BIM and IFC - everyone is talking about them. But what exactly is it?
The term BIM stands for Building Information Modeling. It describes the optimized planning, execution and operation of buildings with the help of modern CAD software. In contrast to conventional systems, all relevant building data is planned in digital models in a BIM design and then merged for coordination and control. The clear advantage is the smooth collaboration between different planners and trades as well as loss-free data transfer. Today, BIM is used in construction planning and execution as well as in building management.
While a classic CAD model simply digitizes the plans of architects or engineers as drawings, a BIM model has an intelligent database with numerous attributes. These attributes can be used by all trades involved for better and more efficient planning. This is why it is also referred to as a project file or virtual building model. Trimble Nova supports engineers and planners in building services with this method and offers, for example, uses manufacturer data to carry out calculations and can insert these intelligent objects with the manufacturer data into the model. Thanks to the integration of IFC, these objects including the data can be exported as well as imported by external planning participants. This data exchange is supported by other formats. Using BCF (BIM Collaboration Format), annotations can be transferred to the IFC objects, e.g. as part of the coordination process. In a further function, the desired openings in walls or ceilings can be given to the architect / structural engineer for coordination by means of so-called "Provisions for Voids".
Since, as already mentioned, BIM has a database in the background of the drawing or model, this planning method has numerous advantages. Access to a shared and constantly synchronized database results in improved data quality. The planning data is immediately and continuously available to all those involved, and the current or relevant status is always available. The improved exchange of information minimizes idle time and shortens planning time. Thanks to a continuous database, the life cycle of a building can be tracked seamlessly from design to end of use. This increases the productivity of the planning process, saves costs and improves quality.