The AEC(UK) BIM Standard for Revit looks to provide a framework for establishing protocols and best practice in a design practice. Whilst it is intended to remain a standard rather than a user-guide, the relative lack of experience in the market means that some areas provide more descriptive details rather than simply setting rules.
The main headings of the document are as follow:
1 Introduction
2 Best Practice
3 Project BIM Strategy
4 Collaborative BIM Data Sharing
5 Interoperability
6 Data Segregation (worksets & linking)
7 Modelling Methodology
8 Folder Structure and Naming Conventions
9 Presentation Styles
10 Resources
11 Appendices
There are several main themes underlying the standard, with common threads running through the various sections.
One main theme is the BS1192:2007 Common Data Environment which is consistently referred to for workflow, file naming and folder structure, as well as certain aspects of the template development such as Project Browser organisation.
The Model Development Methodology is another important topic which has ramifications on the templates. The principle is to overcome a common misconception of Revit use which is that large amounts of information are required before a project can progress. Here we commence a project using only conceptual components with no composition or detail.
Within the accompanying templates, alll default system families consist of a thickness of nondescript white material so that effort is not spent attempting to reconcile wall joins or floor/wall conditions when the building shape and form has not been agreed. Similarly standard families take the form of place-holders such that a Concept Single door will suffice for internal and external situations and will cover all styles of door from decorative glazed panels to functional solid panels.
Once decisions have been made regarding the specifics of the various elements, conceptual families can be swapped for higher grade components replete with manufacturer information and accurate dimensions.
Collaboration and project stakeholder communication are also key to BIM protocols and the standard does go into some detail defining workflow and procedures. Understanding how BS1192 can be interpreted in Revit and how different teams, both internal and external, collaborate throughout the project progression.
Accompanying the main Standards document, there are three templates available to match the flavours of Revit along with several other documents such as Shared Parameter files and Standard Variation logs to track required changes to the settings and styles within the corporate templates. A Project BIM Strategy pro-forma is intended to document important BIM information for the whole project team and a set of notes provides an instruction manual on how to complete it.
All the above documents and files will be available here once I work out how to host them and allow you to download!
