Zoom on the topic: Building Information Modeling – 3D Coordination at LIST

As part of the activities carried out by the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) in the field of construction and more particularly in Building Information Modeling (BIM), LIST’s experts conduct research and experiments on BIM and 3D Coordination.

BIM is rapidly changing the way architectural projects are designed and built. Indeed owners, designers and contractors are adopting new software tools based on 3D representations of buildings and adding valuable information to these digital mock-ups.

BIM and 3D Coordination - a timely theme

In this context, a team of researchers at LIST is carrying out research on these new methods and techniques that impact the planning, design, construction and management of facilities. In particular, they focus on the 3D coordination of interdisciplinary BIM models.

In this activity, the models provided by the architecture, structure and MEP (Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing) disciplines during the design phase are integrated into a single model called the “coordination model”. Then they are checked against each other to detect errors and clashes. Once checked, the “coordination model” is used to discuss and solve the potential issues detected. The overall aim of 3D coordination is to check the design BIM model in order to ensure the constructability of the project.

>> A questionnaire has been created to identify how practitioners are carrying out this activity. About 40 responses have already been collected and the invitation to participate remains open. You are invite to take part in the “BIM: 3D coordination practices” in French or English.

Strengthened collaboration for successful experiments

In order to carry out research with an eye on transfer of expertise, LIST researchers regularly ask for feedback from Luxembourg professionals. Three half-day sessions – during which they have shown involvement and motivation – have already been held. Additional sessions are planned for the coming weeks: a great opportunity for researchers to interact with stakeholders and work on concrete and applicable results for the sector.

These sessions are organised as part of an experiment currently being conducted at LIST. It consists of observing and analysing virtual project teams during 3D Coordination meetings. The aim is to identify the usefulness of meetings (instead of distant collaboration) as well as to assess the impact of the interaction devices that are used. The data collected is currently being analysed and future results should allow us to better understand the nature of the activity, its importance in BIM projects, as well as the software and interactive support required.

>> Contact Sylvain Kubicki via email for more information on the upcoming sessions.

>> Also of interest, the event “Conférence OAI/LIST de la rentrée” taking place on September 21st, 2015. It is organised as part of the collaboration between LIST and the Ordre des Architectes et des Ingénieurs-conseils (OAI) and Sylvain will present the results of the experiments. Visit the dedicated page in LIST's agenda.