BIM Tools and Technologies

4 LEVELS OF BIM DEVELOPMENTS 6 New Zealand BIM Integration 8 Project description: The Sydney Opera House 8 BIM Execution Plan 11 BIM tools and technologies 14 Conclusion 16 Suggestion on how to Improve BIM (Critical Evaluation) 17 Recommendation 18 References 19 APPENDIX 21 Abstract Building Information Modelling (BIM) is supported by different technologies, tools and contracts which are involved that are involved in the management and generation of digital image of physical and practical characteristics. This aids as a sharedinformation and knowledge source for

1
BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION
By Name
Course
Instructor
Institution
Location
Date

2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Abstract............................................................................................................................................3
Introduction......................................................................................................................................4
Dimensions of BIM.........................................................................................................................4
LEVELS OF BIM DEVELOPMENTS...........................................................................................6
New Zealand BIM Integration.........................................................................................................8
Project description: The Sydney Opera House................................................................................8
BIM Execution Plan......................................................................................................................11
BIM tools and technologies...........................................................................................................14
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................16
Suggestion on how to Improve BIM (Critical Evaluation)...........................................................17
Recommendation...........................................................................................................................18
References......................................................................................................................................19
APPENDIX....................................................................................................................................21
Abstract

3
Building Information Modelling (BIM) is supported by different technologies, tools and
contracts which are involved that are involved in the management and generation of digital
image of physical and practical characteristics. designed by Jørn Utzon in 1956 The Sydney
Opera House is a unique building situated in Sydney Australia its design concept was inspired by
its forms, nature, colors and its function. The BIM execution plan is normally developed by the
suppliers mainly pre-contract in order to address information requirements by the clients, and
clearly define how all the information modeling aspect of the entire project will done. The BIM
execution plan normally defines roles and their respective responsibilities. All the procedures
and standards to be adhered to. BIM execution plan references/collates a number of other
important docume4nts such as the master information delivery plan and the project
implementation plan. BIM scope is important in essence that it describes the stages, phases and
levels of the building dimension Modelling needed or required which it uses afterwards to mold
and sharpen into the required substance or content.
Introduction
Building Information Modeling (BIM) is the method of generation, creation and management of
information during the building and creation of the project through the plan lifecycle of the
construction project (Hardin & McCool, 2018). It has the ability to convey all the data about
each component of a structure and construction in a location or a place. Subsequently, in the

4
New Zeeland integration, BIM is the process of representing and depicting corporal and efficient
physical features of a construction digitally. This aids as a shared information and knowledge
source for the data and information about a construction or a building (Eastman, Eastman,
Teicholz, Sacks, & Liston, 2017).Building Information Modeling has had great impact on real
projects ,there are many cost and risk management benefits associated with the adoption of
BIM in projects. There are many case study project which have greatly benefited from BIM and
they include; Pukete wastewater treatment plant, NZDF whenuapai Gym and University of
Auckland Engineering School.
Dimensions of BIM.
Building Information Modeling dimensions are the information levels and intensities of
information move in into a 3 dimension by means of Building Information Modelling software as
this comprises of 3D model data, time of data, and the sustainability of the data and the cost of
the software.
3D BIM
This the art and process of assembling graphical and non-graphical data to create and develop
3D models as well as share this data and information in a mutual Data Environment .Its
perhaps and possibly the most accustomed and used form of BIM. Co-operating teams of a plan
and a project ought to deliver and offer precise inputs of data so as to essentiate possible faults
and defects. This is determined and recognised earlier before possible construction activities is
carried on .This helps in unwanted avoidance of the cost of rework.

5
3D Consents multidisciplinary crews to come together and work as a team to influence and
facilitates effectiveness from every corner and source.
The key importance of using 3BIM are:
 Reduction and decrease of rework and rework cost – this basically means less resources and
time is used in the production fixing errors before construction takes place.
 Enhanced association and cooperation between various disciplinary teams.
 It aids in the level of the design of and provision of logistics in the communication
department. Communication of design intent, and to support logistics.
4D BIM
In this BIM, information on time is the most essential and key element in the aiding in the
creation and acquiring uniform source of information of a project. The data and information can
possibly be installation depending on the resource of time. The data and information is then
moved into model the directly, this could aid in the creation and building of proposals from early
phase to the end.

6
Timely revealed data and information enables cooperation to help in the progress visage process
of various phases of the project. This influences the project planners to work under a guided and
planned timeline.
5D BIM
Data and information is inversely related to production costs. For instance, in the cost of
investment and capital that is used in buying and obtaining a module, the operator is able to bring
out precise and accurate cost of information and data from the model. Devouring cost of
information aid with tracking and trailing the cost and analysis of the budget.
6D BIM
The key emphasis is on the assets and resources on the sustainability. This process is called of a
management of facilities. Information may consist of manufacturer i.e. schedules of planning’s
on maintenance that is configured and constructed on the maximum and optimum performance
as well as anticipated lifecycle etc.
Good results and choices may be created on assets and properties that has higher lifespan and
enhance improved economic logic and intellect. The model of data and information level and the
management facilities maintenances and maintenance activities can be pre planned.
LEVELS OF BIM DEVELOPMENTS
Level of development (LOD) is a specification settings which offers AEC experts in the industry
the authority to document, articulate and stipulate the BIM content clearly and effectively. LOD

7
while aiding as a standard in the industry, it outlines the stages of development of different
systems in BIM. Through using LOD specifications, engineers, architects, and other experts, can
evidently communicate with each other deprived of misunderstanding for faster implementation.
LOD 100-concept
This concept has no geometric information in the elements model, symbols only with attached
estimated information.
LOD 200-Design development
The elements here are general placeholders for equipment and element to be. They might be
identifiable objects or space provisions for harmonization between the disciplines.
LOD 300-Documentation
This is the level where suitability for design is intended to support costing and bidding processes.
The models here will be used to create shop drawings and documents for construction. One
should be able to take dimensions from the drawings and models with accurate locations.
LOD 350
The level outlines appropriate coordination in cross trade and will involve connections and edges
between disciplines.
LOD 400- Construction
At this level, labelling, fabrication and installation/assembly are supported. The contractor splits
construction specifications and allocate them to sub-contractors.
LOD 500-Management of facilities

8
This level has appropriate information and geometry to support maintenance and operations.
Data and geometry should be as-built and field verified.
In order to back definitions of the LOD for different elements types of building and disciplines,
BIM forum, LOD requirement is very categorical while giving examples. The following is an
example of progression of geometric details;
The Project BIM Brief is a file or document which contains a customer’s needs, requirement and
defines the client's requirements and the expected outcome of the project in respect to BIM.
The Building Project Brief (BPB) have a scope level designated to notify and let know of the
contents of every sections and parts of the Building project brief.
BIM scope is important in essence that it describes the stages, phases and levels of the building
dimension modeling needed or required which it uses afterwards to mold and sharpen into the
required substance or content (Firoz, 2016). The scope has four levels or phases and this
includes:
0-In this phase, there’s no BIM needed or BIM is encourages and are rather not necessary.
1-Theres is minimum BIM required for the utilization and design usage.

9
2- For this stage, partial BIM design is required.
3-Complete BIM is required for designs (Management Association Information Resources,
2018)
3D BIM
3D BIM is probably the most familiar form of BIM, and is the process of gathering
graphical and non-graphical information to build 3D models and sharing this information
in a Common Data Environment (CDE). Collaborating parties of a project must provide
accurate inputs of information so that potential flaws can be identified and remedied
before any construction or building work takes place and avoid unnecessary rework
costs. BIM allows multidisciplinary teams to work together more effectively from a single
source of truth.
Some of the benefits of BIM include:
 Reduced rework – meaning less time and money spent on fixing errors before
construction takes place.
 Improved collaboration between multidisciplinary teams.
 3D visualisation of the project to help with communication of design intent, and to
support logistics.
4D BIM
4D BIM brings time information in to the mix to create an even richer source of information for
the project. This information could be installation time, time until operational, curation of
materials etc. This type of information is entered directly into the model, and can assist project
planners in creating and shaping proposals from a much earlier stage in the project compared
with traditional workflows.
Timely data also allows collaborators to visualise the progress of a project at different stages.
This can positively impact the timeline of the project where project planners are able to see how
assets come together sequentially and feedback any issues before any construction takes place,
creating a safer working environment for site workers, and a project that can meet timelines and
project deadlines.
5D BIM
At the heart of 5D BIM is information related to costs e.g. the capital cost of purchasing a
component, the user being able to extract accurate cost data from the model, and also see
changes in the cost data over time. Having cost information in the CDE helps with budget
tracking and cost analysis of a project, bringing greater accuracy to the cost estimate of the entire
project.
6D BIM
6D BIM is focused on the sustainability of an asset, and is known as the ‘project life cycle
information’ or sometimes referred to as Facilities Management. Data may include information
from the manufacturer including, maintenance schedules, configuration of the component for
optimum performance, expected lifespan etc. Better decisions can be made for example on assets
that have a longer life span and make better economic sense. With this level of data in a model,
facilities managers can even pre-plan maintenance activities well in advance.

10
New Zealand BIM Integration
The team that practices designs on complex projects in New Zealand generally designs and
documents the works in 3D. 3D enhances harmonization of the team, minimizes reworks on
worksite and greatly helps in handling over of the As-Built In formation to the asset owners in a
digital way. Majority of the projects currently need a contractor to maintain BIM throughout the
construction stage, and offers an As- Built or the record model at the key milestone.
The August version of 2016 of NZCIC’s design certification guiding principles comprises BIM
references, which provides a high approach level of effecting BIM. The BIM manual makes
available more elements with specific project requirements contained in the BIM execution plan.
Note that the NZCIC guiding principles are exactly aimed at building-type projects.

11
Fig: Information management during the delivery phase of assets.
Project description: Sydney Opera House
This is an iconic building situated in Sydney, Australia. The building was planned by Jørn Utzon
in 1956, this was after New South Wales government called an open-ended international design
competition that grounded on board specifications that had no design parameters or limit on
costs. (Ning, 2013). Currently the house is used as a multi-venue performing center, which is
among the 20th Century’s popular architecture projects.
Fig 2: Sydney Opera House original drawings and models.

12
The concept
The design concept of the House was stirred by its forms, nature, colors and its function. Utzon
was encouraged in his designs by wings of the bird, shells, form and shape clouds and tree
palms. He looked upon nature for guidance when he was design works, as nature over time
pooled both beauty and efficiency, hand in hand (Garber, 2011). The illustration below illustrates
how the orange peel design evolved to orange peel.
Fig 3: Sydney Opera House concept evaluation (Lewis, 2010)

13
The structures of the roof in the Opera House are called ‘shells’. Their design was one of the
most challenging features of the building’s design. Jorn Utzon claimed that the ultimate design
of the shells was stirred by peeling an orange (Zaphiris & Ioannou, 2016). It is said that a sphere,
when combined, is formed by the shells of the 14 separate. Jorn Utzon is considered as the
inventor of the prefabricated integrated forms and ecological architecture from the materials and
forms used in the constructing the Sydney Opera House.
Podium
The greater part of the construction bill for this project had been cleared principally through
the public funding which was organized through a lottery system and it was able to generate
over $ 100million, due to that, the construction of Sydney Opera House never faced any financial
constrain (Watson, 2014). Nevertheless, in 1958, a list of wish was developed from the client
when the government was fearing that the civic or financing view was not favoring them and due
to that they were pressed to facilitate the construction of project to start earlier under the architect
Utzon’s ledeship. The architect also made objections that he had not made final designs due to
some structural issues which would not change the whole design. One of the structural issues
was that the columns of the podium were not strong enough to support the structure of the roof
and had to be re-built.
The roof
The roof of Sydney Opera House is made up of different structures known as ‘Shell’. The design
of the roof structures was one of the greatest challenges during design stage. According to the
architect the final design of the roof was inspired by peeling an orange (Murray, 2016). From the
design facts available it is said that roof structures, when combined together. The roof of the

14
Sydney Opera is made up of 1,056,000 glazed-white granite tiles. The tiles were selected with
the main aim of achieving self-cleaning in nature even though they still require maintenance and
regular replacement (Sydney Opera House, 2012).
BIM Execution Plan
The BIM execution plan is normally developed by the suppliers mainly pre-contract in order to
address information requirements by the clients, and clearly define how all the information
modelling aspect of the entire project will done. The BIM execution plan normally defines roles
and their respective responsibilities (Utzon, 2011). All the procedures and standards to be
adhered to. BIM execution plan references/collates a number of other important docume4nts
such as the master information delivery plan and the project implementation plan.
The execution plan for Sydney Opera House involved a Building innovation Modelling
Framework which was supported by an open data exchange standard across multiple, use of data
mining as a data collection tools and the combined strategic elements. It also involves the
application of performance benchmarking to the creation of the key performance for a combined
performance hierarchy assessment model (Fromonot, 2012). Some of the ways through which
Building Information was used include;
o Assessing the condition of a building i.e. the structure of the building, building services,
internal fittings etc.
o Energy management of the building i.e. the rate of energy management and consumption
o Building accessibility i.e. information and security of customers
o The contractors’ performance i.e. quality of service, timelines, safety and compliance.

15
The team which was tasked to develop the BIM execution plan came up with objectives that
were divided into four categories;
o The service Oriented Architecture
o Enterprise Framework
o Digital Modelling
o Integrated Digital Model (Fracoise, 2017)
The BIM execution plan for OPERA SYSDNEY HOUSE WAS AS FOLOWS;
1. Introduction
2. Project information
3. Project contacts
4. Project Goals
5. Staffing/ organizational roles
6. BIM responsibilities
7. Model application and objectives
8. BIM levels of developments
9. BIM information exchanges and the model sharing
10. Quality Control (Pitt, 2015).
With BIM, it is easy to assess the performance management, hence, it is all about the timely
performance measurement and also it facilitates senior managers to have this information in a
format which will promote strategic decision making. The figure below shows the BIM interface
functionality.

16
Fig: The BIM interface functionality (Mikami, 2017)
BIM tools and technologies
The Sydney Opera house team in most cases need BIM software capabilities which in most cases
did not existing the market and due to that they were forced to wait for them to be developed. For
instance, during the Vehicle Access and Pedestrian Safety project, a file type ‘BIM’ was needed
within the system of managing project ( Sydney Opera House. Trust. Publicity Department,
2014). This forced the project team to approach their software vendor who was able to develop
the required file to be used in the project management software.
Typically, from the studies that have been carried out, the most challenging factor which led to
the 10-year long was the unavailability of commercial software with ability required by the

17
project team. Also, the commercial software copyright limitations were also mentioned. It has
been very crucial, to ensure that the Sydney Opera House were not locked out by the providers.
Building Information Modelling tools and technologies were and are currently widely used in the
Sydney Opera House. Some of the tools and technologies used include; Revit, Sketch Up,
procore, Builder trend and Autodesk BIM 360 (Duek-Cohen, 2012). The BIM tools centralizes
the crucial engineering, construction and architecture process into one main platform, which
greatly eases the communication and collaboration. In this way the architect, the suppliers,
contractors and engineers are usually on the same page about all aspects of the project, this
greatly reduced the extra cost of delays and mistakes. Using BIM technologies and tools in the
construction and management of the Sydney Opera House has many benefits such as;
o Facilitates easy and faster communication
o Minimizes project errors
o Improved quality of the project
o Enhanced client satisfaction with increased project input and visibility (Millen, 2017).
BIM tools and technologies were and are key to the success of the Opera Sydney House. This is
because this tools and technologies have ability to automate tasks, reduce risks and manage

18
quality to ensure that the quality of the project is not compromised and at the same time it is
completed within the given budget and time frame (Watson A. , 2016).
Conclusion
In conclusion, BIM is the method of generation, creation and management of information during
the building and creation of the project through the plan lifecycle of the construction project. It
has the ability to convey all the data about each component of a structure and construction in a
location or a place (Baume, 2018). Building Information Modelling dimensions are the
information levels and intensities of information move in into a 3 dimension by means
of Building Information Modelling software as this comprises of 3D model data, time of data,
and the sustainability of the data and the cost of the software.
The structures of the roof in the Opera House are referred to as ‘shells’. The shells design was
one of the most challenging aspects of the building’s design. Jorn Utzon claimed that the
ultimate design of the shells, was stirred by peeling an orange ( Australian Government -
Department of the Environment and Heritage , 2016). Using BIM technologies and tools in the
construction and management of the Sydney Opera House has many benefits such as; Facilitates
easy and faster communication minimizes project errors, improved quality of the project and
enhanced client satisfaction with increased project input and visibility.
The execution plan for Sydney Opera House involved a Building innovation Modelling
Framework which was supported by an open data exchange standard across multiple, use of data
mining as a data collection tools and the combined strategic elements. It also involves the
application of performance benchmarking to the creation of the key performance for a combined
performance hierarchy assessment model (Shofner, 2015). BIM is used as a software tools that

19
countenance the object in an angle or a position it can bring a clear view. BIM has many impacts
in the designing process. Advantages of computer technology in respect to design process are
embodied in the following aspects. Improved accuracy and fastened editing an ability compared
to the manual method of editing. Ease of modification-BIM issued in different parts of the world
engineering design fields for the actual design and layout of different products to the description
of the manufacturing and engineering components (White, 2018).
Suggestion on how to Improve BIM (Critical Evaluation)
BIM is used to describe the process of construction, by highlighting how different components of
the building would be joined together and show all the details to ensure smooth and precise
construction process. Also, BIM would have been used to show which materials were to be used
in the construction of given elements. This would give a clear schedule of equipment to be used,
labor, number of professionals required and time of events. If the above-mentioned aspects
would be incorporated into BIM during the construction of the Sydney Opera House, then the
process would have been more accurate in estimations and scheduling./
In this century, designing buildings process is conquered by computers and technologies.
Software tools used in the design phase is called Building Information modelling, its automated
to repeat calculation, drawing tasks and assist in design solutions as well as providing
new design solutions and with high precision (Sydney Opera House. Trust, 2011). Computer-
aided design is the process of building computer models well-defined by geometrical parameters.
Models appear as a three-dimensional representation of a part in a computer which can be altered
by shifting relevant parameters.

20
References
Australian Government - Department of the Environment and Heritage . (2016). Sydney Opera
House: Nomination by the Government of Australia of the Sydney Opera House for
Inscription on the World Heritage . London: Department of the Environment and
Heritage.
Sydney Opera House. Trust. Publicity Department. (2014). Sydney Opera House. Sydney:
Publicity Department, Sydney Opera House Trust.
Baume, M. (2018). The Sydney Opera House Affair. Sydney: Nelson [(Australia),.
Borrmann, A., König, M., Koch, C., & Beetz, J. (2017). Building Information Modeling:
Technology Foundations and Industry Practice. London: Springer.
Dellora, D. (2017). Utzon and the Sydney Opera House: Penguin Special. Tokyo: Penguin
Books Limited,.
Duek-Cohen, E. (2012). Utzon and the Sydney Opera House: statement in the public interest.
Sydney: Morgan Publications.
Eastman, C., Eastman, C., Teicholz, P., Sacks, R., & Liston, K. (2017). BIM Handbook: A Guide
to Building Information Modeling for Owners, Managers, Designers, Engineers and
Contractors. Chicago: John Wiley & Sons.

21
Firoz, A. (2016). Using Technology Tools to Innovate Assessment, Reporting, and Teaching
Practices in Engineering Education. Sydney: IGI Global.
Fracoise, F. (2017). Jorn Utzon: The Sydney Opera House. Berlin: Phaidon Press.
Fromonot, F. (2012). Jørn Utzon: The Sydney Opera House. Toronto: Gingko, .
Garber, R. (2011). BIM Design: Realising the Creative Potential of Building Information
Modelling. London: John Wiley & Sons.
Hardin, B., & McCool, D. (2018). BIM and Construction Management: Proven Tools, Methods,
and Workflows. London: John Wiley & Sons.
Lewis, S. (2010). Sydney Opera House and Botanic Gardens - A Self-Guided Walk. Chicago:
Taleist.
Management Association Information Resources. (2018). Green Technologies: Concepts,
Methodologies, Tools and Applications: Concepts, Methodologies, Tools and
Applications. Chicago: IGI Global.
Mikami, Y. (2017). Utzon's sphere: Sydney Opera House--how it was designed and built.
Chicago: Shokokusha.
Millen, E. (2017). Sydney Opera House, Gondwana Rainforests, Blue Mountains and more.
Perth: Redback Publishing.
Mohamudally, N. (2014). State of the Art Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality Knowhow.
Paris: BoD – Books on Demand,.
Murray, P. (2016). The Saga of Sydney Opera House: The Dramatic Story of the Design and
Construction of the Icon of Modern Australia. Berlin.

22
Ning, G. (2013). Computational Design Methods and Technologies. Texas: IGI Global.
Pitt, H. (2015). The House: The dramatic story of the Sydney Opera House and the people who
made it. Manchester: Allen & Unwin,.
Shofner, S. (2015). Sydney Opera House. Chicago: The Creative Company.
Sydney Opera House. (2012). Sydney Opera House: Utzon Design Principles. Sydney: Opera
House.
Sydney Opera House. Trust. (2011). All the World's a Stage: Organised in The Sydney Opera
House. Sydney: Australian Unesco Committee for the Arts.
Utzon, J. (2011). Sydney Opera House. Texas: Prestel Publishing,.
Watson, A. (2016). Building a Masterpiece: The Sydney Opera House. Sydney: Powerhouse
Publishing,.
Watson, A. J. (2014). Building a masterpiece: the Sydney Opera House. Chicago: Powerhouse
Publishing.
White, A. (2018). Architecture of the Sydney Opera House: a selected bibliography. London:
Vance Bibliographies,.
Zaphiris, P., & Ioannou, A. (2016). Learning and Collaboration Technologies: Third
International Conference, LCT 2016, Held as Part of HCI International 2016, Toronto,
ON, Canada, July 17-22, 2016, Proceedings. Toronto: Springer.

23
APPENDIX
Fig: SOH section

24
Fig: SOH plan

25
SOH: Details