Chapter 2.3 – Tools

The term BIM applications refers to those tools that create, check and evaluate model data. A BIM application must meet the requirements and functionalities of the BIM method. Whether an application that is already in use also meets the requirements for openBIM can be found out via its status in the certification by buildingSMART(link).

Certified BIM applications should primarily be used in projects (status = finished). If non-certified BIM applications are used, it must be checked whether the applications can be used with regard to the requirements. These requirements are defined in the regulations(AIA (EIR) and BAP (BEP), see section 2.5.2). Fig. 2.4 provides an overview of the types of BIM applications

The choice of application should always be carefully considered. Not only the BIM usability (see certification), but also the intended use, acquisition and maintenance costs play a major role here. The following questions must be considered: Is the support provided by the software manufacturer good? Is there a good range of training courses close to the site? The most important requirements for applications (especially with regard to interoperability) are summarized in Fig. 2.5.

Collaboration platforms are BIM tools that offer web-based services for handling collaboration in projects. They are used to handle project-related communication and data exchange centrally. They offer a common data environment, i.e. a CommonDataEnvironment (CDE). Their major advantage lies in the standardized structuring of project processing (also across projects if required).

CDEs are therefore used for the information management of projects and properties. As central project rooms for the storage and exchange of all project information with all project participants, the entire project knowledge is compactly brought together in them. The project knowledge can be filtered and is quickly available. They offer controlled access (person-dependent, role-specific) to project information, clearly defined exchange processes (workflows) and a clearly defined document and model status. Changes and revisions are logged. This ensures communication transparency and improves the exchange of information. All collaborative activities required to create the PIM (Project Information Model) and AIM (Asset Information Model) take place within the CDE.

In addition, an archive container (Archived) should exist, which records all processes of the other information containers in the form of a log (journal of released and published information containers). This enables the development of a combined and collaborative information model.

In addition, comprehensive data security must be guaranteed and the exchange of information must be verified by control instances. During the transfer of information, the data is versioned and logged.

Examples of typical collaboration platforms used in projects for higher-level collaboration are Oracle Aconex, Catenda Hub, Conclude CDE and tpCDE from thinkproject. Integrated collaboration platforms such as Autodesk Construction Cloud or Graphisoft BIMcloud are used for collaboration within a specialist discipline.

Data structure tools are web-based BIM tools for creating and modifying individual data structures and the levels of detail based on them. For these activities, they offer central moderation and integrated distribution to various channels (BIM applications, BIM rules and regulations, etc.). This minimizes the individual adaptation effort. Data structure tools support the definition of AIA exchange information requirements (EIR) and the creation of project-specific BIM guidelines. They allow direct derivation of the inspection rules for the BIM inspection software. This improves quality management and quality control of the BIM models.