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Everything relating to Point Cloud to BIM or Scan to BIM

Scan to BIM - best practices
BIM news and trends, Scan to BIM

Best Practices for effective Scan to BIM process

July 3, 20200

We all know that the Scan to BIM process can provide a good starting point for the next stages. When done right, the design team can use Scan to BIM models to process their design; building owners might utilize them to effectively manage future changes or renovations. It might be said that they are beneficial to all stakeholders throughout the lifecycle of a project. So this post will walk you through a number of best practices we’ve learned to make efficient Scan to BIM.

1. Identify the purpose of the Scan to BIM model

It’s necessary to identify what the intention of making a Scan to BIM model is. Reflect existing structures of a building? Provide the model for the design process? Or coordinate the MEP trades? What stage of the project the model will be used.

  • For the design process: Quite a few design teams are using Scan to BIM model to kick off and manage the process early. So if you want to assist the design stage, later sufficient information and functional 3D BIM models should be created;
  • For the construction stage: If this is the case, ask whether you need to create a 3D model for trade coordination. The model can be shared between stakeholders to know the exact intricate they can encounter;
  • For retrofit projects: Create an as-built model that reflects the exact existing conditions of a building with a very high level of detail.

Knowing the exact who the end-user of the Scan to BIM is will help optimize the model for usability.

2. Define the project scope

It’s extremely vital to be aware of the project’s scope before getting started implementing the project. You can create a checklist to help the client easily identify the scope of work. In this way, they will appreciate your consultancy and give you a chance to show your expertise. Also, the following questions help you dig deeper into their project:

  • What exactly is to be modeled?
  • What’s the Level of Detail (LOD) and Level of Information (LOI) required for the model?
  • How will the model be used for the project?
  • What’s the project schedule?

BIM outsourcing services

Identifying the exact project scope will help to create an accurate 3D model that meets your client’s specifications. Besides, providing a clear definition of the scope can bring opportunities and value at all stages of the project.

3. Determine the required deliverables

As mentioned above, the result of the Scan to BIM process can be used for various different purposes. So you have to identify the deliverables you want to meet your customer’s expectations. It might be the Architectural, Structural, and MEP Revit file of a specific Level of Detail (LOD) and Level of Information (LOI). In some cases, the client may require some of the different formats of the file. The deliverable can even provide added value to the end-user.

Point cloud to BIM services

4. Collect more data than you need

Once you understand the project scope, the deliverables required; it’s important to collect all the needed information. It’s much easier to collect that additional information while you’re there the first time. You can delete data if it’s redundant than go back to collect the missing information. Remember the motto “more is more”.

Scan to BIM - point cloud

5. Find an experienced Scan to BIM team

Partner with a team that understands BIM technology, the industry standards, and methods of the construction process can assure successful results. They should be able to give you a suitable solution for your goals. The team should have extensive knowledge and experience in executing the Scan to BIM projects for various countries such as the US, UK. This enables you to maximize value and minimize costs.

In conclusion

Scan to BIM is a key component of the BIM process so it’s essential to create high-quality BIM models that are of value to the next project stages. Stakeholders of a project – surveyors, project managers, building teams, engineers, and designers, and architects – can confidently collaborate and benefit from Scan to BIM.

If you’re interested in this topic and want to discover more, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We are ready to help you bring more value to your Scan to BIM projects.

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Functional model
Scan to BIM

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

June 25, 20200

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.

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BIM capability assessment
BIM news and trends

How to evaluate BIM capability of a BIM outsourcing partner

June 23, 20200

The demand for BIM outsourcing services is more and more increasing. This has led to the new entry of various BIM service providers. So it’s necessary to evaluate BIM partners in the pre-qualification and selection phase. Several criteria have been proposed for the BIM capability assessment of an organization. In the last article, we shared with you 7 points to consider when selecting a BIM outsourcing partner.

As mentioned in that article, understanding the BIM partner’s experience is extremely important. Thus, the purpose of this article is to help you know how you should evaluate the capability of the BIM provider you plan to select. What can BIM capability assessment you use? Let’s discover it in detail.

1. General content of BIM capability assessment

In general, the pre-qualification questionnaire can include a series of topics such as company details, policies, accreditations, quality, BIM, etc. However, this post will focus on helping you understand more the BIM capability assessment. Regarding BIM assessments, the reference is from CPIc – the Construction Project Information Committee. They provide the best practice in the construction industry throughout the UK.

To evaluate the BIM capability of an outsourcing partner, you might use CPIx BIM Assessment Form.

BIM capability assessment

2. Key BIM assessment questions

The CPIx BIM Assessment Form includes 4 main sections as below:

  • Gateway Questions: Including several questions related to BIM compliance;
  • Areas of BIM: This section helps you get to know their BIM partner’s main expertise;
  • BIM Project Experience: You will have an opportunity to dig deeper into BIM projects what they’ve executed for the client;
  • BIM Capability Questionnaire: This section will help you identify training, coaching, and support required to BIM partners you plan to select.

The content of the BIM Competency Questionnaire depends on the requirements of each project. However, it usually includes some key content such as:

  • Do they have a BIM standard? How many projects have they executed? What was the scope of the project? What types of BIM services have they provided?
  • What is the technology solution they’re using for each discipline?
  • How many people are there in their company? How skilled are they?

In addition to BIM Execution Plan, the Construction Project Information Committee (CPIc) also provides you with three templates to evaluate BIM capability.

BIM capability assessment
Later, you can use a chart of National Institute Building Sciences. Fill in the criteria, and will have a complete BIM capability assessment.

BIM capability assessment

3. In conclusion

BIM capability assessment can help you understand more about the experience of your prospect BIM partner. Also, you should feel free to ask any question you’re wondering about their experience and capability. You may also feel confident that you will find out a trusted and reliable partner such as ViBIM. Then, you can leverage the partner’s expertise to deliver BIM for you. Get in touch with us today to find out more.

Bonus: Best BIM outsourcing service providers 2020

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BIM outsourcing parners
BIM news and trends

7 points to look out for when selecting a BIM outsourcing partner

June 17, 20200

Outsourcing BIM services reveal a dramatically increasing trend because of the high demand for BIM services. It has proven to be an efficient and feasible solution that enables companies to save time and effort. However, selecting the right BIM partner is extremely important to the success of your project.

So, how should you choose the BIM outsourcing partner?

Someone prioritizes low costs over everything. However, we think accessing every aspect of a BIM outsourcing partner like their experiences, staff, pricing models, quality standards, commitment, IT infrastructure system is essential. Choosing a trusted and reliable partner helps avoid construction hassles and project risk at the next project stage. We have come up with 7 points to look out for when selecting a BIM provider to help you make the right decision.
If you are looking for outsourcing BIM services, you should follow these points below to avoid serious problems.

Here are 7 points to look out for when selecting a BIM partner

1. Be aware of BIM partner’s ability

The first thing you should do is to check and clearly understand the BIM outsourcing partner’s experience. You might list a series of questions to collect the necessary information. For example, how many projects have they executed? What was the scope of the project? What types of BIM services have they provided?
These questions will help you know how expertise the potential partner is. There are several ways to check the BIM partner’s experience:

  • Request their company portfolio and go into details on what types of services they have provided, the scope of projects executed, staffs, industries they served, IT infrastructure system, etc;
  • Visit the company’s website, read reviews, and customer success stories. Dig deep into the kind of projects successfully delivered by the BIM partner you plan to select;
  • Look at their social media profiles such as Linkedin, or Twitter;
  • Contact and request a trial to understand more their capability. Check the quality checklists such as BIM protocol, families, templates and standards;

For example, if you are a 3D laser scanning company and looking for someone to help you with Scan to BIM requirements, a BIM outsourcing service provider with the fine “Point cloud to BIM” experience is appropriate.

ViBIM owns a team of over 20 talents that include BIM consultants, architects, MEP engineers, and modelers. We focus on high-quality BIM products, on-time delivery, and long-term relationships. We specialize in Scan to BIM, 3D BIM Coordination, BIM Design Development, and Dynamo services for building industries.

2. Do they keep a high commitment?

The BIM partner you select should deliver your project on time because it can impact your later project stages. To check their commitment, you might refer to reviews of the company, client testimonials, or case studies to determine if they deliver on time. Work together with a company that keeps promises you will get a successful project.
BIM outsourcing services

3. Do they have quality standards?

Checking the quality assurance and quality control processes of your BIM outsourcing partner is necessary. Having quality standards will help them create accurate and high-quality 3D BIM models. Thus, you ask your BIM outsourcing partner about adequate quality standards and quality check processes. At ViBIM, we always provide a comprehensive quality checklist that will clarify the scope of work, the detailed requirement of projects, the Level of Details (LOD), and the Level of Information (LOI) before commencement. It helps customers and us have the same understanding of the scope of projects and requirements in detail.

BIM outsourcing services
BIM outsourcing services

4. Be efficient and quick in communication

Communication is crucial to the success of BIM projects. So, your BIM outsourcing partner should be able to listen to and fully understand all your requirements. Their team also needs to respond quickly to you on every channel, even in a different timezone. Besides, it shall be better if having a project manager who can follow and keep your project on track.

5. Find out their pricing plans

In reality, lots of BIM providers offer a low hourly rate to gain clients. However, cheap BIM outsourcing services do not always assure the efficiency and the quality of the final deliverable. BIM requires lots of time and effort. A reliable BIM provider will always offer a worth price with their ability.

Be careful with companies that offer a low price. They can lack experience or the necessary skills to create BIM models. These things can lead to the poor quality of BIM deliverables. Selecting a BIM partner that is not skilled and experienced can risk your project.

Please clarify their pricing models before making a decision. The pricing plans can vary on the type of BIM services and scope of work. For example, a BIM outsourcing partner can apply an hourly rate for Scan to BIM or BIM design services. But a lump-sum price can be appropriate to 3D BIM coordination.

6. Request a pilot project to understand more

A trial project is an opportunity for you to assess the capabilities of a BIM outsourcing service provider. You can request a pilot project to know more about their skills, knowledge, strengths, and weaknesses. With first-hand experience, you have a chance to verify the credibility of BIM providers you find out before.

To help everyone to evaluate our expertise, we offer a free trial of BIM services. Just send us a small pilot project. Our BIM experts will analyze your project demands and offer you a FREE trial so you can understand more about our capability.

7. How do they handle confidential information?

Confidentiality is one of the crucial factors when outsourcing BIM services. So signing a non-disclosure and intellectual property agreement are vital. It makes sure that nobody discloses any data and information about the project.

Besides, you should also check the IT infrastructure system of BIM outsourcing BIM providers. A well-developed IT system will help to protect your project data from destruction and other losses.

In conclusion

Selecting a BIM outsourcing partner is not an easy task. It does not just stop enough qualifications since BIM projects require extensive collaboration and communication. No matter what BIM outsourcing services you look for are, choosing the right outsourcing partners is vital. It will benefit your companies now and in the future.

If you’re looking for someone to handle all the 7 points above, then we can help you. Drop us an inquiry, and we will gladly assist you.

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Join all walls into a chain in Scan to BIM project
Scan to BIM

Join all walls in a continuous chain in Scan to BIM process

June 5, 20200

1. What can be understood?

Regarding walls, there will be lots of intersections where multiple walls connect together. So one of the important criteria we always follow is all walls shall be cleanly joined in a continuous chain and detached from top to bottom. At the position of numerous wall intersections, the modeler will create a continuous chain of thin walls around the intersection.

scan to BIM services -walls2. Why is this important?

In the Scan to BIM project, there are almost intersections and these areas need to be joined properly to create a clean model. This helps to avoid conflicts and clashes between walls in the model. What’s more, the joining of all walls will make the plan and the section become neater and more seamless. Creating a clean model makes the design process become easier and more efficient.

3. How does the right joined wall look like?

The section view below indicates the status of the walls when they are not joined. There will be overlap between the intersections and not be consistent.

Scan to BIM projects- walls don't be joinedOn the other hand, the walls that are joined will become seamless at the intersected points.

Scan to BIM projects - wall joinedThe following plan view demonstrates the status of the walls when they are not joined together.

Scan to BIM project - plan join walls
However, the model will become cleaner when the walls are joined together
Scan to BIM projects - walls joined

A note for the modeler is that:

  • Every time a wall is created in a Scan to BIM project, it’s necessary to analyze the cohesion of that object in the project;
  • Check objects regularly when using the sections and plans through points that have great complexity in the project model.

In conclusion

This is one of the most important criteria to create a clean 3D BIM model. At ViBIM, we always assure the deliverables meet this requirement in each Scan to BIM project. We believe if you do start to use these standards it will be fantastic for your BIM projects. If you’re interested in the topic, feel free to contact us to know it in detail.

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Add Rooms and Define Correctly Bound in Scan to BIM process
BIM for Architects

Add rooms in Scan to BIM process

June 4, 20200

1. What can be understood?

Adding rooms is considered as the way to add the non-geometric information to the project. This can be also understood that in each Scan to BIM project, the rooms will be clearly divided and correctly defined by bounding in the plan of the project.

2. Why is this important?

This criterion helps to add more information about the rooms on the architectural plan of the building. It enables you to distinguish the functionality of the current rooms as well.

Also, in this way, it brings several benefits for BIM model user including:

  • Identify the room quickly;
  • Know the height of each room;
  • Support your design stage and schedule in the model management;
  • Be of use to the scheduling of the height of the room.

scan to BIM services - room schedule

3. When should we do this?

Adding rooms should be applied for all where walls are closed. Normally, this is essential for the project that the high quality is paramount. However, an important note is that before the room is added, the surrounding walls must be assigned to the correct level. The wall object must be ticked to the “room bounding” to ensure that the bound is created.

scan to BIM services - Room bounding

The following example shows that the room is added throughout the plan view.

scan to BIM services - adđ room
When the room is added, you can know exactly the height of the room.

scan to BIM services - room height

4. How can rooms be added?

Before adding rooms throughout the project, the modeler should clearly determine the room level of the model. A tip for you is that you should frequently use the plan, 3D view, the image, Trueview to distinguish the rooms and the corridors to avoid mistakes.

In conclusion

Adding a room brings various benefits for the next project stages. So this is usually a required criterion in Scan to BIM projects that require high-quality. If you want to explore more about the topic, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Our BIM experts are always here to help you answer any question until you get what you need.
At ViBIM, we specialize in the delivery of high-quality Scan to BIM services and are ready to help you bring more value to your projects.

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can to BIM process: Check Doors and Its Details Before Modeling
BIM for Architects, Scan to BIM

Check Doors and Its Details Before Modeling in Scan to BIM process

June 3, 20200

1. What can be understood?

Understanding the client’s requirement is extremely important in the Scan to BIM project. So before getting started modeling, the modeler needs to assure that they clearly understand the technical requirements of each object in the model. For example, you’ve been asked to model doors by the client, then you must identify what LOD and LOI requirement is. If the project require high details, you can need to check what type of doors it is, determine door swing directions, and its details such as 3D linework, ironmongery, etc.

In the scope of this article, we assume that the model of the door is required with the LOD 300 and LOD 400. Later, in the process of creating a 3D BIM model, the modeler might use a 3D view or the plan to verify door swing directions.

  • The following example demonstrates using the plan view to check the door swing door

scan to BIM services - swing door

  • By comparison, we can also use the 3D view to check this:

scan to BIM services - swing door 3D view

2. Why is this important?

Knowing the exact requirements of doors will help us accurately model the status of the object. Besides, this also helps you meet the client’s requirements in terms of clearly showing the types of doors in the building and the door swing directions of the different door types. From that, you create an accurate 3D BIM model that is a vital starting point for the next design process.

Let’s take a look at the following image for better understanding:

scan to BIM services - detailed door

3. When should we perform this?

As mentioned, the model of the door will vary on the LOD and LOI requirements of the project. So any Scan to BIM project, you also should clearly understand the LOD and LOI requirements before modeling because they will impact on the final deliverables.

  • The door with LOD 100 and LOD 200 will include an opening pit only, not show the door swing direction.

scan to BIM services - door with lod 2

  • The door with LOD 300 will include the door swing direction, but not show the details of ironmongery.
  • The door with LOD 400 will include both the door swing direction and the details of ironmongery.

scan to BIM services - Door with LOD 3

Based on 3D TrueView, the point cloud data, the image to check the door swing direction as accurately as possible. As a result, if the project requires LOD 300 and LOD 400, you need to verify the door swing direction. Also, the project requires LOD 400, the modeler needs to detail 3D linework, ironmongery, and etc.

scan to BIM services - LOD 4
scan to BIM services - LOD 4

In conclusion

At ViBIM, we specialize in the delivery of Scan to BIM services and are ready to help you bring more value to your projects. If you want to discover more about the topic, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Our BIM experts are always here to help you answer any question until you get what you need.

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