BIM EXECUTION PLAN (BEP)

To successfully implement BIM, a project team must perform detailed and comprehensive
planning. This BIM Execution Plan (BEP) ensures that all parties are clearly aware of the
opportunities, technicalities and responsibilities associated with the implementation of BIM
on the project. The BIM Execution Plan has many definitions and interpretations among
the various mandates, guides, and specifications across the globe. Although the
requirements of a BIM Execution Plan may differ in different contexts, the fact that the BIM
Execution Plan is a central living component of a construction project is generally accepted
as a means of implementing BIM.

The BIM Execution Plan facilitates industry players with BIM processes and constitutes a
conceptual and practical link between the construction processes and practice. It is also
considered an effective tool for the owner to coordinate expectations from the design and
construction teams. The BIM Execution Plan reduces the time and cost in producing
coordinated information and enables teams to minimize wasteful activities.

● Project goals and objectives:

Without specific and measurable goals, it will be difficult to tell if BIM is truly improving your
business. Ensure your BIM goals support the bigger picture. BIM goals should be realistic.
Set realistic expectations for what BIM can do for your business, and you’ll be more likely
to see the results you want. It could be as simple as wanting to implement BIM for all of
your new projects; however, you should get more specific where you can.
Here are BIM goals examples to get started:
1. We will use BIM to save X% of project costs
2. We will use BIM to reduce the project schedule by X%
3. We will use BIM to improve communication between architects and design engineers
4. We will use BIM to save X hours per week on project coordination
5. We will use BIM to reduce paper usage by X%
6. We will use BIM to reduce design and construction errors by X%
7. We will use BIM to create a virtual model of the project before construction begins
8. We will use BIM to reduce rework and errors on construction projects
9. We will use BIM to create more sustainable buildings
10. We will use BIM to create a better user experience for the occupants of the building
BIM OBJECTIVES
This section lists the Client Objectives for the project and the format in which the
information will be delivered.

Responsible
Item Strategic Objec ve Project Ac vity
Party
To supply appropriate informa on at
handover to operate, maintain and Produc on of COBie informa on to an
1 Designer
assess the performance of the agreed scope within the models
delivered asset.
To integrate the delivered asset and Test the COBie Schemas compa bility
its informa on into C2C asset estate, with clients selected CAFM system.
2 crea ng content once and in the Provide a fully federated model for the Designer
right format for mul ple uses client to use for any ongoing
therea er. maintenance or renova ons
To use the federated model to
Ensure coordinated models that have
3 develop high quality visual renders Designer
been Modelled to the agreed LOD
and anima ons.

● BIM Scope:
This BEP is used to document the decisions made by the project team to capture
information when working through the BIM execution plan process. It is associated with the
Building Information Modelling standard ISO 19650-1 and PAS1192-2. The BIM Execution
Plan defines uses for BIM on every project (e.g. design authoring, cost estimating, and
design coordination), along with a detailed design of the process for executing BIM
throughout the project lifecycle. Additionally, this plan defines roles and responsibilities
detailing scope of information to be shared, relevant business processes and supporting
software. At the outset of a project, the team needs to document the BIM strategy, which is
managed and maintained by the BIM Coordinator/Manager. The project teams including
consultants who are collaborating with the BIM are to familiarise themselves with these
documents and apply the BIM standards to their work.

● BIM Model Sharing :

Model sharing is a design method that allows multiple team members to work on the same
Revit project model at the same time. Each user works in their local copy and saves their
changes to the master model of the project which can be stored either on a local server, on
Revit Server, or on the cloud.
To share BIM Model information to others can be done by:
[Link]-based services
One of the easiest and most popular ways to share BIM files is to use cloud-based
services that allow you to upload, store, access, and edit your models online. These
services can also provide features such as version control, data security, and real-time
collaboration. Some examples of cloud-based services for BIM are Autodesk BIM 360,
Trimble Connect, and Bentley ProjectWise. To use these services, you need to create an
account, upload your BIM files, and invite others to view or edit them. You can also use
web browsers or mobile apps to access your models from anywhere.

2. File conversion tools

Another way to share BIM files is to use file conversion tools that can transform your
models into different formats that are compatible with other software platforms. For
example, if you use Revit to create your BIM files, you can use tools such as IFC Exporter,
FME, or BIM Interoperability Tools to convert them into IFC, DWG, or COBie formats.
These formats are widely used and supported by various BIM applications and standards.
To use these tools, you need to install them on your computer, select your BIM files, and
choose the output format and settings.

3. Data exchange platforms

A third way to share BIM files is to use data exchange platforms that can facilitate the
transfer and integration of data between different BIM applications and systems. These
platforms can also enable data validation, quality control, and compliance checking. Some
examples of data exchange platforms for BIM are BIMserver, BIMcloud, and XBIM. To use
these platforms, you need to register as a user, upload your BIM files, and configure the
data exchange settings and rules. You can also use APIs or plugins to connect your BIM
applications to these platforms.

4. Common data environments

A fourth way to share BIM files is to use common data environments (CDE) that can
provide a single source of truth for all project information and documentation. These
environments can also support the management of workflows, roles, and responsibilities in
BIM projects. Some examples of CDE for BIM are Viewpoint for Projects, Asite Adoddle,
and Aconex. To use these environments, you need to set up a project, upload your BIM
files, and assign permissions and access rights to others. You can also use dashboards
and reports to monitor and track your project progress and performance.
● BIM Softwares :
BIM software provides a model-based process used for the planning, organization, design,
and management of buildings and infrastructures by the construction industry. The
software collects data and presents a real-world demonstration of buildings and
infrastructure before they are constructed, during construction, and after they are
completed. To accomplish its objectives, BIM software needs to help construction industry
professionals complete the various tasks involved in creating a structure. For instance, it
needs to facilitate collaboration and communication, provide tools for turning theoretical
ideas into concrete ones, and explain what each phase of the project will cost. The idea
of BIM has been around since the ’90s. It goes beyond 3D (depth, height, and width) and
incorporates 4D (time), 5D (cost), and 6D (as-built drawings).
Here’s a brief description of each of the BIM software on my list that explains what it does
best, plus screenshots to showcase some of the features.
1. AutoCAD – Best BIM software for automation
AutoCAD delivers industry-specific features and libraries for the various specializations
of members of the project team. The software solution provides access to over 750,000
intelligent objects and parts in its libraries. AutoCAD speeds up design time by
automating everyday actions like inserting doors and bill generation. This software’s
designers refer to several productivity studies on the different tool sets – architecture,
electrical, map 3D, mechanical, MEP, Plant 3D, and Raster Design – within AutoCAD that
show an average 63% gain in productivity.

2. Navisworks – Best software for simulation

Navisworks is a project review and management software for AEC professionals and
teams. It delivers two products: Manage and Stimulate. Navis Manage offers 5D
 simulation analysis, clash detection, advanced coordination, and simulation tools.
Navisworks analyzes and communicates project details using a feature known as 5D
analysis and simulation. The software promises to improve the workflow of the project
team via integration with Autodesk BIM 360 Glue.

3. Autodesk Revit – Best software for floor plans

Autodesk’s Revit is a BIM solution that helps architecture and construction firms design
floor plans. It allows for collaboration with professionals across different disciplines. It can
be used for construction management for the entire life cycle of a construction project.

BIM software delivers advantages that can benefit the building project life cycle within the
construction process and building performance once it is handed over to those who will
manage it. Below, I briefly look at some of BIM software’s benefits for architects, structural
engineers, project managers, investors, and other players in the real estate sector.

 Real-time Data Update: BIM data combines the project team’s collaborative work
which allows for integrating the automatic change in details and drawings of the
building or infrastructure when a vital element changes. This means that modifying
one element of the design will also lead to changes in other related elements
through parametric modelling (the ability to alter a model’s geometry shape
whenever a dimension value is changed).

 Precise Timeline: The software enables the transmission of work resources,

deliverables, materials, and all space requirements within the team. Thus, it
provides an information model that helps all team members understand where a
project is at any given time.

 Geographical Evaluation of the Project Site: BIM software applications provide

an analysis of the social and geographic impact the building or the infrastructure
has on the construction site. This shows the viability of a given project on a
particular site.

 Simulation and Visualization: The software provides several simulations that

allow designers to visualize all aspects of construction projects – simulations like
sunlight in different seasons and other weather conditions. Also, the calculation of
the energy required by a building can be done using BIM technology.

 Conflict Resolution: The BIM software also automatically detects possible clashes
between the different building elements (for example, electric conduits clashing with
pipes, beams, etc.) early enough for the users to adjust their parameters. It also
ensures the perfect fit of elements manufactured off-site.
  Perfect Presentation: The completed and detailed 3D model of the construction
project can be presented to consumers for the sale of commercial spaces and get
the required regulatory approvals for the construction projects to commence.

 Transparency: The open collaboration feature makes all data and information
about a project available to all project team members who need it.

 Access from Anywhere: The database provided by the software solution, and its
cloud capabilities, means the model or data can be accessed from anywhere with
any device. Thus, improving efficiency, productivity, and the ability to effect changes
to the project details should be present even when away from the office or home
computer.

● BIM Deliverables :

So, what outputs can you expect in a BIM project?

You will almost certainly have a number of parties all using their own authoring software to
develop models and associated assets for their part of a project. This software will export
to its own native file formats and these files may be shared inside of the common data
environment. A data drop will provide each party’s information to the federated model
where it is co-ordinated and checked for clashes. From these models you can expect the
same kinds of deliverables as you would get in a non-BIM process – a set of 2D model
contract documentation delivered in the form of pdfs. Of course, 2D documents must be
derived from a coordinated, federated, clash detected set of models. The CIC BIM protocol
states that if there is a discrepancy between what is delivered in the form of the models
and the 2D .pdfs that it is the federated model data that should be referred to as the
primary data source. You cannot just do your 2D work and then deliver a model as well –
the model has to be what is delivering the 2D output in the first place. The Government
also requires COBie and this is a key differentiator between what is happening in the UK
and the rest of the world. This means we must rise to the challenge of how to assemble
and format asset data that can be used throughout an asset’s lifecycle. At the completion
of each work stage, native software files are handed over to the client as a record of what
has been done – and this must all sit within the common data environment.

These deliverables for BIM Level 2 are really just the starting point. What the standard
requires is authorship of 3D models, federated for better clash detected output. This
should result in better 2D output and, in addition, the requisite date for operational
management and facilities management (both now and throughout the lifecycle). Familiar
stuff - and it’s only really COBie that represents a significant change.

The Key deliverables:

For Level 2 BIM, the standard deliverables that a contractor would be expected to produce
include:

 Compliance with Employers Information Requirements (EIR)

 BIM Execution Plan (BEP)
  Common Data Environment (CDE)
 BS (PAS) 1192 - Parts 1 to 5
 Classification (through Uniclass 2015)
 Digital Plan of Work (describing Level of Detail – LOD / CIC Work Stages)
 Intelligent 3D libraries
 Intelligent 3D models
 3D based collaboration
 3D digital survey
 Asset performance optimisation
 COBie

You can also see a hint to the future - with additional deliverables that are not stipulated as
part of BIM Level 2 but will become increasingly important:

 Contractor's Information Requirements

 Clash prevention
 3D model validation
 3D model take-off
 3D model based meetings
 4D/ 5D modelling

That 4D (timing against the elements of your model) and 5D (costing elements)
modelling do not form part of Level 2 BIM may at first seem strange. These activities
are typically carried out by design and construction teams as required with additional
requirements being placed by contractors on the supply chain to ensure the quality of
4D and 5D information.

The key elements of BIM Level 2 are likely to be familiar to those with experience on a
more traditional form of construction project. While the terminology and the format, and
when they are required, may vary, there is much that remains as it always has. While
the front-loading of data collation may require new ways of working and pose
challenges for standardisation and co-ordination the benefits of new ways of working
are clear and will, over time, become business as usual.