With the ever increasing demands of using collaborative 3D design processes through BIM (Building Information Model) workflows we offer a complete co-ordination service using Autodesk Design Suite software. All of our MEP co-ordination models utilise Autodesk Revit as the primary BIM platform. We are conversant with numerous software solution tools and can link a wide range of author models, but we have adopted Revit MEP for our BIM models as its functionality and interoperability for BIM workflows offers the best authorising software for co-ordination.
Through using a combination of additional software solutions/tools including COBie extension for Revit, Dynamo BIM graphical programming and our custom created parameter property sets we are able to overcome any technical interoperability issues & export our Revit model data to Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) file format with all asset information & project specific data inherent in the file for IFC COBie schema extraction.
COBie (Construction Operations Building information exchange) is a non-propriety information standard, forming part of the government’s BIM level 2 strategy and is the backbone for data capture to support operations, maintenance, and asset management. The neutral data standard uses spreadsheets to capture, record, and share important project data required by facilities managers (BS 1192-4:2014 defines the UK usage of COBie for exchanging facility information). Our MEP models are created to map embedded data that is aligned with COBie worksheets so that we can ensure BIM deliverables are achieved.
Using the latest BIM technologies, we are able to custom program our MEP models to suit a specific set of data parameter fields for each project - creating automated links between multiple applications and geometry through computational design.
This workflow facilitates a robust approach to BIM level 2 data manipulation which enables automation for graphical data requirements and a workable approach for collation of non-graphical project information to support operations, maintenance, and asset management (exporting and importing data templates for manufacturers and supply chain input).
As MEP model authors co-ordinating during the construction phase we are responsible for detailing & classifying vast amounts of product information/asset data. Therefore, we have created a comprehensive library of model containers that have parameters embedded in the file for each component type so we can ensure a structured and pragmatic approach in collating data rich digital information necessary for the COBie schema (XML spreadsheet) in accordance with BS 1192-4 methodology.
Our MEP co-ordination models & component family files are aligned to the standards & codes of practice for naming conventions and classification structure for meta-data in accordance with BS 8541-1:2012 and BS 1192:2007. Each ‘real world object’ representations are containers for manufacturers asset information specifically created with parameters scheduled for COBie output. MEP components then contain ‘data rich’ information embedded, such as URL hyperlinks to manufacturers electronic O&M information.
Classification and standardisation are fundamental to BIM level 2 success so we have adopted Uniclass 2015 classification for assigning digital information fields relating to MEP spaces, component elements and systems. Through use of the Autodesk Classification Manager we are able to standardise our approach to ensure accurate unified classification & specific referencing for metadata consistency to our MEP models.