The Swiss engineering master's degree

The BIM method (VDC) comprises the digital planning, construction and operation of built assets using digital modelling in combination with suitable organizational forms and processes.

The digital building model is created in interdisciplinary collaboration with a specific goal. It includes both the geometric (3D) and the non-geometric information needed for the agreed uses.

The BIM method is used in the construction industry for project planning and execution (e.g. fundamentals [legal, geological/geotechnical], architecture, engineering, building services), in geomatics for capturing, modelling, tracking and managing building geometry, and in facilities management.

Requisiti

Bachelor degree in a technical or engineering discipline, Business Engineering, Computer Science or similar. Some basic knowledge of the BIM method would be an advantage. No knowledge of CAD required.

Obiettivi di apprendimento

In TSM_BIM, students will learn the basic principles of the BIM method. Aspects relevant to both construction (BIM) and geomatics (GeoBIM) will be examined.

The focus of the module is on the interdisciplinary use of digital building models.

After taking the TSM_BIM module, students will be able to formulate and record information requirements for simple digital building models, exchange the resulting data in the IFC open data exchange format and assess them in a targeted manner to obtain the desired information.

Instruction is also includes hands-on session, using digital building models and the appropriate BIM tools.

Contenuti del modulo

PART 1: BIM Method – Foundations and a look at into practice Introduction (25%)

Definition and basic idea. Planning and construction process yesterday, today and tomorrow. Status of BIM in Switzerland and internationally. Terminology. Challenges. 

Stakeholders, models and roles: From client to planners to operators and users. Principle of information requirements and delivery. Information requester / information sender. 

Data and digital building models: Reading and evaluating data from digital building models. 

A look at practice: Requirements, structuring, construction and evaluation of digital building models. 

PART 2: Data, Tools and Geospatial Competence (BIM and Geodata) (25%)

BIM modelling: The use of authoring software and parametric modelling

BIM and geodata: The differences between BIM and GIS and their possible data integration

IFC data exchange model: IFC outline, IFC vs. CityGML. 

PART 3: Process Competence (BIM Standards and Applications) (25%)

Formulating BIM objectives, specifications (EIR). Description and verification of information requirements. 

Data evaluation I: Obtaining information through the predefined evaluation of digital building models. Checking the data quality. 

BIM project execution plan: The BIM project execution plan as a specification that regulates the framework, structure, quality assurance and data exchange.

PART 4: Practice & Applications (25%)

Overview of the “BIM to Field”, “Field to BIM” & “Extended Reality” applications and solutions for BIM projects: Software, Services and web platforms. 

Data exchange model: Use of an authoring tool. Expanding the native data model. Mapping the native data model to the IFC data exchange model.

Metodologie di insegnamento e apprendimento

Lectures, case studies, exercises. May include field trips. Instructional concept: Blended Learning - Inverted Classroom. In-person teaching alternating with self-study.

Bibliografia

Eastman, C.M., Eastman, C., Teicholz, P., Sacks, R. and Liston, K., 2011. BIM handbook: A guide to building information modeling for owners, managers, designers, engineers and contractors. John Wiley & Sons.

ISO (2018): ISO 19650-1 Organization and digitization of information about buildings and civil engineering works, including building information modelling (BIM) — Information management using building information modelling — Part 1: Concepts and principles.

Additional readings will be announced in class.