BIM stands for "Building Information Modeling". In other words, it is a 3D digital model of a designed object or equipment containing all design professions with an intelligent process of inserting elements into the model. The advantage of such processed projects is their sophistication, as the created model enables coordination between professions and eliminates the occurrence of conflict points.

Its great advantage is the optimization of design - any change will result in adjustments in all parts of the model, and therefore the data remain coordinated between all professions.

In addition to the aforementioned process optimization, the high level of detail in the model also contributes to reducing costs or errors.

BIM technology can be used in the design, installation and subsequent management of the building or equipment. There are technical sheets, installation and operating instructions, prescribed service dates or the possibility of ordering a new element directly from the specific manufacturer of the equipment.

BIM creates and manages data about the building during its lifetime cycle – i.e. project - implementation - operation - reconstruction - termination of operation - removal.

(source: https://www.zonerama.com/koncepceBIM/Photo/7430400/273108190)

• Drawing boards            until 1992
• 2D CAD                           1992-2009
• 3D CAD                           2009-2019
• BIM                                  2019 – present

When the project documentation is prepared in the stage for implementation of the project (detail design), the demands of the level of processing the project documentation increase on the part of the investors.

The current state of design shows that it is essential that all critical orders are processed at the highest possible level, using the BIM method at LOD 200-500.

LOD - Level of Development (graphic and information detail of BIM model)

We have a team of specialists in our company who deal with BIM design. We have specialists such as BIM project manager, BIM coordinator or BIM consultant, who solve the entire project from start to finish, including organizing regular site meetings or meetings via MS Teams. The aim of these meetings is to ensure the gradual agreement of project work on the BIM model.

Given that we process crucial projects at all stages of project documentation, it is important to work in 2D for the study and building permit, because this is where the biggest changes and constantly changing process equipment arrangement take place. Every change in the BIM model is linked to a lot of specialists and also time consuming, which can be quite crucial in meeting pre-agreed deadlines. Regardless of the incorporation of new changes = additional costs and financial demands.

The documentation for implementation of the project must have the agreed process equipment arrangement with the technical solution and specific manufacturers (potential suppliers) as soon as possible, so that the project documentation can start to be created at the required level of the BIM model LOD 300 - 400.

The entire construction part consists of the Autodesk Revit 2022 SW, which also addresses the connection to roads, landscaping and unpaved areas of the production area.

The technological part is processed in the Cadmatic 2022 SW, where the entire production technology, energy incl. MEP (Mechanical, electrical and plumbing). In the first phase, it is necessary to make a P&ID ("Piping and instrumentation diagrams"), where the entire piping system is made, including instruments such as thermometers, pressure gauges, flow meters, level meters, automatically controlled and operated valves, heat / cold meters, safety valves (shut down valves), etc.

Based on the finished P&ID, work can begin on the BIM model, where the technology will be connected to all necessary energy. Documentation can be exported from the BIM model to 2D ("arrangement drawings").

Isometry can be made from the created BIM model, where individual media within the MEP are solved, where we generate material specifications in Excel (BOQ or BOM) based on lengths, elbows, branches, t-pieces, used valves and instruments and then use them for creation of budget costs with the current price system for the given year.

The complete BIM model also includes a support system for all professions (MEP). Thanks to this, hinges and associated structures are suitable for several professions at once - it is mainly heating, cooling, sanitary installations, sprinklers, electrical installation, air conditioning, high current, low current, etc. When creating a system storage in the BIM model there is maximum use of space and savings places compared to the separate storage of individual professions separately. It is important to note that the forces acting on the fixed points are included in the part of these proposed constructions and the adequate type of fixed point incl. design of compensators and thermal expansion solutions in the form of pipe extensions. Part of this solution is also taking into account the conditions of the Fire safety solution and subsequently defining and specifying all fire penetrations using special seals. These seals are also part of BIM LOD 300 - 400. At present, system storage can be used in connection with the BIM LOD 400 model, where we are able to ensure the preparation and subsequent implementation of all supports in a very efficient way, using a robotic workplace and defining zero coordinates using GPS. Of course, these activities have a great impact on the speed, quality and also the complexity of the entire solution designed in this way.

During the implementation, it is no longer possible to make fundamental changes in the form of selecting another supplier than was considered in the design phase, because the BIM model is a model that has its technical information, which is always tied to a particular supplier and it is up to the designer to determine whether the change fundamental influence on the function of the technical solution of the technology and the used BIM method.

Ongoing coordination of professions takes place in both Autodesk Revit 2022 and Cadmatic 2021, but the main and overall take place in the coordination and viewing SW Navisworks Manage 2022. Coordination takes place using "Clash Detective", where the SW evaluates all collisions. The result of a correctly executed and coordinated BIM model is a number of collisions of 0.

Subsequently, we deliver the BIM file to the investor, either via the IFC format or via a shared cloud storage (BIM 360).

The advantage of the IFC format is the identification of all elements contained in the BIM model. With a simple click on a given element (machinery, pipelines, cable trays, suspension system, etc.) you can have an overview of:

• element / position number
• media type
• medium parameters (temperature, pressure – underpressure or overpressure)
• piping parameters, DN, PN
• pipe material
• type and design of insulation

The BIM model created in this way is the basis and a necessary condition for the correct implementation of the project.

Given that we are in the 21st century, when the time is fast, the availability of modern technology and technical conveniences is, it is necessary to take the method of design to a higher level and do it in the best and most modern way that can be done at the moment.