Capturing Existing Building Conditions Accurately and Efficiently
Posted by Jim Foster in Uncategorized on February 2, 2010
“Capturing existing building conditions accurately and efficiently is one of the keys to success for a renovation project.” That’s straight from the Autodesk video.
However, when they go over the methods for documenting existing conditions…
Autodesk Existing Condition Methods
I’d like to add PKNail, because I would argue that it’s tough to be accurate without measuring something. Sure that’s a bit self serving, but we’ve all been there, dragging lines, using different colored pens, sketching with gloves on, or trying to use a laptop in the field, and we are fired up for the release, because it works, it’s making our job easier, we’re quicker, more accurate, and building Revit models in the field. measure –>press –>model and were eager to get it into everyone’s hands.
BIM Standards
Posted by Jim Foster in BIM, IFC on February 2, 2010
While on of the benefits discussed ad nauseum about BIM is the ability to find and fix problems digitally the other is the hope of interoperability, that data will seamlessly port from one program to the next, energy analysis, to collision detection, etc. with that in mind we have the NIBS (National Institute of Building Sciences) and NBIMS (National Building Information Modeling Standard). NIBS NBIMS, kind or rolls of the tongue, like three month old jelly but it is available HERE. The reason for pushing the standard is for “the acceptance of an open data model of facilities.” The UK, has also published their own, available HERE which begs the question where is the International BIM Standard (IBIMS) because if we want to best put a lasso around this thing best to be under one big tent. Okay that’s a tremendous overuse of metaphors, and granted I have not gone over each on in detail to see where they may diverge but it would seem the manufacturers who sell globally would have a big interest in a single standard and the ability to produce an ‘object’ to one standard rather than many and that alone should push the agenda.
As for the data transportation between object we have IFCXML schema that is meant to be the open standard that will allow this, and if you want to get technical read the article from Dr. Mhamed Nour in the Journal of Information Technology in Construction (www.itcon.org), the title of the article Performance of Different of BIM/IFC Exchange Formats suggests that there is flavors within IFC itself, from a lay perspective this seems well too open.
BIM : Explode Value Engineering : #BIM #AIA #Revit
Posted by Jim Foster in 3D, BIM, Revit, ROI, Uncategorized, Virtual Construction on January 11, 2010
I am not an architect, nor do I play one on tv I simply have a small company that surveys buildings. While that may not qualify me to design one I have had the benefit of being in hundreds of buildings, surveyed them, see how they were put together, and they functioned with people in them, so with this little bit of information I feel qualified on commenting on architecture in general. And before I start I want to say that I believe architecture has the ability to transform and inspire like few other arts or disciplines because I can walk by a statue without noticing it (which I hope I don’t but were all in a hurry sometimes) but tougher still to ignore the building you are entering, or working in or even passing by, however, with that said I am unfortunately underwhelmed by most buildings I’ve been in or pass by, or have worked in. Too often we exist in a world that is value engineered, that is something has been designed to be produced as inexpensively as possible. I understand that, less expensively built; more people can afford to purchase; we all win, fine. Good in cars and televisions, unfortunate in buildings. We live in a center core, curtain wall efficiency that drains most of the fun, awe and art straight out of a building. And if you are trying to do something inexpensive, yet impressive this too can be a daunting task. But there are examples, artchitect turning shipping containers into homes comes to mind, like Adam Kalkin, Another is a home we surveyed designed by Carl Koch as part of community on Snake Hill. Now personally I thought it was fantastically ugly from the outside, looked like a box, seemed kind of cheap but as I entered the house, which still had all its original materials and finishes I was amazed how everything made sense, nothing wasted, coherent, took advantage of passive solar while providing lots of light and a great view, lines were simple, I was impressed but again this happens so seldom.
However, I have hope more and more architects are designing in 3D, even Architects who never once fired up CAD are embracing SketchUp as way to think and communicate in 3D. BIM allows design to happen digitally and with true BIM packages allows analysis and fabrication to build a building more cost effectively and real ROI metrics for making choices. Now this could be used for good rather than evil by providing hard bids on designs that were thought to cost prohibitive before, or proving new designs digitally and communicating them to developers and owners in 3D convinces them of their merit. What I hope is that ‘value engineering’ ceases to be a proxy for taking all the fun out out of a building but instead becomes part of the process that brings 3D digital design and BIM into reality and physical structures that continue to awe and inspire.
Public Beta Open in January : Capture as builts in Revit in the field: #Revit #BIM #asbuilt #laser #pplt
Posted by Jim Foster in As Builts, BIM, Built Environment, Existing Conditions, Laser BIM, Laser Scanning on December 16, 2009
We will be opening up our beta to public testing in January and we are asking for volunteers. Our product PKNail allows a user to use a hand held laser, Disto D8, and measure and build Revit models in the field. The measurements are transmitted via bluetooth to a mobile workstation which allows the user to quickly and accurately captures a building geometry and features. On board intelligence allows users to determine wall thicknesses, wall angles, toggle accuracy, attach notes to objects and more.
PKNail was developed by field surveyors and software engineers to help the AEC Community quickly and accurately capture a building’s geometry in Revit. This tool used alone of in conjunction with HDLS (High Definition Laser Scanning) can let you start any project in BIM / Revit. Proven ROI in as little as one project, and speed gains from measuring to model of over 200%.
With the majority of construction projects happening in the built environment, and in cities like Boston almost 80% done in the built environment start them in BIM and help everyone downstream.
This a powerful tool in capturing as builts in Revit and beta testers will be eligible for a substantial discount when purchasing.
info@pointknown.com
BIM Deliverables and Level of Detail : #BIM #AIA
Posted by Jim Foster in BIM on December 10, 2009
The AIA issued a document last year E202 to try and put a wrapper around BIM development and the expected amount of detail needed with each deliverable. The first question most of us ask or should ask our clients is, ‘what do you need it for?’ Not to be facetious, like when my kids ask me for my car keys (they are 11, 9, and 6) but what is the purpose of the model as it goes from a simple generic model for spatial planning/validation to a complete CD Set and fine tuning that scope and managing the deliverable is still more art than science.
To break it down quickly the AIA called out 3 Levels of Details, LOD 100, 200 and 300.
LOD 100 mostly to a model built for massing and it does not mention model elements.
LOD 200 is a model built with generic model elements. And dependent on the client and deliverable you may or may not give properties to these elements.
LOD 300 is a model built with specific assemblies to the model elements, so a wall is not generally seen as ‘generic wall’ but rather an assembly such as brick | furring| dry wall with their own properties and dimensions to make a whole and this can go on all the way through the model with all the element and again should be dependent on client needs.
For most purposes I am not sure where Level 100 comes in except in the conceptual stage and most of us are dealing with LOD 200 and LOD 300 Models. The way I like to approach it is everything is a LOD 200 Model, and then speak to the client and ask what the model is to be used for and which elements need to have details and which can be generic, they sign off and then everyone has a clear idea of scope and deliverable.
When we initially starting producing BIM models in ’06 we usually made the mistake of over delivering by making custom window families for most of our projects, now with so many window libraries out there it’s pretty easy to find a facsimile and even though a 1760 Inn does not have new Andersen Double Hung Divided Light Windows they worked fine based on the client needs which was for master planning, construction of a new building, and spatial validation.
Publick House BIM
BIM As Built : Laser Technology
Posted by Jim Foster in As Builts, BIM, Laser Scanning, New Technologies, Revit on December 1, 2009
Speaking to a colleague from Europe who moved to the US because he stated, ‘there’s a survey shop on every corner in the UK, I could only find a handful here.’ However, that’s changing. HDLS, high definition laser scanning is starting to take off, especially now that the GSA issued the laser scanning awards. Additionally, more and more people are reworking existing assets / adaptive reuse projects so it is becoming more and more important to get the existing conditions data. While everyone is waiting for the day we can walk around with a magic wand and wave it around the room we have to build a bridge from here to there. HDLS in creating a 3D database is an excellent start. I believe HDLS, from firms like Leica and FARO, performs fantastically in certain circumstances such as inaccessible or difficult geometry, exposed MEP intensive projects, however, for typical conditions especially the interior of buildings it might be akin to using a sledgehammer rather when you need a fly swatter. We, PointKnown, have been developing a product that bolts on to Revit and takes laser range finder data and builds objects as you measure. This has been defined as PPLT (Point to Point Laser Technology). It allows a surveyor to move quickly and accurately from room to room or object to object. We do not intend for it to usurp laser scanning but rather augment current surveying teams, allowing them the most flexibility depending on the situation.
Most importantly is to define the deliverable and type of model needed for the project. This can start at the basic architectural model using generic library items to, well , anything goes but most of our clients want dimensionally correct space and then they apply the material and details they need as that is what they want to control.
We are now accepting people and firms into our public beta that starts January 2010, if you have any interest please feel free to contact us at info@pointknown.com and put beta in the subject line.
Sketch Up Goes BIM : #sketchup #bim
Posted by Jim Foster in Autodesk, BIM, New Technologies on November 19, 2009
If you still look at sketch up as a designer tool, and scoff at its less than robust ‘data’, start rethinking. The fact is google has an open app, and google is taking over the world, and they want ‘their’ data to go across as many platforms as possible and delivered to you in anyway possible. So it is no surprise that more robust plug-ins are being offered.
Recently ecoscore card, annouunced:
…a technology platform that helps building product specifiers evaluate environmental attributes of products, today revealed the new ecoScorecard plug-in that works with Google SketchUp and provides a critical link between popular BIM (Building Information Modeling) tools and important environmental rating systems such as LEED…
There will be more. Autodesk watch your back, BIM users rejoice
Indiana University Requires BIM: #BIM #Revit
Posted by Jim Foster in BIM, IPD, Revit on November 19, 2009
I read recently on James Van’s blog that Indiana University now requires BIM on any capital project over $5 million. More information and requirements are posted on the web site.
Starting a Revit Model from 2D CAD: #Revit #BIM
Posted by Jim Foster in BIM, CAD, Revit on November 19, 2009
I just read through Gregory Arkin’s post on BIMBoom and he goes through the steps of importing CAD and converting 2D CAD plans into a Revit model. Great knowledge to have.
Squirelly Times Call for BIM: #BIM
Posted by Jim Foster in BIM, Uncategorized on November 16, 2009
Yeah I called them squirelly. I have to say Q4 2009 has been better than the rest of them bit I am finding, and getting anecdotes from others in the industry that it is the squirelliest of times, and I’ll try and stop using that. What do I mean? I’ve put together more proposals this quarter but am finding that clients are cost conscious to the extreme, and no matter the relationships and reputation you have built up it’s more what have you done for me lately. Now while its tough environment when someone is out there ready to cut you off at the knees on a bid just to keep busy on an unfortunate race to the bottom what can we do to keep business, get new business and offer our clients more of an incentive to stay with us and or pick up new ones. In most cases, a BIM enabled firm will be able to offer more services and accurate bids. A recent article in Construction Week outlined Better Bidding Through Bim. Better bids, better scheduling, projects on time and on budget, proven ROI all make a more persuasive argument.
While economists may argue that this resetting of the market is an efficient allocation of resources and our new reality, it’s time then to efficiently allocate our own.
