BIM Terminology

Asset Information Model (AIM)

This is a model that describes the information management processes for the operational phase of a project. It compiles all the data that is necessary to support asset management.

Asset Information Requirements (AIR)

These requirements describe the graphical and non-graphical information for an Asset Information Model. This information is documented in the client’s brief and is necessary for them to be able to operate and maintain the asset. It describes the purpose of the information, who it is produced for, as well as when and how it is produced.

The Asset Information Requirements at bimspot is specifically designed to help you to define and execute this process seamlessly in order to gather all necessary information.

Attribute

An attribute is a unit of data that describes a particular characteristic of an entity.

BIM Collaboration Format (BCF)

A BCF is an open-file format based on XML. It allows for different parties to add comments to an IFC BIM model. This simplifies and aids collaboration between parties working on the model as it allows them to easily raise concerns, resolve problems and provide answers to questions.

An exciting development is BCF will soon be integrated into bimspot to facilitate more effective communication amongst key roleplayers.

BIM Execution Plan (BEP)

A BEP is a document that describes how BIM will be executed on a project, the BIM applications within the project, and all stakeholder duties. A BEP is a direct response to the EIR. This strategy is prepared by suppliers and comprises a pre-contract BIM execution as well as a post-contract BIM execution plan.

With bimspot, the BEP is effortlessly managed to ensure that processes are more efficiently executed including managing information requirements and model checks.

BIM Maturity Levels

These are the levels of complexity and collaboration that building information modelling can take. Because BIM is so broad, these levels help to describe the form of modelling.

For example, Level 0 BIM would refer to unmanaged CAD and 2D drawings without all the common standards and procedures whereas Level 3 BIM refers to a more complex, collaborative project model with 3D, 4D, 5D, and 6D information.

BIM Protocol

An additional legal agreement devised by the Construction Industry Council (CIC) that can be incorporated into professional services appointments, construction contracts, subcontracts and novation agreements. It is a requirement for Level 2 public BIM projects.

Building Information Modelling (BIM)

BIM is a very broad term describing the use of data and information to create a virtual representation of the characteristics of a building. It is the process of creating a digital model of a building or asset with all of its physical and functional characteristics using object-oriented information.

BuildingSMART Data Dictionary

BuildingSMART Data Dictionary (bSDD) is a framework or structure of object concepts and their properties.

Common Data Environment (CDE)

The Common Data Environment is one specific location holding all the information pertaining to a particular project. It is particularly helpful in defining the requirements of each team member, monitoring their progress, validating data entries, and recording all activities from the various team members.

This central source of information enhances collaboration and helps to avoid mistakes like duplication.

Construction Operations Building Information Exchange (COBie)

COBie is an open standard that provides a way to share non-graphical information about a project. Data and communication such as operation, construction, design, demolition and other relevant data are usually added to it during the project.

Employer’s Information Requirements (EIR)

EIR is a pre-tender document drawn up by the client that outlines the information requirements that are to be delivered. It also describes the processes and standards that the supplier should adopt in terms of the project delivery process.

bimspot promotes an effective system for EIR processes to be seamlessly managed. It purposefully defines these information requirements so that everyone involved knows exactly what is expected.

Federated Building Information Model

This is an assembly of various unique models to develop a complete building information model of an asset. With bimspot, the view is always on the federated model. The model management system manages all building parts right until they are federated and combines all models into one BIM project.

Industry Foundation Classes (IFC)

IFC is an open data record format created by buildingSMART to transfer information and improve coordination amongst the various process participants. bimspot uses IFC exclusively for our models to promote efficient information transfer and collaboration amongst key role-players.

Information Delivery Manual (IDM)

An IDM is a standard methodology that identifies when specific information is required during the construction or operation phase of a project. It is now known as the buildingSMART standard for processes.

bimspot uses IDM to improve processes that enable more effective execution. Users have the ability to analyse the current requirement fulfilment at any time to get an accurate overview of the BIM project.

Level of Development (LoD)

LoD is the degree to which an element’s geometry and attached information have been thought through or the degree to which project team members may rely on the information when using the model. It includes the LOD and LOI.

Level of Model Detail (LOD)

LOD indicates how much detail is included in the model element. It comprises the accuracy of a virtual shape representation when compared to the physical and functional characteristics of the actual object.

Level of Model Information (LOI)

The LOI indicates the model’s non-graphical content in building information models at every anticipated stage of its development.

Master Information Delivery Plan (MIDP)

The MIDP is the main plan outlining when the project information is to be prepared as well as responsibility, procedures and protocols for implementation. It incorporates all relevant task information delivery plans (TIDP) in accordance with the information requirements of the project.

Organisational Information Requirements (OIR)

The OIR defines all the data and information required at an organisational level (instead of an asset level) to achieve the business objectives of the organisation.

Origin

The setting-out point for a project that uses either coordinate geometry or real-world coordinates like geospatial referencing.

Project Execution Plan (PEP)

The PEP is a high-level statement of the intentions and arrangements for a project. It typically describes the overall strategy for managing a project and defines the policies, procedures and priorities.

Project Implementation Plan (PIP)

The PIP is a statement that relates to the supplier’s capability to deliver the EIR. This forms part of the pre-contract BIM Execution Plan that each organisation submits when bidding for a project.

Project Information Model (PIM)

The PIM is an information model that is created during the design, production and construction phases of a project. It usually consists of graphical and non-graphical information, as well as documents that define the delivered project.