BIM Delivery - A Guide

By Simon Brown

Digital Data Transfer is the term we use in the Cadline Building Services team to describe the important BIM task of transferring model data downstream from the originating building designers to the building engineers.

We recognise that currently this isn’t always the smoothest of processes, and so we thought we would put together some tips for making the process as pain free as possible given that not all data we receive is equally useful.

• Ensure the building designer supplies the building model in an acceptable format for the downstream process. Maximising building simulations ie gbXMl geometry properly encapsulates the entire geometry.
• If possible have a BIM execution plan/meeting to determine responsibilities, such as does the architect get the model right first or do you clean up the model to a fit state, pass back to the building designer who can then take the model forward.
• Before you set out on a simulation, determine exactly what you want to analyse and optimise.
• Make sure you fully describe all the parameters for energy simulation to produce the required results.
• To get accurate results quickly, provide just the information you need to get actionable results.
• Produce an early stage model to measure energy use.
• Use a more detailed model to analyse different goals such as occupant comfort or lighting levels through levels of shading.
• Avoid over-modelling which can increase your simulation time. Simplify the model as much as possible as extraneous data only increases calculation time.

We are committed to simplifying and optimising the Digital Data Transfer process.  In fact, we are approaching the completion of an exciting 3 year project during which we have developed the next generation of software designed specifically for building engineers. We are embarking on radical new technologies and scientific means of creating building models from any 3D software. One of the primary goals of this project was to make the Digital Data Transfer process as painless as possible, especially where 3D model data has originated elsewhere and been modified and updated by multiple project stakeholders. You will experience a modern user interface with simplified workflows for importing an existing BIM model into your engineering design project.

If you would like to discuss this further, please contact your account manager directly or call 01924 442333