If you look at a typical building (fast food, grocery stores, hospitals, retail stores, hospitality), there are thousands of individual components and products. As an owner, efficiently managing these extensive lists of products is a challenge. We have had discussions with owners and the number of individual products range from 5,000 to 10,000. The range of complexity is wide, from simple bollards to complex pieces of equipment with electrical and plumbing connections. One solution for owners is the adoption of BIM modeling for more standardized design, product selection and maintenance. When considering the individual product range of 10,000 objects, it may seem overwhelming, however it is very likely that many of the objects can be modeled parametrically so one SmartBIM Object may represent several products.

Also, some objects may be specific to an owner (the owners name in pan channel letters) and others will be Building Product Manufacturers (BPM’s) products such as the soft serve dispenser below. In either case, Reed can work directly for the owner or we can work with the BPM directly as determined by the owner. The first step for the owner is to understand the various approaches to modeling:

Types of Models

A. Simple Parametric SmartBIM Objects - The Bollards (shown below) would be modeled as simple parametric SmartBIM Objects and presented in a few standard sizes. The user could also change the dimensions easily because it is a parametric object. These objects would have data attached and data associated through a URL link. A photo image or photorealistic texture map can be associated with the object so when a rendering is created the object will have photorealistic material. The cost to create the SmartBIM Objects, attach the data, and QA the product will be fairly inexpensive.

B. Static SmartBIM Objects - These are objects that do not need to be parametric. These objects will fall into two categories.

1. Direct Conversion SmartBIM Objects - Static objects that can be created by a direct conversion from an AutoCAD 3D file. This process is quick but is not usually acceptable except in specific instances. For example a Delta faucet created in Revit (shown below) will take several hours to create and result in a .3MB file; a direct conversion from AutoCAD will take a few minutes and result in a 3.5MB file. Both look the same but architects will avoid the use the converted file as it is much too large and will overload their drawings. There are instances where the direct conversion process may be acceptable, however, there are no absolutes and each object must be evaluated. In all cases, the data will need to be reattached as data is not carried over during the conversion process. The cost to create the SmartBIM Objects through direct conversion, attach the data, and QA the object will also be fairly inexpensive.

2. Revit Modeled SmartBIM Objects – This is the best approach to most objects as the model size will be small, and data will be attached as part of the modeling process. An example of a static object would be a wheelchair or the soft serve dispenser (shown below). The cost for these type objects will vary depending upon the complexity of the object.

C. Complex SmartBIM Objects – These types of objects fall into the configured area of modeling. The objects come in multiple heights, lengths, finishes, and variable configurations (windows, shelving, doors, etc.). Data will be attached and can also be added by the user of the SmartBIM Objects to specify a specific model. The cost to model a complex SmartBIM Objects will vary over a wide range. We have created very complex double hung windows where there are 20 variables and each window type cost several thousands of dollars, but one model can morph into an unlimited number of models. Although a parametric SmartBIM Object takes longer to create than a static object it takes much less time to create than a series of static objects. The parametric approach is the only logical approach if the object is a configured object where the length and/or height can change over a range, because it would be impractical to create a static version of each option. The cost for these type objects varies depending upon the complexity.

One SmartBIM Object created all three windows shown in the image on the left, they are different sizes, have different numbers of divider bars and can have different colors on the sash and on the frame. The user can create an infinite number of variations.

D. SmartBIM Objects in 2D – In most cases the best approach to the creation of a SmartBIM Objects is to create a 3D object. However there may be instances where both a 3D and 2D object should be created, the toilet is an example. The 3D toilet object will be a large file because of the sculptural design of the product, the 2D SmartBIM Objects will be line work that shows up in plan and elevation flat on a surface and will be 1/10 the file size of the 3D toilet. If it is necessary to have the object for renderings then the 3D SmartBIM Objects is the only answer, but if the object is only needed for contract documents and the automated creation of schedules and quantity take offs (QTO) then a 2D object may be a better answer. IMPORTANT NOTE: A 2D object in Revit may not create a smaller file size than the 3D Revit object. We recently did a large project for a furniture manufacturer and it was initially assumed that the 2D Revit object would create the smaller file for their case goods. This was not correct; the 2D file was several kilobytes larger than the 3D object, and the 3D object was a better choice both for visual and file size reasons. Each product needs to be evaluated for the intended use of the SmartBIM Object.

Data
BIM stands for Building Information Modeling, the “I” is as important as the visual model for it is this data that will be the foundation for schedules, QTO and downstream analysis, facilities management and operations. Data can be attached directly to the SmartBIM Objects and linked through URL’s associated with the SmartBIM Objects. Data can include sizes, electrical and mechanical connections, manufacturer, make, model and other appropriate data items as desired. The downstream use of data should be discussed as part of the Scope of Work on all modeling projects. A few more minutes during the modeling phase could save years of wasted time looking up information.

Types of Information Needed
Owners and BPM’s need to provide Reed with specifications and CAD drawings in order to properly build the SmartBIM Objects. In cases where colors and or finishes need to be associated we will need RGB or Pantone® numbers for the colors and photographs for finishes that can be mapped to the SmartBIM Objects for renderings. Model details will be limited to what is considered necessary to showcase the product while maintaining a reasonable file size. Usability of the final models is a huge factor to determine the correct approach and it is often times overlooked. Overly large or complex models may prevent their use by designers.

Distribution Reed has created thousands of generic and manufacturer specific SmartBIM Objects. There are multiple distribution options such as:

• The owners Internet Site
• The Reed download site - www.smartbim.com
• A private password protected download site for the owner similar to #2 above
• The Reed SmartBIM Library software application that resides on the architects desktop

Conclusion
The result of modeling the necessary BIM objects for an Owner will be valuable collection of 3D SmartBIM Objects that can be used by designers for both renderings and contract documents. If the owner takes on the task of having the SmartBIM Objects created they will realize many advantages over having each of their designers create the objects as they are needed.

• Standardization of BIM projects which can become the foundation for facilities management and operations
• Reduced cost of modeling as the SmartBIM Objects will only be created once and not many times by each designer
• Increased designer efficiency as the objects will be organized and available when they are needed
• Consistency in graphics and data

For more information on BIM Object modeling or SmartBIM Objects, click here to contact the SmartBIM team.