Introduction. Why Do We Need BIM Classification?

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2 Introduction Why Do We Need BIM Classification? We have a problem in the construction industry. That problem lies with the lack of a unified classification system. This isn t news to anyone and today, with the continued development of Building Information Modeling (BIM), this problem has become more topical than ever. Apart from reducing design time and costs, the use of BIM technology is supposed to improve communication between the people involved. And this lack of communication is where the real problem lies. Furthermore, the areas of project planning and cost estimation are still unexplored. The industry simply has no means for these processes. In terms of project planning and cost estimation, it is crucial for a classification system to be capable of identifying and accurately describing any model element. The elements in a BIM model can be described by a number of parameters, such as: Function Location Material Structure Geometry, etc. Kreo is breaking new ground in this respect. These parameters are used by Kreo to define the construction method, sequence, and cost. So, the desired classification system should allow Kreo to organise BIM elements in several different ways at once. Clearly, we need to assign an activity to each element to compose a work breakdown structure (WBS), which is followed by Gantt chart generation. On the other hand, we have to group elements differently for cost estimates and it goes without saying that there should be an alignment with an actual cost database. 2 3

3 What Do We Have at Our Disposal Today? It seems a real issue now and, sooner or later, we will have to produce an up-to-date classification system which will fully meet the needs of BIM. Or does it already exist and perhaps we are missing the elephant in the room? Let s take a look at the key features of the existing classification systems: UniClass OmniClass NRM1 UniFormat NRM2 MasterFormat Country of Origin / Use UK USA UK USA UK USA Year of Publication Updates Monthly updates No updates Annualy Updates Definition A unified classification system for all sectors of the UK construction industry. The equivalent of Uniclass in the U.S. and Canada. Incorporates MasterFormat and Uniformat. A standard for classifying building specifications, cost estimating and cost analysis in the U.S. and Canada. A standard for organizing specifications and other written information for commercial and institutional building projects in the U.S. and Canada. Used to annotate objects in a graphic or model. Classification codes can be added to many different things including catalogues and whole complexes right down to individual products. With classification codes, added items can be drawn into schedules and drawings with their codes and collected together to carry out different types of analysis. Places order of cost estimating and cost planning. Sets a format for cost estimates at the schematic design phase. Places detailed measurement for bill of quantities and work schedules. Standardizing the presentation of such information improves communication among all parties involved in construction projects. 4 5

4 What Do We Have at Our Disposal Today? UniClass OmniClass NRM1 UniFormat NRM2 MasterFormat Country of Origin / Use UK USA UK USA UK USA Method of arranging information Faceted: part-of relationships Faceted: part-of relationships Elemental: measurement and description is done by group elements; following the logic arrangement for elemental cost planning defined in NRM1 Based on functional elements, or parts of a facility characterized by their functions, without regard to the materials and methods used to accomplish them Work sectional: measurement and description is divided into the work sections defined in NRM2 50 Divisions - a standard for organizing specifications in the U.S. and Canada, which arranges information most appropriately from the viewpoint of identifying the results of work required to provide all or part of a facility Use in Kreo BIM element identification (Ss + Pr combination) - Elemental breakdown structure - Work breakdown structure - Definitions System is a collection of components that go together to make an element or to carry out a function. Products are used to construct a system. For a pitched roof, the rafters, lining, tiles, ceiling boards, insulation and ceiling finish comprise a system. Products are components or assemblies of components intended for permanent incorporation into construction entities. Products are the basic building blocks used for construction. A product may be a single manufactured item, a manufactured assembly consisting of many parts or a manufactured operational standalone system. Group element the main headings used to describe the facets of an elemental cost plan. Element a major part of a group element. A separate cost target can be established for each element. Sub-element a part of an element. As with elements, a separate cost target can be established for each sub-element. Component a measured item that forms part of an element or a sub-element. The quantity of one or more items will be measured and the cost estimated to ascertain the cost target for an element or a sub-element. Element is a major component, assembly, or construction entity part which, in itself or in combination with other parts, fulfills a predominating function of the construction entity. Designed element is an element for which the work result(s) have been defined. Bill of quantities (BQ) a list of items giving detailed identifying descriptions and firm quantities of the work comprised in a contract. Work breakdown structure (WBS) in the context of bill of quantities, is used to subdivide a building project into meaningful elements or work packages. Work result - a completed entity that exists after all required raw materials, human or machine effort, and processes have been provided to achieve a completed condition. Since facility owners ultimately desire a completed entity, specifiers routinely specify contractual requirements by work result and minimize the specifying of details about how to achieve that result to contractors. 6 7

5 What Do We Have at Our Disposal Today? UniClass OmniClass NRM1 UniFormat NRM2 MasterFormat Country of Origin / Use UK USA UK USA UK USA 11 tables in total with 149 Groups 854 Subgroups 3856 Sections 8219 Objects 15 tables in total with 166 Level 1 Titles 2165 Level 2 Titles 7952 Level 3 Titles 6255 Level 4 Titles 2634 Level 5 Titles 440 Level 6 Titles 5 Level 7 Titles 15 Group elements 62 Elements 180 Sub-elements 750 Components 7 Level 1 Titles 29 Level 2 Titles 113 Level 3 Titles 491 Level 4 Titles 41 tabulated work sections 557 items of work to be measured 35 Level 1 Titles 216 Level 2 Titles 1188 Level 3 Titles 4964 Level 4 Titles 2417 Level 5 Titles Classification Tables Ss - Systems table: 18 Groups 166 Subgroups 538 Sections 1368 Objects Table 21 - Elements: 7 Level 1 Titles 29 Level 2 Titles 113 Level 3 Titles 492 Level 4 Titles Corresponds with the OmniClass Table 21 - Elements with 7 Level 1 Titles 29 Level 2 Titles 113 Level 3 Titles 492 Level 4 Titles Corresponds with the OmniClass Table 22 - Work Results with 34 Level 1 Titles 1236 Level 2 Titles 3856 Level 3 Titles 1659 Level 4 Titles Table 23 - Products: Pr - Products table: 15 Groups 69 Subgroups 513 Sections 6370 Objects 15 Level 1 Titles 238 Level 2 Titles 1255 Level 3 Titles 2972 Level 4 Titles 2174 Level 5 Titles 239 Level 6 Titles 5 Level 7 Titles 8 9

6 Quantitative Comparison Charts Quantitative Comparison Charts 10 11

7 Which One Shall We Use? Why Do We Choose UniClass for Kreo? No doubt, UniClass is the most effective classification system available today, it even claims to be global. Unified approach to classification - simple mapping between classification tables Regular updates and revisions Flexibility: over 120 thousand meaningful «System» + «Product» combinations Claims to be a global classification system Although UniClass and OmniClass have the same framework (ISO :2015), UniClass has several advantages, such as: Unlike OmniClass, UniClass is being constantly revised and updated. As a result, it remains up-to-date in every sense (up-to-date information, increasing compatibility with BIM, etc.). Redundant and confusing information, such as the Work Results table, is being removed. This makes it easier to use with BIM. UniClass tables have similar terminology, sequencing, grouping and coding

8 How Does It Work in Kreo? Instead of Conclusions The New Rules of Measurement (NRM) are used for preparing cost estimates and work schedules in the UK. Together with NRM1 and NRM2, the UniClass System + Product combination gives Kreo exhaustive description of any BIM element. Ever since the idea was thought up, it has become clearer and clearer in the industry that, in practice, BIM is not feasible without a flexible, universally applicable classification system. Serving the interests of the construction industry, Kreo suggests a practical solution to the issue. Moreover, NRM are fully compliant with The Building Cost Information Service (BCIS), the most comprehensive cost database in the UK. Both NRM and BCIS are developed by the same institution - The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). NRM1 code NRM2 code Uniclass System BIM ELEMENT IN KREO Uniclass Product Still, another question remains unanswered: how can everyone follow the same rules when working with BIM models? This is a question that is too big for any one ebook to answer, though we will say that only through collaboration can the potential of BIM models be truly harnessed. To learn more about how you can improve your planning processes through improved team collaboration with Kreo, click the button below to book a meeting with Kreo s founder, Magomed Galaev. Ss NRM2 BoQ BOOK TIME WITH MAGOMED Classified BIM element Assigned Activity Pr NRM1 Assigned Activity Ss Pr NRM1 NRM2 The collection of components that go together to carry out a function A specific material or component of an element A measured item that forms part of an element or a sub-element An item of work to be measured BIM element identification BIM element identification Cost Estimating Element Breakdown Structure (EBS) composition Bill of Quantities Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) composition 14 15

9 About Kreo Kreo is an advanced BIM design collaboration and BIM construction solution. It harnesses the power of Artificial Intelligence to transform the construction project collaboration, quantity take-off, cost estimating, scheduling and bidding processes. It brings together all your BIM construction planning resources in a single, cloud-based integrated platform that reduces friction, improves the collaboration and productivity of your team. This gives all your stakeholders a powerful tool to improve the quality of project planning and reduce bidding costs. For more information on how Kreo can help with your next project, visit the website kreo.net. 16