New and great explanation of “What is BIM” from theB1M

by | Aug 4, 2015 | BIM Specifications

Recently TheB1M shared a new “What is BIM?” playlist on YouTube. TheB1M call themselves as “The definitive video resource form BIM”.

Link to the “What is BIM?” playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEmWzqc0D6MiVJBgPUMVxEYKi4_oOiFkc

I personally like these videos very much. To me it sounds very British English; somehow difficult to understand. Btw, the subtitle functionallity of YouTube helped me to get the content.

Overall the videos are very good recorded, organized and produced. Thank you to theB1M.

Good example of elevator LOD workflow

by | Jun 19, 2015 | BIM Specifications

From the Autodesk “Business of BIM” Blog

Even the article is from 2012, it is still interesting. Bob explains the different LOD stages for elevators.

……..

In the matrix of the E202, each Model Element is developed to the level appropriate for the milestone indicated. For example, I would typically model an elevator to LOD 100 during Schematic Design by only showing a rectangle and a symbol on the plan; to LOD 200 during Design Development, by showing the cab size, door opening pattern and the overrun and pit in the sections; and LOD 300 for construction documents by showing, hoist and guide rail locations, and fully articulating the design intent using a specific elevator companies design information.   If we were working in an integrated project, the contractor and sub would further develop the model element to LOD 400 as they laid out all the details for fabrication and erection. And regardless of the delivery method, an LOD 500 might be developed, which verified the installed elevator manufacturer, and incorporated lubrication and inspection data along with parts lists, but no longer included information on hydraulic piston shaft reinforcing requirements, or can assembly instructions. –

……..

See more at: http://autodesk.typepad.com/businessofbim/2012/08/there-is-no-such-thing-as-a-lod-300-model.html

Australia: An interesting framework about BIM adoption

by | Jun 1, 2015 | BIM Specifications

Today I came across an interesting Australian documentation.
It mainly talks about:

  • People: Behaviour and Capability
  • Procurement and contracting
  • PTI/BIM protocols
  • Asset management
  • Information exchange and National Object Library
  • Standards
  • Technology

In the document are interesting graphs, e.g. about BIM users experiences:

To me, as a German, it is surprising to see that BIM experiences in Germany are very far behind other high tech countries.

The document can be opened at:
http://www.acif.com.au/documents/item/651

More information about the Australian Construction Industry Forum:
http://www.acif.com.au

Evaluation of Dopplers “easy2PLAN” tool

by | May 27, 2015 | Elevator Configurators

Recently , Doppler, a well known Greek elevator manufacturer has released its online configuration tool “easy2PLAN”.

Since I saw the link on LinkedIn, I thought: Ok, give it a try.
The tool is comparable easy to use. Unfortunately, even after using the default values from the documentation, I was not able to get a result. I always got “0 RECORDS FOUND”.

This was my goal: According to the documentation, based on the parameters the result should be a scaled layout drawing. Since I am interested in BIM, my attention was more dedicated to figure out whether we can also download a scaled 3D BIM model.
I left a note to the developer at Doppler and will keep you updated when I get an answer or the 3D BIM models are available.

The tool can be started at:
http://www.dopplerlifts.info/DopplerWiz/index.html

A documentation of the tool can be found at:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/9t1n5yz733vdded/Easy2Plan%20Manual_EN.pdf?dl=0

Short Review of KONE Elevator Toolbox

by | May 15, 2015 | 3D BIM Models, Elevator Configurators

In this small chapter, I would like to give some feedback on the KONE Elevator toolbox.
To me, this toolbox looks pretty complete.

Inputs:
Beside configuring the main elevator dimensions, door types, etc you can also select cabin designs and a lot of other options. For the floor levels, they have nicely implemented a table, where you can also define the services for front and rear. Also this application supports 2 car groups. This is what I tried.

Outputs:
2D: The system delivers 2D DWG and PDF files. The 2D drawings also reflect the 2 car group. The vertical section shows head, pit and travel. Intermediate floors, rail bracket distances, etc are not shown.

3D: The Revit BIM model is simplified and shows only a subset of the values I entered into the web page. The BIM model is a single elevator. For the car group you must add it twice into your Revit buidling model.

Summary:
The Revit family is good for the initial planning stages. Vertical stops can be customized for your concrete need and building.
There is no IFC or similar download option. If you need more or if you are using another 3D CAD program you need to contact KONE for a (more detailed) BIM model.

The KONE Elevator toolbox can be startet from here:
https://toolbox.kone.com/