Building Information Modeling Services

1. Architectural BIM Services

Architectural BIM Services support the architects and building owners throughout the design, construction and maintenance phases. It is the process of creating accurate 3D models which provide insight into the what the final building design will look like from the architectural point of view. It provides a multitude of advantages to the architects and designers throughout the construction process. It enables them to properly present their designs to the clients, bidders and other stakeholders by renderings, walkthroughs, and sequencing. It also provides various tools that enhance visualization and facilitate better collaboration and multi-discipline coordination among stake holders. Architectural BIM goes a long way in increasing quality and accelerating the construction and maintenance process.

THE KEY BENEFITS OF ARCHITECTURAL BIM SERVICES FOR CLIENTS ARE:

• Reduce risk.
• Reduce change orders.
• Schedule optimization.
• Schedule compression.
• Improve design quality.
• One very heartening fact for building owners is that use of BIM reduces the build cost by nearly 20%.
• The overall construction and operational cost over the lifespan of the structure gets reduced by nearly 33%.
• Conflicts and rework during construction are reduced by nearly 52%.
• BIM improves the overall quality of the construction by almost 50%.
• Risk is reduced by almost 40%; professionals are thus able to predict the outcomes more accurately.
• There is an improvement of nearly 35% in the performance of the completed infrastructure efficient handover.

1.1 Architectural 3D Modelling

We can generate accurate 3D models using software like (Revit/ArchiCAD/Allplan..) that enable architects, general contractors, subcontractors and owners get the design and 3D model layout of project before construction. These models are developed keeping in mind the client requirement, project stage and purpose of the model while maintaining the Architectural standards.

1.1.1. CAD Drafting to Architectural BIM

We help our clients to migrate from CAD to Architectural BIM Services. Our expert team of architects / engineers and BIM technicians develop a 3D BIM model from an existing CAD 2D drawing plans created using various CAD applications. We can also develop a coordinated Architectural BIM model that can be used for design validation and clash detection.

1.1.2. Revit Family Creation

We provide Revit Family Creation Services which includes parametric and non-parametric Revit families for furniture, doors, windows, walls, architectural facades etc. We can use them according to the project requirements and effectively create System Loadable and In-Place families.

1.1.3. Site Modeling

We can create a topographical surface with varying elevations from 2D CAD file, develop the site by adding building elements, building mass, retaining walls and even trees. We can also create existing and new site conditions based on scope of work.

1.2. 4D and 5D BIM

We can develop models of Levels of Detailing LOD 100 to LOD 500. We can add Scheduling and Phasing (4D BIM) and Cost Estimation (5D BIM) to the 3D model which facilitates timely and making informed decision and ultimately results in a seamless and cost-effective construction.

1.2.1 BIM 4D Scheduling & Phasing services

4D BIM adds an additional dimension to a project. It includes information in the form of activity scheduling and task-related data.

Time-based data attributes also drive the 3D visuals of the project during development showing how it will be built and how both the structure and the surrounding site will appear during each phase. This is hugely beneficial in terms of planning work in a safe and logical way maximizing site efficiency.

1.2.1.1.How is 4D modelling applied to a construction project?

Thanks to BIM technology, you can now easily set up a three-dimensional model containing objects to which a duration start-end range can be assigned. This leads to being able to plan and simulate work activities and tasks in advance and to also check out how development progresses from one stage to another.

1.2.1.2. Advantages of 4D BIM modelling

• conflicts identification
• major influence on both-productivity and efficiency
• reduction of risks by means of improved team coordination and communication
• better use of resources
• improved delivery times and cost savings
• Total control over project scheduling.
• Furthermore, the integration of BIM with a 4D simulation also brings various types of advantages to the project development team members in terms of optimising planning and coordination of the construction activities.

1.2.2. Construction Estimating / Quantity Take-offs and its Benefits

BIM Cost Estimation refines budgeting, delivers schedules along with costing, And displays several interactive estimates that enables the users to make comparisons at the pre-construction stage itself. As the budget is adjusted continuously along with the project, it enables the builders and contractors take informed and optimal engineering decision while improvising the design. It lowers project lifecycles, minimizes material costs, and saves time by enabling the creation of optimal designs and efficient project execution. Budget and schedule forecasting helps in risk analysis for the project. Construction Estimating enables informed decision-making by predicting the effect of design change on the cost and schedule of a project Quantity Take off calculates the quantity of all the materials that are used in the building process.

The total cost is also estimated from this giving a better control on the total cost of the project and reduce wastage.

1.2.3. 5d-bim-construction-cost-estimation

• The BIM model that contains objects and assemblies to add cost dimension to it is called 5D BIM. The cost data is incorporated into the BIM model objects themselves or it is linked to estimating software tools. Thus, 5D BIM Modeling helps create a relationship between elements and include the properties and specification of each element and object. So, we can extract comprehensive and accurate information from the model used for costing.
• A collaborative effort of people is required to get the maximum effect from the models. So, the main aim of 5D BIM is to enhance collaboration on projects. It also facilitates the management of the project overall. But the designers have to generate appropriate 3D information and the construction team should check for clashes to become the 5D model effectively. As 5D software is able to check clash detection, it can encourage a collaborative atmosphere throughout the project. BIM, through the use of a centralized model, enables automatic updating of the design changes and coordination among the project team.

1.2.4. BENEFITS OF 5D BIM COST MODELING:

• 5D BIM Modeling can increase the visualization of projects such as construction details.
• It helps the people to work together to make the models effective and thus enhance the collaboration on projects.
• 5D BIM improves the quality level of the finished projects because the users maintain the quality of data in BIM models.
• As the costing of design options can be done during early design stage with the help of 3D and so 5D BIM Modeling makes project conceptualization easier.
• Using 5D software, design details can be pointed out with more clarity and it facilitates the analysis capability of the model.
• 5D ensures more take-offers during the stage of the budget estimate.
• Its efficiency to generate quantities for cost planning is higher than the traditional software and manually take off during the detailed cost plan stage.
• As it helps identify potential risks at an earlier stage, the team can improve clash detection in design stage itself than traditional approaches can.
• It increases the ability to resolve RFI’s in real time.
• As 5D BIM is able to model project options before and during construction, it improves estimating.

1.2.5. 5D – MATERIAL MANAGEMENT

• 5D included extracting quantities from the BIM model and helping the site team to manage the material resources based on the master project schedule.
• The quantities extracted from the BIM model are further used to generate a materials management sheet. This sheet helps to extract exact quantities of the materials based on the master project schedule. The Site team can extract the required material quantity for any given time frame in the project cycle. This greatly helps to minimize the project waste as there would be no material dumping required on site and an exact quantity of material could be ordered prior to the execution.
• BIM makes project conceptualization easier. For example, 3D facilitates the costing of design options during the early stage of design. According to experts, BIM is able to check each part of the project related to each of the project options.
• As BIM is involved in the design at an earlier stage than on conventional projects, the design team can produce more design options. Thus, BIM gives advice on the cost of each option to the design team and client quickly and efficiently. It enables a direct comparison to be made.
• The nature of the information contained in 5D models is in such a way that the model can be used to print out design details and to generate reports useful to other members of the team. For example, design changes made by architects and changes to the construction programs etc.
• The high level of cost details provided by 5D BIM is useful in the early design stages. Therefore, some software providers are now linking the model to a 5D cost library to develop detailed cost plans. A quantitative study found that 5D is more effective than traditional 2D estimating methods even for relatively inexperienced estimators to produce detailed estimates. It really helps reduce errors and time taken.

1.2.6 Construction Documentation Services

Architectural Construction Drawings are complete “Drawing Sets” that are used for on-site construction. These drawings can be created either using AutoCAD or they can be extracted from a Revit model. These drawings are instrumental in the accurate and timely construction of the building structure. A standardized, accurate and detailed presentation of every single detail that is required during construction is essential in these working drawings as any errors or insufficient detail could lead to significant loss of time, money and resources. Construction Documentation should also be done keeping in mind the building standards and codes applicable to a particular location. Today, BIM makes it easy to extract construction documents from the 3D clash free model. Architects can add detail, extract plan-section-elevations, annotate and tag to create a construction ready set. Most prominent advantage of using BIM is it is parametric in nature so that any changes made in the 3D Model are automatically reflected in the plan, sections, elevations and other areas connected a particular model location. This reduces drafting time drastically and makes last minute changes or modifications easier. Finally, by using BIM software like Revit to extract Revit Working Drawings the overall quality and accuracy of these drawings drastically improves.

1.3. Structural BIM Services

Structural BIM modeling has an integral role in building life-cycle management from design through its lifespan to demolition. Accurately designing and detailing structural elements are very important throughout the design and construction process, while communicating with other trades. We provide definitive structural BIM services that will facilitate all-inclusive design analysis and review thus augments flexibility in engineering management.

MAJOR STRUCTURAL BIM SERVICES:

1. Structural analysis
2. Structural design
3. 3D modeling construction
4. Design structural steel
5. Steel structure detailing
6. Creation of 3D, 4D and 5D BIM services
7. Extraction of structural components
8. High-quality construction documents
9. Clash detection and risk mitigation
10. Creation of intelligent parametric libraries
11. Accurate quantity take-offs and Cost estimates

The main benefits of our structural BIM services are the following:

• Better client communications
• Faster client approvals
• Improved coordination among team
• Easy design modifications
• Reduced number of errors
• Reduced time on creating a drawing and future revisions
• Improved performance analysis and evaluation
• Improved construction efficiency

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2. Mechanical BIM Services

Mechanical BIM modeling services include creation and use of coordinated, consistent computable information about a building's mechanical design. Mechanical BIM models follow specified standards to ensure certainty of geometry, work flows and scheduling.

Mechanical BIM Services Include

• Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning(HVAC) Modeling
• Mechanical Duct and Duct Fittings Modeling
• Mechanical Equipment Modeling as per submittal/cut-sheet provided
• Duct Layout as per project specification and code applicable
• BOQ of Ducts, Duct Fittings, Mechanical Equipment, Diffusers, Grills, etc.
• Mechanical Equipment Detailing (sections and isometric)
• Mechanical Components Modeling (with connections)
• Walk-Through of MEP / BIM Models
• Rendered views of Mechanical BIM Models

THE KEY BENEFITS OF MECHANICAL BIM SERVICES ARE:

• BIM software is also impacting mechanical and HVAC contractors as they discover the benefits of integrating their design and assembly work with BIM.
• A recent industry analytics report based on research conducted in December 2019, says that forward-thinking contractors are, “seeking to expand their use of BIM as well as encouraging greater engagement with it and the collaborative, model-related processes that amplify its impact throughout their project teams and supply chains.” The reasons are becoming clear in numerous ways.
• Donnelly Mechanical, based in Queens, N.Y. and part of the French-based multinational electric utility company ENGIE, cites three specific benefits to be gained by using BIM in mechanical and HVAC designs.
• First is facilitation of single-source projects. “BIM software enables intense coordination in the field, between HVAC and energy contractors, and between contractors and building owners,” the company says.
• “With this superior level of coordination, one company can more easily be trusted to manage the entire process — making things much easier for building owners and managers.”
• Second is improved productivity during construction. “When there’s one accurate point of reference for construction, cross referencing and approval times are drastically cut.”
• Third, Donnelly says that working with BIM software reduces rework and the high costs and time delays associated with errors, benefits many other BIM adopters have been promoting for some time.
• “Building owners and managers that hire companies to leverage BIM software will find their projects are completed quicker, more productively and with easier management on their part.”
• Prefabrication of model-driven mechanical assemblies is a fourth benefit identified by the report that makes the adoption BIM particularly attractive to mechanical and HVAC contractors.

2.1. MEP BIM Services

MEP BIM Services is a process of developing an information rich 3D model which is concerned with the mechanical, electrical and plumbing aspects of the building. MEP systems of a building are important in ensuring the performance of the building at any stage in its lifecycle. These data rich models improve accuracy and provide all the information to that is needed to perform BIM Coordination and reduce clashes. A building design in fact has various MEP elements like VAV boxes, plumbing pipes, electrical equipment etc. With these many elements an inter or intra discipline conflict becomes inevitable. To manually address each conflict is a daunting and difficult task, however by performing clash detection in the preconstruction phase one can detect any hard, soft or workflow clashes. Moreover, BIM also provides crucial and precise information regarding MEP systems which can be useful at any stage of the building’s lifecycle may it be for offsite manufacturing or to mitigate onsite construction risks. Finally, the information provided in as-built MEP BIM models like the location, manufacture’s information, asset numbers etc. can all be used for facility management. Thus, MEP BIM has managed to provide solutions to long time construction challenges of reducing rework and waste as well increasing speed and profit margin.

MEP BIM Services include:

2.1.1. MEP BIM Coordination Services

• Enhanced 3D visualization enables Architects, Engineers and MEP Technicians to detect clashes quickly and accurately.
• By detecting clashes right in the pre-design phase, a lot of time, resources and cost can be saved.
• Accurate and Precise BIM Coordination Services leads to greater efficiency and shorter project lifecycles.
• Building Information Model facilitates better collaboration between all the stakeholders involved in the project.

2.1.2. MEP Shop Drawing Services

• Coordinated shop drawings improves the efficiency and building quality by eliminating clashes before the actual construction thereby strengthening and streamlining the pre-construction fabrication process.
• MEP Fabrication Drawings have a detailed and scaled outline of all the parts of an assembly and facilitates the fabrication as it provides a clear picture of what to build.
• li>MEP drawings have built-in documentation of all the elements related to HVAC, electrical and plumbing components of a building. This is used to pinpoint the location of a faulty component.

2.1.3. MEP Clash Detection Services

• BIM Cost Estimation refines budgeting, delivers schedules along with costing, and displays several interactive estimates that enables the users to make comparisons at the pre-construction stage itself.
• As the budget is adjusted continuously along with the project, it enables the builders and contractors take informed and optimal engineering decision while improvising the design.
• It lowers project lifecycles, minimizes material costs, and saves time by enabling the creation of optimal designs and efficient project execution.
• Budget and schedule forecasting helps in risk analysis for the project.
• Construction Estimating enables informed decision-making by predicting the effect of design change on the cost and schedule of a project
• Quantity Take-off calculates the quantity of all the materials that are used in the building process. The total cost is also estimated from this giving a better control on the total cost of the project and reduce wastage.

2.1.3.1. Phases of MEP BIM Services include:

• 3D MEP BIM Modeling: This is the first stage of the BIM process. An MEP Model needs to be created with all components of MEP services, including ducts, chillers, pipes and plant rooms. The models get created with various details as per the requirement of models at a later stage. Advanced detailing is required in case the model is created for the sake of BIM coordination.
• MEP BIM coordination Services: Using MEP BIM coordination, BIM Engineers integrate the MEP model with architectural and structural services. BIM highlights conflicts and resolves them before construction. An accurately designed and developed Revit BIM Model helps to reduce clashes considerably. During MEP BIM coordination, clashes are eliminated through collaboration meeting amongst architects and engineers.
• MEP Shop Drawing Services: After creating a 3D Model, MEP drawings can be extracted from the model, coordinating with Architectural and Structural disciplines. The MEP drawings are used for construction purposes. As a result, any error in the shop drawings could delay the construction workflow, making it a costly endeavor.
• BIM 4D scheduling: This is a significant facet of virtual construction modeling, where construction schedules are extracted with the help of BIM 4D scheduling. 4D BIM focuses on the details of project execution timeline with MEP equipment.
• 5D BIM cost Estimation: This provides comprehensive cost breakups of the project. MEP engineers extract quantities take off, labor requirements and the cost for purchasing key components of MEP BIM Services. 5D BIM helps in project planning and presentation from inception to completion matching your project budget.
• Asset Management: MEP system could be developed in a way to provide an analysis of the whole building. Costing of the building along with environmental safety is also considered through 6D BIM facilities management services.
• BIM 360 Document Management: Using BIM 360 Document Management, project stakeholders are able to manage blueprints, Revit 3D models, and other construction documentation. This helps to streamline the entire process of your document management.
• BIM 360 VR: Teams using BIM 360 are able to extend their workflow into collaborative VR through accessing latest models, analysing them and adding BIM 360 issues within VR headsets.

2.1.3.2. Benefits of MEP Coordination using BIM

Let’s talk about benefits, it is a no-brainer and very well understood but still, it is important to highlight the key benefits and what advantages it offers to various stakeholders and to the project.

1. Clash-free Designs
   A 3D model for Architecture, Structure, and MEP is made dependent on the plans created by the BIM modelers. This model is then sent out to Autodesk’s Navisworks where it is checked for the clashes and a clash report is created. These clashes are settled by making the vital structure changes in the BIM model. Since the clashes are effectively unmistakable in the model, it is simpler to determine them.


2. Reduce Project Rework
   A lot of time and money can be wasted if the clashes are found at the construction stage (i.e. in the field) and then they need to be rectified. Having MEP BIM Modeling services can reduce the amount of project rework and limiting waste.


3. Collaboration at Early Stage
   The professionals are required to work together at the designing stage and they will be able to explain their specifications to other team members. Because of the early collaboration, the design can be more effective and there will be fewer mistakes to be rectified at the time of construction.


4. Cost Saving
   BIM can build a building twice, first as a model with all the data and second on the site. This guides in the goals of any contentions before the beginning of the actual construction. These changes are simpler and more affordable when contrasted with the changes that should be done on-site (i.e. in the field). This, thus, lessens wastage as far as material and labor, consequently saving money as well. As per Riley (2000), the average cost of fixing a field conflict on an average project was found to range from $500-$3500 for minor rerouting, $2,000-$25,000 for major conflict and design change.


5. Reduction in Material Waste
   Effective coordination during the design stage will reduce waste generated by errors and alterations during the construction stage because the clashes are solved at the design stage.

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3. 3D Modelling Service using Point Cloud

A Point Cloud is a 3D visualization made up of thousands or even millions of georeferenced points. Point clouds provide high-resolution data without the distortion sometimes present in 3D mesh models and are commonly used in industry-standard software. Point clouds are used to create 3D meshes and other models used in 3D modeling for various fields including medical imaging, architecture, 3D printing, manufacturing, 3D gaming and various virtual reality (VR) applications.

The point cloud that is obtained as input by the construction company or a BIM engineers is actually a raw output from laser scanners like LiDAR or photogrammetry. The raw output is required to be converted to mesh to get a data-rich intelligent 3D model which can warehouse or store engineering, geometrical and technical data for the facility under renovation.

Meshes are generated using a 3D solid modeling platform in basic CAD or detailed BIM models. Additionally, engineers today also use surface reconstruction methods that help in the development of accurate meshes.

These detailed 3D models store the information right from the ground floor, its interiors, floor above it, and all the way till the coordination of each element; and how the elements interact with each other in the building system.

The value that point could conversion to mesh, and to the models it provides is unparalleled. It addresses challenges that go way beyond the typical construction coordination issues. It turns a mere collection of point cloud scans into a highly organized information management model which can be leveraged for future use too.

Constructing a 3D model can change in complexity depending on the building or landscape type and its features. Renovations or retrofits that must be done while the area is still in use add another layer of intricacy, but they are not impossible to do with the right tools. Laser scanners and high-tech modeling software solutions ensure that every possible object is identified and distinguished from the next.

For landscapes with complicated or richly vegetated terrain, it may be necessary to send a surveyor out to supplement any spots the scanner might miss. When you have your data points and begin the conversion from point cloud to 3D model, you’ll likely have more than one scan to work from. Similar to photogrammetry, you’ll need different angles of the same site to get the full picture.

Rendering the data into a 3D mesh organizes the points and sets a foundation that you can use to build a model. Exporting the point cloud creates a file that can be imported into a CAD or BIM system. What are the common point cloud formats? Depending on the software you use, you might see file formats such as:

• PTS: PTS is an open format for 3D point cloud data. Because open formats are maintained by standards organizations, anyone can use them.
• XYZ: XYZ is an archetypal American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) format. It’s compatible with many programs, but it has no unit standardizations, which can make data transfer more difficult.
• PTX: This is another common format for storing point cloud data, usually from LIDAR scanners. It can only be used on organized clouds — no unordered ones. It’s also an ASCII format.
• E57: This file format is vendor-neutral and compact. It can store point clouds and metadata from 3D imaging systems — like laser scanners. It’s also specified by ASTM International, with documentation in the ASTM E2807 standard. Additionally, it can store properties connected to 3D point cloud data, such as intensity and color.
• LAS: This open format is designed for data obtained from LIDAR scanning, though it can also accommodate other point cloud data records. It combines Global Positioning System (GPS) data, laser pulse range information and inertial measurement units (IMU) to create data that fits on the X, Y and Z axes.
• PLY: Known as the Polygon File Format, this type stores data from 3D scanners. It accommodates properties such as color, texture and transparency. It can contain data from both the point cloud and the 3D mesh.

Whichever file format you decide on, make sure your modeling software can convert your point cloud into one that’s compatible with your chosen CAD or BIM solution.

When gathering as-built data from the existing structures, the output is often a 3D point cloud. A point cloud consists of huge amounts of data points in three dimensions (with X, Y and Z coordinates). The point cloud gathering can be done with a laser or sonar scanner, for example.

Usually point clouds are processed to solid 3D elements or surface models to enable their further use in planning and construction

3.1. Architectural Modelling

Some details and information are lost in modelling the point cloud, as a surface model approximates the information. Point clouds can also be grouped and layered to form point cloud entities, as we have described in the previous blog “New approach to BIM – Point Cloud as 3D Model”. These 3D point cloud entities can then be used as solids, so that attribute information can be input straight to the point clouds.

One step of the workflow, the modelling, can be skipped in many occasions by using point clouds as BIM. In the online platform GISGRO, even larger point clouds can be utilized easily via a web browser, which allows their utilization in asset management. You can also combine point cloud data with 3D models, using the different data types however it is most convenient for you.

3.2 Mechanical / Object / Plant Modelling

AVEVA and Solidworks 3D software applications

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