February 2013 - Issue 2 DSG Logo

Working With BIM in a  

Multi-application Environment

Greetings!

Ultimately BIM is about collaboration, supported by the free and seamless exchange of information based around a single, consistent model. Over time, as BIM becomes established throughout all aspects of the project ecosystem, we will start to see these benefits, encompassing increasing levels of detail, complexity and automation as the industry evolves through the various maturity levels of BIM.

 

But how do we start to implement BIM practices at a time when adoption is still very much in its infancy, with uptake restricted to a relatively small number of early adopters? Level 2 BIM, which DSG is currently working to, requires the production of 3D information models by all key members of the integrated team. However, although these need not co-exist in a single model it's clear that we can't operate in silos, creating individual BIM models that are unable to reflect the inputs and change of other stakeholders, as that would negate the very benefits that BIM is intended to deliver. Fortunately this issue was anticipated in the design of many BIM systems as you'll see below, making it possible to receive, publish and compare the different models of the same project as one complete model.

 

As ever, if you want to find out more about BIM or discuss its implications for your business or specific project, please visit our website or contact us by phone or email. Click here to visit our website

  

Steven Gosling
DSG Quantity Surveyors 
Why not call me to discuss your next project? 
on 01635 277670
or email BIM@dsgquantitysurveyors.co.uk 

Hub and Spoke Architecture

The Vico software that we use at DSG sits at the 'hub' of the BIM process. This means that even though we will inevitably need to work with a variety of applications we are able receive models from ArchiCAD, Tekla, Revit, AutoCAD Architecture and/or AutoCAD MEP. Furthermore, using special CAD-specific importers, we can handle IFC files,SketchUp files, CAD-Duct files and even 3D DWG.


Vico diagram 2

This level of flexibility means that we are able to deliver the benefits of BIM across the entire project by accepting your BIM models in the various formats before publishing, augmenting and comparing the different models received from multiple project stakeholders.

 

For example, the architect can contribute an architectural model in ArchiCAD; the structural engineer can contribute a structural model in Tekla; the mechanical subcontractor can submit a model in  

Revit MEP; the HVAC subcontractor can  

submit a model Vico Diagramin CAD-Duct: and we will combine all the different formats into one model.

 

Once combined we can then identify any
constructability issues and report these back to  
the design team for resolution.

 

Click here to visit the DSG website. 

BIM Maturity Levels

 

BIM maturity levels (0, 1, 2 and 3) are widely referred to in the industry: in fact Government's phased implementation is based on these levels, with the aspiration being to have fully collaborative BIM with all project and asset information, documentation and data being electronic as a minimum target by 2016.

 

The graph below illustrates the different levels of sophistication and interoperability that are implemented through each level. With the benefits of BIM only just beginning to be realised with the early BIM projects it's easy to see how important it is for the industry to find ways to accelerate the uptake of BIM. The ability of DSG and Vico software to provide a flexible, low-risk route into BIM is a powerful enabler to a more collaborative, efficient and, ultimately, profitable future.

   BIM Maturity Level Graph

  

Please contact DSG by email or phone to arrange a meeting to discuss your company's requirements or for an estimate for a BIM trial.
Please visit our website at
www.dsgquantitysurveyors.co.uk     
About DSG

DSG Quantity Surveyors is a company with proven drive and ability.
Our success comes from an uncompromising attitude towards accuracy and reliability. During the last 12 months the company has focussed on developing our expertise around the BIM processes and solutions.

The following are some of the reasons we are a forward looking and growing business. 
  • DSG attributes its success to a determination to learn from the mistakes of others. DSG listens to what companies have said about the pitfalls for QS consultancies and has developed a tick box methodology to help it avoid making the same mistakes.
  • The company brings the same mindset to everything it does whether cost plans, feasibility studies or contract selection. It takes time to carefully select the most appropriate contract for any given supplier.
  • DSG is meticulous with QA. It checks all the details.
  • When examining bids it carefully examines them to ensure all bids are compliant in terms of covering all the essential details
  • DSG attends monthly meetings and ensures clients are paid on schedule to reduce risk and agree final accounts at the end of the project.
  • As a result DSG has experienced 20-25% growth year on year in a challenging commercial environment
  • How to share DSGs success:
    - We look for an appropriate opportunity to demonstrate that we keep our promises
    - Clients always deal with principals and everyone has access to the MD, Steven Gosling. The company makes quick decisions, for example, when additional resources are required.
DSG Quantity Surveyors
First Floor
St Lukes House
Newbury
Berkshire
RG14 1JQ

01635 277670
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Why choose DSG for your BIM team?
Building Clash cartoon
"Who's Got the Drawing?"
With DSG's BIM software we can detect potential clashes BEFORE the project gets built.
Collaborating with other practices
BIM whitepapepr image Click here to download a copy of the White Paper 'Extent of Architects Liability on a BIM Project' by Patrick Parry and Laura Coates.
Examples of projects to which we have contributed
 
project example 2
Dreamtime project example
Project example
Hitlon pool project