gss architecture · 2013-05-21 · strategy during 2010, and started by developing an investment...

GSSARCHITECTURE

BIM: Building Information Modelling

Founded in 1879, GSSArchitecture is one of the leading national architectural, project and quantity surveying practices. We have eight partners and a total strength of around 70 staff, and with offices in Northampton, Bristol, Kettering and Harrogate we cover the whole of England and Wales. We have substantial experience across all sectors, with a number of “blue chip” companies and organisations among our clients.

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Contents

How is BIM changing the way we work today and tomorrow?

What our clients should know

The Benefits of BIM and the RIBA Plan of Work

Project Examples

Working with You

For many of our clients, especially within the education and healthcare sectors, we believe that the full benefits of a co-ordinated BIM approach are only realised when the full project team are involved in this collaborative approach. This includes the client team, but we realise that this inevitably involves time and resource for clients to ‘gear up’ to maximise the benefits that BIM can bring. We, therefore actively seek to work with our clients to help develop a common understanding of this new way of working, and have assisted a number of key clients in developing a BIM ‘roadmap’ suited to them.

We have structured the remainder of this document with the aim of giving you an understanding of what should be considered when appointing design teams, as well as the significant efficiency benefits that can be realised at various work stages throughout a project. We have provided a summary of our approach to BIM and how that has translated into tangible advantages for our clients.

How is BIM changing the way we work?

Building Information Modelling

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is already changing the way that the construction industry is producing information, impacting on the way that buildings are procured and the way that clients, architects, consultants and contractors approach and deliver projects.

BIM is both a new technology and a new way of working. It makes the most of 3D computer-based modelling technologies and harnesses the data contained within to underpin a collaborative approach to designing buildings and managing the construction process.

Essentially, BIM combines technology with new working practices to improve the quality of the delivered product and also improve the reliability, timeliness and consistency of the process. It presents the opportunity to transform the construction industry, and to improve the process of design, construction, operation and management, but it is not fundamentally about technology. Undeniably however, technology is the tool which facilitates this and which enables the intelligent use of the data within the model to design, construct, manage and use a ‘built facility’ In its purest form, BIM provides a common single and co-ordinated source of structured information to support all parties involved in the delivery process.

The Drive from Government

Because all parties involved with a BIM project have access to the same data, the information loss associated with handing a project over from design team to construction team and to building owner/operator is kept to a minimum.

There has been a clear and coherent drive from central Government and the Cabinet Office, starting with their 2011 Construction Strategy. The aim was to reduce the cost of Government construction projects by 15-20%, both in construction and whole life terms and one of the key mechanisms that they have identified to achieve these ambitious targets is BIM.

By working in a collaborative manner and by efficiently harnessing the data contained within our 3D BIM models, real efficiencies can be achieved. At GSS, we believe that we have a central role to play in contributing to an industry-wide development of BIM, and to ensure that our clients are able to take full advantage of the potential benefits and efficiencies.

‘There will be a spectacular change - we are only just beginning to understand the scale of what can be achieved and the amount of waste that can be eliminated from the system’

Paul MorrellGovernment Chief Construction Adviser


BIM Development Strategy

A fully integrated BIM process can help to develop “hindsight before you hit site”; however this requires some planning and change management in how buildings are procured, starting with the consultants and design teams. It is important that, as part of the selection process for designers, the ability to deliver BIM is assessed.

This starts with understanding the basic software platforms - the chart to the right summarises the most common software platforms.

At GSS, we began to implement our BIM Development Strategy during 2010, and started by developing an investment plan to enhance our hardware and software platforms and instigate a staff training programme. We now utilise Revit Architecture as our drawing platform with either Navisworks or Tekla BIMsight to undertake clash detection and detailed design co-ordination. Where possible, it is always our preference to be responsible for the BIM management process and we see this as part of our Lead Consultant role.

We have invested heavily in BIM training and encourage knowledge exchange, both within our organisation, but also with our supply chain and our client’s. We aim to learn from, and contribute to, a wider industry adoption of BIM, and have delivered a number of lectures and seminars to various construction sectors, including NHS Estate, the Association of University Directors of Estates, as well as with our own supply chain.

Disciplines Software Platforms Principal Uses

Architects

Autodesk RevitBentley MicrostationGraphisoft Archicad

Nemetschek VectorworksAutodesk Navisworks (Simulate / Manage)

Tekla BIM Sight

Draughting / 3D Model Production

Co-ordinated Model Review, Scheduling & Clash DetectionClash Detection

Structural Engineers

Autdoesk Revit StructuresBentley Structural Modeller

AceCAD StruCADTekla Structures

Autodesk Navisworks (Simulate / Manage)Tekla BIM Sight

Draughting / 3D Model Production & Structural Analysis


Mechanincal & ElectricalEngineers

Autodesk Revit MEPBentley Building Electrical Systems

Bentley Building Mechanical SystemsAutodesk Navisworks (Simulate / Manage)

Tekla BIM Sight

Draughting / 3D Model Production


Chart showing Consultant Software requirements

The Government’s clear drive to develop BIM as a standard method of working within the construction sector has been based on a ‘Push-Pull’ Strategy. Central Government is ‘pushing’ the agenda, but they are also relying on construction clients ‘pulling’ their consultants to drive the development of new technologies and working methods.


Visual Illustration of our BIM Development Strategy.

As a client considering the implementation of BIM, it is important to set out a defined list of targets. This starts by asking yourself, why BIM? What do we want to get out of this process? Do we want to explore the functionality and benefits of 3D data, 4D programming and scheduling, 5D cost planning and facilities/asset management interfaces?

Having considered these wide ranging factors to develop an overall strategy, it is important to then consider the core aims and objectives for each new project to allow your strategy to build. We have experience of working with organisations, engaging directly with a number of our clients to help to develop their BIM roadmaps and for each project we assist in the preparation of a project BIM plan.

So with all this in mind, why bother with BIM? The following section summarises some of the key areas where our clients have seen real, tangible benefits and efficiencies throughout the construction process, and with a defined plan in place, there is no reason why you should not be able to reap the same benefits for your projects!

‘Hindsight before site … the ability to prototype the asset

lifecycle’

‘It makes no sense for designers to work in three dimensions, then suppress the data and what was

learned to hand on a 2D representation’Paul Morrell

Government Chief Construction Adviser

There are a range of benefits that can be derived from the BIM process; however, the full range of benefits can only be realised whilst working in a genuinely collaborative way, with all parties of the design process, including the client team, contributing to project data models.

BIM, then, clearly has the potential to impact significantly on the industry’s approach to, and culture of design and this has demonstrated when you consider that the RIBA have now published a new Plan of Work for 2013. The new plan has been designed to address the Government-driven, fast moving changes within the industry to adopt BIM working processes. It is an indicator of the significance of BIM that the last Plan of Work was published in 1963 and for 50 years has remained unchanged, despite numerous changes within the industry; however, BIM is now driving a new agenda.

The graphic to the left shows the new plan of work and the following pages provides a summary of the benefits that we have achieved for our clients at various points over the life of a project, and which we can help you to achieve for yours.


RIBA New plan of work 2013


Preparation - Stage 1 Concept Design - Stage 2 Developed Design - Stage 3 Technical Design - Stage 4

Client Brief Development and BIM Protocols

GSS can work with you to set out your project BIM goals and specification whilst the project brief is being developed in parallel. By offering this service, we help to ensure that implementation of BIM on your project is based on solid foundations and will continue to develop smoothly throughout the design stages.

Improved Stakeholder Engagement

Everyone has the ability to view the developing BIM model. This helps in cultivating collaborative working relationships and facilitates early engagement with the entire team during the briefing process. This includes client, key stakeholders and design teams, and helps to ensure that everyone is focused on achieving best value, from project inception right through to post occupation.

Streamlined Visualisation Tools

Projects can be visualised at an early stage, giving clients and operators a clear idea of design intent and allowing them to modify the design to achieve the outcomes they want. In many respects, simple 3D representations and basic graphics are almost becoming a by-product of the drafting process; however, full CGI still requires some post production modifications.

Positive Impact on Sustainability

It is widely recognised that 80% of a building’s operation, maintenance and running costs are fixed during the first 20% of the design process. By employing rapid energy modelling techniques on the BIM model, our architects simulate building performance to assess how even minor changes might impact on the energy use and efficiency of the building.

Enhanced Option Appraisal

BIM makes possible swift and accurate comparison between different design options. Reports (such as space/area schedules) are automatically generated from the model to provide you, as the client, with clear and accurate data to allow informed decisions to be made.

Improved Co-ordination

BIM facilitates a more open and transparent design development approach. Our teams are able to interrogate design options with the rest of the project team in more detail and to a higher level of co-ordination to better inform whether design options should be progressed or ruled out. Where appropriate, we will work with the cost consultants to use the BIM model to keep cost data up to-date and to facilitate integrated change management. These processes will all have been agreed during stage 1 when developing the project BIM Protocols.

Reduced On Site Issues

The cost of correcting unforeseen clashes on site can be significant. Recent research has indicated that on-site issues could cost in the region of £3,000 per clash and, on large projects, these costs can quickly escalate. Building a virtual prototype presents the opportunity to resolve complex construction details before the project commences on-site. This takes advantage of intelligence and automation within the model to achieve efficiency savings.

Reduced Capital Expenditure

The Government’s recent BIM ‘pathfinder’ project for HM Young Offenders Institution, Cookham Wood, has leveraged the benefits of design optimisation, and has also demonstrated that the resulting capital expenditure for the scheme at this stage was running at 18% below accepted Government benchmark figures.

Improved Predictability of Building Use

Crowd behaviour and fire modelling can be undertaken using the BIM model which enables designs to be optimised for public safety or to address long term maintenance considerations. Asset managers can use the 3D model to enhance operational safety, whilst designers can more accurately predict areas of high ‘wear and tear’ within a building so that detailed specifications can be developed accordingly leading to a fit for purpose design and cost effective specification.

Whole Life Costs

GSS can assist you to make informed decisions about the quality of products by accurately modelling the building throughout design and construction. Is it better to spend £10,000 on flooring that will need replacement after five years, or £15,000, that will need replacement after ten years?


Specialist Design - Stage 5 Construction - Stage 6 Use and After Care - Stage 7

All of the forementioned benefits are achievable and GSS are well placed to assist you. The full benefits of BIM are only achievable with the buy-in of the whole project team and they rely on clear project goals and BIM protocols setting out from the beginning of a project.

If you are interested in finding out how GSS can assist you to develop BIM on your projects then we will be more than happy to provide you with the advice and support that you need to develop your own BIM Strategy.

Improved Collective Understanding of Design Intent

We will share our 3D BIM models with the main contractor, sub-contractors and manufacturers, as well as continuing to keep the client and your key stakeholders, informed with up to date information.

Integrated Specialist Design

As installation drawings begin to develop through the main contractor and sub-contract teams, assuming that BIM protocols have been set-out from the beginning, then the development of specialist/installation drawings is based on the shared model, meaning there is greater certainty that installation proposals are in line with the employer’s requirements and there is a greater ‘product certainty’ prior to final sign-off.

Better Project Delivery

A well planned BIM project also presents the opportunity to integrate ‘4D’ scheduling and programming techniques to plan and monitor progress on-site. Using the model in this way provides a visual representation of where progress should be at any given point during the construction period. This opens up a much clearer and transparent method for monitoring progress compared to traditional methods and has been shown to reduce delays.

Reduced Health and Safety Risks

The use of 4D programming also provides the contractor with a powerful tool for planning complex construction sequences where health and safety risks are a consideration. Contractors can minimise construction risks by reviewing complex details or procedures before going on site.

The model can also be used to contain ‘standardised’ health and safety data for construction objects so that assessment of risk and other CDM-C activities (such as development of the pre-construction information) are integrated with the design, development and construction processes.

Asset Management and Facilities Maintenance

BIM models contain product information that assists with commissioning, operation and maintenance activities – for example the model can be used to understand sequences for start-up and shut-down of equipment, provide interactive 3D diagrams showing how to take apart and reassemble plant items, and will contain the as-built specifications, allowing replacement parts to be ordered.

Likewise, it is possible to use the BIM model as an interface to plan maintenance tasks for a building, and to use the data contained within the as-built model to plan specific operations and understand any residual H&S hazards that are associated with a particular item or operation.

Continual Improvement

Members of the project team can feed back information about the performance of processes and items of equipment, driving improvements on subsequent projects.

No longer should you, as a client, be provided with a big box of paper when your building is handed over. You should be provided with high quality, digital information that can be used to help with the maintenance of the facility. For example, how often the carpets need to be cleaned and when they need to be replaced, how often the intruder alarm needs to be testing, how many chairs of a particular type should exist in a particular space.

Streamlined Specification and Client Approvals

Objects within our models include embedded information such as manufacturer’s specifications, cost data, performance data and service schedules. This means that documentation such as NBS specifications can be automatically generated, as well as room data sheets or stage sign-off reports to facilitate a smooth and accurate transition onto the next project stage.

GSS were appointed by Durham University to develop designs for a new build Bio-Physical Sciences and Energy Institute Building. The initial brief was to create a flexible research facility for the purpose of undertaking a complex range of research projects with a major focus on sustainable energy generation and conservation.

It is widely recognised that approximately 80% of the cost of running and operating a building is established within the first 20% of the design process. Therefore, making the right decisions on early design issues, such as building orientation, configuration and proportions or percentage of the façade which is to be glazed, can have a significant impact on the life-cycle cost of running a building. BIM was used to full effect, even during the early stages of this feasibility study, to undertake ‘Rapid Energy Modelling’, some of the outputs of which are shown right.

By using the preliminary BIM model to understand how multiple design options would impact on the overall energy demands for the building, we were able to advise the University on the long term impact on energy efficiency and, therefore, costs associated with these initial design decisions.

Initial assessments have shown that the finished building is likely to be significantly more energy efficient as a result when compared to the initial design approach that was being considered.

The other added benefit of starting with an intelligent BIM concept model, which contains considerable data from the outset, is that, once the full design team are appointed, additional detail can be easily added to the developing model, thus enhancing the outputs and allowing more detailed and accurate energy modelling and analysis to be undertaken.

Even at this early stage on the project lifecycle, it is also possible to generate high quality graphics to communicate the design intent of the initial concept proposals.

Project : Difficult Data Hub

Client : Durham University

Project Value : £10.5m

Project Example 1 : Durham Difficult Data Hub

Annual Carbon Emissions Annual Energy Use / Cost Monthly Heating Load Annual Wind Rose

The Reading University have established that the existing steam boiler house and district heating infrastructure has a limited life of 5 - 6 years, and have also recognised that the knowledge base of steam systems will continue to diminish and hence steam will not be used as a replacement source of heat.

In addition, it is the University’s intention to significantly reduce their carbon emissions by 20%. Also they have a carbon reduction commitment (CRC) which has been designed to reduce the carbon emissions of large non-energy intensive organisations. It is anticipated that HEFCE will also begin to take a more demanding approach to carbon reduction and the need for universities to achieve stringent carbon reduction targets.

As a result of the above GSSArchitecture have been appointed to deliver a direct replacement to the old (circa. 1960’s) boiler house located at Pepper Lane, in the form of a new energy centre.

As well as using full BIM co-ordination and clash detection, GSS are working with the University to understand how the Estates Department can leverage the information contained within the BIM model (principally M&E services) to enhance and integrate the BMS interfaces, manage plant maintenance requirements and undertake ‘in-use’ energy analysis. This project is currently on-going and has involved the development of specific data requirements to target specific University objectives.

Project : Energy Centre

Client : Reading University


Project Example 2 : Reading University Energy Centre

The Royal Latin School is a co-educational grammar school of approximately 1,260 students, including a large sixth form of 390+. The school was designated a Specialist Science College in 2003, building upon a strong foundation of excellence in Science.

GSSArchitecture were successful in winning a design competition, and were subsequently appointed by the School to develop the detailed design, following successful completion of the feasibility study, using BIM to convey the design intent.

The project is a result of a study which concluded that the existing science accommodation at the School did not meet current and future requirements. The new facility, known as ‘The Discovery Centre’, will replace and expand on this accommodation, leaving the existing building available for future development.

To add further value, GSS have advocated the use of BIM throughout the entire project team to develop designs using Revit and other BIM compliant applications. This will enable the sharing of models between the various design disciplines and will lead to clash detection and co-ordination, which we believe will greatly assist with some of the more complex architectural geometry.

We are also aiming to use the BIM model to assist with cost planning and programming to bring greater efficiencies to the project.

Project : Discovery Centre

Client : Royal Latin School, Buckinghamshire


Project Example 3 : Royal Latin School

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gss architecture · 2013-05-21 · strategy during 2010, and started by developing an investment...

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