What is the significance of Open BIM and Closed BIM in Construction Industry?

OpenBIM-ClosedBIM

Overview

The construction industry is one of the industries that is leading design process and has shifted its focus from the 2D design model to 3D BIM Modelling Services is described as Building Information Modelling (BIM). It is a process of managing and creating information flow of a construction project across the project lifecycle.  3D BIM Modelling Services is the output of process which can be accessed and enhanced virtually on the information such as design, quantity, time, cost and as-built data.

There are many challenges faced by owners and project managers as BIM application by other construction professionals is not the same and because of which OpenBIM and ClosedBIM comes into the picture.

What is OpenBIM and why it is Significant?

OpenBIM is an initiative by BuildingSMART association and is a universal approach to collaborative design, realization and operation of the buildings using file formats based on OpenBIM standards and workflows. OpenBIM in today’s era is used for design coordination and clash detection using an associated model during the design phase. The information exchange is not just limited to 3D BIM Model’s data but adds other parametric data such as specifications, quantity take-offs, cost estimation and material procurement. It has led to implementing specific protocols and open standards to serve the industry.

Most used protocols in OpenBIM are Industry Foundation Class (IFC) and Construction Operation Building Information Exchange (COBie) in the construction industry. IFC enables data exchange of both non-parametric and parametric data in different applications that can support OpenBIM whereas COBie permits only facility management data to be exchanged.

Significance on OpenBIM

OpenBIM supports apparent and open workflow where all the project participants can retrieve through any software tools they use. It creates a common language platform for processes which helps the industry and government to commence projects in equivalent service evaluation and reliable data quality. It allows using project data throughout the asset lifecycle. It avoids multiple data and repeated errors. It vitalizes the on-line product with exact user demand searches and delivers the product data into BIM.

What is ClosedBIM and why it is Significant?

ClosedBIM is a BIM environment where it allows all the construction professionals to use the same software and its same version of a BIM application is used. It includes numerous exchanges using the BIM applications of the same vendor and resolves the cause of interoperability led by various software of the same project. No file conversion is needed in ClosedBIM method and approach and not allows open integration of processes.

Significance of ClosedBIM

ClosedBIM improves efficiency and reduces model reviews. Everyone involved in the project can access the single model and project BIM data. Time and money are saved during training. Everyone in the project can share project data easily. Due to a shared project model in ClosedBIM, there is less rework and annotations can be communicated across all discipline easily. It automatically detects clashes and reduces expensive on-site clashes. Models and its information can be accessed from anywhere due to cloud storage available in ClosedBIM.

Why will OpenBIM be the future need for Construction Industry?

Fit for purpose: Many software products are booming in the market; it becomes apparent for the vendor to provide the best solutions to all the problems. An open protocol has products to be selected based on their capabilities and not a source.

Competition: Vendors would look for providing complete improved performance for the software and cater scope and deliverables according to it.

Application: All the construction professionals use their choice of software tools and provide data exchange to others. Only if the tools are not able to communicate with others need to be changed.

Still, some formats and interfaces need to be evolved to sustain in the market for OpenBIM standards. There will be tools that require retaining value from open building data and providing that value back to building storage.

Conclusion

OpenBIM and ClosedBIM none can select which is best out of the two, but if standards are continually evolved according to the need of the industry it might be useful in some or the other way. Both functions on the pros and cons of interoperability which can be the nearer future to the construction industry due to data exchange formats for shared model among multidisciplinary can work best fit.

Author

  • Tesla CAD – UK is an Architectural and Engineering Firm providing CAD, BIM & Pre-construction Services in United Kingdom. Our core strengths are to provide quality deliverables within a quick turn around time. We follow British standards and codes diligently while working on building design and CAD Drawing projects. Our understanding is aligned with the needs of our clients. We aim to deliver high quality output in tandem to requirements of our clients. Our Services: Architectural Services, BIM Services, Scan to BIM Services, Steel Detailing Services, MEP BIM Co-ordination, MEP shop Drawings, Drafting Services and Mechanical Services.