Building Information Modelling
SDS has the capability and experience to deliver to the fundamental principles of BIM maturity level 2 and provide services in accordance with the RIBA Plan of Work 2013.
BIM Capability
Building Information Modelling/ Management (BIM) processes are successfully applied to a wide range of SDS projects. This success is based on developing and driving though our BIM strategy.
The strategy ensures that our internal QA systems, model management procedures and project information delivery conform to each part of BSEN ISO 19650-1 and 19650-2. Relevant project experience allows SDS to support BIM processes on frameworks, informing any necessary BIM execution plans to establish and deliver realistic BIM goals.
BIM Consultancy
SDS are able to enhance the BIM management process on each project. With our team’s experience and expertise, we can focus project deliverables and help manage expectations to deliver realistic BIM goals. This is achieved by developing and collating relevant protocols and documentation, supporting stakeholder engagement workshops and virtual design reviews.
Ongoing BIM Development
In addition to current processes, SDS have a long-term BIM strategy that looks to advance capabilities to BIM maturity Level 3. This ambition will be realised by committing research and development investment to improve internal processes and to link design analysis into the BIM environment.
SDS in-house working group focus on developing our BIM systems and ongoing staff training. The group engage with government and industry working groups to ensure BIM models are constructed and aligned to and benefit from industry best practice.
Model Management and Collaboration
The majority of current BIM projects adopt AutoDesk Revit as the primary BIM platform. Each design discipline collaborate using a Common Data Environment (CDE) via linked models in their forms formats.
Clash avoidance and co-ordination of the CDE is achieved via AutoDesk Navisworks.
SDS have experience of extending CDEs on a number of projects where other disciplines have adopted a different BIM platform. This task is delivered using Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) files and careful management of the associated inter-operability issues.
BIM Capability
Active SDS BIM projects range from residential high-rise, hotel and leisure schemes, education and college projects, refurbishment and industrial work.
SDS are strong advocates of BIM principles, ensuring that leading edge BIM processes and practices are integral to design methods applied on all projects.
A coordinated BIM implementation and development strategy is embraced throughout the business. Our approach ensures successful BIM implementation through sharing expertise and mentoring.
Design Analysis
SDS has the expertise to deliver BIM appropriate to project specific needs; for example by providing a greater appreciation of the building physics. BIM data allows more accurate assessment in terms of code compliance and performance benchmarking.
As far as practically possible, efforts are made to ensure that the BIM environment is linked or heavily informs building services design analysis. This is delivered using parametric tools and links between documentation and analysis models.
Enhanced Uses
SDS actively engages with government and industry working parties to ensure that BIM models are constructed and aligned with industry best practices.
An in-depth appreciation of cross discipline platforms and the associated interface issues, ensures MEP models are constructed to enable collaboration.
BIM data can then be used to inform project and cost management process, facilitating enhanced construction sequencing, 4D and 5D analysis.
Appreciation of the Benefits of BIM
- Enhanced appreciation of project principles for stakeholders, clients and end users
- Higher quality information for decision-making
- Increased confidence in design, construction and operational costs
- Satisfaction in meeting use, space and performance requirements
- Improved project co-ordination and collaboration
- Project information on time
- Early conflict mitigation
- Facilitating enhanced construction sequencing
- Facilitating future
- 4D and 5D analysis
- Risk reduction
