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.

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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

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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

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“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 bim@pinnaclecad.com to get mechanical BIM detailing, mechanical BIM

services, BIM Execution Plan, 3D Laser Scanning Point Cloud Services and more. Get in touch with brtodi@pinnaclecad.com 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: btodi@pinnaclecad.com PH: +1 713 780 2135 PH: +1 832 283 6628 FAX: +1 713 780 8784

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