What does BIM mean for Civil Engineers?

What does BIM mean for Civil Engineers?
Prepared by Ir C K Ng
27 Nov 2013
The Institution of Civil Engineers
Hong Kong

Building Professionals Civil Engineer

 BIM Consultant of Build.IT
 Graduated from HKU in Civil Engineering
 Member of The Institute of Civil Engineers
 Worked for 10 years in HKG engineering departments
 Emigrated to Canada in 1992, working as AutoCAD 3rd party
developer – Floor/Rack/Panel/Device/Port FM system
 Returned to HK in 1995, working as Resident Site Staff until
2013
 30 years in civil and structural engineering experience
 Received MSc in Geo-information Systems, HKPU, 1998
 Chairman of BIM for Infrastructure Discipline, HKIUS
 MHKIE in CIVIL and INFORMATION Disciplines
Speaker

Topics
• Definition of BIM
• Essential Elements of a BIM software
• Terms to know
• BIM includes Civil Engineering - CIM?
• CE - plant, structure, utilities, earthwork
• BIM Strategy
• Lessons learnt from New Civil Engineer
• BIM Contractual Issues
• Considerations and Actions
• (Optional) Summary of CIC BIM Roadmap Paper

Definition of BIM (Wiki)
Recent (2nd Generation):
Building information modeling (BIM) is a process
involving the generation and management of
digital representations of physical and
functional characteristics of a facility. The
resulting building information models become
shared knowledge resources to support
decision-making about a facility from earliest
conceptual stages, through design and
construction, through its operational life and
eventual demolition.

Definition of BIM (original)
Description by Jerry Laiserin (Father of BIM) :
3D object-oriented AEC-specific CAD
• 3 Dimensional solid model (Singapore Spec)
• Model-based (Parametric)
• AEC (Building) specific
3 Essential Elements of BIM Software

More elements of a BIM authoring software
• Information Embedded or Linked
• Data Richness is a measurement of Min. BIM Req.
• Automatic Versioning
• Unique model while allowing simultaneous access by
different team/disciplines
BIM - "a model-based technology linked with a database
of project information" i.e. it relies on database
technology as the foundation
Formal judgment by Minimum BIM Requirements in line
with the Capability Maturity Model.

• Data Richness.
• Lifecycle Views.
• Change Management or ITIL Maturity Assessment.
• Roles or Disciplines.
• Business Process.
• Timeliness/ Response.
• Delivery Method.
• Graphical Information.
• Spatial Capability.
• Information Accuracy.
• Interoperability/IFC Support.
Minimum BIM (CMM)

3D object-oriented AEC-specific
Architect‟s Plan View
3D View
3D View
Engineer‟s Plan View

Difference between CAD and BIM
Traditional CAD 2D->3D Point, line, text (Singapore – not
accepted as BIM submissions)
BIM 3D->2D,
dim.
details
reduced
Grids, levels, wall, door, window,
column, slab, stair, water pipe,
ventilation duct, cable tray
Each component in the model is
unique spatially – this forces the
change of construction industry
mindset on collaboration.

History of BIM
1975 2002 2005 2009 2013
Shanghai Tower
CrossRail
Island East One
Water Cube
Bird‟s Nest Stadium
Penn Water Plant
C Eastman Jerry Laserin
Gehry
Revit
ArchiCAD
Bentley Arch
Revit
ArchiCAD
AECOsim
2002 – Software development
2005 – First batch of BIM software
2009 – Mature BIM software
2013 – Landmark BIM projects almost complete and being reviewed
Vectorwork

Terms to know
1. O-O : Object-oriented Analysis and Design (Booch) –
it is a common computer programming technique.
Object has attributes and actions.
(Object=Model=Class)
2. IFC - Industry Foundation Class created by
buildingSMART for data exchange of building
components like DXF (Drawing eXchange Format) for
CAD graphics
3. Level of Detail (UK) – LOD1/2/3/4/5. Details may be
shown in 2D.
4. Level of Development (US) – LOD100/../500

3DVisualization
Clash Analysis
4DConstruction
sequencing
Virtual
Construction
(3D plus time
element)
5DEstimating
(3D plus cost
element)
6D?Forensic analysis
(3D plus analysis
element)
7D?Facility
Management
(3D plus O&M
element)
5. BIM nD Terminology

6. BIM Maturity Level (UK)
CAD, AssetIM, SIM, FIM, BSIM, BRIM, IDM, IFC, IFD, iBIM

6. Level 3 (True BIM)
 Imagine the BIM model is part of the tender
documents
 Specifications are attached to components
 All participants can have access to view
the model easily
 BIM model is no difference to 2D CAD
Drawings.
 Contractually, BIM (Level 3) = Drawings
 Challenge - BIM must be very accurate,
can avoid many discrepancies.

BIM includes Civil Engineering?
Civil BIM or CIM?
 Many people argue that „Building‟ in BIM is a verb,
not a structure for occupation, so BIM can apply to
Civil Engineering.
 Civil engineers have used 2.5D (MOSS) for 20
years. Command-based 3D representation existed
long time ago, although not popular due to the use
of powerful Mini computers.
 Use of BIM since 2005
 Some are BIM applicable. Some remains as 2.5D
CADD.

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9);
IFC

CIM Deviations from BIM Definition
BIM Deviations
Building IFC for Building only No Infra IFC (LandXML) or
Min. BIM Requirements
Industry specific objects –
beam, column, door, wall
Generic graphics – line, text,
point. Contour?
Information Emphasis equally on
Spatial and Database
Information
Strength in Spatial Information
Unique Model by Version
Control
Less control on editing
Modelling 3D 2.5D e.g. contour lines
Parametric Model Irregular, cannot be
represented parametrically
Solid Modelling Surface Modelling/Mesh
Software Object-based Command-based

Underground Utilities - Plan View

Underground Utilities - 3D View

One Drainage Network Model for All
Lollipop Model by C K Ng, 1998

IFC - Infrastructure
IFC for bridge proposed by Sang-ho Lee, Yonsei U.

Tunnel
Image extracted from PAS 1192:2-2013

3D BIM and 2.5D CADD Applications - CE
3D BIM 2.5D CADD
Utilities and related Process
Plant, Station e.g. power
station, treatment plant
Transportation e.g. Road
surface, Tunnel bore
(spatial information)
Structure itself, Earth
Retaining, Marine, Bridge
and Tunnel Structures
(What is the purpose –
spatial or non-spatial,
construction or FM?)
Earthwork related - Slope,
GI, Site Formation (spatial
information)
Solid Modelling Surface Modelling
Vertical (Multi-level) Horizontal (Single level)
Database Information Spatial Information
Parametric Model Difficult to represent in
parametric model

BIM Strategy
Scandinavian Countries,
US (Army, Wisconsin, NYC)
Mandate BIM in public
sector starting 2011
UK, Europe (not Southern
Europe)
Mandate BIM in public
sector before 2016 - Level 2
Singapore Mandate BIM in both public
and private sectors in 2015
Hong Kong HA
Hong Kong Civil Engg
Hong Kong CIC
All BIM in 2014
?
Roadmap, Sep 2013
China 2011-2015 5-Year Plan
BIM/PLM/…
Korea, Germany (and China) Create own BIM software
Other Asian Countries Private sector initiation

2011-2015年建筑业信息化发展纲要
关于印发《2011-2015年建筑业信息化发展纲要》的通知建质[2011]67号
各省、自治区住房和城乡建设厅，直辖市建委（建交委），新疆生产建设兵团建设局，中央管理的有关企业：
现将《2011-2015年建筑业信息化发展纲要》印发给你们，请结合实际贯彻执行。执行中有何问题和建议,请及时告我部工程
质量安全监管司。
中华人民共和国住房和城乡建设部
二〇一一年五月十日
“十二五”期间，基本实现建筑企业信息系统的普及应用，加快建筑信息模型（BIM）、基于网络的协同工作等新技术在
工程中的应用，推动信息化标准建设，促进具有自主知识产权软件的产业化，形成一批信息技术应用达到国际先进水平的建
筑企业。
（2）应用系统
①设计与施工集成系统 (Integrated Design and Construction System)
。
②工程项目管理系统 (Engineering Project Management System)
。
③项目文档管理系统 (Project Document Management System)
。
④材料与采购管理系统 (Material Order Management System)
。
⑤企业运营管理系统 (Enterprise Operation Management System)
。
⑥ 综合管理系统 (Integrated Management System)
。
⑦辅助决策系统 (Decision Support System)
。
⑧知识管理系统与智能企业门户 (Knowledge Management System)

What is the common element?
Database/IT Systems

PDF
DOC
XLS
JPG
MPG
Data
Database
Apps
Hydraulic/
Structure /
Road
Alignment
DMSBIM
Site Records
System
Material order,
delivery Sys
BIM Deliverables
Supervision
Plan
Design
CAD File
Submittal
Register
Specification
Product
Data
Installation Manual
Warranty
Spare
Test
Certification
Design Build Operate
PC/Notebook
Tablet
Smartphone
Devices
Phases

Lessons Learnt from New Civil Engineer
• UK Strategic Paper - 03.2011
• BIM is the word – 12.2011(UK)
• Crossrail Case Study – 03.2012
• BIM Special – 03.2012
• BIM for Contractor – 04.2013
• Port Mann Highway, Canada – 06.2013

• Essentially the UK Government has embarked with
industry on a four year programme for sector
modernisation with the key objective of: reducing capital
cost and the carbon burden from the construction and
operation of the built environment by 20%.
• 'It was found that whilst major clients such as BAA and HA
(Highways Authority) expect a comprehensive handover, in
general Civils/Infrastructure (C/I) handover is done to a far
lower standard, if at all. Evidence for this weakness is
provided by the high amount of re-surveying and re-
inspection that is undertaken after handover. … Ironically
once data is collected infrastructure owners often tend to
make far more effective use of the information than
building operators.'
UK Strategic Paper 3.2011

Bim is the word 12.2011
• Revit, Bentley Architecture (AECOsim),
ArchiCAD
• Inroads/Openroad, Autodesk Civil 3D
• Object based, Laser point cloud
• 'Level 3 – no longer 3d design but a set of
fully parametric self-aware data objects.'
• 'Handing over an electronic user-manual -
a massive saving at commissioning stage.'
• 'To pull in a roundabout from a pallet'

CrossRail 03.2012
• Crossrail CEO 'We are looking for a single BIM
model that connects the data set from start to
end. As an industry we are not very good at
this – we break that line up in many parts. The
as-designed versus the as-built versus the as-
maintained tends to be on different platforms
and I am going to ask our technology
partners …„
• … The second priority was to ensure that BIM is
adopted right through the project all the way to
operation and maintenance.

BIM Special – 03.2012
• BIM is not a silver bullet to cure the world's
ills, but it does bring about key
characteristics that will make us think and
behave in different ways.
• From the availability to reuse rather than
waste data throughout the asset lifecycle,
from designers, manufacturers,
contractors, … bringing the industry
around the single BIM model and its rich
data set.

BIM for Contractor 04.2013
• A BIM steering committee of a contractor
was set up to identify the information flows
and processes that go on in the company.
• BIM means empowering speedy, accurate
and informed decision making and then
delivering efficiencies by virtually verifying
the buildability and functionality.
• There is a culture change that has to go on.
(The first BIM project in HK was initiated
by contractor in 2005)

Port Mann Hwy, Canada 06.2013
• The consultant created a single integrated
model of the entire 37km transport corridor,
incorporating grading, layout, geometry
and alignment.
• Existing infrastructure such as drainage
culverts, power lines and sewers were also
modelled, and later on, junction box, street
lamps and minor drainage elements.
• Some judgment is required on what level
of detail is appropriate for each element.

The Culture is Changing 12.2013
by Topcon Positioning Group
• If you went to US or Germany, there is no manor
earthmoving project going on without machine
control.
• In US, contractors are very aggressive. If they
see a technology that allows them to do a job
faster they will go to the local government and
try to get the rules changed to allow them to use
that technology
• The inherent reluctance of UK contractors to
share their ideas for fear of being copied.
Europe is more conservative, and Asia also.

Advantages of Using BIM
• Less dimension details
• Complex geometry
• Easy to understand the scope of works
• Models have intelligence – drainage /
watermain networks have connectivity info
• Good for presentation
• Less VO

Some Statistics
 7% reduction of project time
 Eliminate 40% unbudgeted changes
 Save 10% cost due to clashes
 Estimate accuracy 3% closer
 Estimation 80% faster

Contract Documents
Earliest contract doucments 2008 by
• ConsensusDOCS LLC
• AIA
• AEC(UK)
Recent (2013) :
• Singapore Particular Conditions
• UK CIC BIM Protocol (well accepted by
Insurance Industry)

Coverage:
•Risk Allocation
•Intellectual Property
Definition:
•Model, LOD
•BIM/Information Manager
•BIM Execution Plan
Contractual Issue

Contract Documents
Singapore ConsensusDOCS 301 UK CIC
Particular Conditions ConsensusDOCS 301
- Addendum
BIM Protocol
Role of Information
Management
BIM Execution Plan
BIM Guides
Affiliated Contract PAS 1192:2

Definitions
Singapore ConsensusDOCS
301
UK CIC BIM
Protocol
Model
Full Design Model
Model Elements
Design Model
Construction Model
Federated Model
Project Team Model
Federated Model
Level of Details Level of
Development
Level of Details

Content in Doc
Singapore ConsensusDOCS 301 UK CIC BIM Protocol
Definition
Principles
BIM Management
BIM Execution Plan
Risk Allocation
Intellectual Property
Principles
Definition
Info Management
BIM Execution Plan
Risk Allocation
Introduction
Principles
Objective
Incorporation into
contracts
Permitted purposes
Treatment of IP
Electronic Data
Exchange
Def. Of Model
Change Management
Liability of Model
Info Management
Model Production and
Delivery Table

Model Author Contributor concept Permitted purpose
concept

Roles and Responsibility of
BIM/Information Staff
BIM Manager
BIM Co-ordinator
Information
Management
Information Manager
Employer's
Information
Requirement
Sample BEP provided No specific BEP Model Production and
Delivery Table

HK Contractual Arrangements
Client H Client M
Design Model No Design Model, Ctr create model
Provided to ctr, no liability
(Singapore – for reference only)
Not provided to ctr, no liability
Not contractually binding Not contractually binding
3D Clash detection and resolution Clash detection and resolution
4D shows sequencing and
constructability
Some activities
4D shows safety Some activities

HK Contractual Arrangements (Cont‟d)
Client H Client M
4D shows scheduling Some activities
Encourage collaboration and treat
as a deliverable
As a deliverable
As-built model requires approval,
catalog, testing, maintenance
manual and warranty for everything
Requires brand, model, power and
capacity of equipment
BIM Standards, User Guides,
Library Component
Supplement to CADD Manual

Considerations
• Maturity of Software – Rebar
• QTO is another headache
• Cost of Software (SME)
• Human Resources of BIM
– BIM Manager
– BIM Leader/Co-ordinator
• Are counterparts using BIM?

Considerations
• BIM won‟t be alone
– Think electronically
– BIM-centred workflow
– Other systems : ERP, DMS, PLM, DSS
• Collaboration
– Think collaboration, NOT confrontation
• BIM Professionals vs BIM Technicians
– Communication between professionals thro‟ BIM co-
ordinators
– Direct decision making by professionals with BIM skill
– All Arch graduates know BIM
– How many Engineers know BIM?

• Resources
– BIM operators or professionals
• Contract
– DB contract common in building and US
– DBB contract common for civil engineering
• Quantity Take Off
– Direct from models not ready
• Failure
– Legal issues
– Design issues – frequent changes
Considerations

Actions
• Don‟t just watch, start using it. (Shanghai Tower)
• Take a hands-on BIM course
• Train your staff
• 3D CE Software requires longer learning curve
• Big Data - the Biggest thing is Data
• If you want to implement BIM,
• decide what data you need during O&M
• design model = as-built model (permanent doc)
• If you are using BIM for your project,
• hire a system analyst to review your workflow (IDM)
• hire good database (and web) programmers
• During construction, BIM is active, Data is passive
• During maintenance, BIM is passive, Data is active

BIM Education/Training
• Add BIM training to the curriculum
• Encourage use of BIM for projects (e.g. Singapore on
industry incentives)
• Develop engineering analysis on a BIM system
• Increase funding for research on Civil BIM (e.g. Korea,
Japan and Germany on IFC/BIM; Leading countries on
BIM Process)
• Double degree in CE & Law
• Why no double degree in CE & IT?
• Top up degree in IT
• IT has a wide range, CE wants DB design, web
programme

Must Read
• Singapore BIM Particular Conditions Version 1
or 2 + BIM Guides
• ConcensusDOCS 301
• BIM Protocol, CIC UK
• BIM Guide, NYC
• HKHA – Design/User Guide, Standards,
• AEC(UK) BIM Standard/Protocol
• „Issues and Implementation Methods for BIM in
the Civil Infrastructure Domain‟ by Nobuyoshi
Yabuki, Japan Osaka University. Hong Kong
Conference 2010

BIM Implementation in Civil Infra Domain
by N Yabuki, Osaka U, Japan 2010
 No official standards for representing 3D infra models
 Lack of IT knowledge among civil engineers
 Lack of research (and funds) on BIM for infra
 Conservativeness of those in public construction domain
 Public owners will not adopt BIM until standard effective
 Mindset
 Slow development of BIM tools for infra domain
 Lack of IT research in civil engineering
 Lack of communication bet civil engineers and IT
specialists
 Shift from DBB to DB
 Government support

HK CIC Draft BIM Roadmap
What is BIM?
BIM - management, not drawing, tools
BIM – parametric, intelligent, unique
HK – Technical->Business->Market
B.I. Modelling or Management
BIM model is a permanent document
HK – Standard + Promotion + Training
16 recommended initiatives in 9 areas

Current BIM Implementation
HK is lagging behind, in fact, extreme
Some advanced and innovative
Jeopardize competitive edge of HK firms
Fast mover, follower and observer
All at a sudden – more BIM adoptions
Private developer - money justifies itself

Global trend
Can we ignore the move to BIM?
See global trend – 2002/2005/2009/2013?
Uniqueness forces collaboration, mindset
changed
Loss of competitive edge without BIM skill
BD follows Singapore – eSubmissions

Elements of Success in BIM
Most important driving force – Clients
Second, top management
Mindset changed
Re-assign roles and responsibility
Some posts fear of loss of value
BIM model is a permanent document

Leading Practice Countries
Characteristics of Leading Practice Countries
Establishment of Standards
High rate of adoption
Increased automation with IT
Increased performance

Others
Shared BIM Standards
Education programmes
From Visualization to Automation
Set higher target of performance
Clear Govt policy > free market approach
Localization / customization
Roles of BIM Manager

Example of Underground Utilities (Pressure)

Example of Underground Utilities (Drain)

What does BIM mean for Civil Engineers?

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