Best Practices for Quality Control for High-Quality BIM Models

Building Information Modeling (BIM) revolutionizes construction projects, allowing smoother collaboration and integration of massive data. For effective BIM Services, a BIM model has to be accurate and reliable for it to work out well. Quality Control comes into play here: quality control is the backbone behind conformity to a BIM model from higher standards and error reductions-all in an attempt to offer better project performance. Every project should have a BIM QC checklist/BIM Quality Plan to facilitate good quality control. Here a few best practices and guidelines to creating a QC checklist for ensuring high-quality BIM models:

QC Checklist or QA Plan can contain:

Input Data from clients

Geolocation & Scans: This checks that the georeferenced data is correct. Incorrect input will have cascading consequences throughout the project and would be expensive to rectify. Scope & Accuracy: Check that the data provided by the client aligns with the goals of the project and the expectations.

Level of Detail (LOD)

Define and document the required LOD. Clarity is critical.

Study the City standards, building codes

Study and understand the city standards, building codes,and other legal requirements. This understanding eliminates any vagueness and helps in developing code compliant BIM models.

Building Typology Check

Different building types have different requirements. For example, a hospital needs more elaborate MEP coordination compared to a commercial building. Understanding these subtle differences ensures that QC measures can be tailored accordingly.

Compliance Validation

These are periodically conducted audits on checks of models for compliance with standards and guidelines; this executes a combination of automated checks using BIM and manual review by document domain experts.

QA Execution Steps

Project Setup Check

The project setup check involves the verification of adherence to the project standards, naming conventions, and coordinate systems. This step sets the base stage for the project. The project setup shared references for all people working with the project. Poor project setup causes faults and misalignments in future processes.

Design Check

Once the project setup has been carried out, the design check is the subsequent part of the process that needs to be followed. The compliance check of the design is to verify whether the model matches the intent in architecture and that it is satisfactory in terms of the client’s demands. It analyses the geometric and configurational traits of the model to ensure that, as delivered at this stage, it complies with the client’s sights and specifications of the project. It also holds code compliance with the standards of the construction industry.

Model Check

This ensures that models are correct for the entire model by ensuring the full extent of data and valid methods are being used. The step mainly involves the status of the project model families and templates.

Clash Check

Next is the implementation of clash detection analysis. This is an analysis of the findings from the Unified Architecture Framework that would involve an identification and conflict of resolution among elements of different disciplines like architecture, structure, and MEP systems. This is primarily done in order that problems are fixed earlier in the design, as opposed to later, ensuring that systems are constructible.

Interdisciplinary Coordination Check

This means that at the review, models have been aligned with the big picture so that everyone is able to fit his or her work into it without friction. All know by now what he or she has to do for himself or herself within the larger scheme. House, in-house coordination meetings and updates ensure that discipline teams are aligned.

Documentation Check

These are the inspections of all drawings, project schedules, and other deliverables for the surety of consistent production of the documents and also their completeness. Updating of important documents plays a crucial role in getting approvals and progressing the construction phase. Thus, to be ready for the blueprint drawing, the model is developed through the teamwork ensuring a proper documentation weakness the number of errors occur at the construction site.

Construction Site Check

This means the current progress on the construction site is checked against the BIM model in a very accurate manner. Apart from these, there may also be other checks carried out at different time intervals throughout the project life cycle. Technologies like AR and VR will point out the distinctions and help in making the necessary changes in real-time. The model is the truth by reference, while the control measures have been successfully followed to achieve a successful build.

Role of Software BIM QC Plan

BIM tools make the quality control process easy as they support the automation of checks, detection of errors, and collaboration. Some of the suggested tools that should never be missed include the following:

Solibri

Solibri has a set of smart model checks that are designed along with some predefined rule sets that are useful in verifying standards. A part of the sanitary room compliance checking: Checks the free space between columns, walls, and windows. Making reusable templates for similar projects.

(The Snip Below – taken from Internet- shows the Solibri opening a Ventilation Model- Pipes & vents modelled in Revit, based on the Selection Set applied, which will be helpful to identify any clashes)

(The Snip Below – taken from Internet- shows the Solibri checking a MEP & Structural  Model-based on the Rule Set applied)

Navisworks

Renowned for 3D clash detection, the Work Package in Navisworks detects and resolves clashes of multi-discipline clashes. Generation of clash detection reports that detail each clash. Viewing intersections in 3D with an aim to find some appropriate resolutions.

(The Snip Below – taken from Internet – shows the NAVISworks Clash Detection Report with Item ID)

Plannerly

Plannerly helps smooth the project planning process, establish QC workflows, and manage compliance. It creates customized QC checklists and monitors compliance throughout the project lifecycle.

Quick Tips for Effective BIM Quality Control

Leverage Resource Based Expertise

Forecast probable fault zones or errors such as sloping floors or staggered walls, based on past projects.

Identify Trick Spots

There are certain areas in every project, like steep terrains or irregular geometries that always raise their head for more scrutiny.

Customize Checklists

While the overall template is useful, adapting checklists to project-specific needs ensures that no detail is left out.

(The Snip Below – taken from Internet- shows the Solibri checking Restrooms of a Residential Layout whether the sanitary fixtures are pertaining to standards. These standard rules can be added to a template and applied to multiple projects)

(The Snip Below – taken from Internet- shows the Solibri checking clearances between Column, Walls & Windows. These standard rules can be added to a template and applied to multiple projects)

Conclusion

The adoption of a structured QC plan with the aid of advanced tool sets like Solibri and Navisworks, coupled with shaping best practices in line with specific project requirements, will see to the delivery of top-notch BIM models that meet clients expectations.

As BIM technology will keep updating itself, QC practices are also going to evolve with time. Stay updated with industry trends and best practice adoption with Tesla Outsourcing Services to let your projects stand competitive and ensure excellence in every model.

Since 2007, BIM Services India has been a leading provider of top tier Revit Modeling Services in the AEC sector. With a client base spanning over 25 countries, we offer tailored BIM solutions to project stakeholders, like architectural firms, general contractors, engineering consultants and MEP contractors. With our engineering and architectural expertise combined with an attention to detail our collaborators can enhance project efficiency and boost profits by optimizing resources and cutting costs through operational excellence. For more such industry-related information do follow us.