Collaboration tools and environment for BIM-based project teams

Tue, 12 May 2020

The implementation of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in buildings projects require different collaboration methods among the interdisciplinary project team. In the traditional approach, the information exchange (CAD files, documents, spreadsheets) was decentralised. The project information storage was dispersed. Each project team held only the information relevant to their own discipline. In BIM projects, the information storage of projects is centralised. BIM models, documents, spreadsheets, agreements, are all held in the Common Data Environment (CDE). The interdisciplinary teams have access to the information in this web-environment, as a single point of information, making the information exchange more efficient and effective throughout the building life cycle (Fig.1).

The BIM models from all the project teams’ disciplines are shared in the CDE. The models offer not only the 3D visualisation of the building, but also information and data that can be accessed and checked by other members of the team, acting as well as a centralised point of information (Fig.2).

During the last year, the BIM4EEB team has been developing a BIM Management System (BIMMS) platform, based on a CDE, to assist the design construction and maintenance of renovation projects. This environment enables BIM-based project teams to collaborate in an integrated database management system (Fig.3).

It is an open, interoperable and integrated BIM-based environment that enables all parties to exchange information in a faster and more efficient way. The platform enables continuous updating of the models available based on robust modelling guidelines to ensure coherence and cohesion during the renovation process and after its conclusion.

The platform will be integrated with six different tools that will assist the renovation project development from early stages of design and decision making to post renovation monitoring and evaluation. The developed tools are presented in the list below.
1) BIM4EEB Fast Mapping of Buildings Toolkit
2) BIM4EEB BIMeaser tool
3) BIM4EEB BIM4Occupants tool
4) BIM4EEB Auteras tool
5) BIM4EEB BIMcpd tool
6) BIM4EEB BIMPlanner

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