CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS .................................................................................................. 3
ABSTRACT ..................................................................................................................... 3
1

INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................... 4

BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING ................................................................... 5

2.1

Definition ............................................................................................................ 5

2.2

Applications ........................................................................................................ 6

2.3

Key benefits of BIM ............................................................................................ 7

2.4

Challenges of BIM .............................................................................................. 8

2.5

Tools available for BIM. ...................................................................................... 9

2.6

4D Building Information Modeling (4D BIM) ..................................................... 11

2.7

Autodesk and Building Information Modeling ................................................... 13

2.7.1

Autodesk Revit .......................................................................................... 13

2.7.2

Autodesk Navisworks ................................................................................ 14

MODELING NEW DEVELOPMENT IN URBAN AREAS ........................................ 16

3.1

Geographical Information System GIS .......................................................... 16

3.2

City GML .......................................................................................................... 18

3.2.1
3.3

Montreal CityGML ...................................................................................... 21

Urbanization in Downtown Montreal ................................................................. 25

3.3.1

Landscape change .................................................................................... 25

3.3.2

Traffic impact ............................................................................................. 28

Case of study Roccabella ..................................................................................... 30

4.1

General information .......................................................................................... 30

4.2

Developing Roccabella model in Autodesk Revit ............................................. 31

4.3

Developing 4D model of Roccabella. ............................................................... 37

CONCLUSIONS ..................................................................................................... 39

REFERENCES .............................................................................................................. 39

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1 BIM Authoring Tools (Reinhardt, 2009) ............................................................ 10

Table 2 BIM Tools for Shop drawing and Fabrication (Reinhardt, 2009) ....................... 11
Table 3 BIM Construction Management and Scheduling Tools (Reinhardt, 2009) ........ 11
Table 4 Autodesk Navisworks types (Autodesk Inc., 2014) ........................................... 15
Table 5 Main Characteristics Buildings Area of Study (Info provided by projects sales
offices and its websites) ................................................................................................ 26
Table 6 Building Parking spaces Vs. Parking lots spaces ............................................. 29

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1 Social BIM (Sanveo, 2014)................................................................................ 6

Figure 2 BIM applications (Eastman C., 2011) ................................................................ 7
Figure 3 4D model using Autodesk Navisworks Manage (Mrasbuilt, 2014) .................. 12
Figure 4 Revit Views (Inside-the-factory, 2014) ............................................................ 14
Figure 5 Layering GIS (Burnaby, 2014)......................................................................... 17
Figure 6 Modularization of CityGML 1.0.0. (Kolbe T., 2008) ......................................... 19
Figure 7 CityGML Levels of detail (Kolbe T., 2008) ....................................................... 20
Figure 8 Geometrical Level of Detail CityGML (Lwnera M. O., 2013) ......................... 21
Figure 9 Montreal 3D Model (Montreal City - Geomatics Division, 2014) ...................... 22
Figure 10 Representation of construction projects downtown Montreal CityGML
(Montreal City - Geomatics Division, 2014) ................................................................... 23
Figure 11 Montreal downtown Montreal downtown cityGML using Global Mapper ....... 24
Figure 12 Montreal downtown cityGML using Snowflake GML viewer .......................... 24
Figure 13 Downtown Montreal Area of study (Google Maps, 2014) .............................. 25
Figure 14 Comparison study area 2010 (a.) and 2013 (b.) (Google Earth, 2010 - 2013)
...................................................................................................................................... 27
Figure 15 Project Location (Google Maps 2014) ........................................................... 30
Figure 16 Roccabella typical floor: Walls drawn on top of the CAD file and first
assumptions made. ....................................................................................................... 33
Figure 17 Example of differences between unit C1 on the website and the design
drawings ........................................................................................................................ 34
Figure 18 Adding details to the model ........................................................................... 35
Figure 19 Cross section of the Roccabella model 3 to 32 levels. .................................. 36
Figure 20 Complete Tower. Differences between the levels. ........................................ 37
Figure 21 4D process in Navisworks Manage 2014 ...................................................... 38

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I take this opportunity to express my profound gratitude and deep regards to Dr. Amin
Hammad for his exemplary guidance, monitoring and constant encouragement
throughout the course of this project.
I also extend my gratitude to my colleagues Xue Bai and Camila Omori without whom
the development of the model would not be possible and also for helping me and
allowing me to be part of a great working team.
I would also like to thank all my officemates Mohammad Soltani, Mohamad Langari
Hassaan Siddiqui and Khaled El Ammari for their advice and guidance.
I am obliged to staff members of Magil Construction, for the valuable information
provided by them in their respective fields. I am grateful for their cooperation during this
period.

ABSTRACT
Nowadays there is a growing interest in the implementation of Building Information
Modeling (BIM) in order to improve the construction processes since the first stages of
the project and during its life cycle. The first part of this report includes an overview of
BIM it includes the definition, applications, benefits, challenges, tools available and
finally 4D BIM. In order to really understand this concepts, a 4D model of the
Roccabella building that is actually under construction in downtown Montreal was
developed (case of study).
During the process of gathering information for the development of the 4D model, we
realized the large number of buildings that are under construction in downtown
Montreal. This prompted us to expand the concept to urban planning that in turn led us
to CityGML and GIS. The second part of this report includes the definition and
applications of the GIS and CityGML. Also a description of the Montreal CityGML model
and the issues that we faced with the available data. Finally a description of the new
buildings in the study area selected its main characteristics and some of the impacts
that they can cause in the downtown was included.

INTRODUCTION

Architecture, engineering and construction areas have experienced in the last decade a
significant increase in productivity at the same time that they have improved the
sustainability of the construction process. Where is the key to such a major change?
After analyzing the major causes of delay and cost overrun in projects we can conclude
that most of the delays were consequence of incidents caused within workflows that
produced delays and misunderstandings between project managers, contractors and
suppliers. Any changes made to the project needed at least a week to be
communicated to the other agents involved.
In construction projects the technical information that is handled is usually represented
by two dimensional CAD drawings. Although it is possible to make accurate
measurements, the information contained in the those files are not updated or linked to
the construction process (foundation, drainage, masonry, installation, painting, etc.) and
the agents involved (architect, engineer, manufacturer, lender, contractor, etc.).
If materials are budgeted from the design phase, models are developed in 3D, and the
project is planned, all information were integrated and linked, project management is
simplified, not only during construction, but also to over the life cycle of the building. In
response to this need was born the Building Information Modeling (BIM).
Now, despite all its advantages, the BIM only focuses on the building environment. In
order to extend it to other applications like urban planning in larger areas (city or
metropolitan area) or a group of buildings other international standards like as CityGML
and GIS can be used.
The following chapters present a description of the BIM, GIS and CityGML. A case of
study is also included.

2
2.1

BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING

Definition

Building information modeling (BIM) is a revolutionary technology and process that has
transformed the way buildings are designed, analyzed, constructed, and managed.
BIM is basically three dimensional representation of a building and its inherent
characteristics generated with the use of specialized software. It can be considered as a
platform to share knowledge and communicate between project participants. The model
contains the information related to the structure, which includes physical/functional
characteristics and project life cycle information, in what is called series of smart
objects. For example, inside a building the heating system will contain the information
about the suppliers, technical information (like temperature limits, flow rates, etc.), how
it should be operated and how it should be maintained (S. Azhar, 2011).

BIM can be used in a basic level, just to share the concept of the facility in 3D, but
further information will not be included, which means that it is not use in its full extent.
Generally it is use by contractors in order to obtain jobs.
Another case is when just one of the participants in the project creates a BIM model for
its use but it does not share it with the other participants. For example, a designer
company is hired to design a new building and they use BIM due to the advantages
offered by the method but the final product will be submitted in 2D, so the developer and
the constructor will not have access to the model (Vardaro, 2009).
Another approach will be a social BIM (see Figure 1), which will be developed and
shared by all the participants in the project. For example the design engineers/architects
will create the basic model and it will be improved with the help of the construction
manager and the contractors. All the systems of the building can be added by the
responsible designer (structural system, hydraulic system, etc.). Later it can be modified
to show the as built work (Hergunsel, 2011).

Figure 1 Social BIM (Sanveo, 2014)

Using this approach will facilitates the integrated project delivery and also it provides an
opportunity for design team members to break out of individual silos and work together
in a collaborative way.

2.2

Applications

Building Information Modeling has several applications, the most representatives ones
are (S. Azhar, 2011):
-

3 dimensional visualization of the project

Easier way to generate drawings

Easier way to review designs and perform the required changes

Cost estimating

Safety planning, by reviewing higher risk tasks in the model before performing
them
-

Avoid conflicts between the systems in the building

6

The Figure 2 illustrates the general applications of BIM and its relationship.

Figure 2 BIM applications (Eastman C., 2011)

2.3

Key benefits of BIM

BIM offers a three dimensional representation of the facility under study. For the first
stage of the project, the bidding phase, it will help to get a better understanding and
analysis of the proposal. Further benefits will be seen when the decisions about
aesthetics and spaces are required.

The model, especially if developed by coordinated efforts of the designers and

contractors before the construction process, will help to reduce in great amount the
number of errors that are usually incurred during design phase (Hergunsel, 2011).

Considering the large number of software available on the market, BIM also
implements Industry foundation classes (IFC) compatibility. IFC is a file format
specification. It is an object-based file format with a data model developed
by building
SMART.
It
aims
to
facilitate interoperability in
the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry (BuildingSMART
International home of open BIM, 2014).

One of the major advantages of the BIM is that it facilitates obtaining faster and
more effective processes. This will be achieved due that sharing and adding or
modifying information this way is easier and it can be reused (S. Azhar, 2011).

In order to reduce constructions costs and times some elements could be

prefabricated and / or welded (especially when dealing with complex elements)
before they are required. Developing a BIM model compatible with the software
used by the fabricator, will ensure the accuracy required for the task (Hergunsel,
2011).

The Model can be used to estimate the costs of the project. The more accurate and
complete the inputs the more accurate the outcome (for example if it is developed
including hydraulic and electric design). It can be used in the first stage for example
for bidding purposes, and later for more accurate cost estimation and during the
construction for expenses control.

BIM also enables great reduction of waste and environmental control. By having
more exact quantity take-offs we are ensuring that materials will not be over-ordered
it will also enables more efficient materials handling and waste recovery.

A 3D model can be also use to review complex procedures minimizing construction

risks.

Summarizing, all the benefits mentioned will be reflected into better productivity and
quality, accuracy in cost estimating, time saving, safety and better operation due that it
can be used during the whole life cycle of the facility.

2.4

Challenges of BIM
The development of the initial framework of a Building Information Model will require
more effort than the traditional methods. The design requires extra works
considering that must of the professionals are not use to think in 3 dimensions. The
8

initial pre visualization is more demanding than the 2D methods (Precise Drafting
Inc, 2014).

One of the biggest advantages of a BIM is the easier way to perform changes above
the whole design. That can also be translated into a disadvantage because the
client may keep requiring changes that could generate great impact in construction
and design costs (Precise Drafting Inc, 2014).

This system, a difference with the traditional, requires that the equipment used
which includes hardware and software, perform in a higher level and the generated
files will be much greater in size as well (Precise Drafting Inc, 2014).

The design requires extra efforts considering that must of the professionals are not
use to think in 3 dimensions. The initial pre visualization is more demanding than the
2D methods (Precise Drafting Inc, 2014).

Another big challenge is the shared information. A complete BIM will include
relevant information for example about suppliers, cost, times, etc. It can generate
copyright issues. Also in this case the party sharing this data may be in risk of giving
much to other that later on can use it to compete for jobs. Now, this also can create
another issue that the initial developer of the model may not want to share it with for
example owners and constructors, and if it does it, the problem would be how the
costs of its development and operation must be divided (S. Azhar, 2011).

2.5

Tools available for BIM.

After mentioning all the benefits that BIM can offer for the design, construction and lifecycle of a facility, now it is important to mention the tools that are available for its
implementation.
BIM tool is all software application that manipulates the model in order to obtain a
specific outcome. The software must be able to not just allow the development of the 3D
model, also it must be able to add, modify, delete and reuse information (Fernandes,
2013).
Table 1 shows the BIM authoring tools and their primary functions.

Table 1 BIM Authoring Tools (Reinhardt, 2009)

Table 2 presents BIM tools for structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing
contractors and for drawing and fabrication.
10

Table 2 BIM Tools for Shop drawing and Fabrication (Reinhardt, 2009)

Other complementing tools are available for construction management and scheduling
as shown in Table 3 BIM Construction Management and Scheduling Tools Table 3
below.

Table 3 BIM Construction Management and Scheduling Tools (Reinhardt, 2009)

From all the above mentioned the one that is of interest to this report is Autodesk
Navisworks Manage due that it includes a feature called Timeliner to simulate
construction schedules. This subject will be addressed more detailed in further
chapters.

2.6

4D Building Information Modeling (4D BIM)

4D BIM is the term used to describe the link between the three dimensional model
(physical aspect) with time or schedule of the work. This will allow the visualization of
the construction sequence in the same order that it is planned (McKinney, 1996).

11

This is a powerful tool, because it will help, not just with the time control, it will also help
to prevent and solve problems before the construction. A good example would be the
avoidance of work conflicts, that will improve the time and organization of the work
making the process more efficient (Dixit, 2007).
Nowadays, as shown in Table 3 above, we can find several tools to develop a 4
dimensional model by linking the 3D model with the schedule of the work.

Figure 3 4D model using Autodesk Navisworks Manage (Mrasbuilt, 2014)

Figure 3 shows and example of a 4D model created with Autodesk Navisworks and
Revit. It is important to clarify that tower-crane added in the Figure 3 is just decorative;
the software is not able to animate construction equipment.
The 3D model, is developed in Revit, the schedule can be developed in specialized
softwares like Microsoft Project, Primavera or Excel (anyone compatible with the
program in use to develop the 4D) then both, 3D model and schedule are imported to
Navisworks were they are linked together and the simulation of the work can be seen.
12

2.7

Autodesk and Building Information Modeling

Autodesk is a multinational company that develops software for architecture,

engineering, construction, manufacturing, media, and entertainment (Autodesk Inc.,
2014).
The company is worldwide known specially for AutoCAD, but also, Revit both are mainly
used by architects, engineers, and designers in general.

2.7.1 Autodesk Revit

Revit is a BIM software developed by Autodesk, as mentioned before, used nowadays
by architects, engineers, designers and contractors.
The definition given by Autodesk is: The Revit platform for building information
modeling is a design and documentation system that supports the design, drawings,
and schedules required for a building project.
Initially Revit was developed by Parametric Technology Corporation in 1997. The main
purpose at that time was just architectural design. Later, in 2002 Autodesk in an effort to
keep providing solutions to all the requirements of the industry purchased Revit for $133
million (Autodesk Inc., 2014).
Now, according to the study Autodesk Revit: Implementation in Practice the major
strengths of the software are:

The compatibility with AutoCad facilitates 2D and 3D interoperability for hybrid

workflows

It facilitates the design changes and it automatically upgrades data and the schedule
of the work.

The coordination of the design tasks can be performed in an easier way.

It provides quick feedback for design decisions

Fast and convenient generation of design presentations for client approvals

Due to the 3D views it facilitates the design presentations for approvals, also
improves de understanding and communication with clients and builders

13

Figure 4 Revit Views (Inside-the-factory, 2014)

Figure 4 shows the views offered by Revit. You can generate the floor plans, the
elevation, and general 3D view. It is also shown (top left) some of the options available
for the walls.

2.7.2 Autodesk Navisworks

Navisworks Manage as defined by Autodesk Inc. is software that combines
multidisciplinary design data into a single model for interference management and clash
detection.
This software can combine models created in AutoCad and / or Revit with the
correspondent schedule developed in Microsoft Project, Primavera or Excel.
The accuracy of the results will depend on the level of details included on the models.
14

There are available 3 types of Navisworks: 1. Manage 2. Simulate and 3. Freedom.

Table 4 shows what is included in each one.

Table 4 Autodesk Navisworks types (Autodesk Inc., 2014)

15

MODELING NEW DEVELOPMENT IN URBAN AREAS

In the contemporary world cities are the center where the society focuses all kind of
activities especially the related ones with administration and work. This fact makes the
downtown of the cities particularly desirable for young people, workers and investors.
To control and organize the cities, proper urban planning is essential.
Urban Planning nowadays is a complex task that requires a comprehensive view of the
phenomena that drive the growth. This process must include, not just the physical
distribution in the space, also the economic, social and cultural aspects because all of
them have great influence in the development of the cities.
There are several disciplines that an Urban Planner should consider for example the
geography, the administrative science and the law. Among all the economical science is
the most important and inside this area the analysis of value of the terrain must be
considered. Now, the value of the terrain of certain area is influenced by the number of
people that desire that space and the government is part of the regulation of this
process (Gonzalez, 2010).
Tools that are currently used by urban planners in order to develop models that facilitate
management and understanding are GIS and more recently CityGML, in the following
sections a description of each of them is presented.

3.1

Geographical Information System GIS

A well accepted definition of GIS is written by the National Center of Geographic

Information and Analysis (NCGIA):
"GIS is a system of hardware, software and procedures to facilitate the collection,
management, manipulation, analysis, modeling, representation and display of spatially
referenced data for solving complex planning and management
Geographic Information Systems have become in the last decade, in essential working
tools in urban planning and management of resources. Its ability to store, retrieve,
analyze, model and map large areas with huge amounts of spatial data have placed
them at the head of a large number of applications. Geographic Information Systems
are currently used in the planning of land use, service management, ecosystem
modeling, assessment and landscape planning, transport planning and infrastructure,
marketing, visual impact analysis, infrastructure management, allocation of taxes,
property analysis and many others (Al-Bukhari, 2008).
GIS functionality includes entry, visualization and data Management also retrieving and
analyzing information.
16

GIS considers the disposal, in layers (Figure 5), of its data sets. That feature makes
possible to analyze thematic and spatial characteristics in order to obtain a better
understanding of the area which facilitates the work of the urban planner.

Figure 5 Layering GIS (Burnaby, 2014)

In the figure above it is possible to see a clear example of the application of GIS system
in a city, layers can be added containing relevant information like roads, parks utilities,
etc.
The most relevant GIS applications are:

Mapping locations: GIS can be used to map locations. It allows the creation of maps
using automated cartographic, data capture and analysis tools.

Quantitative maps: Population maps, which are used to locate places that meet
specific demographic criteria and make decisions, or to see the existent
relationships between different places. This provides an additional information level
beyond the simple location maps used by the entities.

Density maps: Although concentrations can be seen by simply mapping the

locations of entities, in areas where there are many of them it becomes difficult to
see which areas have higher concentrations than others. A density map lets you
measure the number of entities in a uniform unit area, such as the meter or square
kilometer, so that you can clearly see the distribution.

Distance calculation: GIS can be used to know what is happening within a certain
radius around an entity.
17

3.2

Mapping and change detection: GIS can be used to map the change in an area to
anticipate future conditions, make decisions, and evaluate the results of an action or
a specific policy (National Center for Geographic Information and Analysis, 1990)

City GML

Most of the information available about the new developments of the CityGML is related
to the algorithms and programming languages used for it.
Considering that this is not part of the scope of the project this overview focused in the
definitions and uses of the cityGML.
3 Dimensional models of cities are commonly used just due to the visualization features.
To better explode the potential of the models in fields like urban planning, environmental
simulations, disaster management, etc. more information must be added to it.
In order to combine objects and attributes CityGML was developed.
To better understand the definition of cityGML is important to consider the definition of
semantics: The general definition of semantics refers to the study of meanings-of the
message behind the words. For this case, semantics means "from the user's
perspective." And a semantic model is a set of representations that are interpreted for
computer software allowing modeling an area of knowledge (The Data Administration
News Letter, 2014).

CityGML (City Geography Markup Language) is a common information model XMLbased format used for the representation of 3D urban objects. . It represents semantics,
geometry, topology, and appearance. Which means that it defines, not just features,
also different relations for the most relevant topographic objects in the cities (Kolbe T.,
2008)
Figure 6 shows the modules in which CityGML is divided. The core, appearance, and
generics are used to define the structures that are going to be applied to the thematic
modules which are shown in the vertical bars.

18

Figure 6 Modularization of CityGML 1.0.0. (Kolbe T., 2008)

CityGML offers the possibility of create a model with different levels of details depending
of the requirements of accuracy and data available. Thus, five well-defined consecutive
levels of detail (LOD) are established to define the complexity of the 3D model.
1. LOD0: it is the roughest level. Consist basically in a 2.5D digital terrain model
2. LOD1: consist in the representation of buildings as blocks. It means the model does
not include the shape of the roofs.
3. LOD2: it is more complete, the roof structures and larger building installations are
represented in the model.
4. LOD3: It is a more architectural detailed model; it includes more complex structures
like wall and roof shapes and textures, doors, windows, bays, vegetation and
transportation objects.
5. LOD4: It complements LOD3 model adding the interior structures like apartment
interior divisions, furniture, decoration, etc (Kolbe T., 2008).

19

Figure 7 CityGML Levels of detail (Kolbe T., 2008)

CityGML uses the ISO 19100 framework for the modeling of geographic features, which
are defined as an abstraction of a real world phenomenon.
Within virtual 3D models the cityGML includes for the semantics of the most important
geographic features class definitions, normative regulations, and explanations.
Another important concept of CityGML is CityObject. It is defined as the base class of all
thematic classes; it includes the attributes name, description, and GML ID.
Other abstract classes like BoundarySurface and its subclasses RoofSurface,
WallSurface, GroundSurface, ClosureSurface, etc. are derived from class CityObject, as
a consequence, starting from LOD2 they inherit its attributes and relations (Kolbe T.,
2008).
CityGML represents geometries of geographic features as objects and substructures.
The volumetric geometries are bounded by a closed surface and all coordinates are in a
world coordinate reference system (CRS) not allowing any local transformation. The
advantage is that that each object belongs to exactly one fixed place in space allowing
to create and maintain in an easier way spatial indexes in geodatabases (Kolbe T.,
2008).
CityGML offers 0D to 3D geometry aggregates and 1D to 3D composite geometries.
Geometrical Level of Detail 0 (GLoD0): The object is represented by a planar surface
within the model. It is considered that the elevation Z is a function of the horizontal
position z=f(x,y), it means 2.5D representation.
Geometrical Level of Detail 1 (GLoD1): The object is represented as a block in the
model. No roof or surface details are shown.
20

Geometrical Level of Detail 2 (GLoD2): The object is represented with a well-defined

contour closer to the one in the real world.
Geometrical Level of Detail 3 (GLoD3): The representation of the object is exact to the
one of the real world (Lwnera M. O., 2013).

Figure 8 Geometrical Level of Detail CityGML (Lwnera M. O., 2013)

Inside the model, one of the most important is the topological accuracy, the parts of the
objects can touch each other but they cannot be in the same space, it means one space
for every object. The CityGML follows the line of full decomposition of n-dimensional
topological primitives into (n-1)-dimensional primitives, which again are decomposed
down to the level of nodes (0D) (Kolbe T., 2008).
Appearances (for example textures of the surfaces) are added to the semantics and
spatial properties of the objects. They represent also categories like infrared radiation,
noise, sunlight emission, etc those are named Themes and it works as analysis and
visualization tool.
Considering the necessity of exchanging or storing extra attributes or 3D objects that
are out of the defined classes, cityGML considers 2 extensions:
1. The module "generics" contains generic city objects that can contain many additional
generic attributes.
2. Application Domain Extensions (ADE)

3.2.1 Montreal CityGML

The geomatics division of Montreal City developed the downtown of the city a three
dimensional model following CityGML international standards.
The Model consists of a building modeling (Figure 9 a.) and the topography of the
terrain (Figure 9 b.) on which aerial photographs are placed (Figure 9 c.).
Details of building roofs are captured by photogrammetric accuracy of a few feet and
treated to match the international standard CityGML LoD 2. The topography of the soil
21

is expressed as a Digital Terrain Model (DTM) made from spot heights of elevation and
different lines of constraints (Montreal City - Geomatics Division, 2014).

Figure 9 Montreal 3D Model (Montreal City - Geomatics Division, 2014)

The model is used by the city in applications like promotion of the Montreal built
environment, presenting construction projects, the design and simulation of spatial
urban territory.
It is use also to analyze and better understand problems like road traffic, freight, runoff,
noise levels, radio waves propagation limits, etc.

22

Figure 10 Representation of construction projects downtown Montreal CityGML

(Montreal City - Geomatics Division, 2014)

3.2.1.1 Data released by Montreal City

The city shared on its website data corresponding to the 3D model of Ville Marie
neighborhood
in
downtown,
with
the
public
(donnees.ville.montreal.qc.ca/dataset/maquette-numerique-batiments-citygml-lod2avec-textures). The data can be used to promote the built environment present projects
of urban planning, architecture, construction and design, simulate urban land or facilities
used during public consultation or historical and academic research. For example it
contributes to the thermal image analysis and feeding the mapping process heat
islands, which can helps to simulate urban development scenarios, green roofs,
dispersion of microparticles in the environment, etc. (Montreal City - Geomatics
Division, 2014).
In the mentioned website 19 files are available, Index and 18 more files (GML format)
containing the following information:
The digitized aerial photographs from 1930 to 2003; a digital base map comprising the
geometric representation of the 2D elements of the territory made up of buildings,
pavement, sidewalks, street furniture, trees, etc.; a digital terrain model (DTM) with a
simplified representation of the topography of the terrain; and over 300,000 3D buildings
(Union des municipalits du Qubec, 2014).
Now, the first challenge to overcome, if you are not professional, is to find a
software/viewer to visualize the model.
After consulting some forums and websites the first option is Global Mapper. A free trial
version can be downloaded but it restrict the visual to just 4 files/maps and the textures
cannot be uploaded either.

23

Figure 11 Montreal downtown Montreal downtown cityGML using Global Mapper

Second suggested option is, Snowflake GML viewer, and just the 2D map was
visualized. The viewer is not user friendly, to access the tutorials payment is required
and the Help option is not available for the free trial (Figure 12).

Figure 12 Montreal downtown cityGML using Snowflake GML viewer

ArcMap from ArcGIS software is another option, a free trial for a month is available, and
the files can be opened showing the 2D drawings without textures, to visualize the full
model 3D options are required and those are not available on the software unless you
have a license.

24

3.3

Urbanization in Downtown Montreal

As part of the research, a small area in downtown Montreal (Ville-Marie neighborhood)

between Drummond Street, Guy Street, Saint Catherine Street and Rue Saint Antoine
O (see Figure 13) was chosen in order to analyze how many new buildings are under
construction and how their development can impact the area.

Figure 13 Downtown Montreal Area of study (Google Maps, 2014)

In the mentioned area 10 new buildings were found, some of them are projects that are
going to start soon, few are almost finished, the rest is currently under construction.
After a visit to the sales office of almost every project, and checking the websites of
each of them, the main characteristics of the buildings were collected and summarized
in the Table 5.

3.3.1 Landscape change

Part of the purpose of this research was to add new projects to the downtown Montreal
CityGML model in order to have a clear visual of the future landscape, but due to lack of
information and inconvenient found about the software required for its use as explained
in section 3.2.1.1, it was decided to use Google Earth (Figure 14).
25

Table 5 Main Characteristics Buildings Area of Study (Info provided by projects sales offices and its websites)
No. Building Name

10

Address

1160 rue
MacKay
Montreal,Quebe
c H3G 2H4
1205 Mackay
Douze05
Street
Mackay
Montreal,
Condominiums Quebec
H3G 2H5
1235 rue
Flex
Bishop
Condominiums Montreal,
Quebec
H3G 2E2
1155-1189
Axis Condos
Bishop Street
1400 boul.
Ren-Lvesque
O.
Destination YUL
Montreal,
Quebec H3G
1T6
1190 Mackay

Condos
Crecent

Icone

Roccabella

L'Avenue

Tour Des
Canadiens

1220 Crescent
Street
1175 de la
Montagne,
Montreal,
Quebec H3G
1Z2

Web site

Estimated
completion

Tyeon

www.condosma
ckay.com/contac
tfr.html

July 2016

Developer

No.
No. of No. of
Parking
storeys units
spaces

Description

Prices- in thousands (From- No tx included)

1
2
Parking Studio
3 Bed. Penthouse
Bed. Bed.

Sales information

20

158

116

Gym, terrace, jacuzzi, 100%

residential no commercial at
ground level. Studios, 1, 2 or 3
bedroom

$55

$146

$180 $231

$284

In average price increases $5th per

floor. Over 50% sold. /75% residents
- 25% investors

Belcourt

www.belcourtcon
dos.com/properti Delivered started
es/douze052015 / will finish
mackay2016
condominiums

11

129

29

Concrete building - studio, 1 or 2

bedroom units, exercise room,
exterior roof top garden area with
BBQ.

$55

$136

$171 $237

In average price increases $3th to

$4th per floor. Over 50% sold. / 60%
residents - 40% investors

Belcourt

www.belcourtcon
dos.com/properti Completed
es/flex-condos/

11

214

90

Concrete complex, comprised of

1 or 2 bedroom units, salt-water
roof-top pool, exercise room and
terrace.

$50

$154 $281

$451

In average price increases $3th to

$4th per floor. Over 98% sold. /70%
residents - 30% investors

Company

axiscondos.ca/in
december 2015
dex-en.php

58

31

Rooftop terrace, gym, jacuzzi, 1,

2 or 3 bedrooms

$55

$225 $367

$528

BRIVIA GROUP
+ T.G. BECO /
Construction
SDK and
Associates +
Pageau Morel

destinationyul.co
Spring 2017
m/en

38

900

320

Lobby, lounge, bar/reunion room,

gym, pool, spa, sauna, Sky
Lounge, terraces Studios, 1, 2 or
3 bedroom, penthouses and
townhouses

$55

$162
(+1th
per
floor)

$270 $397 $914

(+2th (+3th (+10th
per
per
per
floor) floor) floor)

Inca
Development

www.condoscre
scent.com/accue Winter 2014
il/

11

90

90*

Rooftop terrace, exercise room,

studio, 1, 2 or 3 bedrooms

$55

$208

$237 $305

358*

8th floor salt water pool, gym,

sauna, whirlpool, yoga room,
terrace. Studio, 1, 2 or 3
bedroom units and 2 full floors of
penthouses

$55

$181 to
$339

$60

Metropolitan
Parking /
construction
performed by
SNC lavalin

www.iconecondo
Winter / Spring
minium.com/201
2016 (first tower)
4/en/

38

358

$1,600

The price increases aprox 1% per

floor. The sales office just open.
Price listed is the lowest one, it can
vary depending on size and location
of the condo. 60% sold. 70%
residents and 30% investors. The
project included 18 townhouses
(from $1.6 M)

Over 65% sold. /50% residents 50% investors

$286 $421
$832 to
to
to
$863
$500 $651

N/A

Over 75% sold. /75% residents 25% investors

$343 $539 $1,260

N/A

*$2000 + per upper floor + tx/ condo

fees $470 + fix tax ($500 monthly)

$699

1300 Boulevard
Ren-Lvesque
Ouest,
MC Finance
Montreal,
Quebec

www.roccabella.
Fall/Winter 2015
ca

40

592

500

Gym, BBQ, pool, party room,

Jacuzzi, theater room, terrace,
conference room, spa, 1,2 or 3
bedrooms, penthouse.

Avenue des
Broccolini and
Canadiens-Rue
Carttera Private
DrummondEquities
Montral, QC

www.lavenuecon Fall / Winter

dos.com/
2016

50

303

243

Media room, cabanas, sauna,

party room, pool, indoor pool,
exercise room, terrace, lounge

$55

N/A

$379
$300
to $595 to
TO
$1,31 $2,401
$410
0

N/A

Price listed is the lowest one, it can

vary depending on size and location
of the condo. 85% sold. 60%
residents and 40% investors.

Club De Hockey
Canadien,
Canderel
tourdescanadien Fall / Winter
Residential,
s.com/en/
2015
Cadillac Fairview
Corp. and Fonds
de Solidarit FTQ

50

552

N/A

Party Room, pool, terrace, gym,

BBQ area, business centre, yoga
& pilates studio, spa, Studios, 1,
2 or 3 bedroom, penthouses

$60

$170

$360 $544 $1,430

N/A

Sold out

Rue de la
Montagne &
Avenue des
Canadiens-deMontral

* The seller is not sure of the exact number but an approximate value was provided

26

a.

b.

Figure 14 Comparison study area 2010 (a.) and 2013 (b.) (Google Earth, 2010 - 2013)

27

The numbers in Figure 14 correspond to the project described in Table 5. It is possible

to see, that buildings like Douze05 Mackay (1) and Condos Crecent (6) are already
under construction but the picture was taken before then the change is not reflected.
1190 Mackay (2), Axis (4), Destination YUL (5) have just the sales office, it means the
construction has not started yet.
Flex Condominiums (3) is finish and Icone (7), Roccabella (8), L'Avenue (9) and Tour
Des Canadiens (10) are under construction.
Something that is really important is that almost the new buildings are going to replace
parking lots, this will drastically change not just the landscape it will increase the
population and traffic which in turn will increase the pollution.
According to The Globe and Mail diary Montreal, by the end of 2013, had two times
more condominiums for sale than Toronto (the largest city in Canada) and the number
is increasing. The supply of condos for sale rose 47% over the 2011 levels.
There are several reasons for this increase, lack of land, some land-use policies that
favoring densification, low interest rates, cheaper financing for developers, immigration
policies and cultural change. (Rabidoux, 2013).
According to the information collected in the sales offices, and averaging between all
buildings, it is possible to say that about 70% of buyers are Canadian residents and
30% are investors, and from those numbers apparently people from China are the
largest group of foreign buyers.
Some of the reasons why foreign people is attracted to buy in Montreal can be because
of its European style, others because they found than the prices are lower than
Vancouver or Toronto or they just one a second place as an investment.
One of the concerns due to this condo-boom is the increase on the prices of the units,
and that may be Canadian citizens will not be able to afford them. Another problem
could be generation of a downturn if the market crashes.

3.3.2 Traffic impact

As mentioned above, something that will cause an impact in the traffic of the downtown
of the city is the fact that all the buildings (but Tour Des Canadiens) are going to replace
parking lots.
Making use of the picture taken by Google earth in August 2010, the approximate
maximum capacity of the parking lots to be replaced was estimated and a comparison
between the expected numbers of parking lots is shown in Table 6.

28

Table 6 Building Parking spaces Vs. Parking lots spaces

No.
1
2

3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

Building
Name

No. of
storeys

No. of
units

No. Parking
spaces in
the building

Approx. No.
Parking spaces in
the parking lot

1190 Mackay
Douze05
Mackay
Condominiums

20

158

116

75

11

129

29

60

Flex
Condominiums
Axis Condos
Destination
YUL
Condos
Crecent
Icone
Roccabella
L'Avenue
Tour Des
Canadiens

11

214

90

160

58

31

40

38

900

320

285

11

90

90

50

38
40
50

358
592
303

358
500
243

140
280
155

50

552

442

Total

2219

1245

*Assumed to be 80% of the units number

Looking at the numbers in the table, and considering the approximations made, it is
possible to see that the number of cars is going to be almost the double once the
projects are completed.
According to a report made by Martin Turcotte for Statistics Canada, the percentage of
population aged 18 and over making all trips by car (as a driver or passenger) on the
reference day, by census metropolitan area (CMA / Metropolitan area boundaries used
in the 2005 General Social Survey are those established in the 2001 Census) are above
70%.
Now assuming that the parking lots will function at its 70% capacity all the time, we can
sustain that the increase in traffic in downtown will be 50% on the next 2 years.

29

4
4.1

Case of study Roccabella

General information

Roccabella is a new condominium building comprising 592 units divided into two 40storey towers each one housing 298 units. The project is located on boulevard RenLvesque, between de la Montagne and Drummond, the exact address is 1300
Boulevard Ren-Lvesque west (see Figure 15). This area is in downtown Montreal,
close to Bell Centre, and subway stations Peel, Stanley, Lucien LAllier and GuyConcordia.

Figure 15 Project Location (Google Maps 2014)

The building has 5 levels of indoor parking, commercial areas in the 2 first levels, gym,
BBQ, pool, party room, Jacuzzi, theater room, terrace, conference room, spa, 1, 2 or 3
bedrooms units and penthouses.
The smaller unit has an area of 763 square feet, and the penthouses have, for their
part, an area up to 2,600 square feet. The prices for the apartments and other
characteristics of the building are shown in Table 5.

30

The team that makes this project possible is comprised of:

1. MC Finance: It is the real estate developer. The headquarters are located on 2160 de
la Montagne, downtown Montreal.
2. Bque Legault Thuot Architectes (BLTA): It is the firm in charge of the architecture
and design work.
The company was established in 1970. It offers design services such as high-rise
buildings, building envelope, heritage restoration, and sustainable design. They work
mainly with private clients from commercial, residential and hotel sectors.
This firm was also in charge of the design of Icne (two buildings of 39 and 26 stories),
Univers (two buildings of 35 and 45 stories) and le Triomphe (20-storey building) all of
them located in downtown montreal (Bque Legault Thuot Architectes, 2014).
3. Magil Construction: It is the general contractor.
Magil is a privately held construction company that works within Quebec and British
Columbia. April 2, 2009, Magil Construction was acquired by Fayolle Canada and
joined the MC Group.
MC Group organization maintains revenues in excess of $400 Million making it a top 10
contractor in the country (Magil Construction, 2014).
4. NCK: structural engineers. Established in Montreal in 1969 under the name of
Nicolet, Chartrand, Knoll, the firm is specialized in structural engineering and it has
been part of the design of hundreds of important buildings and structures in Canada and
abroad (NCK, 2014).
5. AECOM: mechanical and electrical engineers.
Founded 20 years ago by Richard G. Newman and some employees of Ashland Inc.
AECOM is an integrated infrastructure and support services firm, with a broad range of
markets, including transportation, facilities, environmental, energy, water and
government (AECOM, 2014).

4.2

Developing Roccabella model in Autodesk Revit

Roccabella, according to Kristi Ante (architect from Magil Construction Corporation),

was design using the traditional 2D method. The drawings were done in AutoCAD.
Magil construction generously provided us 56 drawings in DWG format containing
architectural and few structural details. The most relevant are the following ones: 1. 1st
level basement; 2. 2nd level basement; 3. Typical basement on 3rd & 4th floor; 4. 5th
level basement; 5. Ground floor; 6. Mezzanine level on ground floor; 7. 2nd level; 8.
31

mezzanine on 2nd floor; 9. 3rd floor; 10. Typical floor from 4th to 32nd floor; 11. 32nd
floor; 12. Typical floor from 33rd to 39th; 13. Penthouse on 40th floor; 14. Sheds
on
41st & 42nd floor; 15. Shed on 42nd floor; 16. Main roof and shed type; 17. North
elevation; 18. Elevation of rooftop structure.
The complete model was developed by three different students:
First 3 levels were developed by Camila Omori, forth to thirty second level by Maria
Malpica and thirty third to last level by Xue Bai.
The procedure that follows corresponds to the model for the forth to thirty second level.
Student licensed version of Revit Architecture 2014 was downloaded from Autodesks
student community website to create the 3D model.
Taking advantage of the compatibility of AutoCAD and Revit, the first step is importing
the dwg. file to Revit using the "Import CAD" option.
After importing the file, the process starts by drawing the walls, and there is when we
faced the first difficulty. The information available was not enough, the details of the
apartments were not included, and also important features like material of the walls,
type of windows, doors, etc, was not clear.
Therefore the first assumptions were made: the walls were selected as a generic type,
regardless of the materials, the covering of the structural elements was drawn as a
generic wall as well (Figure 16). The details for the apartments were taken from the
Roccabella website, but since those drawings are for marketing purposes some
measures are missing, some of them are not exactly matching the design drawings (see
Figure 17).
Regarding the envelope of the building, it was not clear if just curtain walls were used,
so a combination of curtain wall and generic walls were used as shown in the figure
bellow.

32

Figure 16 Roccabella typical floor: Walls drawn on top of the CAD file and first
assumptions made.

As mentioned this figure shows some of the main assumptions taken, for example, to
better understand, in the left top corner it is possible to see different kind of walls
available in the software, and the one that was chosen.
These kinds of decisions are very important because maybe the physical appearance
will not be drastically affected but features like quantity takeoff can vary enormously.

33

Figure 17 Example of differences between unit C1 on the website and the design
drawings

Once the envelop and interior structure are defined, the next step is adding details like
the doors, windows, railing, ect. (Figure 18)
The final touch for the main floor is adding furniture and/or appliances in order to
facilitate the differentiation of the rooms with the living room, kitchen, bathroom, closets,
and laundry room. Some of them can be found in the software using the place a
component option and if required loading families available on Revit.
Other accessories, like for example showers, stoves, bathtubs, washing machines, etc.
were downloaded from websites of the suppliers (Figure 18).

34

Figure 18 Adding details to the model

Now, the next step is adding the slab and creating the levels up to the 32, when the last
part or the building begins.
This process was done drawing the levels and after it just using the copy and paste
options (Figure 19).
The problem faced with this procedure is that the model becomes too heavy making it
very slow. The most likely cause is that the furniture and small details added before are
too much for this stage of the process.

35

Figure 19 Cross section of the Roccabella model 3 to 32 levels.

As mentioned before, the complete model of the tower was developed by 3 different
people. When the whole model was tried to put together the first inconvenient was to
make all the files matching.
The different parts of the model were developed in separate and independent files (no
related one to another) so unifying them was very complicated. Then as a result of lack
of details in the initial drawings and lack of communication the assumptions made for
each person were not the same making the final product inaccurate and with an
external appearance different between the typical levels and the rest, even after several
efforts to unify it, the differences are visible, as it can be appreciate in the figure below.

36

Evident Differences

Developed by Xue Bai

Developed by Maria M.

Developed by Camila O.

Figure 20 Complete Tower. Differences between the levels.

4.3

Developing 4D model of Roccabella.

After developing the 3D model in Revit, the use of Navisworks Manage 2014 is required
to link it with the schedule. It is important that the 2 software are from the same version.
The first trial was using Navisworks Manage 2015 and it was not possible to import the
model.
The schedule used was created and divided by building levels using Microsoft Project
and then it was imported to Navisworks.
Initially the 3D model was imported from Navisworks directly from Revit, but the
resulting model was not including the elements of the building by levels, making the
linking process impossible.

37

The issue was fixed downloading Add-Ins plugin to Revit and exporting the model to the
other software.
The process of linking the schedule can be automatic if the components of the building
are numbered level by level in Revit when drawing them and corresponding to the items
on the schedule.
In this case the linking was made element by element, because the numbered was not
included and the 3D model was completed not level by level, instead copy paste option
was used.
The process can be seen in the figure sequence below:

a. Imported schedule and 3D model

b. Linking schedule with the building elements

c. and d. Time simulation

Figure 21 4D process in Navisworks Manage 2014
38

CONCLUSIONS

BIM is a powerful that enables a better management of constructions projects. In order

to create a BIM that can be use from the design phase through the life cycle and until
disposal, greater collaboration between owner, designer and contractors is required.
Once the use and copy right of the information shared is regulated, benefits like for
example great visualization, easier way to perform changes, cost estimating, cost and
time control, are evident.
By performing the exercise of developing a BIM model as a part of a team allowed us to
better understand the process, the benefits, the challenges, learn from mistakes and the
value of communication and information sharing.

BIM is devoted just to the building environment. in order to enlarge its application the
models can be converted to IFC in order to facilitate interoperability.
In the field of GIS, city models are based on GML and particularly in CityGML, which
allows representing the entities that make up a model of urban landscape and even the
exterior and interior details of the buildings.

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41