Here you will find a list of important terms relating to Building Information Modeling.
3D / 4D / 5D / 6D / 7D
Client informationrequirementsBigBIMBIM execution plan(BAP)BIM Collaboration Format (BCF)BIMsoftwareBIMstep-by-step planBuildingInformation Modeling (BIM)ClosedBIMSpecialistmodelIndustryFoundation Classes (IFC)CollisioncontrolCoordination modelLittleBIMLevelof Development (LOD)Open BIM
3D / 4D / 5D / 6D / 7D
A 3D building model is the exact geometric representation of a building. If it is a BIM model, it not only contains purely geometric information, but also additional attributes and information on all components or parts of the model. In a 4D model, these are also enriched with information on the schedule. The 5D model introduces costs as a further dimension. In addition, further dimensions have already been established (6D / 7D / nD), which, for example, include further
Information on the life cycle such as operation, demolition, disposal, maintenance and repair.
Client information requirements (AIA)
As client information requirements (AIA), the BIM stage plan defines the client's requirements as to which data is required in a BIM project, when and to what level of detail. By contractually agreeing the AIA, the responsibilities and obligations of the contractors in a BIM project are defined and clearly regulated at an early stage. The scheduled provision of information in the
quality, the client can make informed decisions at the right time.
Big BIM
Big BIM refers to the interdisciplinary application of the BIM method across the entire
Life cycle of a building, which involves the exchange of building models between different project partners.
BIM processing plan
The BIM execution plan forms the basis for cooperation in the BIM project and regulates the responsibilities of the project partners. The document represents a contractual agreement between the client and project participants and describes the intended organizational structures and processes, defines the BIM services to be provided
and specifies the level of information and detail (LOD) of different service phases. The BAP thus lays the foundation for a uniform standard for the models of different trades and ensures efficient collaboration throughout the entire project.
BIM Collaboration Format (BCF)
The BIM Collaboration Format (BCF) is an open file exchange format that was developed for the transfer of individual information from a building model, such as changes or collisions. The format is often used for the exchange of BIM software solutions and BIM viewers. By using the format
complete IFC models do not always have to be sent. The files contain a direct link to the relevant location in the building model, enabling faster coordination.
BIM software
BIM software is a parametric, three-dimensional and component-oriented CAD system. The BIM model represents the exact digital image of the future building, including all geometric, technical, physical and functional properties.
BIM step-by-step plan
The phased plan for digital planning and construction, also known as the BIM phased plan, describes the gradual introduction of Building Information Modeling in public construction projects in Germany by 2020. The plan was published by the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI) in December 2015 and envisaged implementation in three stages. Following a preparatory phase until 2017 and a pilot phase until 2020, BIM has been mandatory for the award of public contracts for federal infrastructure construction and infrastructure-related building construction since December 31, 2020. The step-by-step plan describes the level of performance then required and lists the necessary measures for introduction. To the step-by-step plan on the BMVI website
Following on from the phased plan, the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI) and the Federal Ministry of the Interior for Building and Community (BMI) founded the national center for the digitalization of the construction industry BIM Germany. Since January 2020, the competence center has been working on a standardized and
coordinated approach in infrastructure and building construction and helps the federal government to develop requirements and standards, draw up training and further training concepts and set up a BIM portal with a database, testing tools and BIM objects. Read more in this article.
Building Information Modeling (BIM)
Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a method of mapping buildings using a consistent, digital building model over their entire life cycle with all their relevant information. BIM is an integral planning method. The detailed building model is used throughout the entire planning process by all
The information is enriched for all project participants and thus supports better planning, execution and subsequent management of the building. This makes it possible to determine at an early stage whether the project can be implemented realistically and efficiently in terms of construction, time, material and cost planning. More about BIM
Closed BIM
Closed BIM is the term used when all participants in a BIM project work with the same
Software solution. The working method represents a limited application of the BIM method, as it is restricted to the use of software products from a single manufacturer. This means that project participants may not be able to use the tools that are best for them.
Compartment model
A specialist model is the discipline- or trade-specific 3D model of an individual project participant, e.g. the architectural model, the structural model, the design model or the building services model. The project partners in the BIM process
work in their own specialist models, which are combined in a central coordination model and checked for consistency.
Industry Foundation Classes (IFC)
IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) is an open exchange format for building data modeling developed by buildingSMART International. In addition to geometric data, the IFC model maps other properties of the building model. The exchange via the data format forms the basis for open data exchange in construction projects in which
each party can use the software solutions that are best for them (see also Open BIM). IFC provides the data master of a building over its entire life cycle.
Collision control
Collision control or collision checking is the coordination of specialist models from different construction disciplines, in which they are checked for consistency. As part of the collision check, it can be determined whether the work of individual trades is in conflict with each other due to planning errors. The simple
The combination and control of different 3D models represents a significant increase in efficiency in the context of BIM, through which human errors can be identified even before the construction work is carried out.
Coordination model
In a coordination model, the 3D building models of individual project partners (see also specialist models) are combined with each other and checked for consistency. The coordination model grows with the progress of the planning or construction, just like the individual technical model. A specialist model is usually only updated within a certain time frame
of the building or is assigned to a service phase. The coordination model, on the other hand, exists from the start of planning and also provides the data for the operator of the building at the end, for example.
Little BIM
Little BIM refers to the limited application of BIM methods in a single discipline, e.g. in an engineering office or construction company. As a rule, only one manufacturer's software is used. Although the aim of BIM is to
Data exchange between all project participants, regardless of their software solutions, even such an isolated solution can increase productivity and efficiency within the company.
Level of Development (LOD)
Level of Development (LOD), sometimes also referred to as Level of Detail, describes the level of detail or level of development of the components of a building model. LOD thus provides information about the depth of information of individual components in a model, the requirements of which vary both for the different disciplines and service phases. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) defines five basic levels of LOD 100
these range from the purely conceptual or graphical representation of the model (LOD 100) to the "as-built" model (LOD 500). LOD therefore also enables an assessment of how reliable the information of a tree structure model is.
Open BIM
The Open BIM concept is based on the open exchange of building models, regardless of the software solutions used by the respective project participants. The initiative was launched by buildingSMART and leading software companies such as Tekla and Graphisoft. The aim is to model the building over its entire life cycle with the help of
of open data standards. The smooth, system-independent exchange between different planning solutions is also referred to as interoperability. IFC is the most important exchange format for an open BIM process. More on the topic of Open BIM
Parametric modeling
Parametric modeling describes the creation of building models in which the individual building components are related to each other and influence each other. Parametric properties such as height, length, width, position etc. are assigned to individual components. If changes are made to a component of the model, the parts in relation to it are automatically adjusted accordingly. Drawings, parts lists or other documents derived from the model also adapt automatically.
Learn more and find out more on our topic page about BIM in the construction industry.
