After examining the types, structure and logic of different building classification systems, it seems natural to conclude that the national classification systems, like OmniClass from the U.S. and Uniclass 2015 from the U.K., are unfinished. They could still benefit from some improvements as regards the clarity their classification logic and…
After looking at the structure of popular building classification systems, now let’s look at their logic and internal consistency. For illustration, I’ll consider how they handle 4 different building elements. First – what do you get when you search the different systems for a door? OmniClass Searching for “door” gives…
As a step towards understanding the advantages and disadvantages of the most popular building classification systems, let’s look at how they are structured. OmniClass, used in AEC in North America, has 15 tables on varied facets of construction information. Uniclass 2015, the U.K. building industry classification system, has 10 tables.…
Designers often wonder which digital building classification to use in projects. Which is best? This is in fact a key question for the smooth exchange of information among a BIM project’s participants over the building’s entire life. Let me offer some context for the choice. This first post describes the…
Let’s look at the “Dimensions” class of BIM object property names in my proposed classification system. Like the crucial “Identification” property class, it should make it much easier to define your information needs and communicate those needs to others – with total clarity. What you have is a standardized list…
Wow, life can get busy. The last half year has been crazy (in a good sense). I have to apologize for the interruption in my posts here on the BIMAXON blog. But now I’m starting up again. I hope you’ll continue to find value in my ideas about doing digital…
Here’s a look at the “Identification” class in the BIMAXON classification system for BIM object property names. This is in fact the most important class, since every BIM actor needs Identification properties for every use of a model. So the gains from standardization here are very big. In presenting 1st-level…
I’ve argued that LOD is inefficient, and many of my readers seem to agree. It leads to model overload yet still often misses the mark on real-life information needs. The ‘GR’ approach solves those issues. The idea is to categorize the graphical representation of BIM objects based on their intended…
So what’s the plan for a good BIM setup at the timber-frame home manufacturer we’re examining? (Check out the introductory post on the company if you haven’t already.) I note that they’re investing in Revit and Navisworks to control BIM as a process, to move step-by-step from ArchiCAD to a…
I’m working with a Norwegian manufacturer of timber-frame homes to implement a set-of-information (SOI) approach to building information management at an international factory it runs. The case is very illustrative of the great benefits of BIM when optimized to give each actor just the information they need at just the…
Since my last post I’ve been involved in some nice developments related to BIM and classification. That’s why for now I’ve stopped writing about BIM element property names. But be patient, more and even better things are coming! Here’s a quick update. FIRST, Lithuania has adopted a national construction classification…
In my last post about the urgent need to standardize BIM element properties, I promised to help do that. Here I begin to present the classification system for property names that I’m developing. I list my proposed 1st (entry) level of classes. Then I give an example of how they…
Properties are a huge source of confusion and inefficiency in BIM. I was reminded of that at the Eurovent meeting in Paris last week, talking with manufacturers of heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment. The HVAC industry’s move to BIM is being slowed by the lack of standards for object…
In this post, let’s look at some of the workflow implications of my proposed SOI approach to BIM data management, with the use of GR levels instead of LOD, by walking through a simple project to build a reinforced concrete column. 1. First we need to clarify the overall information-exchange…
My last post introduced the notion of a BIM object’s GR or “level of detailed geometry in its 3D graphical representation.” Let me explain more, to clarify the advantages over LOD that the GR approach to levels of detailing offers in terms of both efficiency and data usefulness. What’s of…
To better understand the set-of-information (SOI) approach to BIM data management I’m proposing, let’s review some key workflow notions in light of the purpose for which BIM exists. The purpose of BIM, in my view, is “to give each actor just the information they need at just the right time throughout a…
In my last post I described how the standard LOD/LOI methodology is causing information overload in BIM and slowing workflows. Now I want to outline a new approach which has the potential to resolve these problems and improve life for all BIM participants. I call it the “Set of Information”…
Everyone with an interest in BIM has struggled with LOD. Not just with the term’s subtleties of meaning and inconsistent use: “Does LOD here mean ‘Levels of Definition’ or ‘Level of Development’ or ‘Level of Detail’, and how does it differ from ‘Level of Information’?” But also with the practical…
This is a blog about building information technologies. More specifically, BIM. And ways to apply BIM better in architecture, engineering and construction. Both at the big-picture level of methodology, and also as regards very practical details of everyday project management. My name’s Donatas. I’ve been working with building information technologies…
