NBS National BIM Library

2016-07-11T09:40:03Z

Ron842: Created page with "National Building Specification (NBS) Building Information Modelling (BIM) Library by Rondie Appiah BIM level 2 is becoming an industry standard way of working. Project teams ha..."

National Building Specification (NBS) Building Information Modelling (BIM) Library by Rondie Appiah

BIM level 2 is becoming an industry standard way of working. Project teams have become accustomed to creating 3D combined coordination models from individual discipline models in a Common Data Environment (CDE).

A Common Data Environment is a centralised online location where all parties involved on a project can access, interrogate and mine data such as quantities, geometric information and specifications. Which CDE's are typically setup using a combination of Uniclass, BS1192:2007 and PAS1192-2 methodologies.

Uniclass is a classification system that has been created to define and organise information which would be needed on a project such as model layering conventions for material types.

BS1192:2007 is a British standard that defines the management and production of information created by Computer Aided Design (CAD) systems, using defined document naming conventions, which enable the creation of structured and consistent information.

PAS1192-2 is a specification document that defines the required objectives to achieve BIM level 2 by providing specific guidance on the management of information on a project.

On my recent visit to the NBS BIM conference, I was introduced to the National BIM library. This is an online environment created for the storage of manufacturers BIM component model files. These components can range from kerb types and steel sections, to specific types of lighting or fittings, depending on what you are looking for in your discipline of work. All BIM components accessible through the librarys are authored to trusted NBS standards. This ensures the user is able to select and use BIM components which contain all the information needed and are compatible across all working platforms. All electronic information about the component is stored within the model file and intelligently linked to its specification and geometric data. By providing information within the model this can potentially save you time researching the specific product.

The list of manufacturers who produce BIM component models is growing daily as more and more companies adopt intelligent modelling. This library is also recognised by the top CAD platform producers such as Bentley, Autodesk, Tekla and ArchiCAD.

As a CAD (computer aided design) operator the online storage of BIM component models is an efficient way of finding the data that you need to begin drafting, without having to redraw and reproduce this information. This can reduce costs and presents an effective solution when creating repetitive model information for larger projects.

The website is easy to use and comes with drag and drop functionality for CAD operators. This requires the installation of the appropriate NBS plugin for your CAD platform.

Once signed up to the National BIM library website you will be given regular updates and notification, when manufactures models, that you have downloaded, have been changed or altered. Once you become and active user there is an option to contribute to the library by uploading generic BIM component models that you have created for the benefit of others.

Having information readily available online encourages collaboration on a global scale, driving competitiveness and innovation. It also reduces the scope for mundane tasks and re-work, such that project teams operate more efficiently and focus their efforts on producing and enhancing designs This is where the industry is heading and such initiative offers exciting prospects for the future.

Designing Buildings - User contributions [en]

NBS National BIM Library