ENRICHING BIMS WITH INFORMATION
The use of 3D parametric CAD applications does not automatically result in an intelligent BIM. Most 3D models being produced in the AEC industry are spatially accurate but information poor. ArtrA has the unique capability of enabling any BIM with database intelligence even if the model is not rich in information to begin with. One of the most effective ways of doing this is to use a room based BIM.
ROOM BASED BIM
A room based BIM is the middle ground between an information poor spatial 3D model and an information rich BIM. Creating a room based BIM is relatively simple; all that is required is for the rooms & spaces to be defined and named and then for the finished floor object to be created (usually) by specifying a thickness (fig 1). ArtrA will use the floor object as a spatial identifier and its attribute as the unique link between the model and ArtrA's SQL database. Attributes for walls/windows/doors/ceilings etc. will be used and linked where they have been defined. Once the link has been established an unlimited amount of information, data and documents can be attached and the BIM can be used for asset lifecycle management (fig 2.).
IFC ROOM SPACES
ArtrA will handle IFC room & space models and COBie information for projects that are implementing buildingSMART (fig 3.). Experience has shown the best approach is to use the IFC floor object rather than the IFC space which will obscure everything else in the room and make it unelectable.
ROOM BASED PROCESSES
Room based BIMs are extremely effective because most construction and lifecycle processes (room data sheets, fit-out, snagging, maintenance etc.) are also room based. On the Barts & London Hospital, 160 pieces of data were added to a single attribute to each of its 10,000 rooms.
FIT-OUT BIM
A multi-discipline BIM will typically consist of an architectural, structural and building services model, but will not include fit-out objects for all the fixtures, fittings and equipment (FFE) because;
- Unmanageable file sizes
- Excessive modelling requirements - too much detail
- Fit-out information is often unknown during design
- Constructors do not own/cannot use BIM applications
- Architects & builders are not paid to maintain a BIM
Without fit-out information a BIM cannot be used for asset lifecycle management. ArtrA provides a viable solution by linking FFE information to the BIM via a SQL database as and when it becomes known. Moreover, and perhaps more importantly, ArtrA provides useable tools for construction and facilities management staff who cannot be expected to use 3D CAD/BIM applications to access the information necessary to maintain the asset.
ROOM DATA SHEETS
On large projects Room Data Sheets (RDS) provide the detailed information and record the function, content and characteristics of each room or space. They contain the fit-out and FFE information that is required during the construction and lifecycle phases. ArtrA provides the link between room data sheets and the model and uses the information for the various installation, commissioning and compliance procedures that must be undertaken.
On smaller projects room data information can be held as PDF's linked to the room definition (fig 4.), or as tag's and properties in ArtrA's SQL database. On larger projects such as hospitals where there may be thousands of rooms, ArtrA's database is populated through a direct link to the originating Room Data application such as CodeBook, dRofus etc (fig 5.).
TYPICAL ROOM DATA TAGS
Examples of the types of tag that can be assigned to a single room attribute… read more...
HANDOVER & LIFECYCLE ROOM DATA
ArtrA improves the hand over of a facility to the owner/operator by providing access to the as-built room data, which in turn is used for planned maintenance. When O&M staffs run an interrogation, a comprehensive list of equipment assigned to and installed in the room will be instantly available together with all the necessary documentation. Intelligent ArtrA tags used during construction for sign-off and compliance are used by O&M staff to conduct searches and generate thematic views such as showing all equipment due for maintenance.
ROOM BASED BIMS - ASSET LIFECYCLE MANAGEMENT
ArtrA is a database management system with a graphical front end. It connects information held in a SQL database to a 3D model and manages the information graphically. If a BIM is information rich ArtrA will use the data for construction and asset lifecycle processes and augment it with new information as it becomes known or is required.
AEC BIMS .. | ...ROOM BASED BIMS... |... MULTI DISCIPLINE BIMS
Fig
1. Room space identifier - asset information
Fig 2. Unlimited
data linked to a single room
Fig 3. IFC spaces - asset lifecycle
management
