The BIM Process

A typical BIM process can be defined through a BIM modelling workflow, which is essential for efficient data sharing during the process of project collaboration.

 Individual Discipline Modelling

At this stage each design discipline will create its model according to the agreed coordinate system, level of details and modelling guidelines. The model data is stored in and worked on, by the
authoring team of the respective design disciplines and has not yet been checked and verified for use outside of the authoring team.

Cross-disciplinary Model Coordination

A key advantage of BIM is the ability to resolve any potential conflicts that occur across different discipline models. Early clash detection and space validation analysis allow parties involved to resolve potential conflicts collaboratively upfront, thus avoiding costly abortive works and delays at the construction stage.

At appropriate intervals, different discipline-specific models could be brought together to perform the necessary coordination. These models could be made accessible by all from a central location, or replicated in the Shared Area of the project folder structure of each party. Prior to sharing, the data should be checked, approved and validated as “fit for co-ordination” . The Shared Area can also act as the repository for formally issued data provided by external organizations that is to be shared across the project. The project team could leverage on the available software solutions to perform the coordination effectively. Issues arose from the coordination should be documented and followed up.

It is recommended that the official authorized version of the model should be frozen and signed-off after the issues identified during the coordination exercise have been resolved. The use of an e-submission digital signature can be considered to effect the protection.
Project members should share their models with other project members at regular intervals to detect and resolve conflicts, and include contractors’ input as early as possible. It is recommended for the project team to map out a high level coordination flow, as seen Table 3 below, which shows the interactions between the Employer and project members.