Today, Mr. Liu from BIM Architecture Network will provide a brief introduction to the fundamental principles of BIM, aiming to help everyone gain a more comprehensive understanding of this technology.
1. Object Orientation
In BIM, every building component—whether it’s columns, beams, walls, floors, doors, windows, or others—is treated as an object with a specific 3D entity. Each object carries unique characteristic data such as length, width, height, material, and other property parameters. Unlike traditional 3D models, which consist merely of points, lines, surfaces, and volumes that require manual interpretation by architects or engineers, BIM simultaneously represents and processes these objects using both their 3D geometric data and associated property parameters.
2. Object Parameterization (Parameter-Based)
Objects belonging to the same class share a common data structure, and each object’s attributes can inherit class data. These attributes are expressed and manipulated through parameters and their values. The key advantage of parameterization in architectural design is that it transforms the traditional workflow: instead of redrawing illustrations with every revision, designers only need to adjust parameter values. The computer then automatically generates updated 3D models without manual corrections.
This approach enables rapid generation of similar design solutions by simply modifying existing parameters. Parametric models can be tailored to different design requirements, offering multiple options for clients to evaluate. Once finalized, the parameterized model accelerates manufacturing and construction, allowing for efficient mass customization in both design and construction, ultimately delivering faster and higher-quality products to owners.
3. Information Exchange Standards
Currently, no single BIM software fully supports all information processing needs across the entire building design and construction lifecycle. Therefore, ensuring smooth information exchange between applications is critical for successful project execution. Interoperability means applications can transfer data seamlessly, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual data copying, speeding up design iterations, and reducing errors caused by human input.
Traditional interoperability relied on formats like DXF (Drawing Exchange Format) and IGES, which only exchange geometric data. In the late 1980s, the ISO international standard introduced the EXPRESS data modeling language, laying the groundwork for BIM’s standardized exchange formats.
Two main building product data models emerged: the IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) standard, used for architectural planning, design, construction, and management; and the CIS/2 (CIMsteel Integrated Standard, Version 2), used for structural steel design and manufacturing. Both standards describe product geometry, component relationships, integrated construction processes, materials, performance, and manufacturing details, and both rely on the EXPRESS language for design expression.
Other commonly used languages include XML (Extensible Markup Language), initially developed for commercial applications and later adapted for engineering, and GBXML (Green Building XML Schema), designed to meet the information requirements of green building projects.
4. Model Operation Technology
The construction industry expects BIM technology to deliver much more than current offerings. Especially in model operation, manufacturers, third-party software developers, and academia need to actively develop auxiliary tools that enable more automated workflows. Examples include:
- More complete and accurate project budgeting outputs that update synchronously with design changes.
- Building models that are more detailed and realistic without compromising speed.
- Efficient transmission and presentation of models and their linked information over the Internet.
- An ideal collaborative platform for lifecycle cross-phase information management.
That concludes our introduction to the basic principles of BIM. I hope this explanation helps deepen your understanding of BIM beyond just 3D visualization.
Must log in before commenting!
Sign Up