MDO BIM Collaboration Approach
Building Information Modelling (BIM) entails the creation of a three-dimensional digital portrayal of a building and its components, integrating both physical and functional attributes. In utilizing BIM, it's crucial to identify and resolve clashes during the pre-construction phase to ensure the development of a seamless BIM 3D model.
In MDO, we adopt a collaborative methodology that encourages seamless integration and coordination among diverse project stakeholders across all phases of a design or construction project lifecycle. This approach prioritizes effective communication, cooperative efforts, and the sharing of data to boost efficiency and minimize errors throughout the project duration.
Step 1: 3D Models Creation:
At the beginning of the project, a kick-off meeting is convened with representatives from all disciplines to finalize the line-up of necessary 3D models for the discipline. This also ensures that each discipline comprehensively understands their responsibilities outlined in the project responsibility matrix to deliver their respective discipline models. MDO also develops a modelling program aligned with the overall project schedule to uphold a high standard of information delivery.
Step 2: Federated Model
A federated model is a coordinated model that includes 3D models from all disciplines. To facilitate coordination, MDO incorporates the models from various disciplines into the architectural model from the beginning of the design process. As the design advances, a BIM software such as Navisworks will be employed to merge models from multiple disciplines into a unified federated model, enhancing coordination accuracy.
Step 3: Clash Detection Rules
When establishing clash detection rules, MDO considers two key factors. Firstly, the clash tolerances outlined in the project’s BEP (BIM Execution Plan). Secondly, MDO assigns priority to clashes based on their importance to improve coordination across various stages. This strategy enables the team to concentrate on critical issues instead of investing time in non-priority tasks.
Step 4: Initial Clash Detection
As the design evolves, regular checks will be carried out by the MDO team within Revit modelling space to identify all major clashes impacting the design. The initial visual health check by the models’ originators is reported to the project manager for further discussion within the design team. Regular monitoring, reporting back to the team, and updating the models are crucial factors at this stage. Furthermore, MDO is in the process of implementing a system to share coordination markups via the office's CDE (Autodesk Construction Cloud) with relevant stakeholders to enhance communication.
Step 5: Run Clash Detection
MDO utilizes Navisworks for clash detection once the primary design is finalized and all major components of the models have been coordinated within the Revit modelling space. At this stage, MDO provides clash detection reports to the design team with more details.
Step 6: Regular Coordination Meetings, Reports and Records
Clash detection within Revit demands a systematic approach involving organization, strategic examination, and careful coordination. Proficiency in both Revit and complementary tools such as Navisworks can significantly contribute to achieving a clash-free BIM model, ultimately saving time and resources. It's important to recognize that successful clash detection relies not only on mastering the software but also on fostering effective communication within your team. To achieve this objective, MDO has developed a clash report template as an appendix to our office's BEP (BIM Execution Plan). This template facilitates communication by outlining the main criteria and presenting clash results and resolutions. Regular distribution of this report and weekly coordination meetings will ensure that the design team regularly reviews and updates their models.
Clash Detection Report