of sight to be read, has a short life span and offers minimal security. Use of
a wireless system (e.g., Wi-Fi, RFID, or Zigbee) offers greater data capaci-
ties, better security and may be read without line-of-sight or contact.Building Information Model
Building information modeling (BIM) is the future of building design and
construction. BIM is a 3-D, object-oriented, CAD approach for architects
and engineers. While the number of architects and building designers using
BIM is modest the number will continue to increase. One of the most valua-
ble functions of BIM is its ability to improve the coordination between
multiple design disciplines, thus reducing errors. BIM has the potential to
respond to an owner’s need for predictable costs, quality, and on-time delivery.
(See Figure 13.4.)
The American Institute of Architects have called BIM a “model-based tech-
nology linked with a database of project information.” It can store complete
information about a building in a digital format including things like the quan-
tities and properties of building components. It covers geospatial information
and relationships regarding a building, and facilitates the digital exchange and
interoperability of the data.
BIM uses the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) for exchanging informa-
tion about a building project among different CAD packages. XML, an Inter-
net language, which allows raw data to be reliably shared over the Web, will
also be used in BIM implementations. BIM has the potential to be the vehicle
or depository for use by the design team, the contractors, and owner, with
each party having the capability to add their own data and information to
the model. The National BIM Standard (NBIMS) is being developed and
major vendors have endorsed and supported the effort.
BIM has major benefits. One is the capability for BIM tools to detect “colli-
sions,” that is, design features that are incompatible and in conflict. For instance,
assume that a water pipe designed by the mechanical engineer would be installed
in a way that it goes through a steel beam designed by the structural engineer.
BIM allows the design and construction teams to identify such collisions electron-
ically rather than discover the collision at the construction site. The result is time
savings and reduced construction change orders and related costs.
Probably more important is BIM’s capability to provide the location, quan-
tities, and properties of building components in product objects. Included in
this information can be all details of components, such as manufacturer,
model, warranty, preventive maintenance, and so on. This information is
valuable in the operation and maintenance of the building.
152 Smart Building Systems for Architects, Owners, and Builders