A building is composed of geometric components and the geometric information is substantial for BIM. Parametric modelling provides mechanisms to translate and embed domain expertise as explicit geometric expressions that can automate generation of the building information—especially geometric information and that can facilitate the generation of a rich building model (Lee, G. et al, 2006). We define parametric objects as objects (or components) of which we all know, if the parameters that describe the object, are known. These are items where not designed to and have to be calculated. An example of a parametric object construction is a standard pre-element, a wall element or a plate for example. Although such items in terms of building and / or exact form are often quite complicated, there are only a few parameters needed to describe a body.
Published in Chapter:
Modelling Concepts for BIM
Sander van Nederveen (Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands), Reza Beheshti (Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands), and Wim Gielingh (Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands)
Copyright: © 2010
|Pages: 18
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-60566-928-1.ch001
Abstract
Building Information Modelling (BIM) is potentially a great technology for the expression of knowledge, supporting interoperability and communication throughout the life-cycle of a building. In fact, Building Information Modelling is not a simple technology. It requires a sound understanding of a number of abstract modelling concepts. Next to being a technology, BIM can also be regarded as a method for making a low or non-redundant (i.e. with every fact represented only once) model of an artefact that is sufficient to realize it as well as simulating it before it actually becomes physical reality. This chapter discusses the modelling concepts of BIM: what is Building Information Modelling, what is a Building Information Model and what are its rationale and objectives? A clear distinction will be made between (a) that what is being modelled, such as requirements, function, boundary conditions, building configuration, connectivity, shape, processes lifecycle aspects and discipline views, and (b) how it can be modelled, such as through parametric models, part libraries, nD models, various representations and presentations, including visualizations. Finally, there is a brief discussion of relevant methods and languages for information modelling, such as ISO 10303 (STEP, EXPRESS), BuildingSMART (IFC, IFD and IDM), process modelling and recent ontology-based approaches.