13 Tasks Before Creating BEP (BIM Execution Plan)
Before the commencement of any construction project, especially for unusually large or complex projects with several different parties in collaboration, it’s essential to create a BIM Execution Plan (BEP) to review and implement it throughout the various phases of the project. The plan is mainly useful for helping to ensure that all the parties are in sync when it comes to collaboration and taking the project further. It shows an overall plan of execution, keeping the big picture clear and in focus.
Carrying out a BIM process involves the following steps:
- Establishing a BIM strategy
A BIM strategic plan is organizing a three-year blueprint for all things related to BIM and Revit, from drafting to analysis. The plan identifies office operation areas that need improvement and outlining new software avenues to explore.
Specific tasks that need to occur with office operations of designing and drafting a building are listed and categorized. We’ll go through the process of creating the plan including goals and action plans. Implementing and revising the plan will also be discussed along with successes and lessons learned. Also, the contractor may determine internal BIM ambition. Therefore, it is an ideal moment to experiment with new, innovative solutions.
- Selection and configuration of tools
A system generating 3D models, capable of saving files e.g. to DWG format, will be enough. BIM Coordinator is required to know the number of licenses and the level of software knowledge among co-workers.
- Establishing the project coordinates
The benefits of correctly adjusting shared coordinates are not limited to aligning models for coordination but can also position the project in the real world if using proper geodetic data from a surveyor landmark or a provided file with the real-world information present.
- Selecting a Data Management System
A BIM database not only improves collaboration, but it also provides a store of architectural and design data that can be used for 3D modeling and software simulations. These programs can be used for design and structural purposes, allowing for the creative deployment of new materials and design concepts.
- Determining the structure of folders
The final data submittal is to have all data organized into a folder structure, as outlined below. The list provided is not intended to be all-inclusive and only serves as an outline. For example, you may add sub-folders as needed. Additional folders must adhere to the General Naming Standard. All individual shop drawings and product data are to follow a file naming standard which starts with a CSI numbering system, followed by a description of the CSI Section, followed by description of the file.
- Defining model and file nomenclature
Naming models/files are as important as folder structure. Of course, it depends on the type of project and the number of created models. BIM Coordinator establishes a document containing a list of all models with information on who is responsible for delivering the model (usually discipline’s designers). The naming of the models should be logical and the record form should reflect the different possible alternatives (e.g. variant 3, old model). In general, letters and numbers are used in a particular sequence.
- Creating a drawing board and print styles
BIM Coordinator is responsible for creating the drawing table needed for the paper documentation. The table should have dynamic blocks allowing easy updates of the names used in the project and adapt to the scale of the drawing. The table contains basic information on the project. It is also necessary to create the same print style for all drawings, based on e.g. layer color, layer name, line thickness. The printout style should be consistent with the ordering party’s guidelines.
Export all graphical content in the various file formats, as well as the project, reports in the RTF text file format. The BIM methodology also provides specific procedures for importing and exporting in the standard IFC format. A very important aspect when having to satisfy the need of exchanging information and model data, regardless of the software used.
All working drawings are automatically composed of the software with the General Data and further detailing can be achieved by adding custom graphics and text elements. Working drawings are then saved within the project and can always be re-used. One of the great advantages of 3D Architectural design is to be able to obtain drawings and project documentation.
- Input data collection
Assessment of the quality of the received files is significant here. It is required to check if the files have been delivered in a readable format, appropriate scale, and coordinate system. In some cases, it is necessary to transform the files to the coordinate reference system adopted in the project, for instance from UTM to NTM.
- Establishing models of the existing situation
Many companies are using BIM and construction technology to reduce costs and mitigate risk. With an ever-increasing number of team members using project data, real-time collaboration and a single document repository such as BIM 360 Docs reduces the risk of any company using outdated information.
- Integration of GIS data with the existing situation model
Most GIS software segregates spatial and attributes data into separate data management systems. Most frequently, the topological or raster structure is used to store the spatial data, while the relational database structure is used to store the attribute data.
- Establishing a multidisciplinary model
The multidisciplinary model is “the only source of truth”, providing an opportunity to view the information contained in it. The multidisciplinary model is updated on an ongoing basis depending on the work progress.
- Defining the date exchanging format
to specify which files will be delivered to particular disciplines as a reference as well as which files will be delivered with the final documentation.
- Determining communication in the project
It is worth standardizing the communication between all stakeholders in the project, i.e. between the industries, management, and investor. For this purpose, it is worth selecting one common communication system.
- Establishing BEP – BIM Execution Plan
BIM Execution Plan is, therefore, nothing more than a list of routines and procedures. It is crucial to keep in mind that the procedures described may evolve during the project.
CONCLUSION
The BIM Coordinator may be identified with many roles, such as educator, planner, innovator, or coordinator. These roles interpenetrate each other as well as change depending on the project phase. The BIM execution plan is a guide for new project participants. By describing the routines, processes, and strategies, and the current stage of the project, it’s much easier to introduce new employees in the project team.