BIM Curriculum Lecture

Notes
BIM LECTURE 2: COMPUTER MODELING

BIM Curriculum Lecture Notes 1

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BIM Curriculum Lecture Notes - BIM Lecture 2: Computer Modeling

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 Contents

Contents
BIM Lecture 2: Computer Modeling ____________________________________________________ 5
Modeling Decision Factors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Purpose of the Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Digital Surveys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Conceptual Modeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Modeling for Visualization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
BIM Modeling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Real Building Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Priority Based Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Intelligent Building Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Modeling for Construction Coordination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Virtual Construction Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Model Complexity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Complexity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Model Size. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Big Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Hardware Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Software Solutions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Computer Modeling Techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

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 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.
Let’s 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, construction coordination, site
plan and structural design models. Let’s take a closer look at the main characteristics of the different model types.

DIGITAL SURVEYS
Direct import of site survey data from theodolites can be imported into some BIM applications, like ARCHICAD
with a single click. XYZ coordinates automatically convert into a mesh element providing an accurate 3D model of
the environment.
Refurbishment projects typically start with a time-consuming building-survey phase that may involve manual
measurements and the creation of a digital building model. But now 3D scanners – representing the latest
technology innovations – can generate “point-clouds” containing all the necessary geometry information of an
interior, including its volutes and ornaments.
Some BIM softwares, like ARCHICAD, can read the most commonly used point-cloud file formats and create the
corresponding 3D geometry instantly. So you can align your design with automatically-generated, 100% accurate
point-cloud 3D geometry information.

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BIM Lecture 2: Computer Modeling

This surveying work flow dramatically reduces the time spent on surveying. And it eliminates errors due to
manual data input.
Some typical real-life examples of how users put 3D laser survey and point- clouds to work:
• Modeling existing buildings before renovation
• Modeling the surroundings prior to creating a new building
• Modeling the “as-built” structure to detect deviations from plan

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 or Rhino®.
If a dedicated conceptual modeler program is used to create a conceptual model, it is very easy to transfer these
models into a BIM program. For example, a Rhino connection enables ARCHICAD users to import Rhino models
into ARCHICAD as GDL objects. Or, ARCHICAD has a fully integrated SketchUp connection, so there is no need to
download and install additional plug-ins.
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

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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

REAL BUILDING MATERIALS

When you create a BIM model, all the necessary documentation and images are created automatically from the
model. New, priority based junctions, intelligent building materials ensure correct graphical representation of
elements and materials in sections (cut fills), surfaces in 3D views, and thermal properties throughout the
building energy evaluations.

Priority Based Connections

ARCHICAD’s Priority Based Connections put a real return on investment on the work invested in the creation of
the BIM Model, by automatically providing construction documentation level sections and details.
ARCHICAD’s BIM workflow allows the model to stay live until the very end of the project, saving considerable time
at the construction documentation phase.

Intelligent Building Materials

The appropriate and consistent use of building materials is crucial not only when developing the final
construction documentation sets, but also when creating building energy analysis reports.
New, intelligent building materials ensure correct graphical representation of materials in sections (cut fills),
element surfaces in 3D views, and thermal properties throughout the building energy evaluations.
Cut fill pen colors can be globally defined and applied to any ARCHICAD construction element in the project. This
not only simplifies the user interface, but also allows the same material to be used consistently throughout the
design project.

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.

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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.

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MODEL COMPLEXITY
We have examined how the purpose of the model affects the modeling workflow. Now let’s 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.

COMPLEXITY
The following pictures are 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 shouldn’t 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.

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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
• Lack of teamwork
• Inappropriate computer hardware
• Inappropriate software usage

BIG BUILDINGS
How 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 application’s capabilities and clear
definitions of the modeling goals. Although the features of the programs can greatly influence the best modeling
strategy, a few general 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
Speed: General latency
Cores: Complex computations

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• Memory
Size: Project size limit
Size and speed: Complex 3D operations
• Hard Disk
Size: Amount of projects, backups, resources
Quality: Data Safety
• Graphics Card
Latency in 2D and 3D navigation

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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