Want to truly understand what the other parties are doing? Recesses in architectural elements for technical installations are ideal for optimizing a BIM workflow.
Generating recesses always involves two parties. Firstly, the technical installation party, which uses recesses to connect components from separate spaces. Secondly, the architectural or structural party, which should approve the recesses. While each party is responsible for its own aspect model, they also share a common interest in coordinating recesses in walls and floors correctly.
Step 1: Preparing recesses requests
In design processes, the construction engineer is often already running calculations when the installation consultant is still working on schematic diagrams. At this stage, recesses requests are prepared in order to provide the construction engineer with the required information in time. This is done based on experience or by spatially mapping out the critical points beforehand. Detailed requests can be produced at a later stage, when the main spatial arrangement of the installation is known. Bear in mind that, in both cases, the party requesting recesses is not the one responsible for their execution.
Step 2: Modelling recesses requests
In a BIM workflow, construction or design partners can model their recesses request as a block. Needless to say, this block can be placed manually in the desired position and be provided with information about the recess. This does not just concern its shape and dimensions, but also, for example, the purpose of the recess placement, or whether the recess demands a fire-resistant finish. Subsequently, this information can be shared with the construction partner, who is responsible for actually generating the recesses in his model.
Step 3: Automatic recess generation
The process becomes even more efficient if the installer can create recesses requests based on information already embedded in his own model. In this case, recesses can be automatically generated where ducts, pipes and cable ducts are clashing with structural elements. Information from the MEP model (e.g., dimensions, type of pipe, insulation and standard margin) can be transferred directly to the recesses.
Step 4: Approving recesses requests
After the electrical- or mechanical engineer has submitted the request, it is up to the construction engineer or building contractor to approve the recesses and process them in their own aspect model. From the recesses request, the construction engineer can directly generate recesses in his own model and generate a response to the requesting party. This way, the information circle is closed. After reading the digital response file, the engineer can see immediately which recesses have been approved, and which ones still demand his attention. Not only in list form, but also visually via color-coded objects in the 3D model.
Real construction
This type of tooling illustrates the value of BIM. BIM has become more than just sharing models and information. Now, one can also use the information from a construction partner to directly authorise and execute adjustments in one’s own aspect model. In order to
