W h i t e Pa p e r
3D BIM Visualization for Building Analysis
www.pinnaclecad.com
Executive Summary, Introduction, Problem
Visualizing Architectural Design
High-Level Solution, Revit based architec-
tural authoring tools, Visualizing BIM, Solution
Details - Architectural 3D BIM for Building
Analysis
Design Development & Coordination, Con-
ceptual drawings Hand-sketches Conceptual
models, Schematic Design, Detailed Design
Construction Documentation, Coordination
with Other Trades
Energy Analysis, Virtual Mock-ups & Visual-
ization, Content Development
Instance of Revit Families, Case Study –
Case 1 - Rosslyn Central Place
Business Benefits, Benefits of using coordi-
nated 3D BIM Model, Marketing BIM Presenta-
tion/3D Walkthrough
Clash Coordination, Pre-construction Site
Logistics
4D Construction Phasing/ Simulation
Case Study - Case 2 - Revit BIM helps create
3D model of acoustically designed UMBC, PAHB
– Baltimore
Case Study - Case 3 - Revit & 3DS Max in
Action – Polden Court, Student Accommoda-
tion, Bath, UK, Summary
Call to Action, About Pinnacle Infotech
Table of Content
3D BIM Visualization for Building Analysis
Executive Summary
The whitepaper explores how BIM uses Revit Software to explore, validate &
convey building designs, identifying constructability issues and saving time.
Introduction
Envisaging how inhabitants and visitors will interact with a building is a vital part
of the design process. “Whether building will cast shadow on adjacent park?”
“Whether brick facade will match other buildings in the region?” “Whether lob-
by area will get overcrowded?” “Whether light monitor will offer adequate day-
light to below passage?” These questions are rightly answered by “visualizing”
construction – experiencing building design before it becomes real. Revit Soft-
ware – a computable Building Information Modeling platform provides the abil-
ity to visualize building performance before construction. A significant aspect of
building performance is how people will experience a construction. Accurate
design visualization is essential for evaluating the effect the building will have.
The white paper emphasizes on how BIM improves design visualization.
Problem - Visualizing Architectural Design
Visualizing the design of an architect relies on predicting building based on small
scale physical model and artist’s sketch. Visualizations can get hampered by the
ability of the viewer to interpret 2 drawings mentally, the nature of medium and
artist’s renderings.
High- Level Solution
CAD & 3D BIM modeling technology ushered computer based visualizations, com-
plementing traditional visualizations. 3D Views, animated walk-through, photo-
renderings are different design visualizations that help to effectively communi-
cate 3d design by exploring, validating and conveying design concepts.
Revit based architectural authoring tools have some built-in or in-line visualiza-
tion for getting quick feedback during design process. Visualization tools like
3DS Max are then used for delivering more practicality and special animation
characterizing today’s visualization – renderings admirable as an art gallery, ani-
mated walk-through and fly-by resembling movie trailers. These are norms for
expanding the visual design context for effective validation & communication. If
a designer is using BIM solution for designing building, the most efficient visuali-
zation workflow is the re-use of data, avoiding wastage of time and cost for rec-
reating building model in visualization. Moreover, the redundant models would
have to be kept in sync – enhancing time, cost and possibility for error.
Design Development & Coordination
BIM Service providers work with architects and assist them in the process of de-
veloping design. The dedicated team of skilled personnel interacts with archi-
tects to understand design-intent and provides value-added support as design
evolves from conceptual /schematic stage to construction stage. The inputs re-
quired include any or all of the following:
Conceptual drawings Hand-sketches Conceptual models
BIM Engineers translate designer’s thoughts, expressed through aforesaid inputs
into buildable information in the form of 2D drawings and/or 3D models.
The above process can pass through one or more of the following stages of Design Evolution: Concept Design: Conceptual design is the first phase of design, in which draw-
ings or solid models are the dominant tools to provide a description of the pro-
posed system. The description is in terms of a set of integrated ideas and con-
cepts about what the proposed system should do, behave and look like, so that it
is understandable by users in desired manner. This stage of design relates rough-
ly to LOD 100 Revit model. LOD 100 Models include elements defined as Masses
and are used for preliminary studies, such as Conceptual Design & Overall Project
Phasing. Analysis based on Location and Orientation can be performed and Quan-
tities based on Overall Area and Overall Volume can also be obtained.
Schematic Design: Schematic design is an initial design scheme that seeks to
define general scope of the project, including scale and relationships between
building components. The architect’s sketches interpreting client’s desired func-
tional relationships between various activities are translated to a model, corre-
sponding roughly with LOD 200 Revit model. LOD 200 models include elements in
which Masses are replaced with Generic Components. Analysis based on Overall
Systems can be performed and Quantities based on specific Elements can also be
obtained. The major characteristics of components are their thickness and width,
allowing quick quantity-takeoffs.
Detailed Design: Detailed Design is the stage following schematic design where
schematic design decisions are worked out in greater details. The details get re-
flected in model, corresponding roughly with LOD 300 Revit model. This also pro-
vides client with drafted to-scale drawings, illustrating how the project would
look like after construction gets over. LOD 300 models include elements in which
Generic Components have been replaced with fully defined Assemblies. Analysis
based on specific Systems can be performed and Quantities based on Materials
can also be obtained. At LOD 300, the model can be leveraged for the generation
of traditional Construction Documents and Shop Drawings and can be used for
the analysis of Energy Performance, Clash & Cost.
www.pinnaclecad.com
Visualizing BIM
BIM produces accurate and detailed building
models. Hence, it’s natural to expect that
models can be used for advanced visualiza-
tions like rendering of urban building with
existing structure surrounding or a lighting
study showing exactly how a new light shelf
design will impact indoor lighting all times of
the day.
Solution Details
Architectural BIM for Building Analysis
Design Development & Coordination
Coordination with Trades
Energy Analysis - Solar Study
Virtual Mockups & Visualization
Content Development
www.pinnaclecad.com
Construction Documentation: Construction Documentation is a bridge be-
tween building design and physical building form. This encompasses the
preparation of drawings and specifications that set forth the detailed re-
quirements for construction of a building project. In terms of modeling, this
corresponds roughly with LOD 400 Revit model with all information of the
building. LOD 400 Models include elements that are accurate in terms of size,
shape, location, quantity and orientation with complete fabrication, assem-
bly and detailing information. At this Level, the Model has non-geometric
(3D) information like text, dimensions, notes and 2D details and it is a com-
plete representation of all proposed elements. Analysis can also be per-
formed at this level such as Energy Performance, Clash Detection and Se-
quencing & Cost. Instance of sheets during this stage include Overall & En-
larged Floor Plan, Typical Room Layouts, Elevations (All 4 Sides), Building Sec-
tions, Partition & Typical Details, Door & Window Details & Schedules, Floor
Finish Plans & Details, Reflected Ceiling Plans & Details, Furniture Layout
Plans, Landscape Plans & Details (As required), Interior Elevations, Egress
Plans and Quantity Take-offs.
Coordination with Trades: Coordination between different elements of a building
is essential for the building design to be efficient. The gaps between design disciplines
are a common cause for change orders in the field of construction and can be elimi-
nated by early coordination among trades (Architecture, Structure, MEP), thereby
closing design loopholes. BIM Coordination services help to find out and highlight
possible gaps to relevant disciplines.
Energy Analysis-Solar Study - Identifying as well as bench-marking energy use
across buildings has become an important consideration for architects while design-
ing. This identifies opportunities for energy efficiency that in turn aids cost savings
and improved building performance. With Revit’s advance features of Solar Study &
Thermal Analysis, BIM can do wonders in this segment. Understanding sun’s position
and how it changes with respect to the building being designed over the course of a
day or through different seasons in a year enable architects to visualize shadows and
assess building’s performance in terms of natural light and heating requirements.
BIM helps architects do this by means of Solar Study tool in Revit. Autodesk Revit
Architecture enables to simulate sun path for better understanding the impact of the
sun in relation to the project and its surrounding context. It is a visual representation
of sun’s movement across the sky at geographic project location. This also provides a
greater understanding of shading and overshadowing issues with interactive control
of sun’s position.
Virtual Mockups & Visualization: BIM facilitates design verification by ensuring
that the design of architect meets client’s expectations through virtual mockup of
various building components with equipment & finishes. A virtual tour of the pro-
posed building (a detailed 360 degree view) is created through detailed 3D render-
ings and walkthroughs on the fly. This helps in visualizing the project before it is built.
Content Development
BIM assists architects to transform 2D drafting
and drawing to BIM base work process and pro-
vides Content Development:
Drawing and/or Revit Template files, Stand-
ard Details/Callouts , Revit Families , BIM
Consulting & Training
Revit Families contain relevant information
about technical specifications, including Prod-
uct Manufacturer, Omni Class Code, Title & Sub-
categories that help clients to identify required
component easily
Instance of Revit Families include
Cabinet & Drawer Fixture & Furniture Chairs &
Seats Doors & Windows Specialty Equipment
Mechanical Families Stairs & Railing Care Cart
and Desk Caseworks, Sheets & Watches Interior
Decoration Accessories Plumbing Fixtures Me-
chanical Equipments Electrical Fixtures Struc-
tural Components (Column, Beam, etc)
Case Study - Case 1 – Rosslyn Central Place
A significant project of Pinnacle Infotech, Rosslyn Central Place is a mixed use
development, located above Rosslyn Metro Station in Arlington County, Vir-
ginia, USA with a 636,000 sq ft. Residential Tower & 750,000 sq ft. Commercial
Tower. Perfectly positioned with an easy access to Washington’s Central Business
District and Georgetown, it will provide an inspiring dining and retail space with
integrated clientele living and working upstairs.
BIM Scope for Pinnacle: Pinnacle created the architectural and structural mod-
els of Rosslyn Central Place that boasts of 33 stories (Ground Floor Level to
30th Floor Level, Floor 31 Penthouse Level, Roof Level) including the base-
ment (B1, B2 & B3). The office space starts from 75 feet above street level
on the 8th floor and the view just gets better. Pinnacle deployed a team of 10
BIM Engineers (In-house), including project managers and collaborators located
in US and India to create 3D architectural and structural models of the 34 floors,
including the level above Mechanical room.
Business Benefits
Benefits of using coordinated 3D BIM Model: Coordinated models using
BIM help clients check possible interference among building systems through 3D
BIM Modeling Services. 3D BIM models help construction companies to visualize
schematic structures before construction and thus can offer better project plan-
ning. Clashes are detected for eliminating major system conflicts before installa-
tion.
3D BIM modeling services: allow architectural firms to review design ele-
ments with respect to other building systems and services on any project. BIM,
3D visualization and 3D rendering services allow stakeholders involved in con-
struction process to share project image effectively and identify errors and incon-
sistencies in early stages of construction. Autodesk 3D rendering & Design Visuali-
zation software are used to bring life to BIM models. Starting from abstract to
photo realistic visualization, 3D visualization ensures a design vision, before the
beginning of construction project. 3Ds Max and Revit are leveraged to make BIM
www.pinnaclecad.com
P. J. Bombero, Project Manager (Offi-ce)
“The design of this project was completed
prior to the use of 3D modeling and in
order to perform MEP coordination a model
needed to be developed. Pinnacle Infotech
worked diligently with the team in order to
produce the model in phases to allow the
coordination process to begin on the below
grade structure. The Pinnacle team worked
to develop the model quickly and provided
multiple revisions based upon design changes
from the Architectural and Structural design
firms. Their quick turnaround and desire to
provide a satisfactory model was essential in
the MEP coordination process.” Read more
on how Pinnacle uses BIM for Smooth Com-
pletion of Rosslyn Central Place
Mike Reisinger (Residential)
“Upon project kickoff, our project team was
left with a complicated building design with-
out a building model to coordinate with. Pin-
nacle Infotech quickly produced an accu-
rate structural & architectural full building
model to allow MEP coordination to begin
almost immediately. Furthermore, the
Pinnacle detailers were extremely respon-
sive when incorporating design changes
into the program. More times than not, Pin-
nacle’s turn around when making model edits
was less than 24 hours.”
Clash Coordination: Coordinated 3D BIM models allow clients to check possi-
ble interference among all building systems. BIM Coordination Services help con-
struction companies to visualize schematic structures before construction, lead-
ing to better project planning. This eliminates rework during construction phase,
saving time and money. Clashes are resolved among all trades including architec-
tural, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, concrete and
several others by sharing 3D clash snapshot or through WebEx meetings. Utilities
are re-routed, elevation is changed and elements are re-sized for resolving clash-
es through BIM Coordination.
Pre-Construction Site Logistics: The pre-construction site logistics include a
visual representation of comprehensive planning and implementation services
for clients. Starting from the project conception stage, a dedicated planning and
estimation helps to make a careful project evaluation for offering customized
logistic solution. The logistics solutions ensure a safe and efficient work environ-
ment for all site workers. Site logistics plans are submitted to master developers
before the beginning of actual construction and site establishment. The plan de-
tails the access to site & plot, lay-down & loading area, hoisting area, crane place-
ment area, bus pick-up & canteen area, security gates & concrete pump areas,
truck discharge location and several other information, that get submitted to
clients for approval.
Marketing BIM Presentation/3D Walkthrough
Clients can secure bids by creating Marketing BIM Presentations of high quali-
ty 3D rendered images, 4D Phasing, Site Logistics and Walkthrough Anima-
tions. BIM is used in an innovative way to present an effective and accurate
representation of project and help clients win competitive bids. The rendered
images include realistic textures with shadows and artificial lighting. Moreo-
ver, construction phasing and photo-realistic walkthroughs are included in
animation presentations, revealing every angle of constructed space to cli-
ents. 3D Walkthroughs are realistic, artistic, affordable and customized and
offer clients a feeling of actual moving through the interiors and exteriors of a
building. This not only offers an idea of the project to clients but help them
navigate construction on own terms. 3D Walkthrough makes a winning situa-
tion for the designers, homeowners, buyers, contractors and the investors, by
letting them experience a realistic feel of the building size and layout.
3D Visualization Stages: Establishing requirement after discussion, Infor-
mation Issue, Optimization of BIM Model, 3D Visualization & Material
Drafting, Final production of materials
BIM 3D Visualization Deliverables: 3D Exterior Rendering, CGI Interior
Design, Visual Impact Assessment, Photomontages, 3D Walkthroughs
www.pinnaclecad.com
4D Construction Phasing/ Simulation - 4D
is extension of 3D with the time included in
addition to the other three dimensions. 4d
construction simulation helps all project par-
ticipants including architects, contractors,
designers and owners to visualize the whole
series of construction events and understand
progress of construction activities through-
out the lifetime of the project. Project con-
struction sequencing or the schedule to BIM
model shows real time simulation of con-
struction sequence in an animated video. The
clients can compare the planned and actual
construction schedule throughout the project
life cycle, based on 4D presentation. They can
explore 4D simulation for supporting con-
struction planning and can assess the impact
of proposed design on construction schedule
and work process.
Autodesk® Revit platform and Autodesk
Navisworks® Manage are used to create a
workflow for enabling project teams to plan
construction operations effectively by identi-
fying potential problems and evaluating alter-
natives. Using BIM models, construction plan-
ners are able to simulate construction activi-
ties in planned sequences, detect clash and
interference problems, improve construction
schedules, track materials and manage supply
chain. 4D phasing acts as a powerful commu-
nication tool between project team and cli-
ents, resulting in better understanding of
project milestones and improved construc-
tion plans. Delays and construction rework
are minimized as project managers can care-
fully plan and coordinate construction opera-
tions down to the last detail both in time and
space through 4D Phasing. All design ele-
ments are collaborated onscreen in 4D and
thus construction team can improve accuracy
in construction sequencing.
Case Study - Case 2: Revit BIM helps create 3D model of
acoustically designed UMBC, PAHB – Baltimore
BIM came in handy while finalizing project on time and identifying con-
structability issues for architectural, structural, plumbing, HVAC & MP
and electrical trades.
Project Summary – UMBC Performing Arts & Humanities Facility –
A significant project of Pinnacle Infotech, University of Maryland,
Baltimore County’s (UMBC) Performing Arts & Humanities Facility (PAHB)
is the home to the Earl and Darielle Linehan Concert Hall (PAHB 235), the
Proscenium Theatre (PAHB 103), the Dance Cube (PAHB 337), the Black
Box Theatre (PAHB 127), the Music Box (PAHB 151) and other venues.
Situated on west side of Hill top Road in Baltimore, Md., U.S. and adja-
cent to existing Fine Arts Building and Engineering and ITE Buildings,
the purpose of constructing this single building with four Floors was to
develop a new facility with an area of 171,029 GSF, consisting of
Phase 1 Building with 89,695 GSF and Phase 2 Building with 81,334
GSF. Designed to be constructed in two phases, PAHB is a natural
extension of the campus to the north, creating strong relationship
with current campus buildings and enhancing circulation of the campus.
Purpose of using BIM - The purpose of using VDC (Virtual Design &
Construction) on PAHB (or PAHF)was to supplement coordination pro-
cess amongst MEP trades, Whiting-Turner and Pinnacle Infotech (the
3rd Party Modeler). This enabled all parties to develop an understand-
ing of the complexities of the project and assist in resolving potential
conflicts prior to tender stage and construction.
www.pinnaclecad.com
“Pinnacle has been a real asset to the
project. The team is very knowledgea-
ble and efficient at BIM process and
has provided an end product that is
very useful to not only construction
coordination and installation, but also
the end users of the facility.”
– Chuck KonKolics, The Whiting-
Turner Contracting Company
Problem Description:
Pinnacle drew the ceiling layout and
maintained ceiling height of mechanical
plenum room as per RCP drawing A8.21.
However, the ceiling clashed with
gallery, stairs and chairs in concert hall.
Moreover, the ceiling clashed with struc-
tural wall cutout.
Solution:
Pinnacle combined Revit design and fab-
rication models in Navisworks for project
coordination and avoided cost of rework
from existence of clashes. For more infor-
mation, check out Case Study on Univer-
sity of Maryland, Baltimore County’s
(UMBC) Performing Arts & Humanities
Facility (PAHB)
Case Study - Case 3: Revit & 3DS Max in Action – Polden Court, Student
Accommodation, Bath, UK
Project Summary – Student Accommodation Building – Bath, UK - Midas Con-
struction Ltd & Pinnacle Infotech were responsible for creating 3D Model of Stu-
dent Accommodation Building in University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath,
BA27AY, comprising of 6 floors, including ground for post graduate students on
west side of campus, spread over 6561.15 sq. mt., considering exterior shell, core,
structural foundation, slab and column. The model was undertaken as part of the
tender exercise. The purpose was to design and construct a new 293 bed student
accommodation building comprising of car parking, gym, meeting suite, cycle &
bin stores, communal lounges, kitchen, student lounge and balcony. The site is
located within existing University campus.
BIM Scope of Work for Pinnacle - Pinnacle’s scope of work for the project in-
cluded 3D BIM Model Creation for Architectural, Structural & Site elements. Ar-
chitectural 3D Modeling included exterior facade of building (Walls, Ceilings,
Floors/Slabs, Doors, Windows, Openings, Elevators, Escalators, Railings, Roofs
and more), Structural 3D modeling comprised of footings/foundation, beams,
columns, slabs and structural walls and Site Modeling included topography with
basic landscaping, roads, parking and road curbs. Pinnacle provided 4D phasing
animation depicting construction sequence per construction schedule/program.
Animation showed building development with movements of Logistics i.e.
Cranes, Dumpers and other construction equipment.
Challenges & Solution - Timeline Challenge - Delivering 3D Modeling within 1
week, 4D Phasing animation within 2 weeks & Final animated video within 3
weeks
www.pinnaclecad.com
“This was our first tender with Pinnacle
and we are pleased with the final result.
Despite the distance the team was al-
ways very prompt with their replies and
kept us updated on their progress at all
times, as agreed in the delivery schedule.
They understood what was required of
them and had a good knowledge of con-
struction processes. We look forward to
working with Pinnacle again in near fu-
ture! ”
– Veronika Gambioli - Assistant Pro-
posals Publisher - Midas Construction
Ltd
Solution: :
Pinnacle employed expert engineers using Auto-
desk Revit to deliver BIM Models & animations
on time
Value Addition:
4d simulation helped to visualize whole se-
ries of construction events and understand
progress of construction activities through-
out the project lifetime
Pinnacle linked project construction se-
quencing to BIM model and showed real
time simulation of construction sequence in
an animated video, which helped client to
visualize actual construction schedule based
on 4D presentation
Summary:
Today’s design visualization applications have the ability to accurately visualize, thoroughly study and communicate building de-
signs effectively. They are used to create images for design reviews, lighting simulations & marketing materials. Design visualization
tools such as 3DSMax takes advantage of an existing BIM, enhances BIM value and makes 3D visualization efficient. The ease & fideli-
ty of transferring Revit BIM to 3DS Max considerably reduces the time & cost of producing visualization. Linking Revit BIM to 3DS
Max further reduces the time to coordinate architectural design and visualization. However, ultimately, the detail embodied in BIM
ensures that resulting visualization is a true reflection of architect’s vision.
Call to Action:
Pinnacle’s BIM MEP engineering services create real value for AEC firms by saving construction cost, avoiding error at design stage
and reducing rework. The comprehensive BIM engineering services include constructability review, MEP design validation, value
engineering, design services and modularization. Contact [email protected] to get mechanical BIM detailing, mechanical BIM
services, BIM Execution Plan, 3D Laser Scanning Point Cloud Services and more. Get in touch with [email protected] or
9830170858 find your BIM flavor or for any query on BIM services
About Pinnacle Infotech:
Headquartered in Durgapur, India, Pinnacle Infotech is catalyzing renaissance in construction arena with Building Information Mod-eling (BIM) services. Pinnacle facilitates clients in 32+ countries, collaborating across time -zones with global delivery centres in India, USA, UAE, UK, Italy & Switzerland. Being the leading provider of CAD Services India, CAD Drafting Services, CAD shop draw-ing services & innovative 3D BIM Modeling services to AEC Industries for 25+ years, Pinnacle has successfully executed 4900+ landmark projects like Dubai International Airport, Muscat Airport, Delhi International Airport (T3), Pharmaceutical plants, Msheireb Downtown Construction (Doha), Hospitals, Medical Centres, High Rise Towers, University Campuses, Industrial Plants,
Dams and Bridges. Check out Pinnacle Blogs.
PINNACLE INFOTECH 6161 Savoy Drive #1125, Houston, TX 77036 TODD, Operational Manager Email: [email protected] PH: +1 713 780 2135 PH: +1 832 283 6628 FAX: +1 713 780 8784
www.pinnaclecad.com