Building Information Models are becoming an important part of the construction industry. David O'Malley from Hutch O'Malley reviews the basics and reflects on some of the challenges facing adoption as part of the Derg Business Alliance

1. Building Information Modelling
Hutch O'Malley McBeath sample project

2. What is BIM?
Building Information
Technical and visual
information on building
elements and plant;
Building structural
element properties
Element physical
properties (slip
resistance, u-value)
Heating system data
Model
Generally a 3D model but
can also be expanded to;
Heating system &
control
Structural analysis
Cost estimation
Security monitoring
Room Access control
A digital version of a
building/structure.

3. What information do you need on a floor?
● Manufacturer.
● Certification.
● Slip Resistance Rating.
● Fire Rating.
● Static Electrical Propensity.
● Thickness of wearing layer.
● etc. etc.
How easily can this information be access?

4. Retrieval of Information from the model

5. Design Process Background
Traditional Current
Confused with poor data
sharing.
2d design from most
architects.
M&E in 3d, sometimes
structural & civil.
Fabricator/installer
using 3d model
Future
Central database with
fixed access rights;
Online model with parts
shared to
designers.
Separate “BIM
manager” to project
manage
coordination.
Hierarchical & iterative,
but well understood;
Architect provides
layout in isolation.
Engineers try to fit
design and revert.
Architect amalgamates
to some degree.

6. Challenges
Challenge 1
Open standards
Many of the programs
used are proprietary
hence sharing data is not
simple
Challenge 2
Responsibility
BIM managers are
typically not
architects/engineers
Architects are
redefining their role
Client to be involved in
organisation
Challenge 3
Accuracy
Dependant on stage of
design or industry;
Architectural/sketch; +/-
100mm
Engineering/design; +/-
10mm
Fabrication; +/-1mm

7. Solution
Management by client
or
Legislate
Separate client representative;
client to employ professional to
oversee design team and
construction stage.
OR
Follow the UK and impose BIM
requirements on the construction
industry.

8. Example
Limerick Youth Services, Ballynanty, Limerick

9. 2009-2010
Site Selection and
funding application,
design team tender
2010-2011
HOMM appointed Civil/Structural
engineers and project managers.
2D planning design and submission
2011-2014
Planning process including An
Bord Pleanala Oral hearing and
road extinguishment.
2015
HOMM take architectural and Assigned
certifier role;
3D BIM modelled to coordinate but
tendering based on 2D drawing.
2016
Completion of project and
correction of BIM model to
as built 3D model

10. LYS - Ballynanty Youth Space
Client
LYS - Catherine
Kelly
Project Manager
HOMM - David
O’Malley
M&E Engineer
DOM - Keith
Brazil
Structural Engineer
HOMM - John
McBeath
Quantity Surveyor
BSPL - Chris
Matthews
Contractor
Conack
Construction
Electrical
M&A Ryan
Mechanical
Fergal Warren

11. BIM Live Project Challenges
Challenge 1
Presentation
Presenting a 3D model in
a traditional format for
architectural and
structural drawings is
extremely time
consuming and limited.
Challenge 2
Integration
2D CAD models are not
easily imported and 2D
CAD exports are not
easily understood by
traditional draftsmen.
Challenge 3
Accuracy
Alterations can be tedious
as millimeter accuracy is
required in order to take
advantage of the

12. Challenge 1 - Presentation

13. Challenge 2 - Integration

14. Challenge 3 - Accuracy

15. BIM Advantages
Quantification Co-ordination
3D model is adjusted live
during construction, thus
changes are reflected
and tracked in the office
through the project.
BIM products can be
proposed, these include
the technical data and
records of certification.
Future
Complicated building
management is possible
utilising the model,
however additional
information need to be
added to the materials
and plant. Also the
model would have to be
exported to separate
software
Volumes, areas and
number of objects are
easily scheduled.
A well formed initial
model enables extraction
of detailed information.

16. QUESTIONS?
max growth