BIM User Guide
SAPPHIRE PLUS is BIM ready
Supporting digital modelling to enable the construction industry
to design gaseous suppression systems with greater clarity,
more foresight and build with greater accuracy using exact
requirements, offering a wide selection of BIM objects that
are free to download from our website.
At Johnson Controls we understand the benefits of using BIM when
undertaking a new building construction project. From building design
through to construction and even while the building is in use, the BIM process
allows valuable information about our products to be shared with planners,
consultants, integrators and contractors.
This means that everyone involved in the construction and commissioning
of a new project is able to share information more easily and drill down into
design specifications at any stage of a project allowing for collaboration with
greater efficiency.
What is BIM?
BIM is the future of the construction industry. It encompasses all project phases, from planning,
design and construction through to operation, maintenance and ultimately demolition.
BIM is about everyone understanding a building through the use of a digital model. BIM modelling
provides a process for managing the information produced during a construction project to ensure
a consistent format of information about every product from the earliest feasibility stage through
design, construction, operation and finally demolition.
BIM allows all information about building materials and systems used within a building to be shared
at each stage of the building’s lifecycle.
Since January 2016 it has become a mandatory requirement
in the UK for all public building construction projects to
supply BIM objects for all products used.
This is part of a long term UK Government
Construction Strategy to achieve the
following by 2025:
33% reduction in construction costs
33% reduction in operation costs
50% faster construction projects
50% lower carbon emissions
Reference: National BIM Library
www.nationalbimlibrary.com
What are BIM objects?
BIM objects are 3D models of
construction materials, products and
equipment which contain key product
data. Each object holds detailed
information that defines the product’s
physical characteristics, materials
and properties.
The visualisation data that gives the
object a recognisable appearance
and behavioural data.
Each BIM object contains all the
information that construction
professionals need to design,
construct and maintain
that building.
References:
RIBA Insight to BIM
www.riba-insight.com/monthlyBriefing/11-08/BIM_what-is-it-and-how-does-it-affect-you.asp
National BIM Library www.nationalbimlibrary.com
Using BIM ensures that This diagram outlines how having
this information available centrally
there is one central location,
can provide many advantages for
through the entire life cycle of the various different stakeholders
a building, to contain all the involved in the construction
essential information about process of a building.
the materials used in the
construction of a building.
Why BIM?
The use of BIM can increase efficiency and reduce errors. Virtual designs are built in three
dimensions before work proceeds on site; the attributes of all the elements of the building can
be found in the model, and spatial ‘clashes’ can be identified and resolved in the model instead
of on site.
Imagine the power of the models in the field or in the hands of the end users, where others can
use the information the designer input to troubleshoot or manage their systems more efficiently.
With this improvement in efficiency in mind, we have invested in the creation of a range of BIM
content based on a selection of our core products for use by designers, architects and specifiers
working within the BIM framework.
BIM allows designers to create intelligent environments that enable all users to have instant access
to all of the information available in the model. Therefore, the ultimate limitation of BIM is the
amount of information available in the model and input by the manufacturer. If a user selects
a specific component of the system, the model can provide make, model, serial number, cost,
and all relevant specifications of the system component. It can even include operation and
maintenance information relative to the system component.
In large and/or fully integrated buildings, building engineers often review events on the building
management system (BMS) for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing issues as a first order
troubleshooting measure. Smaller buildings and buildings without integrated systems do not
afford building engineers this luxury. When it comes to fire protection systems, the BMS may
not integrate with them, however, a well-coordinated BIM can be the single source for building
engineers to troubleshoot and evaluate all systems within their buildings.
References:
National BIM Library www.nationalbimlibrary.com
Fire Protection Engineering
http://magazine.sfpe.org/fire-protection-design/building-information-modeling-fire-protection
Trust a good BIM
A BIM model that is set up well and monitored
continually will have coordinated, integrated, and
searchable databases of information. A BIM model
becomes not just a 3D model of the building to search
for fire protection equipment or features, it becomes
a database of information that can be used to identify
trends, estimate repair costs, or monitor functionality.
BIM can also help with integrating life safety systems
across multiple trades.
Within the fire industry, designers, engineers, and
authorities having jurisdiction will find BIM invaluable
as manufacturers include all listings and restrictions
for their specific fire protection products.
Working within the BIM framework provides three main functions:
1 A consistent naming convention
Manufacturers must present product information within the BIM file in a structured manner.
BIM objects enable designers to use files more effectively within their own software such as
AutoDesk’s Revit.
2 A digital central location to store and manipulate all information about a project
New construction projects involve the use of three dimensional images to represent the different
components within a building. Essentially BIM provides a digital representation of this
information along with detailed technical information about the products within.
3 An improved, accurate method of sharing and exchanging information
about the building
Traditionally, stakeholders on a construction project would refer to drawings, schedules,
manuals and technical data sheets for information during the project. Using BIM will eliminate
the need for multiple documents, everyone involved can access what they need form the
BIM files themselves.
Reference:
Consulting Specifying Engineering
www.csemag.com/single-article/bim-and-fire-protection-engineering/22fcd71622fbf3046ca5d9908d46fddc.html
References and Useful Links
National BIM Library
www.nationalbimlibrary.com
European Commission
www.construction21.org/articles/fr/european-bim-or-europe-of-bim.html
RIBA Insight to BIM
www.riba-insight.com/monthlyBriefing/11-08/BIM_what-is-it-and-how-does-it-affect-you.asp
Fire Protection Engineering
http://magazine.sfpe.org/fire-protection-design/building-information-modeling-fire-protection
Consulting Specifying Engineering
www.csemag.com/single-article/bim-and-fire-protection-engineering/22fcd71622fbf3046ca5d9908d46fddc.html
UK Gov website
www.bimtaskgroup.org
UK Task Group FAQ section
www.bimtaskgroup.org/bim-faqs
To access BIM files please visit www.SapphirePlus.com
© 2018 Johnson Controls. All rights reserved.
