What is BIM Modeling?

This is the 3D modeling of an existing building or a new building project in a computer-based environment, in accordance with BIM standards. It should be able to be exported from the original computer program in IFC format.

Within the 3D model, there are details about the architectural, electrical-mechanical, structural and other constituent parts of the project. Each discipline creates its own model, and a project is created from these BIM models in a 3D computer environment.

The model facilitates the coordination of, and communication between, the stakeholders involved in the project through a single visual. Computer programs, such as Revit and Allplan, which enable 3D modeling, allow us to navigate inside the created 3D structure and to view sections and details from different points. By entering all new project data that arises as the project progresses, the project model is continually updated until the completion of the construction work.

What is 3D Modeling?

3D modeling describes the process used in producing cartoons, or designing industrial objects, such as aircraft and cars in a computer-based environment.

In order for a model to be BIM, it must be made with computer programs suitable for the construction industry and must comply with the IFC format. These programs produce models in accordance with BIM standards.

Revit, Allplan, Archicad, Tekla, BIMsight, BIM object and BIM collab are examples of these programs.

Can You Generate a BIM Model from a 2D Plan?

Projects in the construction industry that for many years have been traditionally created using 2D plans, axonometric views, aspect sections and detail drawings, can now be modeled with 3D design tools which automatically create all kinds of cross-section and plan images.

The first stage of the BIM procedure starts with the creation in the computer environment of 3D models of the planned building to be constructed.

If a project has started to be designed in 2D, it is necessary to convert it to three dimensions with 3D design programs in order to use the BIM system.

Creating a 3D model from a 2D plan is very easy:

-2D plans are imported into the computer program as a basis.

-Objects such as 3D walls, roofs and upper floors are placed onto the floor plans step by step.

-Necessary components and objects such as heaters, lamps, etc. are created.

-These created objects are placed in the project.

-The desired data is written into the objects and building elements in three dimensions.

The 3D modeling of projects makes time management and cost calculation very easy in the ensuing stages.

What are the Purposes and Advantages of BIM Modeling?

BIM Modeling allows:

-Project management

-Cost management

-Time management

-Detection of defects and errors in structures within the BIM system before physical construction

-Contribution to the sourced quantity calculations due to being an object-based system

-Visualization

-Simulation and analysis

-Production of sustainable, high energy performance structures

-Life cycle data for the building (CO2 emission, costs, energy consumption, time)

-A fast, high quality and effective process

-Better production quality, documentation and customer service

-Maximum deviation of 3% in cost calculation

-Up to 80% reduction in time spent estimating costs

-Up to 7% reduction in project duration

Modeling Methods

      – Object-Oriented Modeling

Projects have traditionally been developed and prepared in a 2D format. In this case, every element that makes up the structure is represented by a line. However, when the project elements are drawn in 2D, it becomes difficult to get an idea about the properties and appearances of building elements such as windows, walls, doors, floors, etc. 

In the BIM system, objects are digitized. The model has the ability to describe each physical building element, corresponding directly to the construction of the building, piece by piece. In this way, a virtual twin of the project is formed in the computer environment. Thus, designers can accurately predict and solve construction problems and spatial inconsistencies before these problems arise during the implementation phase.

     – Parametric Modeling

Parametric objects – those expressed using parameters – form the basis of parametric modeling. These objects have “intelligent” behaviors and can be configured by setting the property values ​​of open parameters. The BIM system generally uses the parametric feature at the object level. For this reason, models created with the BIM system are like an assembly of independent variables. Creating a digital twin of a building in a computer environment is done by modeling and adjusting parametric objects. The BIM system provides more reliable, high quality and coordinated building information with parametric modeling.

When using traditional methods, the objects in a project are expressed with lines, and any changes must be updated by the user – a process which takes up a lot of time. Parametric modeling can add great value and time-savings to the design, if used correctly. Models are easily changed by making quick changes in parameters. The record of the construction of the model is automatically saved in 3D and recording begins as soon as the model is started. 

Parametric models also provide other benefits. These include:

-Fast creation of designs

-Productivity

-Flexible design

-Quick viewing of the model in case of change

-Ease of changing object properties

-Modifiable object properties

-Improved product visualization

-Additional advantages, such as using old models in new designs.

How Many Types of BIM Model are There?

Any element required in the life cycle of a structure can be modeled. We can model structural and architectural projects, mechanical projects, electrical projects, ventilation projects, heating and air conditioning projects, installation projects, and restoration and renovation projects. We can also check their overlap.

– Architectural Modeling

The architect can produce a model, which automatically provides section and plan views, enabling them to produce the work and delivery files for which they are responsible. The architect conveys the design principles to the engineers through the Architectural BIM Model.

It is also possible to create realistic videos and visuals by increasing the realism of this drawn model in the rendering program, by making appropriate light and camera settings on the modeled project.

– Structural Modeling

The civil engineer can produce a model, which automatically creates section and plan views, sizes the foundation, columns, beams, etc., and produces the work and delivery files for which they are responsible.

A civil engineer dealing with the architectural project inspects the broad design. Then analytical calculations are made with various computer programs regarding the column dimensions. The model examined at this stage is a two dimensional linear and analytical model. The civil engineer creates the foundation model by ascertaining the required dimensions of the foundation elements of the model. The beams connecting the foundations are also modeled. These foundations do not appear on an architectural model. The civil engineer exports the formwork plans from this structural model. In order to describe three dimensions in two dimensions, the required parameters are placed on the elements. For example, information such as the thickness of a slab and the level it sits on are automatically displayed on these labels. With the right parameter settings, these tags are quite comfortable to read. When some of the complex details have been omitted, it is necessary to enrich the plans with a two-dimensional drawing. Present in the structural models and their IFC counterparts are elements such as column, IFC column, BIM.

– Modeling Plumbing Elements

The mechanical engineer can produce digital-based BIM modeling that automatically provides 2D plans and views, sizes the HVAC, air conditioning, ventilation and installation elements, and produces the work and delivery files for which they are responsible.

Due to the complexity of some projects, it may be necessary to break them down into several models. For example; making two separate models for the air conditioning installation and the hot water installation in a project. However, even if all these models are then gathered in the same model, it is possible to group, filter, hide and show them in the same model with sub-project logic.

The most popular computer program used in this regard is the Revit program. While modeling ventilation and pipe elements, it is necessary to think with system logic. The end, terminal, elbow and pipe parameters of a system must be created. It is also possible to write technical property values ​​into these parameters.

The most common question about plumbing mock-ups is usually “Which elements need to be modeled?” We recommend modeling hard object elements such as pipes, waste water pipes, washbasins, toilet bowls, etc. However, it is not necessary to model soft plastic elements such as hot water pipes. Those can be made according to customer request.

Ventilation models are very important in terms of understanding where the ventilation pipes may hit the beams and what openings are required in the curtain walls.

– Electrical Modeling

Electrical engineers can make a model showing electrical elements.

These models include elements such as electrical sockets, on-off switches, etc. It would be necessary to model the electrical cables in a structure one by one. However, this should only be done at the request of the customer. The IFC equivalences of electrical structural elements are not very detailed. Therefore, there is a very free structure in this type of computer programming. When a three-dimensional socket model is required, it can be easily made with programs such as Allplan, Autocad or Revit, and exported to IFC format.

How Many BIM Models Should a Project Have?

There should be at least as many digital models as there are specialists working on a project, because each specialist is responsible for their own work, their BIM model, 2D plans and sections created from that model, and data outputs. In addition, depending on the size of the project, the building complex may also be modeled in parts.

How Big Should a Digital Model Be?

We recommend that the size of a digital model should not exceed 80mb.

What Do We Need to Get Started with BIM Modeling?

If the project has already begun, or if the building is available, two-dimensional plans and sections of the building are sufficient. We can also import the following formats to the programs we use:

-2D formats such as PDF, dwg

-3D formats such as dxf, rhino, sketch-up, IFC

-Point cloud

We can turn any of this data into a 3D smart BIM model.

If you have a BIM contract or specification, modeling should be done in accordance with this specification.

If you do not have a BIM specification, the BIM model should be made at the optimum point when you can use it most efficiently and when we can produce it in the fastest way.

How Do We Create Our Offers?

As a subcontractor or project contractor, BimGen can produce any type of BIM modeling: architectural, structural, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, etc. These models make it possible to establish quantities, capture data and access images.

When we need to bid on a project, we multiply the man-hour constants in our company by the square meterage, based on our previous experience, according to the detail of the requested BIM model; and we prepare a proposal according to the result. Our constants vary according to the detail, square meterage and program of the project.

Why Should You Have Us Do BIM Modeling?

– Do you want to control your project cost?

We have produced more than 3,000,000m² of models and, as a result of our experience, we can show that BIM models made with the right parameters developed by BimGen reduce project costs by 14%.

– Worried about your project planning getting delayed?

Reports, images, and 3D models prepared by BimGen can be shared to gain the trust of all project partners. It speeds up the collaboration process.