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ICIS-report on specification and BIM

7 methods or trends of integrating specifications and building models – pro and contras

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The 7 methods/trends from the ICIS-report

Option 1 – Classification. Option 2 – Classification / Keynote Generator Option 3 – Object ID GeneratorOption 4 – Parameter Only (‘Lightweight / Shell’) Model Option 5 – Central Library Option 6 – Embedded in Model (‘One Model’) - with ability to export Option 7 – Embedded in Model (‘One Model’) - without ability to export

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ICIS – International Construction Information Society

ICIS is a worldwide association of organizations that provide national systems for classification, master specification and cost information www.icis.org

18 member organizations from 15 countries (US, UK, Canada, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Schwitzerland, Chezk Republic, Japan, Australia, New Zeeland)

3 cross country projects:- Definition of specification (finished)- BIM and specification (finished)- BIM and classification (in progress)

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Report background

• A wish to investigate and discuss methods to link or integrate building models and specifications

• The investigation and the report reflects existing tools and new tendencies in development in different ICIS-member countries

• Definition of Construction specification: a document used for administering construction and defining the method and quality of execution, it includes the specification of products and systems performances.

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Option 1 - Classification

This method has building models and specifications as two independent units, sharing a common classification system. There is no direct relation to the building model and no automation.

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Option 2 – Classification and keynote generator

This method uses software to compile a draft outline construction specification using the classification code and paragraph number as a key linking to a specification library automatically

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Option 3 – Object ID-generator

This method compiles an outline draft construction specification as a separate document outside the model by extracting defined object ID’s and their related parameters from the model, generating the required clauses from a specification clause library and partly populating specific clauses, such as product parameters.

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Option 4 – Parameter only (Shell-model)

Objects in a ’lightweight’ geometry model which contains only parameters for identification and geometry. All other properties are managed in external database being linked to the object using an identifier code.

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Option 5 – Central library

A product / object definition library (possibly with GUIDs and potentially with property sets) provides the central resource through which both construction specification information and BIM objects are linked.

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Option 6 – Embedded in ’one model, – with export

The construction specification information is embedded fully within the graphical model, with the relevant clauses embedded in each modelled object. The ability to export information from the model in the form of a construction specification would exist.

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The construction specification information is embedded fully within the graphical model, with the relevant clauses included as part of each modelled object. The ability to export information from the model does not exist.

Option 7 – Embedded in ’one model’ – with no export

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Conclusions in the report

• Option 4 (parameters, geometry model) and 5 (central object library) seems to be the best method

• Both methods allow automation and integration

• Both supports that changes in one area having impact on the other

• Both are fleksible regarding which tool, you want to use (first)

• ICIS project team believes that it is essential in the future to have both alfa-numeric and graphical tools collaborating as BIM

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Conclusions in the report

• Option 4 (parameters, geometry model) and 5 (central object library) seems to be the best method

• Both methods allow automation and integration

• Both supports that changes in one area having impact on the other

• Both are fleksible regarding which tool, you want to use (first)

• ICIS project team believes that it is essential in the future to have both alfa-numeric and graphical tools collaborating as BIM

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ICIS points out need for further research and discussions

Considering how construction specifications relate to BIM and which solutions can be envisioned concerning: - The data model – How to link, store and exchange data - Classifications – How to name data - The process – What to describe and when