Entrant details
Role or Job Title on the Project
Project Manager
Employer
Bexel Consulting, Belgrade, Serbia
Employer Role
Technology or Software Development Company
Are you or your employer a member of buildingSMART?
Yes - Sponsor Member (Standard, Multinational or Strategic)
Submission details
Submitting Party Company Name
BEXEL Consulting
Submitting Party Company Location
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Submitting Party Role on Project
BIM Management
Submitting Party Company Website
Full Project Name
Novo Brdo Residential Complex
Project Location (Country)
Slovenia
Project Objectives
Public development project of a large-scale residential complex, with eighteen buildings being constructed in parallel, requires the most advanced project planning and management approach, facilitated with state-of-the-art BIM technology. High quality construction management guided by the lean construction principles is built on intelligent location-based planning, timely and transparent information flow established within tailored openBIM workflows, and consistent information management and analysis enabled by high-end technology. Optimized construction process and overall control over the project implementation achieved by punctual reporting and KPIs tracking, enable successful navigation towards high quality, on-time and within budget project delivery.
openBIM Achievements
Extensive stakeholders communication and collaboration, requires consistent information flow, accessibility and usability of digital data throughout entire project lifecycle, achieved by implementing openBIM workflows and data exchange that include: BIM model sharing and federation in IFC; model information requirements and automated checks set up on the IFC schema; information deficiencies, spatial coordination issues, as well as construction progress data communicated in BCF; advanced generation of BIM cost database based on ifc parameters; model data enrichment with schedule and cost data, as-built documentation links and COBie data; and export of enriched model in IFC, QTO ready MVD and IFC4 schedule export.
openBIM used
IFC 2x3, IFC4, ifcXML, BCF, IDM, MVD, mvdXML, COBie
openBIM or open standards used other than those listed above
Project BIM management processes were arranged according to ISO 19650.
Open file formats were used for data integration:
XLSX file format:
- to define information requirements and rules for automated attribute checks;
- to export generated BIM cost database containing formulas and metadata-based element queries, to be populated with unit prices and imported back in the 5D model;
- for partial exchange and enrichment of model metadata;
- for export of quantity takeoff, budget, reports, data for integration with Power BI dashboard data model, other table-based analyses.
XML file format to export of generated construction schedule to MS Project and Primavera.
Software used
BEXEL Manager, BEXEL Manager CDE, BEXEL Manager FM, Autodesk Revit, Autodesk BIM 360, BIM Collab Cloud, Solibri model checker, Autodesk Navisworks, Autodesk 3DS MAX, Enscape
Strategic Alignment
Considering that the project is publicly funded, transparency in project management processes has been defined as an important objective of the BIM implementation. Also, thorough mutual understanding and vast collaboration between project stakeholders are identified as the means for eliminating rework and lowering project risks and wastes in efforts, time and resources. In meeting these objectives openBIM implementation had a crucial role by ensuring needed interoperability and enabling stakeholders to work in close liaison: to timely share and resolve detected issues, clearly communicate scheduled activities and look-ahead plans, and significantly improve precision and efficiency of the payment certification process.
Highlights
- Large-scale federated BIM model with over 510 000 elements, from 89 different IFC files;
- Using BEXEL Manager IFC Model Checker (IFC properties checking and validation) Add-in, more than 60 000 elements were identified with deficiencies in metadata (IFC properties missing or do not have adequate value)
- Automatically developed cost classification database with 1872 cost items, and direct link to model elements through automatically created element queries based on model metadata (IFC properties);
- Implementing smart scheduling engine, based on defined spatial zones and construction sequence methodologies construction schedule with 4469 tasks and 6272 relations is generated, directly related with cost items and corresponding IFC model elements;
- More than 3000 spatial conflicts were detected and resolved;
- Element-based monitoring of construction progress, planned vs actual comparison, earned value analysis, and regular advanced reporting, including powerBI dashboards
Project Website
Project and Stakeholder Logos (compiled into one .ppt/pptx file for upload)
Project Address
Pot Rdečega križa, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Project Type
Residential
Size of Project
Factsheet for total project size including E2 , E3 and F2 zones is provided below:
- Construction plot area: 57.985,00 m2
- Total gross area: 77.659,21 m2
- Gross area underground garage: 24.983,56 m2
- Gross area above ground: 52.675,65 m2
- Number of apartments: 575
- Number of parking spaces: 796
Detailed description of the project
Novo Brdo neighbourhood, the new development of the Housing Fund of the Republic of Slovenia offers a higher standard of living, as facilities and apartments are designed with the focus on the wellbeing of all generations of neighbourhood residents. Area includes diverse public areas – shops, services, library etc., and safe outdoor space with extensive green areas and playgrounds, designed to answer the needs of both young and elderly residents, as well as the family living.
The project is divided into E2, E3 and F2 zones. In total 575 new rental apartments will be built in overall 22 new residential buildings. Underground garage under the buildings will include 796 car parking places.
The buildings of E2 and E3 zone are developed in four residential typologies, compactly shaped with rectangular floor plan. The three building typologies S (small), M (medium) and L (large) derive from the same base of the rectangular floor plan and form the interior structure of the neighbourhood. Building type Z derives from a lamellar typology with bilaterally oriented dwellings and with balcony access on the side of the street “Pot rdečega križa” - these buildings form the edge of the neighbourhood. The interior of the neighbourhood is determined by the point arrangement of compact central buildings of the typology S, M, L. The buildings are functionally and organizationally related. They have central communications (staircase + elevator) with a perimeter layout of apartments. The width of the objects S, M, L is the same in the direction N-S, the width of the objects differs in the direction E-W. Objects S and M have internal communications, objects L have covered external communications and an internal atrium. The multi-apartment buildings A1, A2, B and C in zone F2 were designed according to the uniform principle of a residential block with a central communication corridor and apartments on the eastern and western side. Apartments are oriented unilaterally, to the east or to the west. The vertical communications in the buildings are designed in a compact core, which consists of two rooms, staircase and elevator. Vertical communications are positioned in an extension of the windbreak, on the way between the entrance to the building and the communication corridor in the middle of the building.
Building types S, M, L, Z, A1 and A2 are 6-storey buildings of which one is underground, type B and C are 5-storey buildings of which one is also underground. All types are systematically equipped on the ground floor with entrance areas (access ramp, canopy, windbreak room with bench, bulletin board and mailboxes). A bicycle shed (additional bicycle sheds are in the basement) and a common area have also been added. All entrances to the buildings in E2 and E3 zone are connected to transverse, paved, accessible paths that connect the buildings to the street “Pot rdečega križa” and are at the same time entrance platforms. The construction of all buildings and the underground garage is entirely reinforced concrete. The main part of the façade of building types S, M, L and Z is represented by two-contact façade systems - contact clinker and plastered façade. Finish layer of the side façades on building types A, B and C is visible concrete with the insulation on the inside part of the load-bearing structure. The final cladding on the longitudinal facades is made of wooden slats (larch).
Objects are according to the Slovenian building regulations classified as demanding. The size of the entire construction plot is 57.985,00 m2, the gross floor area of the above-ground part is 52.675,65 m2 and the gross floor area of the underground part is 24.983,56 m2.
Access to the F2 zone is from the street “Ježkova cesta” along the southern edge of the zone. The entrance to the underground garage is via the ramp between buildings A1 and A2. Footpaths and corridors for intervention vehicles are planned to the facilities which have entrances placed on the W side. Entrances to the facilities are also organized from the underground parking garage.
The neighbourhood design is planned as a park, green, publicly accessible area, where most of the parking areas are in the underground garage. In the NE area, there is a pond, designed as a reservoir of rainwater. At the eastern edge of the area there is an existing natural hill with a tree planting, which will not be interfered with. Between the street “Pot rdečega križa” and Z buildings, there are driving, delivery and parking areas with two entrances from the street, the central part is free of motor vehicle traffic, with the exception of intervention vehicles and emergency delivery for apartments. Parking areas are paved.
Between the parking lots and the street, a planting of trees and evergreen shrubs is planned. The plant-stand forms a visual barrier between the street and the neighbourhood and at the same time protects the neighbourhood from dust particles. Paved surfaces are based on mesh N-S (longitudinal direction), E-W (transverse direction). Between the buildings and the paved surfaces, all the remaining areas are planted. The central open space (paved spaces, circular fields equipped with children playgrounds, grassy areas with clusters of trees and shrubs) together with the hill acts as a living space for socializing, staying, playing and recreation of residents. The transverse paths are equipped with prefabricated reinforced concrete benches with wooden seats at a distance of approx. 15 m, standard waste bins, concrete lamps and standard bicycle stands. A pump track is located under the existing hill. Next to the pond, wooden platforms are organized, which are arranged as areas for sitting and keeping residents. They are made on overgrown terrain and can also be extended cantilevered towards the pond.
Detailed description of openBIM on the project
Efficient project management, coordination and timely communication were identified as major challenges on the project. Stakeholders agreed the best way to manage project through whole lifecycle and mitigate risks typical for construction projects is to introduce BIM as a core of management process, clearly define roles for all stakeholders, set up rules for information flow and standards to be implemented.
But since experience is showing us that rigid plans and procedures often prove to be ineffective and hard to implement, stakeholders decided to establish the whole process as open as possible, defining openBIM standards as a basis for project management processes, thus allowing different stakeholders to use its typical workflows and platforms without need to heavily modify its working process in order to adapt to the rigid rules of the project. The idea is to maximize use of available data and to utilize available technology and knowledge base in such a way to automate time-consuming repetitive tasks and leave room for creativity and higher efficiency.
Federated BIM model
The first prerequisite for successful openBIM implementation was to establish federated BIM model as a single source of truth in which all project information are integrated and coordinated. In order to keep a process as open as possible BEXEL Manager was selected as a major platform for federated BIM model creation. As IFC certificated software BEXEL Manager allows stakeholders to import, merge, and export multiple IFC files from different authoring tools as well as to constantly update federated BIM model with newly exported data.
CDE
Establishing federated BIM model is only part of a solution, so the next challenge that had to be overcome was communication, accessibility and updates. To properly manage project, BEXEL Manager Common Data Environment (CDE) was established. A central cloud/server-based system with all sub-projects accessible to stakeholders depending on project administrator restrictions including all exchange information merged (federated) - forming one federated project. With integrated DMS (Document Management System) stakeholders were able to exchange documents with no format limits and to link it directly to BIM model elements through fully supported openBIM standard workflows.
Interoperability
Interoperability was achieved by using open BIM formats and external share via BIM collaboration platforms with all stakeholders. All BIM models were exported to openBIM IFC files and reviewed using BEXEL Manager platform. All relevant data and issues were exchanged using openBIM file formats: BCF and IFC. Exchange of openBIM formats was realized through BIM collaboration platforms BIM Collab and Power BI. Besides openBIM formats, information exchange process was practiced also through native file formats directly exported from BEXEL Manager software (MS Project, Primavera P6, Excel).
Quality Management
Received BIM models were integrated into central federated model and subjected to various numbers of checks, such as, IFC properties control, COBie properties check and verification using NATSPEC database, Clash Detection, Naming Control, Properties Control and others. Majority of model checks were performed automatically using BEXEL Manager checker add-ins. For purpose of this project two add-ins were developed using BEXEL Manager ’s open API. (IFC Checker, Natspec property checker) Elements that didn’t fulfill the requirements were sent back to stakeholders for further correction by using the BCF Manager tool and BIM Collab platform.
Smart Cost Management
BEXEL Manager brings unique feature that allows significant automation in Cost management process. Project Cost database is automatically created based on previously established QTO using ifc properties of model elements. Using smart cost management engine, project team was able to automatically generate over 1800 cost items in just a few steps. As a result we get automatically generated BOQ linked to model elements and fully integrated with master schedule in 5D BIM analysis. Through openBIM formats as well as customizable QTO Excel report templates and Power BI reporting pm team was able to exchange cost information with all stakeholders with no limitations.
Smart Scheduling
BEXEL Manager smart scheduling engine was used for creation of construction schedule in an intelligent automated process based on creation methodology, automatically created cost database, and spatial organization. This automatically generated schedule is further optimized through fine-tuning process by planning team. The schedule created and optimized in this way is fully integrated with all project parameters and model elements and automatically creates a comprehensive 5D simulation. Through exchange process schedules and analyses based on it could be exchanged with other stakeholders through openBIM formats but also with traditional scheduling tools (MS Project, Primavera) through their native formats.
Progress tracking
Updated BEXEL Manager federated BIM model was used for progress monitoring and collaboration with on-site personnel. Based on data collected from various on-site sources through BCF exchange, the software automatically updates progress for the specific period in relation to the project schedule. Considering possibilities to define observed period (day, week, month), and tasks for progress checking, it is possible to easily obtain information about completed work in relation to planned work, total cost of completed works, plans for the next period, as well as charts that visually present progress monitoring results.
Reporting
Besides openBIM formats exchange, an advanced BEXEL Manager reporting engine was used for efficient information exchange between stakeholders. Software offers a wide range of predefined report templates as well as possibilities to develop and export own custom reports that could be exchanged through openBIM formats. Some of available template reports are Clash reports with automatically created BCF Issues to be exchanged, various Progress analyses, Complex visual QTO reports, automated payment certificates, customizable Power BI reports.
Facility maintenance
Due to specifics of the project as an important public housing development, all analyses and design decisions were made anticipating complete life-cycle costs. During all stages of the project all needed information for facility maintenance were carefully managed including As-built documentation, integration of FM related documents, maintenance procedures and FM plans preparation and Asset model data. All of the data prepared will be integrated and used during operation life-cycle phase through BEXEL Manager FM module in cloud-based environment which allows linking and storing all required FM related.
Software ecosystem map
openBIM Supporting Evidence
Benefits from using openBIM
The greatest benefits of openBIM on the project were efficient collaboration and interoperability among all stakeholders through data exchange and flexibility of choice. All project participants were provided at any time with insight into the planned quantities of work, materials, specifications and changes that occur in the course of the project. Federated central BIM model presented one true single source of truth for all participants preventing any miscommunications and disputes typical for construction projects.
Dedication to openBIM standards as well as export compatibility of BEXEL Manager platform with standard traditional non-BIM file formats allowed better situational awareness of all stakeholders through efficient exchange of information and efficient communication not bounded by technical limitations. Common Data Environment introduced a concept of network-centric project management where all information from all stakeholders were distributed through central CDE using openBIM formats. All project analytics were easily accessible to all stakeholders limited only by project administrator restrictions
Timely detection of potential and actual collisions in the project, and efficient collaboration with project designers through information exchange enabled through federated BIM model, CDE and adoption of openBIM standards, the shortcomings in the project were eliminated on time, which resulted in significant savings of time and resources during the execution of works. PMs were able to identify problems almost in real-time and with help of technology mitigate or react in the right direction to improve project parameters.
OpenBIM concept and utilization of available knowledge base through advanced computing technology allowed all stakeholders to experience benefits from high level of automation during planning, quality control, cost management, scheduling, value engineering, progress tracking and certification process.
Project team was able to implement an easy-to-adapt approach. In combination with smart cost and scheduling engine all strategic project documentation was adaptable to real progress data on site. Since a vast percentage of repetitive time-consuming tasks in creation process of these strategic planning documents is significantly automated it leaves room for project managers creativity and regular updates and optimization based on progress inputs.
Smart planning using automated processes and 4D analyses significantly improved overall efficiency, both in terms of planning and management due to significant reduction in engineer hours for checks, manual repetitive tasks and manual certification process. Regular schedule update and optimization in order to efficiently plan workforce and costs prevented the occurrence of unforeseen costs and work delays that would lead to additional financial losses for the client in the future.
Smart Cost management introduced variety of benefits through high level of automation in Cost database creation. This workflow, with IFC data as the basis of the process, allowed project team to create full cost database and bill of quantities with over 1800 tasks in just 2 days. With traditional methods this kind of task takes months to complete. During a course of project execution PM team was able to develop 8 iterations of BoQ with total of 20 engineer-days. It is estimated that same job would take at least 6 engineer-months to complete using traditional methods.
"We were able to innovate using openBIM."
We have identified an integrated 4D/5D environment as one of the most efficient tools for project control, but achieving it is often complex and time-consuming process. It usually requires all steps from the early design phase to execution to be strictly pre-defined, heavily modified and coordinated. Project planning and cost management are generally complex tasks and integrating it into 4D/5D simulation even with the most modern software tools is challenging and requires huge amount of data and working hours to properly execute. So, our team had an idea of changing this. We set a goal to re-define project management process and implement it on the project. Our idea was to rely on best practices and knowledge base, use already available data in the most efficient way and to simplify processes and base it on commonly accepted premises in industry and widely accepted standards (openBIM).
In order to achieve our goals, we decided to turn on advancements in computing technology, to capture expert logic and achievements of openBIM standardization, and utilize it through IT. To combine knowledge, experience, and creativity of planning professionals with massive computing power and big data management of computer software, and to adopt “human-machine teaming” concept into project management. It means full automation of repetitive time-consuming tasks and giving professionals opportunity to define logic and structure of construction process and leave actual repetitive process of schedule and cost generation to computer algorithm.
Widespread implementation of BIM (Building Information Modeling) and successful adoption of common construction logic by most authoring construction software tools, as well as the immense contribution of professional associations like building SMART International in standardization and interoperability of processes through openBIM, gave us an opportunity to develop whole new project management concept.
We are now able to base project organization on general premises and information already available within model (IFC metadata). The idea is to allow project manager to create integrated 4D/5D simulation without need to significantly predefine information integrated into the central BIM model and to mostly rely on available data and common construction logic widely accepted within the industry.
Using BEXEL Manager platform we were able to automatically generate QTO, Cost Database and construction Schedule fully integrated into 4D/5D simulation based almost exclusively on available openBIM parameters within the model (IFC metadata). We found a way to utilize immense power of openBIM standards and base strategic project documentation creation process on it. We have developed complete workflow that consists of 5 general steps to be implemented on the project to develop complete 4D/5D analysis relying almost exclusively on available openBIM data. We have developed detailed training materials accompanied by sample projects for education of our partners about this new workflow implementation. Brdo E2 E3 is the first real project where we have implemented this new concept of project management and results were outstanding in both higher efficiency in management and construction process and significant improvement in overall project parameters.
"We were able to identify where we need openBIM to develop further."
Following the innovative approach of BIM-ready cost classification development based on IFC model metadata that is described in the previous section, the vast potential of global analyses and definition of relations between IFC properties and cost classifications came up. The following concept would further improve and automate development of cost classification within data handling analysis tools such as BEXEL Manager.
openBIM data templates for construction objects and standardized methodology to considerations could be extended into defining rules or relations between values of metadata commonly available in the IFC models (such as IfcObjectType, IfcLayer, IfcMaterial, IfcUnit, etc.), and adopted cost classification structure, and specific cost classification items at the level that is found to be applicable.
The goal would be to analyse existing, widely used, classifications and relevant ISO standards, to extract knowledge, analyze and define simple or complex (concatenated from multiple inclusive, intersection, exclusive, relationship and custom-based rules) BIM element queries based on IFC available data, that will allow automated breakdown of IFC model elements to the adopted level of classification. Within systems such as BEXEL Manager, this would further enable automated enrichment of elements’ metadata with corresponding classification codes, as well as integration with BEXEL Manager automated metadata checks, intelligent planning and scheduling BEXEL Manager 5D engine based on methodologies. Having defined and properly organized BIM element queries allow users the full automation of the space management and code validation processes as well.
Standardization of methodologies for properties management in interconnected data dictionaries, and openBIM data templates for construction objects recently introduced ISO 23386 and ISO 23387, aligned with latest developments of IFC Schema (IFC4.1, IFC4.2, IFC4.3 RC1, and ultimately IFC5), will enable additional automation and optimization of space and code validation process, metadata checks and enrichment, and smart 4D/5D project management process, as well as 6D asset management and lifecycle cost planning process..
Analysis of above described concept, would also need to consider development and adoption of the cost classification structure based on the ISO 12006-2:2015 "Building construction - Organization of information about construction works - Part 2: Framework for classification of information", ISO 12006-3:2007 (buildingSMART Data Dictionary) and ISO 21511:2018 “Work breakdown structures for project and programme management”.
Described development of openBIM approach would highly contribute to the integrated BIM project management process, significantly disseminate both integrated and openBIM, and provide most benefits in construction management of diversified construction projects.
BIM Uses were defined on the project
I agree to be contacted about the project BIM uses outside of this awards program.
Stakeholders
Stanovanjski sklad Republike Slovenije, Ljubljana, Slovenia,
https://ssrs.si/, Investor, Borut Hafner
