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OUR BIM-EVOLUTION
This article describes the development of BIM-process at ENECA
BIM implementation began in 2016 at BIM level 1, where architects and HVAC engineers utilized Autodesk Revit to create BIM models. However, they continued to use the CAD format to transmit information to other specialists who were not yet familiar with Revit.
Despite the many advantages of 3D BIM, such as visualization, automatic drawing adjustments, quick material quantity extraction, and identification of clashes with MEP specialists, there were some obstacles to its use throughout the design process. One significant hurdle was the drafting standard, as the software was not flexible enough to meet all of the standard's requirements for use across all disciplines.
In 2020, the creation of 3D architectural and HVAC BIM models laid the foundation for working with BIM across all disciplines. A BIM standard was developed, and a BIM department was established with a BIM Manager, a BIM Coordinator, and seven BIM Masters who developed the working standards in BIM for each design track.
Despite the many advantages of 3D BIM, such as visualization, automatic drawing adjustments, quick material quantity extraction, and identification of clashes with MEP specialists, there were some obstacles to its use throughout the design process. One significant hurdle was the drafting standard, as the software was not flexible enough to meet all of the standard's requirements for use across all disciplines.
In 2020, the creation of 3D architectural and HVAC BIM models laid the foundation for working with BIM across all disciplines. A BIM standard was developed, and a BIM department was established with a BIM Manager, a BIM Coordinator, and seven BIM Masters who developed the working standards in BIM for each design track.
In 2021, the department was expanded with a BIM Software Developer who automated the BIM processes and created the first version of the Openings Manager plugin. The BIM specialists dedicated themselves to building a seamless BIM workflow, which involved developing BIM standards for every department and regularly updating the BIM library with new Revit families, templates, and schedules.
From that moment on, all projects have been carried out using BIM, and ENECA has already reached BIM level 2, expanding the BIM method with 4D and 5D in a pilot project for a single-family house in Switzerland. The specialists tested various 4D and 5D software and created 3D, 4D, and 5D BIM models. As of 2023, ENECA is continuing its BIM journey with new customers and plans to reach BIM level 3, as well as offer BIM for construction and facility management to existing and new clients.
From that moment on, all projects have been carried out using BIM, and ENECA has already reached BIM level 2, expanding the BIM method with 4D and 5D in a pilot project for a single-family house in Switzerland. The specialists tested various 4D and 5D software and created 3D, 4D, and 5D BIM models. As of 2023, ENECA is continuing its BIM journey with new customers and plans to reach BIM level 3, as well as offer BIM for construction and facility management to existing and new clients.
BIM-Department Structure
BIM-Department consists of the following specialists
BIM-Manager
BIM-Manager is responsible for promotion and development of BIM technologies at ENECA and aware of all new trends in the BIM area. This specialist draws the roadmap and plans the implementation of BIM processes within the company keeps contact with collaborating parties and initiates the implementation of BIM processes.
BIM-Coordinators
There are two types of BIM-coordinators at ENECA: general BIM Coordinators and GIS Coordinators. General coordinators are responsible for preparing the BIM Execution Plan and its communication to the project team, as well as integral BIM model assemblance, maintenance and carrying out a clash detection procedure. He or she also makes a decision about the model management strategy and the information exchange technique.
BIM-Masters
Every discipline has a specialist responsible for it — BIM-Master — who is aware of the most current developments in his or her field and who translates this into the operational context of the organization. BIM-master establishes the BIM-regulations and instructions of the most efficient BIM processes within his or her discipline.
BIM-Modelers
BIM-Modelers create BIM models and prepare drawings for all project phases from SD to CD. There are masters for the following disciplines at ENECA:
- Architecture
- Structural Engineering (Revit)
- Structural Engineering (Tekla)
- Electrical Engineering and Automatization
- HVAC
- Water Supply and Discharge
- GIS (Civil 3D)
Other BIM-Specialists
Revit families creation requires from a specialist specific knowledge and experience. To guarantee the highest work quality, maximum speed and efficiency, ENECA has BIM specialists who are responsible for Revit families development, in particular.
BIM-Automation Developers
Particular attention should be paid to BIM developers who are working to improve the efficiency of the BIM process. They develop plug-ins and scripts to automate routine processes and ensure that other BIM-colleagues can work smarter and faster.
4D and 5D BIM-Specialists
In 2022, we have started the new course —4D and 5D. The function of 4D and 5D BIM specialists has been fulfilled by our cost estimators and construction planners. They work with Bexel Manager to link 3D BIM-models to the cost and planning items.