Friday 2 August 2013

QC Check BIM Models - Part 3

In the previous blog post of this series Part-2 I discussed software specific QC checks. Now let's look at design specific QC check.

Disclaimer:

  • "Design QC check" BIM models is referred as a process of checking your "Design BIM" models for compliance with BIM Execution Plan and official design documentation
  • "Design QC check" BIM models should not be confused with checking your BIM models for technical design issues or coordination issues or building regs check etc.
 After spending some time discussing this matter with some designers and senior team leaders, I have come up with the following list that should be part of your BIM QA/QC process every time you issue your models for coordination.

Who performs this task?  Ideally, this task should be performed by the same person who is checking and approving drawings or equivalent (with the help of a BIM Modeller if required).

DESIGN SPECIFIC QC CHECKS

The following is a list of minimum items (in no particular order) that should be checked when issuing your BIM Model(s) for coordination.

  • Model contains agreed elements as per the model elements matrix set out in BIM Execution Plan 
  • Model elements contain right INFORMATION (i.e. Mark, Type Mark, Fire Rating, Description etc.) for that particular stage of the project [suggest you setup QC Check schedule for this]
  • Model elements reflect agreed LOD (3D geometry) for that particular stage of the project
  • Build-up of system families such as wall, floor, roof, ceiling etc
  • Materials used within system families (i.e. wall, floor, ceiling, roof etc) as well as other key elements such as doors, windows etc. [suggest you setup QC Check schedule for this]
  • Levels [suggest you setup QC Check Elevation or Section view] 

I am sure there will be some more Design QC Checks that one should perform. So if you have anything to add to this list then feel free to drop your thoughts under comments area.

To conclude my QC checks blog post series, there are many benefits of having BIM QC/QA checks in place for you as an individual, your design team, your business and ultimately the industry. It will increase (BIM) confidence level within the industry, which will help BIM adoption. So get your BIM QC/QA process in place and be prepared to impress your clients with any BIM audits! :-)