E11 - WHAT IS BIM AND OPENBIM?

About this course

The course "E11 – What is BIM and openBIM?" offers a theoretical introduction to Building Information Modelling (BIM) and the concept of openBIM, independent of any software tool. Students will learn about the current state of the construction sector, the technological evolution that gave rise to BIM, its pillars and benefits, and the principles of collaborative work in openBIM. The openBIM standards (IFC, MVD, IDM, IFD/bSDD and BCF) are also presented, along with a case study on design coordination and cost estimation. This unit forms part of SIMBIM's BIM Fundamentals pathway, a training centre approved by buildingSMART.

Course details

This course is aimed at professionals and students in the fields of architecture, engineering and construction who wish to understand what BIM and openBIM are, whether they are just starting out in the subject or want to consolidate their existing knowledge. No prior knowledge is required, nor is it necessary to work with any particular software: the content is theoretical and independent of any tool. The first lesson presents the structure of the course, the organisation of buildingSMART and the professional certification process in BIM fundamentals. The second explains what BIM is: the situation of the AEC sector, the evolution from 2D and 3D CAD to models with information, parametric objects, the various meanings and dimensions of BIM, the pillars of technology, people and processes, and the benefits. The third addresses openBIM: disciplinary models, the reference model, model federation and coordination, and the responsibility of each author. The fourth describes the IFC, MVD, IDM, IFD/bSDD and BCF standards and applies them in a case study of design coordination and cost estimation based on IFC. This unit (E11) and unit E12 on BIM protocols and standards make up SIMBIM's BIM Fundamentals pathway, a training centre approved by buildingSMART. The training prepares students for the professional certification exam, which is convened and assessed by buildingSMART: the professional certificate is issued by buildingSMART, not by SIMBIM.

Learning goals

• Understand the concept of BIM and its evolution from 2D and 3D CAD to models with information.
• Identify the causes of low productivity in the construction sector and the role of BIM as a digitalisation response.
• Distinguish between the different meanings of BIM (Modelling, Model and Management) and the 4D, 5D and 6D dimensions.
• Recognise the three pillars of working in BIM: technology, people and processes.
• Explain the concept of openBIM and the workflow involving disciplinary models, the reference model and model federation.
• Describe the function of the openBIM standards: IFC, MVD, IDM, IFD/bSDD and BCF.
• Analyse a case study of design coordination and cost estimation in openBIM.
• Learn about the organisation of buildingSMART and the professional certification process in BIM fundamentals.

Curriculum