B2 Chapter 3: Interoperability - Grigorios Papadourakis

According to the BIM Handbook, interoperability is the ability to pass data between applications, and for multiple applications to jointly contribute to the work at hand.  It is a novel idea because in the past it was necessary to develop individual models of the same structure to analyze different criteria.  Initially, the architect or designer would create a basic model. They would send this model to the engineer, who would then create his or her own stick-and-node model to structurally analyze the design. If the structural engineer approved it, it would then be sent out to others involved in the design process. For example, the mechanical engineers would have to create their own model to design the HVAC system. This is the same case for those involved with wiring, landscape architecture, energy consumption, budget, schedule, etc. Although this has been the standard for many years, there are several problems associated with this method. Due to the fact that the models are re-copied into multiple softwares, there is the potential for human error. There is the potential for an update to the original design to be improperly translated into the other analytical models. This can have both dramatic and adverse effects on the other portions of the construction.

Interoperability is creating waves in the BIM world because having a model that is fully interoperable streamlines the design and analysis processes. This reduces both the money and time associated with constructing a building. The biggest hurdle in interoperability is data exchange.  DXF and IGES have been in use since the early 1980s as formats for basic 2-D and 3-D geometry exchange, but their uses are limited. Due to being fixed-file format, it is difficult to include other aspects of a design, such as the plumbing, electrical, or HVAC systems. Although it can be done, it is very tedious and leaves the designer with a gigantic file size that is difficult to share. The International Standards Organization has established a standard called STEP (Standard for the Exchange of Product Model Data) ISO-10303 that deals with advanced data exchange.

At this point, computer engineers are working on better softwares that are able to use the existing schema languages of SQL, EXPRESS, and XML for data exchange. Currently, three types of data exchange exist: direct links, proprietary exchange formats, and public product data model exchange formats. There is still a ways to go but advances are being made every day.  Interoperability is an exciting field that will radically transform the design and analysis processes involved in the construction industry. So far I have had limited experience with interoperability other than importing an AutoCAD file into a structural analysis program like SAP 2000. In this class I hope to learn some more about the available interoperative softwares and how they work.

Source:

Eastman, Charles M. BIM Handbook : A Guide To Building Information Modeling For Owners, Managers, Designers, Engineers And Contractors. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2011. Web (eBook). 20 Jan. 2015.

Comments:

To Alex Nunes: I thought you did a great job describing the applications of BIM. The chapter that I was asked to read focused a lot on the physical structure and data exchange, and not as much on the budget or project schedule. Although reduction of errors seems to be the primary motivation for BIM, I think that the added benefits of cost and time being included in the model are invaluable and should be a greater focus of software developers.

To Angelina Castro: I thought your blog post was both concise and interesting. I agree with your apprehension of BIM with regard to requiring contractors to use it. In the end it will be very efficient, but during the period in which it is first implemented it will definitely cause some problems. I also thought you described the 4-D model very well.

To Jiaao Wu: After reading your post I decided to look up the video you referenced. After watching it I can definitely see why you brought it up. Even without technology, getting together the designers, engineers, and anyone else involved in the construction process beforehand is a much better idea than having everyone work individually. Following this method prevents small issues in the design stage from becoming large problems down the line. Good job!