BUILDING INFORMATION MODELLING (BIM)-Advanced

Lab Manual
BUILDING INFORMATION MODELLING (BIM)-
ADVANCED

BCVL657A

Department of Civil Engineering

RR Institute of Technology

Chickbanavara, Bangalore

Prepared by Reviewed by
Dr. Raghu K Dr. Harinath S
Assistant Professor, Prof. & Head,
Department of Civil Engineering Department of Civil Engineering

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 BUILDING INFORMATION MODELLING (BIM)-Advanced

1.0 Introduction
• BIM is an acronym for Building Information Modeling or Building Information Management.
• It is a highly collaborative process that allows architects, engineers, real estate developers,
contractors, manufacturers, and other construction professionals to plan, design, and construct a
structure or building within one 3D model.
• Building information modeling (BIM) is a process involving the generation and management
of digital representations of the physical and functional characteristics of buildings and other
physical assets.
• BIM is supported by various tools, technologies and contracts.
• Building information models (BIMs) are computer files (often but not always in proprietary
formats and containing proprietary data) which can be extracted, exchanged or networked to
support decision-making regarding a built asset.
• BIM software is used by individuals, businesses and government agencies who plan, design,
construct, operate and maintain buildings and diverse physical infrastructures, such as water,
refuse, electricity, gas, communication utilities, roads, railways, bridges, ports and tunnels.
• The concept of BIM has been in development since the 1970s, but it only became an agreed
term in the early 2000s.
1.1 Advantages of BIM (Revit)
• Better collaboration between architects, engineers and other professionals
• Easy to make changes and updates
• Easy to understand different parameters
• Catalogued materials and fixtures
• Estimation and costing
• Area analysis
• Use in building renovations
• Reusing materials from buildings to be demolished or dismantled
1.2 Disadvantages of BIM
• Generally, requires powerful computers
• Skilled professionals required to handle the software
• Most BIM applications don't have the option to save the files in lower versions.
• Steep learning curve .

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2.0 What are BIM Levels?
Different levels of BIM can be achieved for various types of projects. Each level represents a
different set of criteria that demonstrates a particular level of ‘maturity.’ BIM levels start with 0
and go to 4D, 5D, and even 6D BIM. The purpose of these levels is to gauge how effectively, or
how much information is being shared and managed throughout the entire process.
2.1 Level 0 BIM: Paper-based drawings + zero collaboration
• Level 0 BIM refers to not operating collaboratively at all.
• using 2D CAD and working with drawings and/or digital prints, can safely say at level
0.
• Today, most of the industry is working above this level.
2.2 Level 2 BIM: Teams work in their own 3D models
• Level 2 BIM begins to add in a collaborative environment.
• At level 2, all team members use 3D CAD models but sometimes not in the same model.
However, the way in which stakeholders exchange information differentiates it from
other levels. Information about the design of a built environment is shared through a
common file format.
• When firms combine this with their own data, they save time, reduce costs, and eliminate
the need for rework. Since data is shared this way, the CAD software must be capable of
exporting to a common file format, such as IFC (Industry Foundation Class) or COBie
(Construction Operations Building Information Exchange).
2.3 Level 3 BIM: Teams work with a shared 3D model
• BIM level 3 is even more collaborative.
• Instead of each team member working in their own 3D model, Level 3 means that
everyone uses a single, shared project model.
• The model exists in a ‘central’ environment and can be accessed and modified by
everyone. This is called Open BIM, meaning that another layer of protection is added
against clashes, adding value to the project at every stage.
2.3.1 Benefits of Level 3 BIM are:
• Better 3D visualization of the entire project
• Easy collaboration between multiple teams and trades
• Simplified communication and understanding of design intention
• Reduced rework and revisions at every stage of the project.
2.4 Levels 4, 5, and 6 BIM: Adding in scheduling, cost, & sustainability information
• BIM level 4 brings a new element into the information model: time.
• This information includes scheduling data that helps outline how much time each phase

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of the project will take or sequencing of various components.
• Level 5 BIM adds cost estimations, budget analysis, and budget tracking to the
information model. When working at this level of BIM, project owners can track and
determine what costs will be incurred during the length of the project.
• Level 6 BIM information is useful for calculating the energy consumption of a building
before it's built. This ensures that designers take into account more than just the upfront
costs of an asset. Level 6 BIM ensures accurate predictions of energy consumption
requirements and empowers stakeholders to build structures that are energy efficient and
sustainable.
2.4.1 Benefits of Levels 4, 5, and 6 BIM are:
• More efficient site planning and scheduling
• More efficient hand-offs between steps in the construction stage
• Real-time cost visualization
• Simplified cost analysis
• Reduced energy consumption in the long run
• Better operational management of the building or structure after handover

3.0 (LOD) in BIM

• Level of development (LOD) is a set of specifications that gives professionals in the
Architectural Engineering and Construction(AEC) industry the power to document,
articulate, and specify the content of BIM effectively and clearly.
• Serving as an industry standard, LOD defines the development stages of different systems
in BIM.
• By using LOD specifications, architects, engineers, and other professionals can clearly
communicate with each other without confusion for faster execution.
3.1 Fundamental Definitions Associated with LOD
• At LOD 100, which is the pre-design stage, the model consists of 2D symbols and the
masses to signify an element’s existence.
• At LOD 200, the elements are partially defined by outlining their approximate quantity,
size, shape, and location.
• By LOD 300, the elements are defined with exact BIM dimensions and their relative
positions bolstering precision.
• LOD 350 describes the information about an element precisely and outlines an element’s
relation and connection with other components.
• The LOD 400 level outlines the basic information about the construction of various
elements.
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• LOD 500, the model begins representing the real-life functions of elements in a real
building.
4.0 Role of autodesk revit in bim workflow
Autodesk Revit plays a central role in a BIM workflow by acting as the primary software
for creating, managing, and coordinating a comprehensive 3D building information model,
allowing architects, engineers, and construction professionals to collaborate on a single source of
truth throughout the design, construction, and operations phases of a project, minimizing errors
and optimizing project efficiency.
4.1 Key aspects of Revit's role in BIM:
▪ Integrated Design:
Revit enables users to design all aspects of a building within a single model, including
architectural elements, structural systems, and MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing)
systems, facilitating seamless coordination between disciplines.
▪ 3D Modeling:
Revit's core strength lies in its advanced 3D modeling capabilities, allowing for detailed
and accurate representations of a building, enabling better visualization and design
analysis.
▪ Data-rich Model:
Every element in a Revit model contains rich parametric data, like dimensions, materials,
and performance characteristics, which can be used for analysis, cost estimations, and
construction documentation.
▪ Collaboration Features:
Revit facilitates real-time collaboration through features like worksharing, allowing
multiple team members to work on the same model simultaneously and manage potential
conflicts.
▪ Documentation Generation:
The model data in Revit can be automatically translated into various construction
documents, including floor plans, elevations, sections, schedules, and detailed shop
drawings.
▪ Clash Detection:
By integrating with other BIM software like Navisworks, Revit enables clash detection,
identifying potential conflicts between different building systems before construction
begins.

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➢ STARTING A PROJECT
Procedure:
• Open Revit and select New, then choose an appropriate project template.
• Explore the different panels: Quick Access Toolbar, Project Ribbon, Properties panel, and Project
Browser.
• Ensure all necessary panels are visible and properly set up by adjusting the user interface as needed.

Fig. 1 Revit 2023

• In Revit, there are four primary sections used for creating and modifying a design. The Quick Access
Toolbar is highlighted in red, the Project Ribbon in yellow, the Properties panel in green, and the Project
Browser panel in blue (Figure 2). If any of these sections are accidentally closed, they can be restored by
navigating to View → User Interface (rightmost icon) in the ribbon.

Fig. 2 Revit Interface

• Ensure the Properties panel is open by right-clicking in the project workspace and selecting
Properties. If the Properties panel is not visible, go to the View tab in the Project Ribbon, select
User Interface, and make sure Project Browser is checked.

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• In the ribbon, navigate to the Manage tab and select Project Units (or type "UN") under the Settings
section (Figure 3). Click on the Length value, choose the appropriate units for the project, and then
click OK.

Fig. 3 Project Units

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➢ SETTING UP LEVELS AND GRIDS (DATUM PLANES)

Aim:
Set up and modify levels and grids, which form the basic structure for the project.

Procedure:
• Select the Level 1 floor plan in the Project Browser.
• Create and modify levels and grids as needed.
• Start a New Project and select the structure Template
• Add the levels in an elevation view (Fig. 4)
• Add grid lines in the Level 1 view at 3m. Make sure to lock the grid lines using the pin tool (Fig. 5)

Fig. 4 Project Levels in the East elevation

Fig. 5 Grid Lines in the Level 1 view

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➢ MODELLING OF FOUNDATION, COLUMNS, BEAMS, SLABS & WALLS
Aim: Learn to create and modify foundation, columns, beams, slabs and walls within a Revit
project.
▪ Adding Foundation
• For creating Foundation, create grid lines before on foundation level.
• Click on Structure Ribbon → Foundation Tab → Select Isolated → browse file select desired
structure file → open → Move mouse above grids, when two line will highlighted, click on
it.
• Then change view to 3d.

▪ Adding Columns
• Click on Structure Ribbon→ Structure Tab → Select Column
• Click on Load Family from mode tab
• Select Column (Structural→ Column→ Concrete/Steel/Wood) → Open
• Uncheck or Check "Rotate after placement" option to rotate column. If required
• Specify the level up to which you want place the column. If we select unconnected level then
we can specify the height of column
• Place the Column over the grid lines
• Esc→ Esc (To Terminate from command)
*Note:
a) To add Column, we need GRIDS
b) We can see Column in "Floor Plans View
c) In Project Browser" or "3D view"
▪ Adding Beams
• Click on Structure Ribbon→ Structure Tab → Select Beam
• Click on Load Family from mode tab
• Select Beam (Structural Concrete/Steel/Wood) → Open Framing → Select any option from
Draw Tab to create Beam
• In Placement Plane, choose your required level where you want place Beam
• Uncheck or Check "Chain" option to disable or enable
• Draw the Beam over the grid lines
• Esc→ Esc (To Terminate from command)
*Note:
a) To add Beam we need GRIDS
b) We can see Beam in "Elevation View in Project Browser" or "3D view"

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▪ Adding Slabs
• Click on Structure Ribbon → Foundation Tab →click on Slab → Select Structural
Foundation Slab on ribbon→ Pick walls Click on right symbol on ribbon.

▪ Creating Walls
• Click on Architecture Ribbon →Build Tab → Select Wall
• Select type of wall
• Specify unconnected height for wall
• Select Location line
• Select Line or Rectangle option to create Horizontal or Vertical wall
• Click on points to fix start and end position of wall
• Uncheck chain option to disable continuity of wall. If required
• Select arc or circle options to create curve wall
• Esc → Esc (To Terminate from command)
• Wall Properties
• To open property window, Type properties
• Select wall → Click on Type Properties
• Click on duplicate tab→ give element name click on ok
• Click on Edit Tab
To change Thickness,
• Give Thickness value
• Click on Ok Apply → Ok
To change Material,
• Click on <By Category>
• Select Material type
Result: The modelling of foundation, columns, beams, slabs and walls in a building using Revit
software.

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To link and align structural models with architectural models in Revit, use the "Link Revit"
command, choose the appropriate positioning option (often "Auto - Shared Coordinates" or
"Auto - Origin to Origin"), and then utilize tools like "Copy/Monitor" and "Manage Links" to
ensure coordination and alignment.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
1. Linking the Models:
• Open the host model:
Start with the architectural model (or the model where you want the structural model to be
linked).
• Insert the linked model:
• Go to the "Insert" tab, then the "Link Panel" and click "Link Revit".
• Navigate to the structural model (.rvt file) and select it.
• Positioning Options: Choose the appropriate positioning option:
• "Auto - Shared Coordinates": Best if both models use the same shared
coordinate system.
• "Auto - Origin to Origin": Places the origin of the linked model at the
origin of the host model.
• "Auto - Center to Center": Places the center of the linked model at the
center of the host model.
• Click "Open".
2. Aligning and Coordinating:
• Verify Alignment:
After linking, visually inspect the models to ensure they are aligned correctly.
• Use "Copy/Monitor":
• Go to the "Collaborate" tab and click "Copy/Monitor".
• Select the linked structural model.
• Choose elements (levels, grids, etc.) to copy and monitor.
• Manage Links:
• Go to the "Manage Links" panel to view, reload, or unload linked models.
• You can also use "Manage Links" to check if the linked model is using the same
shared coordinates as the host model.
• Pin the linked model:
Pin the linked model to prevent accidental movement.
• Use the "Align" tool:
If necessary, use the "Align" tool to manually align elements between the linked model and the
host model.
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3. Best Practices:
• Shared Coordinates:
Ideally, both the architectural and structural models should be created using the same shared
coordinate system.
• Coordinate Levels and Grids:
Ensure that levels and grids in both models are aligned and coordinated.
• Regularly Monitor Changes:
Use the "Copy/Monitor" tool to track changes in the linked model and update your host model
accordingly.
• Use Revit Links:
Revit links are a powerful way to manage large projects and ensure coordination between
different disciplines.

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