CDE for BIM projects

The CDE (Common Data Environments) is a central database that securely manages construction project information. These include relevant documentation, graphical model representation, and non-graphical assets. The contents are not limited to assets created within the BIM environment.

DIN SPEC 91391-1:2019-04 CDE for BIM projects

DIN SPECS are incredibly effective documents that enable clients to convert their research into tangible products faster. They can be used to provide a basis or as a full standard for a project.

DIN SPEC 91391-1 has been developed according to the PAS procedure. This ensures that both national and international standards have been considered when addressing the use of CDE for BIM projects.

What Are CDE For BIM Projects?

CDE for BIM is particularly useful when managing building projects. CDEs provide a reliable single source of information. Having a centralised database promotes clear and concise communication amongst project members. In turn, it promotes transparency in the building project timeline and eliminates mistakes and duplication.

The use of CDE for BIM is usually proposed for many projects as this determines the success of the building project. It aims to improve the development, sharing, and issuing of information. This enables project members to easily collaborate, and, thus, improves efficiency.

Construction projects attract a variety of skills from different industries. CDEs are, therefore, useful in collating information from different contributors.

It is common for teams to use various platforms from different vendors throughout the lifecycle of a project. Due to this, CDEs need to ensure seamless data exchange and that no data is lost at any point. As such, DIN SPEC 91391-2 outlines an open protocol concept for the exchange of data between platforms with the aim to overcome file-based workflows.

Overview Of DIN SPEC 91391-1

The DIN SPEC 91391 series comprises different components. DIN SPEC 91391-1 is the first part of the series. This initial DIN SPEC outlines the functional requirements needed for the CDE. It makes mention of the functional groups for the fulfilment of organisational and technical base principles that appear in Clause 12 of DIN EN ISO 19650-1. It also provides definitions for the required individual functions.

Obligatory Functions

There is an additional split of information that categorises the obligatory and optional functions. They are split in terms of their importance of implementation to the project. This enables project teams to easily compare functions offered by CDEs of various vendors that contribute to the building project.

Furthermore, it provides clients and users with a tool for instant comparison and evaluation of the building project timeline. The evaluation of the obligatory functions in DIN SPEC 91391-1 is pivotal in determining whether a particular CDE is sufficiently geared to achieve the goals of a project. It acts as a neutral basis where different products can be compared.

Benefits Of Using CDEs In DIN SPEC 91391-1

There are many advantages in using CDE for BIM in DIN SPEC 91391-1 for the model-based collective work required in BIM projects. In this initial part of the DIN SPEC, these benefits are set out in detail and emphasised to the functional level.

Additional specifications, such as the basic modules of a CDE, their responsibilities and use cases, and the minimal viable function determined for the operation of a CDE, will also be identified.

DIN SPEC 91391-1 also concentrates on all facets of the Project Information Model (PIM). In particular, it focuses on the phases of planning and construction. This entails a description of the methodical delivery of information in terms of project operations. It includes information derived from the Asset Information Model (AIM) that centres on building operations.

Optional Features And Functions

DIN SPEC 91391-1 makes reference to optional features and functions in order to help clients with the evaluation and contracting of CDEs. CDEs are used during any project phase along the entire timeline of a building project. It is, therefore, quite common to observe parallel or repeated use of platforms from different vendors.

For the purpose of a continuous data exchange throughout the project timeline, CDEs must be equipped to mutually exchange data without incurring losses.

These data losses are circumvented in the next series DIN SPEC 91391-2. Part 2 specifies a theory for an open protocol for the exchange of information between various platforms. Compliant interfaces greatly assist platform users and operators. They securely transfer BIM and project data between CDEs and/or applications without data losses.

Use Cases For BIM

Use cases for BIM are heavily influenced by various aspects and considerations. Throughout a BIM project, each project member may assume a different perspective. In light of this, a distinguished consideration of use cases is required. DIN SPEC 91391-1 differentiates between BIM use cases and CDE use cases.

In terms of BIM processes in a corporate context, compatibility is very important between the internal business processes and the processes outlined in the BIM Execution Plan (BEP).

BIM use cases identify how to accomplish the BIM goals. They also promote the effective use of digital information throughout the building project lifecycle. In particular, they highlight the consistency of the digital transference of information across various project phases in both construction and operations.

Methods And Purpose Of Model-Based Procedures

BIM use cases are executed by employing model-based procedures with the following methods:

• Model-based quantity take off
• Automated clash detections
• 4D and 5D simulations

These model-based procedures are very helpful to project teams in terms of:

• Coordination of disciplines
• Preparation of draft designs
• Building permits
• Execution plans
• Health and safety planning
• Planning approvals
• Cost estimations
• Cost calculations
• Construction timeline monitoring

Risk Management

It is extremely important for project teams to manage the various risks in the planning, construction, and operations phases. DIN SPEC 91391-1 contains a Risk Management strategy that provides guidance to project members. This can help to limit and avoid risks in the building project.

In Summary – CDE for BIM

DIN SPEC 91391-1 outlines the benefits of a CDE for model-based collaborative work in BIM projects as well as its basic components. This is useful in helping clients to evaluate their CDEs to ensure optimal workflow efficiency and proper management.