To enable efficient creation and modification of BIM models across various disciplines, establishing a BIM collaboration platform is essential. The first step involves configuring a server dedicated to file collection and storage. Collaboration on central files requires granting each discipline specific access rights and setting appropriate permissions. Within their respective permissions, each team or discipline can modify and upload models.
Centralized file storage allows for the integration and clash detection of BIM models, facilitating seamless information exchange and workflow among different disciplines and project phases. This system also generates comprehensive reports, which are shared across disciplines. Each team then updates their models based on the collision detection reports.
Within the collaboration platform, BIM project managers create a shared file on the server, typically named after the project company. Project team members receive full browsing permissions, while others may have read-only or no access. Since the central document method is generally applied within professional teams, the BIM discipline leader usually establishes core professional modules.
The BIM team stores various discipline-specific data models in this central file, with each profession responsible for modifying its own models. All operational records and stage models are logged and saved for future analysis, aiding in error correction and minimizing rework time. Each user maintains a local copy of the central model on their network or hard drive. Users publish changes to the central list, from which others can download updates at any time.
A workgroup is fundamental in resource sharing projects and can be organized by functional scope or other criteria. When the BIM Professional Leader initiates a resource-sharing project, multiple virtual workgroups are created, including user-generated workgroups, a home workgroup loaded into the project, a standard project workgroup, and a project demonstration workgroup.
When managing overall design implementation collaboratively, several job sets are established based on the BIM Application Plan’s task division criteria. These job sets are named according to original design standards and are configured to meet various project needs, with editability generally set to “no”.
BIM engineers from various disciplines access the central file stored on the shared server and create local copies on their computers for their work. Generally, establishing a local copy of the work center model is necessary for daily assignments or modifications.
The typical workflow includes:
- Opening the workspace and making it visible within the work project.
- Setting the workspace project’s editable status to “Yes”.
- Creating or editing a work set. This allows for establishing basic patterns and managing pattern edits. It also enables graphical editing of models from other disciplines and personnel.
- Synchronizing with the central file in real time. After completing model adjustments, BIM engineers must promptly upload their changes to the central server file. Once synchronized, the local copy updates and merges with the central models from other disciplines.
- Working offline or offsite. Changes to the local copy can be made without network connectivity or server access. All operations are recorded and can be uploaded once reconnected.
- Collaborative work. Before daily modeling tasks, BIM professionals from various disciplines share the central module stored on the server, create local copies, and update relevant data to ensure smooth information exchange and workflow.
Content source: Wu Zhiqiang (China University of Mining and Technology)
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