Robert S' Weygant, CSI, CDT, SCIP

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BIM and Specifications

• Robert S. Weygant, CSI, CDT, SCIP
• Email robert_at_sumexdesign.com

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Robert S. Weygant, CSI, CDT, SCIP
About Me

• Robert S. Weygant is a BIM integration and
  product development consultant to the
  construction community, providing data
  structuring and graphics solutions for the
  Manufacturing, Design, and Construction teams.
  Robert has practical experience as an general
  contractor, draftsman, manufacturers
  representative, independent specifier and BIM
  integrator, and is a Certified Autodesk Revit
  professional

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Overview Outline

• Introduction
• Topics to Cover
• Introduction Vision of BIM
• Earlier involvement in the Project
• Specifiers Changing Role
• Getting into the Model
• Management of Assemblies and Systems
• Standards and Formats
• Managing Data
• IPD Integrated Project Delivery
• Creating Specification Documents from BIM Data
• Conclusions - What will tomorrow Bring?
• Discussion Q A

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Vision of bim
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Vision of BIM

• What is BIM?
• Building Information Modeling (BIM) A technology
  which allows relevant graphical and topical
  information related to the built environment to
  be stored in a relational database for access and
  management.
• Definitions
• Building (n) Any structure, project, system, or
  space.
• Construction
• Transportation
• Geospatial
• Information (n) Knowledge of specific events or
  topics gathered or received by communication.
• Modeling (v) Creation of a schematic description
  of a system, theory, or design that accounts for
  its known or inferred properties for further
  study of its characteristics.
• Definitions as they apply to BIM
• Building Information (n) Knowledge applicable to
  a given project, system, or element.
• Information Modeling (v) A description of the
  attributes of a design for further study of its
  characteristics.
• Building Modeling (v) Description of a
  structure, project, system or space by way of
  visual and graphic representation.

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Vision of BIM

• Process Improvement
• Improves the efficiency of aspects of the project
  lifecycle by leveraging available project
  information and minimizing design time.
• Fosters the concept of a building as a whole,
  rather than a sum of its parts.
• Allows all interested parties an opportunity to
  work in a collaborative environment.
• Provides conceptual models of buildings, systems
  and elements for visualization and simulation
  prior to decision making.
• Automates redundant tasks for reuse between
  elements, systems and projects.

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Vision of BIM

• Improved Accuracy and functionality of
  Deliverables
• Automation of code compliance and systems
  analysis
• Automation of schedules, QTOs BOMs
• Visualizations and renderings prior to
  construction
• Clash Detection
• Documenting a Buildings Lifecycle
• Archival of building progress at each phase of
  project development
• Global element and system updating facilitates
  creation of As-Built models
• As-Built model information leveraged for
  Facilities Management building usage and
  maintenance forecasting.

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Earlier Involvement in the Project
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Earlier Involvement in the Project

• Project information begins to evolve within the
  project at an earlier point.
• Earlier system and element based decisions
  Faster design time
• Earlier product specific decisions made allows
  earlier development of the project manual.
• Simulations and visualizations confirm compliance
  with project requirements and intent.

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Earlier Involvement in the Project

• Increased roles and responsibilities of the
  Specifier
• Assumes responsibility of project information
  manager through the project lifecycle.
• Assumes responsibility of management of digital
  BIM elements.

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Earlier Involvement in the Project

• Strengthened / affirmed need for Specifiers
  knowledge base
• Specifier typically has the greatest level of
  knowledge about products and systems.
• Specifier viewed as Knowledge Manager in
  addition to Spec Writer

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Specifiers Changing Role
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Specifiers Changing Role

• The Specifier as Spec Writer

• Current Responsibilities
• Project Documentation

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Specifiers Changing Role

• The BIM Evolution Changing Deliverables

Specification Writer
Knowledge Manager
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Specifiers Changing Role

• The Specifier as Knowledge Manager

• BIM Responsibilities
• System and element selection
• BIM System Integration
• Project Information Manager
• Project Documentation

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GETTING INTO THE MODEL
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GETTING INTO THE MODEL

• Emphasize Need for Specifiers Involvement in BIM
  Model
• Knowledge Management
• Specifier is most qualified with elements and
  systems
• Minimizes research effort required by design team
• Eliminates redundant work performed by design
  team and specifier
• Consultant t
• Process Improvement
• Streamlines workflow - information is provided
  earlier allowing on-the-fly decision making
• Provides consistency - Changes to documentation
  of project information is handled by one party
• Standardization and Data Organization
• Specifiers have most knowledge and experience
  with standards and formats
• Current role is that of data organizer BIM
  moves the role to a digital format.

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GETTING INTO THE MODEL

• Methods of Entering the BIM Model
• Peripheral Consulting role to advise BIM
  modelers
• Provide Guidance
• Provide Product and System Selections
• Direct Creation and Management of Model Content
• Provide Product and System Selections
• Development of BIM component and system data
• Management of BIM data after implementation in
  the model

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GETTING INTO THE MODEL

• Specifiers Roles and Responsibilities Within the
  Model
• Model Data Maintenance
• Modifying products from generic to
  proprietary as decisions are made
• Adding, linking and changing performance
  requirements to compliment and conform to
  documented requirements.
• Element and System Design
• Development of actual graphic component files for
  model implementation.
• Development and modification of system
  configurations as changes are made
• Control of Output Forms and External Data Links
• Management of links related to individually
  specified elements and assemblies.
• Management of documentation exported or output
  from model.
• Creation of documentation consistent with model
  data.
• Addition of Performance and Lifecycle Information
• Addition of performance based information
  necessary to allow analysis of systems
• Addition of lifespan, warranty, phasing,
  maintenance, and replacement information of
  future leveraging by facilities managers and
  owners

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Management of Materials, Assemblies and Systems
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Materials, Assemblies and Systems

• Working with BIM Inside the Model vs.
  Peripheral
• Inside the Model
• Ensures consistency between model data and
  construction documents
• Allows most qualified party to control data
  inside the model
• Decreases effort required to create as built
  model
• Requires knowledge of design software
• Peripheral
• Provides a go-to individual for element and
  system selection across design phases.
• Allows model updates as elements are selected
  rather than all at once or not at all,
• Assists design team by providing element and
  system information to be entered in the model

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Materials, Assemblies and Systems

• Management of Materials
• Materials carry information relevant to the
  appearance and behavior of every component in the
  model.
• Visual appearance and rendering
• Structural performance and limitations allow
  analysis of model by external software
• Creation of Materials
• Development of materials based on performance,
  appearance or manufacturers requirements
• Formatting of materials into specific design
  considerations
• Selection of materials applicable to element
  types
• Providing options for materials applicable to
  element types

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Materials, Assemblies and Systems

• Management of Elements
• Elements carry information relevant to the
  performance of the overall building
• Resource and energy consumption data
• Effective lifespan of element
• Elements contain descriptive indicators which
  differentiate similar products from same products
• Keynotes MasterFormat, Uniformat, Omniclass,
  Annotations and Tags
• Descriptors Identifiers, Descriptions, Comments,
  Notes
• Elements carry properties which apply to design
  considerations and selection criteria.
• Allows qualification and quantification of
  attributes for product comparisons of same
  elements.
• Documents what a product is, and why it was
  chosen
• Creates a reference standard for replacement
  elements along the buildings lifecycle.
• Elements and products have a documented standard
  forfuture analysis of the building.

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Materials, Assemblies and Systems

• Management of Assemblies and Systems
• Assemblies and systems carry information relevant
  to individual products as they relate to an
  assembly as a whole (Walls, Floors, Ceilings,
  Roofs)
• Configuration of systems based on Logical Design
  (Rated Assemblies)
• Configuration based on design requirements
  (Thermal, Sound)
• Configuration based on preference (Color,
  Finishes)
• Assemblies behave a certain way based on their
  individual components
• Development of structural walls vs. partitions
• Assignment of performance requirements

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Materials, Assemblies and Systems

• Management of Outputs and Schedules
• Formatting of Schedules
• Template and assign fields required for various
  schedules
• Creation and maintenance of required schedules
• Preparation of Specifications and Related Output
  Documents
• Development of specifications based on BIM models
• Information required throughout the building
  lifecycle. Provide access to data sheets,
  performance standards, installation requirements,
  and other references.
• Development of Informational Links
• Management of links to related information
  necessary through building lifecycle
• Warranty, specification, documentation, testing,
  code compliance

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Standards and Formats
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Standards and Formats

• MasterFormat
• Categorization of work results
• Documents what work was performed
• Top level / cross-reference / keynote
• Acts as reference keynote to prepared
  specification
• More depth of knowledge required for BIM models
• Qualification Data - Descriptors
• Quantification Data Performance Aspects

Metal Windows 08 51 00
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Standards and Formats

• Uniformat
• Classification of Assemblies and Elements
• Documents Components and Systems
• Acts as reference between Assembly and BIM Model
• Again - More depth of knowledge required for BIM
  models
• Qualification Data - Descriptors
• Quantification Data Performance Aspects

Aluminum Windows B2020.08520
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Standards and Formats

• Omniclass Tables
• Table 23 Products
• Describes individual products by appearance
• Used in Assemblies (UF) to create Work Results
  (MF)
• Table 31 Phases
• Useful as a Data Filter
• Organize data based on need at specific points
  during project lifecycle

Table 23
Aluminum Casement Windows 23-30 20 17 21 14
Table 31
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Standards and Formats

• Omniclass Tables
• Table 49 Properties
• Useful as a Taxonomy
• No enumeration Add?
• Unify and Quantify physical properties of
  elements and products.
• Other Tables
• Table 33 - Disciplines Division of work
  responsibilities within the project
• Table 41 Materials Qualification and
  Organization of Materials used on the project

Table 49
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Standards and Formats

• Other Standards and Formats
• CSI GreenFormat
• Organization of data associated with
  Sustainability / LEED
• National CAD Standard
• Graphics layering gives way to Information
  layering.
• Align NCS with BIM to avoid confusion during
  transition
• Existing format to manage project data Organize
  information with graphics
• Other Property Set Development
• SPIE
• IFC / IFD IAI
• NIBS
• NBIMS
• USGBC

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Managing Data
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Managing Data

• Selecting Attributes
• BIM is larger than singular participant in the
  project
• Provide attributes necessary for project based on
  conditions, intent and necessity
• Critical need for development of standards
• Specifier doesnt know what every interested
  party needs

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Managing Data

• Adding Information (Analog)
• Hand Passing Information or The Lateral
• Todays Standard Workflow
• Requires no knowledge of BIM software
• No interaction with model
• Analog Passing of files between parties outside
  of the model environment
• Little additional benefit

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Managing Data

• Adding Information (Peripheral to Model)
• Development of Component Objects (Elements) and
  Systems
• Efficient workflow for specifiers and design
  teams on BIM based projects
• Requires some BIM software knowledge or
  development of an automated interface
• Data Driven Specifier resides outside of the
  model, looking in.
• Specifier prepares elements for insertion into
  model by design team

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Managing Data

• Adding Information (IPD)
• Direct to Project Model
• Requires substantial BIM software knowledge or
  development of an automated interface
• Workflow process for specifiers involved with IPD
  projects
• Development and placement of elements inside the
  model
• Data driven, not design driven
• Performed prior to dimensioning or detailing
• Streamlines entire IPD teams process.

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Managing Data

• How Much is too Much?
• Data is a minor use of file size and software
  resources
• Better to have information and not need than to
  need and not have
• Data is viewed through filters such as schedules
  and software plug-ins allowing unnecessary data
  to be Hidden
• Quality, not quantity
• Relevance is important
• Avoid descriptive data and terms
• Embed information only where necessary for model
  analysis
• Structural Properties
• Usage Properties
• Linking to web-based data keeps information
  current
• Base Information levels on project requirements
• Structural information on interiors project
• Lighting Information on structural project

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IPD Integrated Project Delivery
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IPD Integrated Project Delivery

• What is IPD
• Benefits to IPD projects from Specifier's
  involvement
• Earlier Product Selection
• Increased design time based on specified product
• Reduction in procurement delays
• More Accurate and Effective Bidding
• Comparisons can be affirmed by line item (Apples
  to Apples)
• Product substitutions may be made quickly
• Rolling Design Changes
• As actual products are specified, model updates
  may be performed allowing more time for model
  analysis and clash detection

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IPD Integrated Project Delivery

• Benefits to IPD projects from Specifier's
  involvement
• Earlier Product Selection
• Increased design time based on specified product
• Reduction in procurement delays
• More Accurate and Effective Bidding
• Comparisons can be affirmed by line item (Apples
  to Apples)
• Product substitutions may be made quickly
• Rolling Design Changes
• As actual products are specified, model updates
  may be performed allowing more time for model
  analysis and clash detection

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Creating Specification Documents from BIM Data
From This
To This
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Creating Specification Documents from BIM Data

• Manual Specification Creation from Model Data
• Project info more organized
• Information comes from well organized data sets
  including performance criteria, keynotes,
  assembly codes, descriptors and notes
• Informational links allow for simplified product
  solutions research
• More Accurate
• The more information that is provided, the more
  accurate the documentation can be at an earlier
  point.
• Allows more time to develop solutions
• Creates a point of reference
• Singular point of data unifies information
• Model Data Specification Data
• Accountability
• Date-stamped record of information provided
• Creates a clear division of Work

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Creating Specification Documents from BIM Data

• Automated Systems
• 3rd party plug-ins which attach to BIM software
• Create baseline specifications
• Typically non-specific to actual manufactured
  product
• No reference standard
• Difficult to use. Additional software system to
  learn
• Developmental, and functional, but cannot replace
  the specifier
• Future Improvements may improve the accuracy of
  the finished document, but are only as good as
  the guide specification which is initially
  created.

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Creating Specification Documents from BIM Data

• The Future of Specification Writing
• Digitally Based Documents
• Electronic Formats
• XML embedded
• Automation based on Guide Spec Systems
• More SpecWizard type interfaces
• Concurrent development of Specifications and BIM
  Elements
• Specification and BIM element created
  simultaneously from design considerations

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Conclusions
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Conclusions

• Role as spec writer remains, only the deliverable
  changes.
• Specifier is the most qualified member of the
  project team for managing BIM data.
• Specifier can evolve to Project Information
  Manager
• IPD can further streamline construction processes
  by bringing Specifier's expertise into the model.
• Additional education and cursory knowledge of BIM
  software can dramatically increase the value of
  the specifier to the design team.

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Questions, Comments and Discussion

• Robert S. Weygant, CSI, CDT, SCIP
• Email robert_at_sumexdesign.com