning, designing and coordinating models and drawings. The industry continues to transition from non-BIM 2D approaches to collaborative BIM workflows and 3D CAD workflows and even that is a huge shift for the industry. This change is more often than not influenced by the demand side i.e. the clients.

Nevertheless, the current wave of change in favour of adopting BIM applications and processes has helped the entire AEC supply chain embrace intelligent virtual planning and development techniques for architectural and building services design, spatial coordination and collaboration.

Kuldeep Bwail is a Director at XS CAD Limited, one of the leading BIM outsourcing providers offering BIM Services to architects, engineers, MEP (M&E) consultants, and contractors across the UK, US, Australia, Canada, Europe, India and the Middle East.

BIM-led Prefabrication: An Effective Way Forward for Healthcare MEP Projects

Designing and planning for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems for healthcare facilities brings with it a set of daunting challenges for the entire MEP (M&E) fraternity. Considering the project complexities, stringent building codes, healthcare standards, local regulations, and constricted deadlines, MEP (M&E) designers and contractors are always walking a tight line.

Whilst building information modelling(BIM) techniques at the design stage may improve interdisciplinary MEP coordination, help detect design clashes and streamline scheduling/costing in the preconstruction phase, very little is known about how BIM-led prefabrication of MEP systems offsite can help enhance quality, save time and money, and optimise the logistical flow on site. The BIM design data, embedded in the MEP models, can be used to create fabrication drawings by either using traditional detailing or using fabrication softwares (AutoDesk Fabrication). These drawings display fabrication details which can be directly recognised by the CNC machines for production purposes.

One of the most challenging engineering systems to design, healthcare facilities house a range of medical and therapeutic departments to treat different illnesses. Each of these departments has its own set of requirements for HVAC, electrical, plumbing and fire protection systems as well as plant areas. So, whether the hospital’s MEP system demands HVAC systems with precise humidity control, temperature, and indoor air quality (IAQ) standards or custom isolation for operating rooms, the information rooted in the BIM 3D documents can enhance modularisation of mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems.

Some other MEP components which are specifically used in healthcare facilities include sprinklers, fire suppression systems, high-pressure steam boilers, direct-expansion (DX) cooling systems, and tamper-proof receptacles. As it is well known in the AEC industry worldwide, BIM is a change in approach which brings together all the discipline-specific professionals during the pre-construction phase. On the contrary, the traditional design-bid-build approach lacks coordination between the concerned disciplines.

Accordingly, when MEP (M&E) designers, consultants, and fabricators use BIM for prefabrication of MEP components, the benefits are worthy. Besides, the modularisation of mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems in a controlled environment and installing them on site is highly effective considering its cost savings, quality improvements, labour efficiency, waste reduction, and in-time completion benefits.

Considering the complex nature of MEP (M&E) systems in healthcare facilities and an increase in adoption of BIM, prefabrication and modularisation will offer more productivity and efficiency gains to MEP (M&E) designers, contractors, manufacturers, fabricators, and installers. Modern prefabrication technologies along with integrated project delivery (IPD) can certainly lead to greater predictability, timely project completion, and increased cost savings.

BIM Drives Cost-Efficiencies for Plumbing Design

Since our construction industry is grappled with severe productivity issues and tight margins, the AEC industry is striving hard to come up with new ways of improving productivity, reducing construction costs and delivering a better-built building. Building Information Modeling, a new technological advancement in the AEC industry after CAD seems to have the potential to address these issues.

As per the definition of BIM by The National Building Information Model Standard (NBIMS), “BIM is a digital representation of physical and functional characteristics of a facility and it serves as a shared knowledge resource for information about a facility forming a reliable basis for decisions during its life cycle from inception onward”. BIM has evolved from being just a buzzword to the centrepiece of AEC technology and it has significant benefits for plumbing design.

BIM enables a 3d virtual representation of the plumbing systems thus helping to better understand the final outcome, make more informed decisions and detect collisions. One of the major benefits BIM technology serves for plumbing is interference-checking. Using BIM to detect early collisions helps to prevent costly design changes during the actual construction process whilst also reducing guesswork and errors.

Since the underground plumbing lines are located in reference to the foundations; BIM enables a plumbing designer with actual building footings marked by the structural engineer to preserve the structural integrity of the building. With the help of the building footings, a plumbing designer can easily coordinate the underground routing without compromising the structural design of the building. 

Building Information Modeling is an ‘information’ rich model.  In addition to building shape, costs, design, construction time, physical performance, costs and logistics, BIM also provides information about two additional parameters in the case of plumbing fixtures – information about the required gpm flow of the standard fixture and the reduced gpm flow. 

With an aim to conserve energy and natural resources, there has been an increased focus on green building projects. BIM facilitates easier identification of systems in LEED Plumbing Design by creating different colour systems. Since there is a variation in colour, identifying grey water routing becomes easier and hence helps to prevent cross contamination with other waste systems.

BIM creates a unified working environment with multiple disciplines working together on a single file. A plumbing engineer can create a design for hot and cold water and simultaneously check the HVAC design worksheet for conflicts.

BIM serves a plethora of benefits for plumbing design such as increased efficiency, accuracy and coordination of the system as well as reducing the time and cost involved in it.

Green Buildings using BIM

With environmental concerns such as global warming, climate change and energy dependency increasing, promoting sustainability is the need of the hour. Everyone is trying to combat with these environmental concerns by going green and building sector is no exception. Building Information Modeling and Green building are the two new transformations seen by the construction industry that are fundamentally changing the approach towards design and construction. These two rising trends that have remarkable synergies could be merged together and wonders could be designed and constructed.        

The very term ‘Green Building’ means building that is environmentally considerate utilizing less water, efficient energy, generates less waste and conserves natural resources. Coming up with a green building would definitely increase the cost initially but in the long run, it will save money through lower operating costs over the life of the building.

Building Information Modelling is another new revolution in the construction industry that is gaining momentum. The main highlight of building information modelling services is the high-quality design information it provides. It can be used as a vital green design tool as this intelligent model also conveys information relating to thermal data, geographical position surface area and orientation. It helps to analyse various design options with its corresponding impacts on green building performances. Implementation of BIM helps to harness the characteristics and performance of design concepts, thus allowing sustainable alternatives to combat with conventional resources.

The potential of BIM in making green buildings has not yet been fully realised. In the coming years, the adoption of BIM in making green building would be substantially increased.

BIM for Homebuilders

While Building Information Modeling remains just a buzzword for some of them, many of the homebuilders have adopted BIM and have considerably benefitted in terms of cost and time.  Building Information Modeling is an information-rich technology allowing digital representation of a building process simulating the design, planning, construction and operation of a facility. 

Decreasing productivity and tight margins were the major crises faced by the homebuilders.  BIM Modeling Services have changed the way buildings are built ensuring increased productivity, quality and accuracy of the design.  Using BIM, the homebuilders can view the building digitally before it is actually built, thus reducing the inefficiencies and flaws in the pre-construction stage. 

BIM also helps to retrieve accurate bill of quantities and gives estimation whether the desired building with quality, size mentioned could be built in the specified cost and time. Thus, it helps the homebuilders to take more informed decisions by getting prior knowledge of amount of material, cost and time involved for constructing a building. With more emphasis and need of green building in this era of environmental concerns, BIM with its ability to analyze the energy performance of a building facilitates designing of green building.

Though some of the homebuilders are yet to adopt BIM, the benefits of BIM to the homebuilders in constructing better homes are visible. The use of BIM by the homebuilders would be accelerated in the coming years, considering the overall increased productivity and time benefit that it offers.

The Challenges in Adopting Building Information Modeling (BIM)

BIM (Building Information Modeling) represents a wave of technological changes that have allowed the AEC industry to plan and manage projects much more effectively.  With its ability to create a digital representation of a building with accurate geometry and relevant data, BIM technology has brought about a paradigm shift to the AEC industry.  It serves up a plethora of benefits such as improving interoperability between teams, utilization of a single software tool, scheduling, and allowing more effective co-ordination of construction projects.


While BIM, the new buzzword for the construction industry, is seen as a catalyst to revolutionize the future of the AEC industry, there are several reasons why it is also presenting an unparalleled challenge to the industry.  This is affecting the method and also speed in which it is embraced by the industry.  A few such challenges include:
1)    Challenges in Coordinating with Multi-Disciplinary Teams –Though BIM's ability of sharing a model is one of its biggest advantages over an AutoCAD file, one cannot ignore the permission required for adequate sharing of model information posing as a challenge. As multidisciplinary team would work on the same model, collaboration issues may cause delay in project and other problems.


2)    Challenges related to Ownership and Authority- The accountability, ownership and copyright issues of the model are ambiguous.  Exactly who will be the owner of the model or responsible for the accuracy of the information fed into the model poses a challenge in BIM adoption.

3)    Challenges while Replacing 2D or 3D AutoCAD System with BIM Technology- Adopting Building Information Modeling means redefining the approach and the practice of the company along with the requirements of training and upgraded software, not to mention the cost of the new software to start with. One should ensure compatibility between the internal departments of the company and its outside clients after the adoption of BIM technology.

Technology is always a double-edge sword, Building Information Modeling is no exception.  With the help of a proper methodology and thorough understanding of the potential of BIM, the challenges faced while implementing BIM could be minimized.  BIM has the potential to change the face of the construction industry by minimizing issues like over-budget and declining productivity pervading the AEC industry.  The question whether BIM would be able to reshape the industry has changed to when would BIM reshape the industry? By overcoming the challenges faced in adopting BIM, BIM can do wonders.