Feature
4
3 & 4: Figure 6: BIM
structural progression of a
warehouse facility.
5
5: Figure 7: Completed
BIM structural warehouse
facility.
The illustrations are of the structural development only and
it is important to note that all other services are incorporated
into these models as well. This enables closer monitoring of
planning, site progression monitoring, service coordination,
and variation control.
Five-dimensional (5D): The 5D portion of the process is further
developing the 4D object/system by allocating and simulating
the cost associated per element with various constraints. This is
achieved through the component cost breakdown and of each
item, continuous updating thereof, and close coordination
between design model and site installation progress.
Six-dimensional (6D): The 6D portion of the process is
achieved by further developing the 5D model through the
dynamic implementation of life cycle processes (that is,
operation and maintenance). Through the use of BIM, 6D
www.hvacronline.co.za
includes vital operational information to support facilities
management and operational teams to drive and promote
better business outcomes. The 6D information ranges from
manufacturer information, dates of installation, dynamic
maintenance schedules, optimal energy performance, as well
as lifespan and decommissioning data, to name a few.
It is important to note that the above examples do
not define BIM — they are merely examples of how this
technological development can be used to aid in the planning,
design, and implementation process. The successful process
of BIM is not defined by the systematic achievability of all six
dimensions, as there are multiple levels of BIM, depending
on the project team’s desired outcome. One of the most
important elements of BIM is the ‘information’ importation. It
is important to remember that to achieve the best results using
BIM, BIM is to be used to aid in all the phases of the project life
cycle and not just as a visual selling point. RACA
RACA Journal I January 2019
35