Today, we will discuss What is a BIM Model and the Foundation of the Information Model. In recent years, with the rapid development and widespread adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology, BIM models have become essential carriers of engineering information. They integrate both geometric models and non-geometric attribute information, which are gradually established and accumulated throughout the entire lifecycle of a project.
Thanks to the BIM model’s capabilities in information integration, transmission, and visualization, BIM supports comprehensive project management across all phases: planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance. Beyond lifecycle management, BIM also enables a variety of applications such as cost estimation, energy analysis, 4D construction scheduling, and design validation. One key strategy for promoting BIM globally is to “vertically link industry information and horizontally connect international standards.”
Regarding BIM adoption in China’s current industry, The Concept and Application of BIM reveals that many organizations still focus primarily on building 3D models. BIM is often applied in a segmented manner across the project lifecycle, which limits its ability to effectively integrate geometric and non-geometric data throughout all stages. This fragmentation significantly hinders BIM’s usefulness during the operation and maintenance phase. In this phase, non-geometric attribute data related to facilities and equipment—generated during design and construction—is especially valuable. Such data can be sourced from various project stages and serves as a critical reference for ongoing operation and maintenance. Therefore, achieving vertical integration of BIM with industry information across the entire project lifecycle is vital.
Vertical integration requires retaining and exchanging information seamlessly between different engineering lifecycle stages. BIM models facilitate this by enabling information sharing throughout the process. The data in BIM can be categorized into two types: geometric models and non-geometric attribute information. The latter accumulates progressively across the lifecycle and often demands significant manpower and operational costs to consolidate, especially during the operation and maintenance phase.
Using the Facility Asset Information Exchange Standard’s architecture for information extraction and delivery, along with simple electronic forms, non-geometric attribute information from all project stages can be aggregated efficiently. When combined with the Engineering Classification Code and a unified BIM coding system, this approach streamlines the storage, transmission, and exchange of information across the project lifecycle. This facilitates communication and data handover between different project stakeholders and BIM applications. Internationally recognized standards like COBie and OmniClass not only enable horizontal connectivity with the global BIM community but also support the establishment of construction industry standards in China. This strengthens China’s construction sector, promotes BIM information standardization, and helps align Chinese practices with international norms.
Applying BIM across the entire engineering lifecycle goes beyond enabling interdisciplinary communication and coordination through 3D visualization. It also involves preserving both geometric and non-geometric attribute information within BIM models. The balance between these two types of information shifts over time. During planning and design, the BIM geometric model primarily serves to illustrate design concepts in 3D, facilitating communication between planners, designers, and owners. This phase also includes initial basic data and non-geometric details such as the owner’s spatial equipment requirements. As the project moves into construction, the model begins to accumulate substantial non-geometric data, including spatial attributes, equipment installation instructions, and specification documents. During operation and maintenance, as the building is used and managed, non-geometric attribute information continues to grow, reflecting ongoing changes and updates.
In summary, addressing the challenges of transmitting and preserving non-geometric attribute information throughout all stages of the engineering lifecycle is crucial for the sustainable development of BIM technology. That concludes our discussion on What is a BIM Model and the Foundation of the Information Model. I hope this article has been helpful to everyone!
Must log in before commenting!
Sign Up