bim and integrated final)

8/6/2019 BIM and Integrated Final)

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BIM Application and Integrated

Design

Quang Nguyen, S0527077

Xu, Jiqianzhi, S0527096

Abstract

Time lag occurs between different phases of construction design and lacking of interoperability is

two of the major issues which cause the low productivity in design works in traditional design

phase. Now we have an effective solution to this problem that is Integrated Design by using BIM

tools. We will introduce the Integrated Design and BIM briefly and discuss how the actual effect

is like base on our own experience and cases we collected. Moreover we will discuss about the

business impacts brought by the Integrated Design.

Keywords: Integrated design, BIM application, Building process,

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Background

Industrial Context

Controlling a building process properly is the best way to save time, money and get an efficient

building project.

Problem

The fragmentation problem in the traditional building process is a biggest problem in the building

industry. It causes of the time lag, low efficiency or unbeneficial projects. Recently, adopting

integrated design approach in order to solve this problem seems to be the best way; however,

practical methods and affordable tools to perform integrated design in building project

developments are still difficult to find. Building Information Modelling (BIM) is one of the most

important supporting factors for a successful integrated design. BIM makes it possible to

integrated design information from project participants of different disciplines which traditional

work in different phrases of the building process. Why can BIM be used efficiently? What are

advantages of BIM application in integrated design within the building process? We will mention

more clearly in this study.

Learning Objectives:

Advantages of BIM application for integrated design

The use of BIM in real life and the necessary of BIM in the building

industry

Approach

We used to work as architect and civil engineer, so we could find many problems in traditional

building process. When we start to study BIM in this course, we can see clearly advantages of

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BIM in the building industry. Especially, focusing on this topic, we also gain more useful

knowledge about BIM application, and we will show some case studies to mention more clearly

about BIM application for integrated design. Some information sources from websites in the

internet related is also used to support our topic.

Analysis

Part I

1. Whats Integrated Design?

Problems

When we work as an architect and civil engineer in our country, almost projects

which we were participated in have some problems especially the fragmentation

problem in the traditional design process.

As we know, in the traditional design process architecture starts the conceptual design firstly,

and later the structural engineer and HVAC engineer join in the process with their own

tasks in a framework which is provided by architecture. We can know this procedure

clearly from the figure1-1 below

Figure 1-1 Traditional Design Phase 1

The drawbacks in the Traditional Design Phase are lack of interoperability and the

Time Lag exit between different steps. For instance, if the architecture uses less

windows and skylights in the building, lighting engineer has to add more light indoors

and HVAC engineer should add more ventilation equipment to adjust the indoor air

quality. In other words, if HVAC engineer and lighting engineer can involve the

design in the early stage of the design phase, it will save the expenditure in ventilation

and lighting.

Moreover, because the drawbacks of the design related to a certain field can be found

1 Niels Treldal- links

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http://www.3dprojektering.dk/Download/Master_Thesis-Niels_Treldal-version2.pdfhttp://www.3dprojektering.dk/Download/Master_Thesis-Niels_Treldal-version2.pdfhttp://www.3dprojektering.dk/Download/Master_Thesis-Niels_Treldal-version2.pdf


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by the specialist or engineer who responses for this early, architect dont have to work

again to optimize the plan especially when the design is in a late stage. Besides, the

time lag is another problem. Structure engineer must wait until architecture submits

the framework of design to him. It is not just a problem of wasting time to wait, but

also if the structure engineer can take part in the design earlier, he will have enoughtime to optimize the plan and even finish the structure design before the deadline to

save the money and increase the productivity.

In some actual projects we used to take part in, there were some problems during

design process such as client changes his mind, contractor suppose that architects

should redesign some parts because of component manufacturers can not supply

necessary components with the construction, there are other problems with fire

protection, ventilation, lighting design and so on. It is clearly seen that when the

redesign is changed, almost other parts of the construction process will be changed.

This problem will take the time, money and sometime it causes stress and pressure.Solving this problem by integrated design seems to be the best solution, especially,

when we use BIM application for integrated design.

Is there any new tools or techniques for all the participant within the design phase

included architecture, HVAC, lighting, interior design, acoustic, landscape design,

structure and construction need a new tool to overcome the time lag and lacking

interoperability? The answer is Integrated Design.

The Literature study of Integrated Design

The definition of Integrated Design is a working method to integrate information from

all project participants of different disciplines since the design and engineering

phase. By obtaining and integrating information from different disciplines, it is

expected that the decisions during the design phase are made with the knowledge of

the implications for the constructability, use and maintenance of the building in its

life-cycle.2

2 R. SEBASTIAN - links

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http://www.inpro-project.eu/media/R_SEBASTIAN_BIM_Application_for_Integrated_D_and_E_in_Small-Scale_Housing_Development_Pilot_Project.pdfhttp://www.inpro-project.eu/media/R_SEBASTIAN_BIM_Application_for_Integrated_D_and_E_in_Small-Scale_Housing_Development_Pilot_Project.pdf


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]Figure 1-2 Traditional Design Phase 3

We can see that from the Figure 1-2, all the sub-deign tasks start together at thebeginning of the procedure. The design team can carry on the design work with

effective co-operation with the will of customers. Besides the lighting and HVAC case

we mention in the previously paragraph, the contractor and prefab-manufacturer can

dedicate their knowledge and experience to the project. The more architecture and

contractor, prefab-manufacturer they co-operate and information Also facility

manager can devote their suggestions based on his point of view on the life cycle

management of the building.

Integrated Design consist two components: the Integrated Design Process (IDP) and the

Integrated Design Approach. We define IDP as IDP is the entire, multidisciplinary processing

of a design task for which a competent design team continuously pursues durability oriented

targets from the beginning and optimizes them in terms of ensuring quality through the

application of modern methods and tools throughout each individual phase.4

As for the Integrated Design Approach, people used to host Charrette (meeting of specialists or

experts) periodically or bring all the design plans earlier to make achieve Integrated Design in the

age of using 2D CAD systems. Nowadays as the age of BIM tools is coming, Architectures,

Engineers and Contractors grip a new and powerful tool to achieve Integrated Design.

2. BIM applications for Integrated Design

The Literature study of BIM

BIM application is the newest trend of the world. BIM (Building Information

Modeling) is the process of generating and managing building data during its life cycle.

Typically it uses three-dimensional, real-time, dynamic building modeling software to increase

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Niels Treldal- links4R. SEBASTIAN - links

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http://www.3dprojektering.dk/Download/Master_Thesis-Niels_Treldal-version2.pdfhttp://www.3dprojektering.dk/Download/Master_Thesis-Niels_Treldal-version2.pdfhttp://www.inpro-project.eu/media/R_SEBASTIAN_BIM_Application_for_Integrated_D_and_E_in_Small-Scale_Housing_Development_Pilot_Project.pdfhttp://www.3dprojektering.dk/Download/Master_Thesis-Niels_Treldal-version2.pdfhttp://www.inpro-project.eu/media/R_SEBASTIAN_BIM_Application_for_Integrated_D_and_E_in_Small-Scale_Housing_Development_Pilot_Project.pdf


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productivity in building design and construction.5

BIM tools dedicate a platform for all the participants of the design team to exchange all the

information and data of the building which included dimension, materials information, structure,

pipes layout etc. It is the integration of the information of constructional objects.

Figure 1-3 Norwegian Building Research Institute, Olof Granlund, NBLN

University of California, Stanford University6

And the achievement of data exchange between different applications and systems by following an

international open standard- for example Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) or gbXML7 and

CIS/28. IFC format is the most widely used format in BIM applications.

Why BIM tools can support and improve Integrated Design?

The character of BIM makes it has a close relationship to the Integrated Design. The method of

exchange information by using IFC format and the multiple usage of the central model make it

possible to carry on the design task all in one model. And the intelligent way to sharing the

information (all the participant can obtain the newest information by update the model if

something change.)

Sharing, timeliness, interoperability and flexibility makes BIM become Integrated BIM, which, is

a proper tool to achieve Integrated Design. Reasons for this show in the following subjects:

- BIM tools provide a suitable platform for Integrated Design. We mentioned it before, because

it is the integration of all information of construction subjects and all of them are stored asIFC format which make all the participants can access this information easily and dedicate

their own design without obstacle in information exchange. Besides that BIM tools make it

easy to management all the information and work flows because of the highly degree of unity.

- BIM tools offer solutions to all the aspects of the design phase e.g. the architectural design,

structure, construction etc plus some new things which included sun study, seismic study,

indoor environment simulation and 4D simulations

- The design tasks carried on in the BIM application are in 3D dimension. It is totally different

5Wikipedia links6

Janne Salin Presentation links7Wikipedia links8Wikipedia links

6
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Building_Information_Modelinghttp://moodle.metropolia.fi/file.php/1975/conrem_2010/week11/BIM_motivation_2010.pdfhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GbXMLhttp://www.aecbytes.com/buildingthefuture/2005/CIS2format.htmlhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Building_Information_Modelinghttp://moodle.metropolia.fi/file.php/1975/conrem_2010/week11/BIM_motivation_2010.pdfhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GbXMLhttp://www.aecbytes.com/buildingthefuture/2005/CIS2format.html


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from traditional 2D design phase. BIM tools support engineers to solve the problems which is

seems hard to handle in the past and give architectures chances to explore more in the design.

- The model can be built in one time and used for multiple usages. It can effectively avoid

duplication of design and labor.

BIM technologies enable a fundamental change in the relationship between the owner, architect

and contractor. Instead of the contractor simply reacting to the architecture design, these tools

enable a much closer collaborative relationship between them, with cost more integral to the

design process. For the contractor, cost estimates can be justified through design visualization and

assumption validation. And the ability to show owners and developers in real time, the cost and

the constructability impact of design changes puts the builder in a position where

conceptual estimate can be quickly produced and lead to negotiated bid.

It can be seen clearly that BIM will help integrated design so efficiently. We are going to discusssomething more in the Case study part later.

Part II

Case 1: Shanghai Fengxian Electrical Converter Center

Introduction:

This case is a typical one to describe how Integrated Design and BIM applications work together

to solve the problems in the conventional design process. The picture shown below is the a view

of this Electrical Converter Center. It is a key point of the biggest HVDC (High Voltage Direct

Current) project in 2007.

Figure 2-1 Birds view of Fengxian Electric Converter Center

The Challenge

This building is an exclusive construction for certain electric installation. The design procedure of

this kind of industrial architecture is different from civil architecture. The difference shown in the

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below two figures.

Architectural

design

Structural

design

Installation

design

Figure 2-2 the design process of civil architecture

Architectural

design

Structural

design

Installation

design

Figure 2-3 the design process of industrial architecture

The challenge exit in this design task of Electric Converter Center is that, all the installations

within this site have an enormous volume. It is really passive for architectures to design the layout

of the interior arrangement and the pipeline, e.g. the holes for the pipes on the wall. If electric

engineers change theirs design of some certain equipment. Architectures have to change the layout

or diameter of the holes on the wall. In this case, structural engineers follow architectures to

modify their plan passively, and it would be even make the process as slow as hell if the change

affects the main component of the structure. As we can see numerous of data, blue prints and plans

are involved in this case, if some low class mistakes happen, we might discover some empty holes

on the walls for rates just because architectures forgot to renew their design plan. To conclude the

problem, it is that lacking of coordination and cooperation (or interoperability) between different

types of design. To solve these problems, the design team adopt the Integrated design by using

BIM applications

Solutions

Figure 2-4 The model of Fengxian Electric Converter Center

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The design team used Revit ArchitectureRevit StructureRevit MEP series software to proceed

the design and integrate all the pieces of information together in a platform. Electrical engineers

finished the pipeline coordination layout by using Revit MEP and then submitted models to

architectures. Architectures can start their design directly in this model. If electrical engineers

modify some details or key layouts, architecture can get the first hand information by update the

model.

Picture 2-5 Pipelines shown in the Revit MEP

Case Conclusion:

Besides solving the coordination and cooperation problem which exit in the conventional design

phase, avoiding duplication of labor and design is another achievement. It is obviously that all the

design of electric installation and architecture done by Revit software is integration. Just like we

mention in the beginning of this article that all the sub design within the design phrase are

synchronous.

Picture 2-6 Integrated Design Process9

9Niels Treldal- links

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http://www.3dprojektering.dk/Download/Master_Thesis-Niels_Treldal-version2.pdfhttp://www.3dprojektering.dk/Download/Master_Thesis-Niels_Treldal-version2.pdfhttp://www.3dprojektering.dk/Download/Master_Thesis-Niels_Treldal-version2.pdf


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Picture 2-7 Electric engineers use Navisworks to implement a 3D roaming in the model

Case 2 Super projects which adopt BIM and Integrated Design.

Introduction:

In recent years there are a lot of new super projects establish in China because of the blossom

economic and the act of government. I have to highlight that most of this monster project adopt

wholly or partly Integrated Design and BIM method in the design phase. For example, several

important pavilions in Shanghai Expo 2010 are pioneers of implementing Integrated Design and

BIM method.

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Picture 2-1 The Pavilion of Finland in Shanghai Expo 2010 Kirnu

The Finish pavilion Kirnu is a preventative of how Integrated Design Process and BIM method

is implemented in this super size project. It is design by JKMM Architects in Helsinki.

Architectures and contractors use ArchiCAD, Telka Structures and Telka Structures Construction

Management. The German pavilion and the performing art center also embrace the Integrated and

BIM methods besides the Finish Pavilion.

Picture 2-2 The Art Performing Center and the German pavilion and in Shanghai Expo 2010

The Challenge

Here is an excellent case: The Shanghai Tower which is built in CBD of Shanghai now is under

construction. And it is design by the American architectural firm Gensler .The completion date is

2014.

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Picture 2-3 The Shanghai Tower

In the very beginning of the project, Integrated Design Process by using BIM application plays an

leading part. Moreover, the coordination of the faade design and the structural design and

choosing proper plans to match each other is a shinning point in the design phase. For instance:

the height of the whole structure is 632 meters. Structural engineers have to consider the wind

load as a significant factor in the structural design. In this case, architecture should optimize the

faade design plan to reduce the affection of wind load. According to the computation, the

construction cost will decrease 1200 million dollar as the wind low reduce 5%.

Solution:

The design unit Gensler built a model of outer faade by using the Bentely GC parameterize tools,

and did a series of structural wind tune trial on the premise of aesthetic and functional factors and

analysis base on it. Finally Gensler cut the wind loads by 24%. According to the data, there is a

estimated of saving of $57,000,000

Besides the results in other design fields is evident:

Its twisting shape facilitates the collection of rain water for the A/C and heating units. Its double-

skin facade insulates to reduce energy consumption. Fifty-four wind turbines in the parapet of the

building help create electricity. The footprint of the tower is two-thirds green spaces.10

Case Conclusion:

Shanghai Tower is just one of the examples of how Integrated Design and BIM applications work.

in large projects. Integrated Design by using BIM applications is not only the solution to the

design of complicated and super-size buildings, but also it can meet the need of the trend of using

abnormity geometrical body in the architectural design.

10Scott Sheppard- links

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http://labs.blogs.com/its_alive_in_the_lab/2010/03/the-shanghai-tower-exhibit-at-the-gallery-at-one-market.htmlhttp://labs.blogs.com/its_alive_in_the_lab/2010/03/the-shanghai-tower-exhibit-at-the-gallery-at-one-market.htmlhttp://labs.blogs.com/its_alive_in_the_lab/2010/03/the-shanghai-tower-exhibit-at-the-gallery-at-one-market.html


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Picture 2-4 The 3rd Terminal of Capital Airport in Beijing

Just like the 3rd terminal of capital airport in Beijing, it is another super project and designed in 2D

with conventional design phase at first. Contractor of the integrated wiring and pipe installing

found that it is hard to handle the pipe laying because the abnormity geometrical spatial layout of

the building and lacking of interoperability of different type of work and design. And the design

team and contractor used BIM tools to fix this problem.

We can see that Integrated Design by using the BIM applications is one of the effective way to

support super-size projects and allow architecture to explore more possibility in architectural

design in the future. It is not only a useful tools to change the situation of low productivity in AEC

industry, but also it will probably promote the revolution in this field.

Results and Business Impacts

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Key Findings

Potentials for using BIM in integrated design:

- All the participants of the design team can be involved in the constructions process sooner as

long as the design process is started. Instead of waiting for the designs and reacting it

- It is an effective way to solve the problems exit in the conventional design phase.

- The simulation can rapidly test sustainability ideas, which cant be done with 2-D

drafting. You can measure energy consumption and water consumption, see how it

will behave in weather, whether it will stand up or fall down, see how the air and

temperature will work, says Phil Bernstein, vice president for building industry

strategy and relations for Autodesk and a part-time instructor at the Yale University

School of Architecture in New Haven.11

- Integrated Design by using the BIM tools enable architectures to explore more in the filed of

design, such as abnormity geometrical bodies in the architecture and super-size projects. In a

word, it is a revolutionize tool to AEC industry.

And some arguments:

- BIM application for integrated design requires the cooperation between all the

participants in construction process much earlier than traditional design. However, this

requirement is not easy solved nowadays.

- With BIM, participants need higher requirements for being able to participate in design

process. This may be difficult for people who were previous 2D users in AutoCAD...

when they have to learn how to use BIM tools and so on.

- There are many BIM software providers, each software has many available versions and

the IFC is still undergoingare rising questions about the compatibility.

Business Impacts

With BIM, integrated design is performed efficiently in the construction process.

Using BIM for integrated design brings many profits for the building industry, it helps to save

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time for the project development because of reducing conflict problems in almost constructional

phrases, so the time lag problem is solved efficiently. This is of course the good way to save

money.

In case, there are some changes of the prices in construction market such as escalation of the

material price, BIM application with its special tools will help to add new price for the estimation

efficiently, it helps the owner, the contractor and others having good decisions in time without

influencing the design process so much. The finance for building project will be solved by a good

estimation with the most economical solution.

BIM also helps to design and develop super-size buildings and complicated buildings. This means

BIM Application supports the development not only in architecture design but also in construction

technologies obviously.

Whereas there are some obstacles to BIM adoption:

- The cost of software and hardware for using BIM application is still very expensive

- It is quite hard to train BIM users.

- Many people in the building industry do not want to change their mind for using BIM as the new

technology.

We, young people in new generation should be confident to use new technologies for the

development of the building industry.

Conclusions

Communication is one of major important advantages of BIM. It helps connecting all participants

within building process, getting strong relationship between project members, especially in design

process. BIM supports integrated design to achieve the interoperability in the building process.

Using BIM application for integrated design is seems to be the best solution to develop the

efficient building project in the near future.

Practical Tips and Key Lessons:

Saving time, saving money.

Construction participants can work together better when working

with BIM

Acknowledgements

In the end of this thesis, we would like to thank you, Mrs. Jvj. This course brings us the basis

knowledge of product modeling and BIM which is quite brand new for us. Now we develop an

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strong intention to learn more about that in the following course. We hope can adopt these new

technologies for our professions in the future. Thanks for your patient to direct us and the splendid

lessons again!

And we would like to Mr. Salin for the discussions he hosts and presentations he presents which

are really helpful and remarkable.

We hope that we can make more progress in this field when we study in Helsinki.

References

[1] Niels Treldal-

[2] R. SEBASTIAN -

[3] Janne Salin Presentation

[4] Scott Sheppard-

[5] Cai Meng- links

[6] Don Prowler, FAIA- links

[7] Sina.com - links

[8] Wikipedia

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http://www.beiweihy.com.cn/cases3.asp?id=30http://www.wbdg.org/wbdg_approach.phphttp://bj.house.sina.com.cn/biz/hd/2009-10-15/13248459.htmlhttp://bj.house.sina.com.cn/biz/hd/2009-10-15/13248459.htmlhttp://www.beiweihy.com.cn/cases3.asp?id=30http://www.wbdg.org/wbdg_approach.phphttp://bj.house.sina.com.cn/biz/hd/2009-10-15/13248459.html

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