BIM Curriculum Lecture Notes

BIM Curriculum Lecture Notes

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BIM Curriculum Lecture Notes

BIM Lecture 2: Computer Modeling

BIM LECTURE 2: COMPUTER MODELING

Topics
Purpose of the model Hardware and Software Requirements Computer Modeling Techniques Three-dimensional computer modeling offers many advantages compared to the pure 2D drafting approach. Lets see how architects can benefit from the various computer modeling concepts offered in BIM programs.

MODELING DECISION FACTORS

The building model itself can be used for many purposes, including visualization, code checking analysis and calculation. Models of different types require different solutions. The complexity and size of the building, as well as the available hardware and software in the office, also determine the best modeling approach. The following factors primarily influence the successful modeling approach: Purpose of the model Complexity Model Size Hardware

PURPOSE OF THE MODEL

There are several kinds of computer models used in everyday architectural practice. The most important ones are conceptual (mass models), visualization (made for rendering and animation), BIM, and construction coordination models. Lets take a closer look at the main characteristics of these four model types.

CONCEPTUAL MODELING
Conceptual models are primarily used in the early design phase. These kinds of relatively simple spatial models help the designers and architects make fundamental design decisions. Consequently, the accuracy and level of detail of conceptual models are lower than for BIM and construction models. Conceptual models can be built in BIM applications using the standard modeling tools (slabs, walls, roofs etc.) or with dedicated conceptual modelers like SketchUp.

BIM Curriculum Lecture Notes

BIM Lecture 2: Computer Modeling

Features: Main purpose of the model is to help make design decisions The model does not necessarily include the entire building (for example, internal structures may be missing) High level of accuracy is not needed Level of detail is typically lower than in BIM models (mass modeling) Materials can be symbolic or missing

MODELING FOR VISUALIZATION

The vast majority of models made with 3D CAD software are created only for visualization purposes. The typical scenario is that once the 3D model is completed it is sent into the internal or external rendering engine for calculation of photorealistic images or fly-through animations. The model itself is not used for producing construction documentation, so in most cases, only those parts of the building are modeled that will be visible in the final visualization materials. Characteristics: Not necessary to model the entire building Only the elements of the actual view need to be shown Level of modeling detail should depend on the image quality and the distance from the camera Correct texture coordination and lighting is essential High modeling accuracy is not required in most cases

BIM MODELING
BIM modeling requires extensive coordination of the 3D model, the 2D documentation and the attached BIM data. This process may take longer during the design development phase than with traditional CAD methods, but once the BIM model is ready, the changes in the design are automatically updated on all the documentation. Consequently the BIM model can be used during the whole project lifecycle, resulting in a significant productivity gain for architects. Characteristics of BIM modeling: The entire building has to be modeled and the necessary architectural information (materials, components etc.) has to be assigned to it Model should be made of real architectural elements (walls, slabs, roofs etc.) for correct calculation results Modeling detail level should be appropriate for the required drawing representations

BIM Curriculum Lecture Notes

BIM Lecture 2: Computer Modeling

MODELING FOR CONSTRUCTION COORDINATION

Modeling for construction coordination is a relatively new phenomenon in the building industry. The concept behind this approach is that assigning time and cost information to the three dimensional BIM model allows the construction companies to better coordinate the building process and manage the costs and resources over the course of the project. Highlights of construction modeling: Time and cost information is attached to the BIM model by linking schedules and estimating recipes (5D) The main purpose of the 3D model is to calculate the exact quantities of materials and to identify any conflicts or collisions in the construction. Thus model accuracy is critical Elements of composite building structures can be described in estimating recipes instead of modeling them in 3D

VIRTUAL CONSTRUCTION MODEL

A single object in a construction model, for example a column, is connected to estimating recipes that describe the methods and resources used to build the column. Each recipe stores a series of methods. Most building objects are built at multiple stages. The methods represent a separate work activity. Each method requires a series of resources including manpower, machinery and materials.

MODEL COMPLEXITY
We have examined how the purpose of the model affects the modeling workflow. Now lets see how the complexity of the building influences the model. Naturally, more sophisticated structures results bigger and more complex models. Contemporary architecture is keen on using freeform shapes and custom building elements. This kind of architectural freedom requires advanced computer modeling techniques, cutting-edge software and very precise modeling coordination.

BIM Curriculum Lecture Notes

BIM Lecture 2: Computer Modeling

COMPLEXITY
The picture shows 3 emblematic buildings of contemporary architecture. There are three golden rules that have to be considered when modeling such extraordinary structures: Simplify The level of detail shouldnt exceed the requirements Divide Split the project into smaller, logical parts and share it with the project team members Use the appropriate software and hardware Usually, there is no out-of-the-box solution. You have to combine several applications for the best results. Using the best available hardware is highly recommended.

MODEL SIZE
The size of the model can be just as critical as the complexity of the building. Most of the time, very large models are the result of inappropriate modeling techniques. A typical example: very detailed furniture or sanitary objects are inserted into an architectural model. While these sophisticated elements can add extra value to a high-end internal rendering, they could be completely useless in architectural documentation. Please remember that a single instance of a detailed furniture object can generate as many 3D polygons as all the walls in the model! What makes a model big? Number of building elements Number of 3D Polygons Size of the project file Lack of teamwork Inappropriate computer hardware

BIG BUILDINGS
How you can you work effectively with big buildings? Reduce the number of polygons (Simplify the model elements which use excessive memory) Turn off the invisible elements (Use layer combinations and selections) Divide the project (Modules, Xrefs and teamworking solutions help to share the work with other project team members) Use appropriate hardware (See next chapter) Finding the best modeling approach requires full understanding of the applications capabilities and clear definitions of the modeling goals. Although the features of the programs can greatly influence the best modeling strategy, a few general 4

BIM Curriculum Lecture Notes

BIM Lecture 2: Computer Modeling

rules help to keep the model size within a reasonable range. The most important rule is that the detail level of the model elements should be appropriate for the purpose of the model.

HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS
As a rule: if you work with large projects, you should buy the best hardware that you can afford. Six components of the computer hardware are critical: the processor (CPU), the physical memory, the hard disk, the graphics card, the display and the input device. Each is important for a different reason, as listed below: CPU Graphical calculations, 2D and 3D operations Memory 3D operations Hard Disk Safe storing of project, backup and cache files Graphics Card Navigation in 3D; OpenGL support Display Device High resolution monitors for easy project overview Input Device Fast and precise data input

SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS
In the classic BIM workflow, the 3D modeling, the complete documentation and the visualization work are all done in the BIM application. This approach can be very effective for small- to medium-scale projects. For large or complicated buildings a more complex solution is required, which usually means the combination of special purpose modeling software with the core BIM application. The next figure shows a project in which the early design phase mass model was developed in a conceptual modeler, while the complex elements of the final building model were made in a freeform modeler and then imported to the BIM program.

BIM Curriculum Lecture Notes

BIM Lecture 2: Computer Modeling

COMPUTER MODELING TECHNIQUES

Many computer modeling techniques have been developed over time. The following is an overview of the most important ones. Polygonal modeling is the most widely used technique in CAD programs and computer games. The main advantage of this approach is that polygon models are faster to rebuild than other methods. The downside of this technology is that polygons are incapable of accurately representing curved surfaces, so a large number of them must be used to approximate curves. Models with many polygons require a significant amount of memory (RAM).

NURBS, short for non-uniform, rational B-spline, is a mathematical model commonly used to generate and represent curves and surfaces. A NURBS curve is defined by its order, a set of weighted control points, and a knot vector.

BIM Curriculum Lecture Notes

BIM Lecture 2: Computer Modeling

Benefits of NURBS They are invariant under affine as well as perspective transformations. They offer one common mathematical form for both standard analytical shapes (e.g., conics) and free-form shapes. They provide the flexibility to design a large variety of shapes. They reduce the memory consumption when storing shapes (compared to simpler methods). The NURBS technology solves the problem of curved shapes, because it uses mathematical models to describe them. On the other hand the implementation of NURBS in a CAD program requires extensive programming. For this reason NURBS are primarily used in specialized freeform modeler applications. Solid modeling is the unambiguous representation of the solid parts of an object suitable for computer processing. Constructive solid geometry (CSG) is a technique used in solid modeling. Constructive solid geometry allows a modeler to create a complex surface or object by using Boolean operators to combine objects.

Evaluation of CSG:
It is used in cases where simple geometric objects are desired, or where mathematical accuracy is important. CSG is popular because a modeler can use a set of relatively simple objects to create very complicated geometry CSG models require strong processing capabilities Constructive solid geometry can be very effective if a complex object can be derived from Boolean operations made between two simple shapes. The basic Boolean operations are: addition, subtraction and intersection. Most BIM applications support CSG operations between solid elements of the model.

BIM Curriculum Lecture Notes