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In this post, we will explain what BIM-properties are, while avoiding the unnecessary jargon and complexity that often surrounds this topic. We’ll also discuss how BIM-properties relate to IFC, Revit, and other file formats. If you’re already familiar with the concept but find it frustrating, be sure to check out the final section!

What are BIM-Properties?

BIM-properties are the core data elements of a BIM model, fundamentally connecting design to the necessary information for construction and maintenance. A BIM-model is composed of BIM-elements, which can be understood as various building parts like walls, windows, or doors. Each BIM-element is enriched with BIM-properties, which provide critical information about the element. These properties describe various aspects such as:

• Functionality: For example, whether a door is fire-rated.

• Dimensions: Such as the height, width, and thickness of a wall.

• Material: What material the element is made from, like concrete or steel.

• Maintenance Requirements: Details on how often an HVAC system needs servicing.

BIM-properties enable detailed analysis of a BIM-model by embedding essential data directly into the elements, making the model more than just a 3D representation—it becomes a comprehensive digital replica of the building.

Connecting Design and Data

The primary purpose of BIM-properties is to bridge the gap between the visual design of a project and the data needed for its execution and lifecycle management. Unlike traditional CAD models, which primarily represent geometry, BIM-models integrate both geometric and non-geometric data through BIM-properties. This integration is what sets BIM apart, allowing for more informed decision-making throughout a project’s lifecycle.

Geometric and Non-Geometric BIM-Properties

BIM-properties can be broadly categorized into two types:

• Geometric BIM-Properties: These pertain to the physical and visual aspects of a BIM-element, such as its dimensions, geometry, and color.

• Non-Geometric BIM-Properties: These refer to the metadata associated with a BIM-element, including information like material class, maintenance requirements, and categorization.

This distinction is crucial because it highlights how BIM-models encompass both the visual representation of a building and the rich data necessary for construction and maintenance.

Property Sets: Organizing BIM-Properties

BIM-properties are often grouped into property sets, which are collections of related properties. These property sets help organize and manage the information about an object in a logical and accessible way. Common examples include:

• Pset_WallCommon: Contains non-geometric information such as whether the wall is external (IsExternal).

• Qto_WallBaseQuantities: Contains geometric information like wall area and volume.

These property sets streamline the process of accessing and managing BIM-properties, making it easier for professionals to work with complex BIM-models.

How Do BIM-Properties Relate to IFC?

Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) serve as a standardized method for storing and exchanging BIM-properties across different software platforms. Essentially, IFC properties are a standardized subset of BIM-properties, designed to facilitate seamless data exchange between different stakeholders in a project. By using IFC, teams can reduce errors and improve collaboration by ensuring everyone is working with the same data, regardless of the tools they’re using.

Revit and BIM-Properties

Revit, one of the most widely used BIM software platforms, handles BIM-properties through fixed property sets. These property sets in Revit are predefined groups of properties that cannot be modified by users. For instance, when you create a wall in Revit, it automatically includes properties from the fixed property set that might include details like structural material, IsExternal, and fire rating. While this approach ensures consistency, it can sometimes limit flexibility, which is why integrating these properties with other tools like Sparkel can be essential for more customized workflows.

Extending BIM-Properties Beyond the Model

BIM-properties don’t necessarily have to be embedded within the model itself. With tools like Sparkel, you can assign additional information to BIM-elements without altering the actual BIM-model. This capability is particularly useful for project members who are not directly involved in the design, such as site managers. These individuals can add relevant data, like installation schedules or inspection notes, without needing expertise in BIM authoring software. This flexibility ensures that all critical project information is easily accessible and updatable by the right people at the right time.

Why Use BIM-Properties?

When used correctly, BIM-properties can significantly streamline your workflow. They allow for the easy extraction of quantities and provide a comprehensive understanding of the project right from the model. The time of doing a takeoff can be dramatically reduced and the understanding of the project is elevated.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Despite their advantages, BIM-properties present certain challenges. Two major issues often cited are:

• Inaccurate or Incomplete Data: BIM-models are rarely perfect. Errors in BIM-properties can lead to significant deviations during construction, requiring either model revisions or manual corrections.

• Complexity and Flexibility: The complexity of BIM-properties can sometimes be overwhelming, particularly in large or detailed models. Additionally, the need to manage information that isn’t directly embedded in the model, especially by non-design team members, adds another layer of complexity.

Solution

To mitigate these issues, it’s essential to use a robust software solution that can handle and supplement BIM-models. Sparkel allows you to combine the data stored in BIM-properties with custom shapes, measurements, and even your own BIM-properties. This approach enables a more flexible and accurate workflow, ensuring that your BIM-models are not only informative but also actionable, and that additional information can be managed efficiently without waiting for the designers to modify the core model.