BIM Routine

   September 9, 2024

Folder Structure for BIM Projects

1. Company-Wide Folders

  • 01_Standards
    • BIM Execution Plans (BEP)
    • BIM Standards (Company templates, naming conventions, etc.)
    • CAD/BIM Families & Components Library
    • Quality Control Procedures
  • 02_Company_Templates
    • Project Templates
    • Sheet Templates
    • Title Blocks
    • Revit/AutoCAD Templates
    • Navisworks Templates
  • 03_Resources
    • Software Documentation (Revit, Navisworks, AutoCAD)
    • Training Material
    • Reference Manuals (Codes, Regulations)
  • 04_Library
    • Generic Families (Windows, Doors, etc.)
    • Materials Library
    • Standard Details
    • Generic Models (For use across different projects)

2. Project-Based Folders

For each new project, create a folder with the project number or name:

  • ProjectName_YYYYMMDD
    • 01_Administration
      • Contracts
      • Scope of Work (SOW)
      • Budget
      • Schedule
      • Meeting Minutes
      • Correspondence
    • 02_Documents
      • Reports
      • BIM Execution Plan (BEP) for Project
      • Specifications
      • RFIs (Requests for Information)
    • 03_Models
      • 01_Architectural
        • Revit Models (.rvt)
        • IFC Files (.ifc)
        • Exports (DWG, DWF, etc.)
      • 02_Structural
        • Structural Models (.rvt, .ifc, etc.)
        • Reinforcement Files
      • 03_MEP
        • MEP Models (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing)
        • Exports (DWG, DWF, etc.)
      • 04_Federated_Models
        • Coordination Models (Combined Models for Clash Detection, etc.)
    • 04_Drawings
      • Construction Drawings (PDF, DWG, Revit Sheets)
      • Issued for Construction (IFC)
      • Shop Drawings
    • 05_Coordination
      • Clash Detection Reports (Navisworks or other tools)
      • Issue Tracker
      • Coordination Meeting Minutes
    • 06_Renderings
      • Visualizations/3D Renders
      • Animations (if applicable)
    • 07_Backups
      • Daily/Weekly Model Backups
      • Previous Versions (Timestamped)
    • 08_QA_QC
      • Quality Control Reports
      • Review Checklists
      • Model Audits

Working Routine and Collaboration Workflow

1. Project Setup and Administration

  • Assign Roles: Assign roles like BIM Manager, Coordinator, Modelers, and Engineers.
  • BIM Execution Plan (BEP): Every project must have a BEP to outline responsibilities, deliverables, model specifications, and collaboration procedures.
  • Project Templates: Always use company-standard templates for project setup to ensure consistency.

2. File Naming Convention

Maintain a strict naming convention for files and models to avoid confusion. A typical naming format could be:

  • ProjectName_Discipline_VersionDate_Description.rvt
  • Example: ABC_Tower_Arch_20241004_Model01.rvt

3. Model Management

  • Centralized Model: Utilize centralized models for Revit using work-sharing features. Ensure only designated team members check out elements.
  • Backup Routine: Schedule automated backups of models daily or weekly, and maintain backup folders.
  • Version Control: Always maintain previous versions of models for easy rollback. Label and archive them in the “Backups” folder.

4. Coordination and Clash Detection

  • Federated Models: Create federated models by combining discipline-specific models (architecture, structure, MEP) to detect and resolve clashes early.
  • Clash Detection Reports: Run clash detection checks regularly using tools like Navisworks, and store reports in the coordination folder.
  • Regular Coordination Meetings: Host periodic coordination meetings with discipline leads to discuss issues, assign responsibilities, and document resolutions.

5. Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC)

  • Model Audits: Regularly audit the model for compliance with BIM standards. Ensure that geometry, parameters, and data are accurate.
  • Review Checklists: Use standardized checklists for reviewing models before milestone submissions (e.g., 30%, 60%, 100%).

6. Communication & Documentation

  • Meeting Minutes & Correspondence: Maintain organized logs of all correspondence and meeting minutes in the “Administration” folder for future reference.
  • RFI Tracking: Set up an RFI system to document and track all design and construction queries.

7. Collaboration and File Sharing

  • Use a cloud-based collaboration platform (e.g., BIM 360, Dropbox, or OneDrive) to enable real-time collaboration across multiple locations.
  • Set proper permissions for accessing models and files, ensuring the right team members can view or edit based on their roles.

Key Tips for BIM Folder Organization and Workflow

  • Consistency: All project folders must follow the same structure to ensure ease of use.
  • Automation: Utilize automation tools (e.g., PowerShell scripts) for model backups and file naming to reduce errors.
  • Documentation: Proper documentation is crucial for keeping track of project changes, decisions, and issues.

This setup ensures that all teams within the company have a clear understanding of where files are stored and how to collaborate efficiently.