Bradley BIM-Revit Resource Portal

On Thursday night, our facility engineer showed me an as-built AutoCAD sketch for his toilet room renovation project in our Ohio manufacturing facility.

He asked if I could enhance the sketch with Revit for his Tuesday meeting with the contractor and facility engineers.

Starting Friday morning, it took 4 hours using Revit to create a fully coordinated construction doc set of

• floor plan,

• interior sections,

• interior elevations,

• reflected ceiling plan,

• plumbing fixture and washroom accessory schedules,

• 3D plan and 3D interior views.

AutoCAD Plan File Underlay

I linked his AutoCAD sketch of field measurements into the Revit file for tracing and as a reference for his ADA-toilet partition proposal.

Using the View Visibility (VV) settings, I set the Imported Category (Linked CAD file) to Half-Tone to make it less pronounced in the views.

Fully Coordinated Views & Document Set

Our interior designer provided a spreadsheet of components with their respective materials and model numbers for each room.

While she didn't specify the location of components; interior elevations and sections displayed product locations and heights for her review.

Using Bradley's pre-built Revit Family Library, the interior views and schedules immediately updated as the Revit components (lavatories, toilet partitions, accessories) were added to floor plans.

--- Key Costs for Building Revit Families | 1000 Bradley Revit Family Library ---

Cost Estimating

We added a Revit COST parameter to another plumbing fixture\accessory schedule (not printed). We exported the schedules to a spreadsheet to assist with the contractor's quoting process.

Revit Room Objects accurately reported each room's square footage for the floor finish renovation of each room. Additional face-to-face dimensions were added to field verify clearances between existing walls.

Sections & Reflected Ceiling Plan

Cross sections were created to field-verify clearances between the ceiling and structure.

It took 2 minutes to create a 'blank", correctly oriented reflected ceiling-tile plan from facility engineer's photos. He wanted to enhance the discussion of ceiling fixture placement (lights, vents, diffuser) with the lighting and HVAC engineering contractors.

Printing & Export to AutoCAD

The project was printed to scale on C-size PDFs; that are easily viewed or printed. Revit annotations (hatch, text, dimensions) automatically re-size and updated as we "played with each view's scale" to fit them on C-Size title block.

This plant facility is still managed in AutoCAD. However, we can export the Revit views to AutoCAD for inclusion into the facility's existing AutoCAD master file.

--- Revit for Restaurant Prototypes | Core Business-Design Values ---

Revit delivered these bottom line results;

Transitioning your design, engineering, and construction processes from CAD to BIM processes - requires a BIM Implementation Plan; that budgets for technology and process training.

For those that have implemented BIM; this is an obvious, logical process for success.

--- Revit Implementation Puzzle – 5 Basic Planned Investments ---

However; for newcomers to the BIM process -- its hard to ask the planning questions when you either don't know the questions to ask OR why you are asking those questions.

A series of BIM Prep classes may be the answer. During my Baltimore visit with a prominent construction company's BIM\VDC Manager, he described a series of classes; that has been helpful to educate owners on 4 topic areas of asking for BIM on their projects.

Nationally, he's seen design and engineering principals attend these same classes; as a prerequisite to 'road mapping' BIM Process Initiatives within their firms.

I've highlighted these classes during my national BIM education classes and workshops. Attending owners, designers and contractors have provided their positive experiences from attending these classes.

Here's the AGC page with links to the Original CM-BIM Candidate Guide and the Revised CM-BIM Candidate Guide.

AGC Certificate of Management — Building Information Modeling Page

It also includes links to the Exam Calendar, Application Form, Retake Form, Renewal Form and Testing Center Locations. The Original Guide provides the course and unit descriptions that are outlined below.

The AGC Certificate of Management-Building Information Modeling (CM-BIM) is an assessment-based certificate credential; that denotes knowledge and understanding of concepts related to BIM adoption, practice and process transformation outlined in the AGC BIM Education Program. Successful candidates will carry the CM-BIM designation.

--- Navisworks | Contractors Revit – BIM Model Viewer ---

BIM Unit 1: Introduction to Building Information Modeling (8 Hours)

BIM Unit 1 provides an overview of BIM terminology and practices while introducing important concepts necessary to understand how BIM is changing the construction process.

It is developed for those who have had minimal exposure to BIM. This course relies on a highly participatory learning environment including case studies, classroom discussion, in-class exercises and instructor-led discussions.

Course Learning Objectives

Following successful completion of this course, participants will have the ability to:

• Recognize the importance of BIM

• Define common BIM terminology

• Discuss how BIM can be used as a communication and collaboration tool

• Explain the benefits of BIM

• Explain the federated model process

• Compare examples of successful BIM usage

• Discuss issues associated with starting BIM

• Create a company BIM assessment

--- Download BIMFORUM LOD Specifications | AGC-AIA | AU2015 ---

BIM Unit 2: BIM Technology (8 Hours)

BIM Unit 2 provides a neutral introduction to BIM tools. Throughout the course, tools are
introduced as they relate to the functions they perform, as well as particular phases in a project where they have the strongest capabilities.

By understanding these differences, it is possible for each attendee to determine what questions need to be asked prior to making an investment in technology.

Course Learning Objectives

Following successful completion of this course, participants will have the ability to:

• Explain the phased structure of a BIM project;

• Discuss the classes of BIM tools;

• List the more common BIM applications;

• Describe how the use of BIM tools needs to be planned and organized;

• Explain the need to embed tools into processes; and

• Develop a process for identifying and selecting BIM tools.

--- Mayo Clinic BIM Manager – Contractual Project Model Development Specification ---

BIM Unit 3: BIM Contract Negotiation and Contract Allocation

BIM Unit 3 allows the participant to examine BIM and contract terminology to determine
best practices for integrating BIM use into project contracts, as well as hot-button issues such as standard of care, intellectual property rights, and insurance and surety bonding coverage to help participants become BIM champions within their organizations.

It is assumed that all participants have had exposure to basic BIM concepts and terminology through attendance BIM 101.

Course Learning Objectives

Following successful completion of this course, participants will have the ability to:

• Explain contract liability and standards of care related to BIM

• Negotiate BIM Addendum terms for BIM Execution Plan development

• Use BIM contract negotiation to establish proactive collaborative BIM

• Identify intellectual property rights and licensing issues related to Model use

• Recognize BIM coverage limitations in existing insurance and bond products

• Devise fair risk allocation and management responsibility provisions on BIM projects

--- Download McGraw-Hill – Business Value of BIM for Construction Report ---

BIM Unit 4: BIM Process, Adoption and Integration

BIM Unit 4 provides a foundation for participants to establish and execute the BIM process, facilitate its adoption, and achieve integration on a single project and at a company level to execute multiple BIM projects simultaneously.

Course Learning Objectives

Following successful completion of this course, participants will have the ability to:

• Define process, adoption and integration as related to BIM implementation

• Describe why BIM is a disruptive practice today

• Identify reactive and proactive BIM outcomes

• Evaluate and select process options for a specific BIM project

• Describe the roles and responsibilities of participants in the BIM process

• Identify consistent factors influencing BIM Return on Investment (ROI) at the project and the company levels

• Communicate the BIM process to management, colleagues, and project stakeholders

• Outline a process for BIM adoption and implementation at the project and the company levels

Bradley Industrial Group is featuring the Keltech Commercial Electric Tankless Water Heater Models for Geo-Thermal, Solar Water Heating and several other commercial applications in Booth N7009A at the 2017 AHR Expo in Las Vegas, NV | JAN 30-FEB 01 2017.

Activate Map & Locate Bradley-Keltech AHR Booth N7009A

The Keltech Revit Model Library is located in the Bradley Revit Library (1,000 models).

Link: Bradley BIM for MEP Prefabrication

The Bradley BIM Initiative has partnered with SysQue to provide “prefabrication-ready” Bradley product BIM files for both both;

• SysQue (Revit MEP format \ RFA) and
• Autodesk Fabrication (AutoCAD format \ DWG-ITM).

This includes Bradley TMV, re-circulation mixing stations, dialysis boxes and shower valve models will are configured to serve both;

• SysQue-Trimble (Revit) [AHR Booth N9513]and
• CADmep (AutoCAD) [AHR Booth 11830] for plumbing fabrication clients.

Related Bradley BIM MEP Articles

• BIM Means Business | Plumbing Engineer Magazine - ASPE
• Skanska Revit-MEP Prefabrication | New Assembly Line Efficiency 
• BIM Means Business | Plumbing Heating-Cooling Contractors – WI Association
• Bradley Prefabricated Water Heating \ Safety Shower SKID Systems Revit Library

New York City Department of Buildings Approves First 3-D BIM Site Safety Plans

Turner Construction released their ground-breaking BIM Site Safety article in May 2012.

Turner Construction Company Received Approval for Building Information Model (BIM)-based Site Safety Plans

3D BIM Site Safety Plans Enable Building Inspectors to Take Virtual Tours of Construction Projects and Review them in Real Time on the Construction Site. Continue Reading >>

In August 2012, Turner Construction, provided a BIM Design-Build Healthcare Success Case Study for the Fort Benning Hospital at our DBIA - Federal Sector Conference in Washington DC.

The Turner Construction case-study, shared how they used the hospital BIM model to provide a dramatically safer construction process for their workers. In addition, the revised process increased the Turner Construction worker's output twelve-fold; thereby improving the construction schedule.

Description of Improved MEP Hanger Installation Construction Process:

Turner Construction is using a BIM-based construction process; that delivers a dramatically faster process for installing MEP hanger inserts; while providing a substantially safer work environment for construction workers.

The BIM process has enabled sub-contractors to connect geographically-position (GPS) technology and BIM facility files to create a way-finding, installation system. Turner teams collect hanger point locations; from the GPS coordinated BIM file (In the Office) for layout in the field.

Traditionally, MEP hanger inserts were installed from the underside of the deck; after the concrete topping was poured. We used a ladder (Less safe), drilling up into the underside of concrete. One worker could install approximately 20 holes a day.

The GPS \ BIM-enabled process, empowers a crew of 3 workers to install (From top of metal deck and walking with no ladder needed– (Safer) to install 750 hanger inserts\day.

Installation is much faster and safer – Simply walk to a hanger insert location using the GPS device --and screw in the threaded rods for pipe hanger racks, cable tray, electrical conduit racks, etc.

This is an excellent example of a time-saving, safer, and more efficient process to install 100,000+ hanger inserts into metal deck before concrete topping is poured.

Download 50-page BIM Report:

Download Building a Safety Culture SmartMarket BIM for Safety Report

Examples on the use of BIM processes to enhance construction worker & site safety are highlighted by contractors in the report.

BIM provides the value of visually simulating construction safety situations. Turner Construction and Skanska Construction discuss their use of BIM for Safety in two separate areas of this 50-page report:

1) Emerging Uses of Technology to Advance Safety

The continued adoption of digital tools such as Building information Modeling (BIM), has prompted some construction firms to explore the potential uses of these tools for safety planning and training. 

1. Site Safety Plans  
2. Code Checking 
3. Safety Planning, Training and Evaluation

2) Wearable Devices and Onsite Safety

Technologies that attach to—or are incorporated in—standard safety equipment such as vests and helmets can be part of a system that warns workers and/or supervisors when risks arise and can also provide data for analysis after incidents occur. 

1. Identifying Worker Skills,
2. Training and Locations 
3. Warning Systems Augmented and Virtual Reality

Additional McGraw-Hill SmartMarket BIM Reports reference the use of BIM for Safety and are available for free download on Bradley BIM Portal.

Bradley Articles with These McGraw-Hill SmartMarket BIM Reports:

• Measuring the Impact of BIM on Complex Buildings SmartMarket Report

• Download McGraw-Hill Construction Safety Management BIM Report

Additional Bradley BIM for Construction Safety Articles

• Revit-BIM Manages Construction Site Assets and Safety 
• BIM for Virtual & Augmented Reality. Game On! 
• BIM Process Improving Construction Site Safety | Turner Construction

Download 60-page BIM Report:

McGraw-Hill Construction Business Value of BIM for Owners Report

Facility owners currently using BIM, plan to actively increase their use of BIM on more than three quarters of their projects over the next two years.

Top BIM benefits perceived by owners include:

• BIM visualization to enable better understanding of design.

• Fewer problems during construction from deficient documents or coordination.

• More well-reasoned design due to BIM analysis and simulation.

• Beneficial impact on the project schedule.

   - Taking the Mystery Out of BIM for Owners & Principals | CM-BIM Classes -

Excerpt: As owners expand their BIM involvement, there is a growing need for them to understand how best to enable their project teams to provide them with he greatest BIM value. In other words, what makes a good "BIM owner"? Several experienced AEC firms offer perspectives on that question.

- Mayo Clinic BIM Manager – Project Model Development Specification (MDS) -

Excerpt: Owners who adopt BIM for facilities management are viewing numerous potential benefits, but they face a range of cultural and technological challenges along the way. In order to achieve integration, are pursuing a variety of these strategies.

Several Autodesk University classes featured contractors sharing their use of BIM to Manage the Construction Site Assets & Safety and BIM for Constructing the Building.

The world’s leading contractors have completely DIGITAL construction sites. The larger the project, the more dependent they are on BIM and digital technologies.

This includes oil & gas exploration and mining; which are long-term construction sites.

Contractors use BIM to Manage the Daily & Weekly Positioning of Construction Site Assets. These models and respective paperwork are reviewed weekly by Site Safety Engineers & submitted to governing agencies.

 --- Download McGraw-Hill Construction Safety Management BIM Report ---

Here are a few KEY business points on how BIM-based Contractors use BIM to

1. create REPEAT client business

2. engage their successful Team Members on future projects,

3. prefabricate MEP systems and room configurations,

4. plan & phase construction project processes, plan and improve safety,

5. track, manage & financially plan construction site assets,

6. order and install their proven Building Product Manufacturers (Supply Chain)

McGraw-Hill Construction Press Release (Jan 08 2014) announced the download availability of their new BIM for Construction SmartMarket Report:

This sixty page report reveals the value contractors find in their use of BIM in nine of the largest global construction markets: Australia/New Zealand, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, U.S. and U.K. It offers insights, both overall and by market, into the profile of contractors using BIM, the benefits and ROI derived from their BIM investments and the critical activities and practices for which they are using BIM. Specific snapshots of the contractor responses by region also provide additional understanding of the current use and future potential of BIM globally.

This link takes you to the McGraw-Hill site to obtain the free download thru their e-store.

 The Business Value of BIM for Construction in Major Global Markets SmartMarket Report

If you prefer, you can download the report from Bradley BIM site:

The Business Value of BIM for Construction in Major Global Markets SmartMarket Report

Recent (2013) and additional McGraw-Hill SmartMarket BIM Reports can be downloaded from the Bradley BIM Industry Links Page.

"Lean Construction" and "Information Mobility" SmartMarket BIM Reports were both released in 2013.

The Plumbing Heating-Cooling Contractors \ Master Plumbers - Wisconsin Association released my BIM Article for their Summer 2014 magazine. (View article on Pages 10-12)

Download: BIM Competency Delivers Competitive Advantages | Summer 2014

Plumbing_Heating_Cooling_Contractors_PHCC_Bradley_BIM_Article_2014_July

The article outlines at least 2 reasons that Building Information Modeling (BIM) processes; are determining the winners and leaders in both the plumbing design and contracting markets.

(1) BIM Design-Construction Mandates (Public & Private)

(2) BIM’s Core Support for Digital Design, Construction & Maintenance Processes

Forty videos and PDF downloads are posted on the Fall 2015 BIMForum Presentations Page from their October event in Orlando, Florida.

Hours of video and dozens of PDF presentation-class documents are available for your BIM Manager monthly BIM-Revit Lunch-N-Learns.

Visit The BIMForum YouTube Video Channel to access hundreds of hours of video content for business, project and BIM standards planning and training.

BIM Level-Of-Development (LOD) was highlighted within several presentations. Those presentations providing LOD are bold-faced in the list below. I admit, I haven't listened to all the presentations on this list --as they were released 2 weeks ago. I'll update the boldfaced list of LOD presentations once I review them all.

 2015 Fall BIMForum Class Presentation Topics | Videos and PDFs

1. BIM/VDC for Precon at Ledcor

2. Optimizing Project Decision Making with VDC

3. Designers Taking Back Control of BIM Design Coordination

4. How BIM Impacts the Structural Steel Fabrication Business

5. A PDF Does Not Equal Paper How the PDF Revolution is Advancing BIM Workflows

6. BIM before BIM’s

7. Owner Actions to Define Transparency in the Model-based Design Process

8. BIM Utilization Effectiveness – How We Became Effective BIM Producers While Driving Innovation Forward

9. Organizational Modules: Studying the Effects of Organizational Repetitions Using QCA

10. Taking Control of the Game – An Exploration of Virtual Reality and Gaming Workflows

11. Building Blocks in your BXP: BIM-M Initiative

12. Pre-engineered Metal Building Systems

13. Precast and BIM

14. Laser focus on accuracy in BXP: USIBD LOA & LOD

15. BIM Legal and Insurance Issues

16. Raising the Roof with your BXP: Steel Joist and Deck

17. Building Quality in your BXP: NISD CM-BIM by David Merrifield (NISD)

18. AEC Supply Chain Optimization – Building Information Modeling for Improved Productivity and Content Management for Off-Site Prefabrication in a Semi-Conductor Manufacturing Facility Retrofit Environment

19. 4D > 3D Model + Schedule

20. Preconstruction in Construction: Managing Change in a Billion Dollar Hospital

21. LOD Update

22. Live Cost Modeling & Production Analytics with BIM

23. Constructible Design: Merging Design, Detailing and Coordination to Mitigate Risk and Create Predictable Outcomes

24. Managing Design as an Information Supply Chain