BIM is like a triathlon

When it comes to Building Information Modelling (BIM), there are many definitions to what it is. Most refer to it as the intelligent 3D model-based process. At Aurecon, we see BIM as ‘Better Information Management’ and ‘Building of Information Models’. For us, BIM is a process of understanding, planning, generating and managing data and digital representations of physical assets and functional characteristics of places and objects.

As a triathlete, I have always associated BIM to be a triathlon. Both feature three stages. For triathlons, it is swimming, cycling and running and for BIM, it is understanding requirements, planning and managing data, and then producing the solution through modelling.

Having spent many years involved in both BIM and triathlons, I see many parallels between the two. And I believe there are four key steps to succeed in both, which are:

1. Establish the right setup
2. Determine the right equipment
3. Capture the right data
4. Learn the right lessons

Set it up right

For a triathlete, the right setup includes proper diet, training and transition practice to condition the body to be ready for the next competition. For BIM implementation, it’s ensuring the team has the right tools, the right processes and standards and the right training to be “project ready”.

Seamless transitions between the three stages are also key for both triathlons and BIM implementation. With triathlons, it’s important to have all relevant equipment in the optimum place at each stage to reduce wasted time. This is especially important as transition time counts towards the overall completion result. Similarly, with BIM, it is important to structure and streamline the data from each phase so it’s ready to be used in the next. For example, if we are creating a virtual construction sequence, we need to receive those sequencing tasks in a structured manner as this will allow us to take the data easily and embed it into models and produce a virtual sequence of the project’s construction timeline.

Be properly equipped

Just like proper shoes, bikes, suits and goggles are vital equipment for triathletes, it is important to have the right software and hardware, and technology infrastructure to properly implement BIM. For example, authoring tools such as #Revit are crucial to creating digital models; Dynamo to streamline automation tasks within projects; and #Navisworks for 3D coordination, clash detection; and #Revizto for tracking model-based issues. These are all essential software throughout the BIM collaborative production process and information model delivery.

Similar to how incorrect training for triathlons could lead to failure, improper training on production methods and procedures can lead to missing critical deadlines or failure to meet the level of information required. Hardware and software improve every year, so staying on top of the game is critical to performing more efficiently. As the industry becomes digitally enabled, marginal gains can be the difference between winning that contract or delivering on a project successfully. The same can be said for triathlon equipment — every year athletes train and look for any advantage to be faster, more streamlined, and more aerodynamic.

It’s all in the data

As a triathlete, I capture my performance data using Strava, an app that tracks my activities, heart rate, speed, and power outputs online. Over the past few years, the use of cloud-based tracking of performance has really taken off with the introduction of smart indoor trainers such as the #wahoo #kickr and #Zwift. With the current #Covid-19 pandemic, this trend has accelerated as athletes look for ways to train and analyse performance during the lockdown. With this data, I can drill down and adjust my training to boost my performance. Plus, the online data can be shared with my friends, coaches and other experts, so we can find opportunities for improvement and motivate each other.

In much the same way, BIM implementation and digital delivery is all about managing information. Like capturing data online via #Strava, BIM has a common data environment that connects various technologies together, ensures that project-based information is accessible and trusted, and can be applied to decision making. It is an essential, cloud-based collaborative environment, that team members can access from anywhere with an internet connection.

So, how do we define such data on a project? It starts with the client’s exchange information requirements (EIR), which defines the data and information needed at each project stage and together with information exchange procedures, this helps to facilitate effective decision making at key stages of the project. #EIR usually include:

• The level of information needed for each key stage of the delivery, which defines the model, asset and document information required for each stage exchange
• Acceptance criteria, which sets out the specific delivery requirements for a delivery team and includes the project information standard and production methods and procedures
• Supporting information that can be evaluated for use in meeting the information requirements
• An information delivery plan and schedule to identify who, when and which information deliverables are required

Without clearly defining the information requirements or responsibilities, teams may be producing information they think is required, which could ultimately lead to creating unnecessary work, duplicating information and inefficacy within the project.

Lessons for the future

After I complete triathlons, I typically review my data from the race and use it to guide future races. This review process helps me adjust my training program accordingly. It’s an opportunity to update my pacing strategy and look into possible equipment upgrades, which could improve aerodynamics, rolling resistance or smoother transitions from one discipline to the next. I can also compare different sections of the race to my other competitors and study their performance to see if there are any areas I can learn or adopt within my plan. 

With BIM implementation, while every project has its unique challenges and requirements, there are also a lot of similarities. For example, with BIM, teams could be overdoing the amount of modelling or development of asset information, thus generating unwanted information that creates unnecessary complexity and time wastage. Understanding and applying more accurate and efficient solutions on the back of previous experiences is imperative and is one of the key drivers of BIM innovation.

One great innovation, born out of the lessons learnt, is Aurecon’s model performance analytics tool – Aurecon MPA. MPA is used to monitor and report on models throughout the BIM process without opening the models. The tool features a dashboard offering alerts and reports when the model’s performance is not optimal, or if modelling standards or information structures are not followed.

Another lesson I’ve learned from my career is clients requesting BIM without understanding what they’re asking for, or do not have clear objectives or outcomes in mind. This results in consultants generating their own requirements on projects based on guessing what the client requires.

It is important that we help our clients define their information requirements based on our years of experience working on successful digital delivery projects. We have also developed project information management standards to implement planning at the early stages so we can address the requirements for planning in response to the clients’ information requirement. This process includes identifying who is involved; their assigned responsibility; what information is to be delivered; how the information is to be structured; and what platform to host and exchange the information.

Reviewing the process and learning our clients’ requirements allows us to find more opportunities to help streamline future #BIM implementation.

“BIMing” like a champion

Whether it’s running a triathlon or implementing BIM in projects, the ultimate goal is striving for the best performance. For me as a triathlete, it’s not necessarily about being the winner of the triathlon, it is about improving my performance and doing better at the next race.

With BIM implementation, it is about how to achieve the best performance for the project. At the end of the day, BIM is about managing information and building information models to support a physical asset.

The key to BIMing like a champion, much like rocking it at a triathlon, is planning ahead, training for a seamless transition, ensuring access to the right setup, equipment, data and learning from lessons from past experience.