Functional model

Create a functional 3D BIM model for Scan to BIM project

As we know Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a digital 3D description of every aspect of a facility. It might consist of the physical and functional characteristics of the built asset. Nowadays, there are more and more stakeholders involve in a BIM project and work on the 3D model created. So creating functional BIM models become more vital in any Scan to BIM project. At ViBIM, we always assure that all BIM objects in the model have assigned with the correct function.

If you’re curious about this, the article is for you. We will help you clarify how we create the functional BIM models for the client’s Scan to BIM projects.

1. Why do you need the functional BIM model in the Scan to BIM project?

Several people think that the as-built models just should focus on reflecting exactly existing building conditions. However, we realize that adding the functionality to BIM models is really necessary. This is also one of the important parts that will benefit your BIM project now and many years to come.

In the process of modeling, adding parameters to all objects will help you categorize the internal and external functions of the object. Besides, thanks to automatically filtering parameters filtering of 3D view, the process of reviewing becomes quick, accurate, and intuitive. The objects with the correct functions will be of use to your design process and extracting the schedule of the objects becomes easier.

– The walls are assigned with functions “exterior or interior”:

functional wall model
– The floors are assigned with functions “exterior or interior”:

functional floor model
You can observe 3D-FUNCTIONS to see the corresponding color for the internal and external functions of the object in the project. This is an example of a wall that is assigned to the right functions.

functional wall model
On the other hand, this wall is assigned the wrong function.

functional wall model
The floor is modeled and assigned the correct function.

functional floor model

2. How BIM objects have assigned with the right function

2.1. Assign the right function (internal, external) to walls, floors, and stairs.

A functional BIM model will explain how the operations in the object model and the frame of the object are achieved. It focuses on the representation of the algorithmic or computational elements of the model. In the process of modeling, the modeler will assign functionality to the objects. So when opening the view “QA-3D-FUNCTIONS”, you might see that each object have their own functions (internal or external) that will be shown with the corresponding color.

Let’s see the following example for a better understanding. In our example, the blue symbolizes the internal functions of the object while green represents the external one. As can be seen in the image below, the wall object is assigned the function “interior”.

functional BIM models

2.2. All model data is modeled to an agreed tolerance

For renovation or retrofit projects, it is inevitable that some areas are out of shape. So in the process of creating as-built models, it’s necessary to consider the BIM deviation of all warped objects from the horizontal or vertical plane. Adding tolerance to the distorted, broken walls, floors helps you know exactly how the current status of this project is.
The deviation for each object is categorized against the one the following tolerance levels:

  • Blue represents the tolerance 0<x<15mm
  • Yellow represents the tolerance 15<x<30mm
  • Read represents the tolerance x>30mm

functional BIM model

There are several options for adding tolerance:

  • Assumed: Define the components in the model are assumed. This means that the survey data does not allow you to determine the shape/ size/ position and the exact existence of the element. We recommend these factors to need to be considered throughout the image and/ or the scanning data provided.
  • No level constraint: Define the components in the model has no reference attribute at the fixed level in Revit.
  • Damaged / Irregular: Identify the components in the model are significantly damaged and/or irregular in their shape. This leads to not model exactly in Revit.

Adding the tolerance to the objects also benefits your designing process and schedule of the object in the model. Especially, thanks to categorizing the tolerance level by color, we can observe quickly the status of the project throughout 3D DEVITATIONS.

In conclusion

We believe it’s necessary to create the functional 3D BIM model in the Scan to BIM project. If your model meets these criteria, it will be of benefit to your next project stages. In case, you want to discover more about the topic, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

At ViBIM, we specialize in the delivery of Scan to BIM services and are ready to help you bring more value to your projects. Let us know if we can help you with your BIM projects.