Strategies

The 5 phases of a project in BIM

Developing a BIM project involves processes that define the project’s evolution from problem statement to final solution . None of the development phases can be skipped without compromising the project’s integrity:

Definition and Development

Phase 1. PRELIMINARY STUDIES


In this phase, all the information that will have an impact on the project in one way or another is collected, analyzed, and processed. Specifically, the following documentation is collected:

  • The architect provides us with the initial information on spatial and functional requirements. The first three-dimensional models will be created with LOD100 and LOD200 levels of detail, which will serve as the basis for the next phase of development.

Site characteristics: natural and built environment, climate, topography, soil composition, stormwater runoff, existing vegetation.
Regulations: official rules and regulations.
Geotechnical study.
Precise information on the location of the different connections (electricity, gas, communications, etc.)
The catalogues are being collected.
Design of information forms.
Safety and hygiene information.
Design of the information system and data processing specific to the project.
Development of the resource database (Revit families and elements, etc.) begins.
Creation of a Time Liner that will be updated later according to changes that arise in the MODEL.
A thorough understanding of these aspects is crucial. To achieve this, we apply specific tools to facilitate the entire creative process. In the preliminary phase, we generate a coherent and efficient information server . To achieve this, we create the information processing systems, the database, and the information collection forms. The necessary fields and records are defined, as well as the BIM resources that will be used later (families, elements, textures, etc.).

The information server will continue to improve over the following phases, and we will finally have extensive resource support in Phase 5.

Phase 2. INITIAL OUTLINES


With the data obtained and processed, the various solution alternatives for the project are presented and provided to the architectural team. This is a stage in which the architect is provided with the necessary support to arrive at the most appropriate solution to meet all the proposed requirements.

Construction materials and systems, as well as structural criteria, begin to be defined at a preliminary level.

The proposed variants or alternatives are incorporated and adapted to the three-dimensional model (hereinafter referred to as the “model”) and the measurement sheets. During the work and creation phase, there is a continuous flow of information between the BIM Manager, the architectural team, the owner, etc.

Phase 3. PRELIMINARY PROJECT


Once the optimal layout has been defined, the preliminary design phase begins. In this phase, the building’s spatial and formal configuration, as well as the structural and construction systems, are defined in detail.
The structural calculations determine thicknesses, profile types, and reinforcements. The results are then used to update the MODEL. This information will allow us to work toward achieving LOD400 in the next phase.

Once the project adjustments have been made, a new presentation is made, and so on until the final preliminary design is reached. The MODEL continues to grow and incorporates a higher level of detail (LOD 300). This makes the measurements much more precise. A continuous process of searching for construction conflicts, both physical and spatial, begins.

Implementation and Operation

Phase 4. EXECUTIVE PROJECT


Only when a final preliminary project is available—that is, one that meets the initial requirements and those that have arisen throughout the process—does the final design phase begin. This essentially consists of developing the graphic and written documents containing all the information necessary for the building’s construction, including precise sizing, material specifications, and details, among other aspects.

Although the involvement of engineering specialists (structural calculations, plumbing and gas installations, HVAC systems, voice and data, etc.) should begin at the preliminary design stage, their collaboration becomes crucial in the final design phase. Given the nature of engineering, it is extremely important that they be developed in detail.

In this phase, the details are primarily worked on, achieving a LOD400 level. Conflicts are verified, and any deficiencies in the proposed work system are corrected. The BIM model, in this case REVIT, will be delivered so that the various 2D drawings and corresponding measurements are available.

The highly technical plans developed at this stage must be verified by the DT team to meet all local regulatory requirements for approval and for the construction to begin.

In this phase, the BIM work process begins to be based on the use of 3D MODELS ASSOCIATED WITH A RELATIONAL DATABASE based on the integration of BIM creation methodologies and VDC systems customized to the project.

Phase 5. CONSTRUCTION SUPERVISION


In this phase, any adjustments or changes arising from unforeseen events that may arise on site are made. Any changes are represented in the MODEL so that it is constantly updated. As the project progresses, the MODEL’s level of detail will reach the LOD500 level.

At this stage, the use of 3D MODELS ASSOCIATED WITH A RELATIONAL DATABASE is the fully operational way to manage everything related to the project.

Using the user interface, you can access the menu that will provide you with documents, reports, and plans you have prepared.

  • Documents and reports.
  • Spreadsheets.
  • 2D and 3D model plans.