Estrategia para La Implantación de La Tecnlogía Bim en La Empresa
Estrategia para La Implantación de La Tecnlogía Bim en La Empresa
Estrategia para La Implantación de La Tecnlogía Bim en La Empresa
IM
AUGUST 1, 2017
VA BIM STANDARD
Table of Contents
1. GENERAL INFORMATION....................................................................................................... 1
BIM MANUAL i
VA BIM STANDARD
BIM MANUAL ii
VA BIM STANDARD
5. DEFINITIONS............................................................................................................................. 34
6. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ....................................................................................................... 36
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1.1. Purpose
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to utilizing Building
Information Modeling (BIM) 1 tools, 3D Models, 2D Drawings, Data, and other uses to support
the delivery and management of world-class healthcare for our nation’s veterans. The goal of
VA’s use of BIM for new facilities is to deliver higher value in quality, timeliness, cost, and to
maximize building performance during operations. VA recognizes BIM is not a specific software
platform but rather an innovative process that encompasses the use of various software and
techniques. VA has adopted the BIM definition provided in the National BIM Standard:
“BIM is a digital representation of physical and functional characteristics
of a facility. BIM is a shared knowledge resource for information about
a facility forming a reliable basis for decisions during its lifecycle; defined
as existing from earliest conception to demolition. 2”
BIM represents a paradigm shift in the product, management, and delivery of planning, design,
construction, activations, facilities operations, and real managing of property that if utilized
properly, promises to deliver significant value for owners. Just as digital medical records help
VA improve patient care, so standardized building data available electronically across VA will
help the agency take advantage of previously inaccessible knowledge to manage its real
property portfolio lifecycle more efficiently.
BIM and other digital tools can enhance communication and Lean efficiencies during project
development, providing all stakeholders an improved way of understanding the issues so they
can fully participate together in solving problems. Because of these advantages, VA adopted
BIM for design on Major Construction projects in 2009 and issued the BIM Guide requirements
for use on all VA construction in 2010, but as technology and business practices enabled by BIM
have been continuously evolving, revisions were necessary. The release of the VA BIM
Standard, a collection of documents which includes this BIM Manual, will allow VA and our
industry partners to apply the efficiencies BIM provides to capital asset projects for VA.
VA will utilize BIM to provide stakeholders with a greater understanding of how a building is to
be planned, designed, constructed, used, operated, and managed. BIM will serve as a virtual
representation of the actual building, and the basis of the 2D documentation (i.e., plans,
elevations, sections, schedules, 3D perspectives, isometrics, and details), which are generated
from and must be fully coordinated with the concurrent model.
1
BIM is used both a verb (modeling) and a noun (model) in industry
2
National BIM Standard v1 2007
Industry has used BIM tools to enable Lean business process improvements that have made
dramatic advances in eliminating wasteful, non-value added effort in design and construction
workflow. The result has improved project coordination, reduced rework, and accelerated
project delivery. VA requires all Architect-Engineer (AE) and General Contractor (GC) Teams to
drive inefficiencies out of their workflow by employing Lean/BIM methodologies to increase
delivery efficiencies in relation to faster delivery, and increased quality of design and
construction.
3
Construction Operations Building Information Exchange (COBie)
4
Also known in industry as the BIM Project Execution Plan (PxP)
5 TM
For additional information on BxP, see the National BIM Standard – United States® (NBIMS-US ).
C. Structuring, defining, coordinating, and managing model creation, model and data quality
control across all firms, disciplines, or trades under its contractual umbrella
D. Leading and facilitating the BIM Management Project Kick-off meeting with project team
member modelers to explain the BIM project objectives and management protocols
E. Verifying that the geo-references in the associated technical discipline models are properly
referenced to the identified project permanent survey monument and with each other
F. Ensuring regularly scheduled periodic Design Coordination and/or Construction Coordination
review meetings
G. Coordinating updates of the Design-Intent model(s) to create the Record Model and delivery of
BIM-derived 2D Drawings and other information as required to support the project delivery
process
H. Instituting Quality Control (QC) for proper modeling, standards adherence, and classification of
all spaces and equipment as required
I. Providing proper delivery and data and model quality control and coordination with VA Office of
Information Technology (OI&T), Activations/VA Medical Center Engineering for the transfer of
VA required facilities management data and BIM to the CMMS
2. MODELING REQUIREMENTS
KEEPING THE END IN MIND 6 - The Models, 2D Drawings, and specifications serve three essential
purposes: First, the information must effectively and clearly convey the AE’s design to allow VA to
evaluate the suitability of the design for VA’s operational needs; Second, the information must
unambiguously present the design to the GC and its subcontractors and vendors during the bidding and
construction process, thus minimizing RFIs and eliminating Change Orders due to incomplete, inaccurate
or conflicting information (VA expects that AE documentation will correspond to the contractor’s need
for information and to support efficient project execution); Third, the information must support VA’s
Facility Management requirements.
The information listed in this section is a minimum requirement. It remains the responsibility of the AE
and the GC to create the appropriate level of information needed to fulfill their required contractual
project obligations. It is expected by VA that the models, analyses, and data will be used to support the
decision making process for high performance building design and construction activities. 7
2.1. GENERAL
At a minimum, all elements within the scope of work and within the limits of the construction site or
that may be affected by construction must be modeled, including but not limited to:
• All building structures, equipment, and systems
• Utilities above or below ground inside and outside of project boundaries to service connection
points
6
Quote by Stephen R. Covey
7
Note: Refer to the GSA’s BIM Guide 07 for an excellent description of modeling and coordination meetings.
• Construction Details
• All major vegetation (e.g., heritage trees) to be preserved
• Any areas to be protected during construction
• Project site conditions
• Equipment needed for Room Test-fits and Building Service Equipment
8
GUID – Globally Unique Identifier, which is a unique code identifying each object/space. A GUID should not be
confused with “code” in “room code,” “equipment code (JSN),” or “space code.” The GUID assigned by the BIM
authoring tool persists through room name changes and various other modifications, allowing the object/space to
be tracked throughout the project execution process.
9
Refer to the National CAD Standard BIM Implementation Section.
and categories must be named in accordance with FM Data Spreadsheet 10 and space & equipment
standards 11. Where no VA naming is available, follow a logical naming convention that is to be
documented in the BxP.
The authoring of BIM Objects must adhere to the following guidelines:
• Global Properties must be used where appropriate to increase modeling value and performance.
The attribute of any given BIM Object will reference global properties for its respective category.
For example, a Width property for one piece of equipment must use the same global properties
designated as Width for all equipment within the same category. Additional properties denoting
the same attribute with slight variations must not be created (i.e., width1, Object Width, etc.)
• All objects must be modeled or created using the tool within the software that is designed to be
used for that specific object or purpose. For example, a BIM software’s wall tool must be used
to create a wall. A wall is not permitted to be merely drafted lines. If a new object is created
then it must be designated as the real world element it represents, having the proper
classification and/or data attributes for the project and object type, and must report properly
from the BIM software as the objects they represent rather than unassigned graphic primitives.
This will allow the information associated with them to be properly updated, reported and
available for export and reuse. Generic, miscellaneous, or unspecified categories are not
allowed.
• Use BIM authoring software object libraries 12 when creating BIM Objects whether they are
actual 3D BIM Objects or 2D representations. Models must be comprised of the software’s BIM
Objects for representing building products. Geometric lines, arcs, and vertices are not allowed.
This is necessary to enable classification and reference keynoting (such as to the Unified
Facilities Guide Specification (UFGS) or MASTERSPEC number).
10
Facility Management (FM) Data
11
Appendix 3 - VA Spatial & Equipment Data Spreadsheet
12
Revit: Annotation Families; Detail Component Families
13
United States Geological Survey = USGS
14
Base Point, Survey Point, and Origin Point are names for the same thing in different software systems
15
For questions about OmniClass, consult the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI).
Contents (PRC) which provides a preliminary equipment list for each room (no building service
equipment). The PRC will be further refined by the AE Equipment Planner for the specific project. The
final deliverable, called the Room Contents List, will identify the equipment in each room for VA
Activations use. The Project BIM Export file must be used as the source for creating the room layouts in
BIM and establishing a starting point for refining the non-medical and the medical equipment contents
for each room. The Project BIM Export file contains the unique identifying GUID codes (and other data)
so that the rooms and equipment can be tracked throughout the project development. The AE and GC
must maintain the naming, GUIDs, and other codes and identifiers in the Project BIM Export file as
required and include them in work deliverables provided to VA (See Appendix 3 - VA Spatial &
Equipment Data, and FM Data). The SEPS Project BIM Export file, containing the naming and GUIDs for
the PFD and PRC information, must be directly imported into BIM architectural plans and equipment
objects or associated software.
At the AE’s discretion (but highly recommended), free add-ins (SEPS Space and Equipment Aggregator,
SEPS Department Aggregator) which facilitate downloading the files into various software 16 are available
from SEPS2BIM.org; however, if SEPS2BIM is not used, the AE must assure VA that all the codes derived
from SEPS are accurately maintained for the required spaces and Objects. (SEPS2BIM training)
16
Revit, Onuma, SketchUp, & Attainia currently can import data using SEPS2BIM
17
Located in the VA Technical Information Library
18
The Facilities Guidelines Institute uses the term Major Technical Equipment instead of ASE.
objects to a surface, because the ability to replace the initial basis-of-design objects with the
actual objects after final selection will be compromised.
19
For more information and definitions of LOD, consult the latest version of BIMForum Level of Development
Specification
20
For more information and definitions of LOD, consult the latest version of BIMForum Level of Development
Specification
21
JSN: Joint Services Number, which SEPS uses to associate the equipment to the room
the original SEPS BIM Export file and the ASE designation (if applicable). This coding must be
maintained or linked with the PRC/ASE Equipment Object throughout project development and
execution so that the equipment or system can be tracked between its location in BIM and the
Room Contents List. Equipment with Acquisition Code R (which is not in SEPS) must have similar
coding created by the AE for tracking. (See Appendix 3 - VA Spatial & Equipment Data)
22
VHA = Veterans Health Administration
23
It is of critical importance in managing change order risks that the GC master project schedule and the VA
Activations team‘s equipment purchasing schedule continuously synchronize the dates for the ASE equipment
selection, purchasing, site delivery, etc. with the installation of the construction trades and tenant fit-out activities.
24
NIC = Not in Contract
• Radio/Wireless
• Video/Telemedicine
• Security
• RFID
• Wayfinding
• Real Time Location Tracking System (RTLS)
2.18.2. Architecture
Architectural models must include the BIM Objects relative to floors, exterior and interior walls
and partitions, roofs, vertical transportation, windows, doors, stairs, ramps, railings, ceilings,
grilles & gates, interior specialties, etc. Required structural blocking (such as for TV, monitors)
must be modeled for quantities, size, shape, and location, etc. Reference major structural
components from the Structural model (including but not limited to structural walls, floors, roof
structure, columns, and foundations). Reference the Interiors Model, the PRC Equipment
Models, and appropriate building equipment and systems models (including mechanical for
louvers), and others as needed to coordinate the work.
Interior Partitions, Fire-Rated Partitions & Smoke Barriers (see Appendix 4) – Must be modeled
to include fire resistance ratings in the wall object properties and must graphically be depicted
in 2D plansets. Patient safety is paramount in medical care facilities, and protecting against fire
and smoke is critical to that safety. Consequently, the use of wall fill patterns in models and
drawings that depict the appropriate construction is important to understanding which spaces
are protected. This information is also required for Joint Commission inspections.
Shielding - Shielding required for medical radiology equipment must be modeled in the
floor/wall/ceiling type (model similarly to Fire-Rated Partitions above). The shielding zone area
must also be modeled as a space reservation area.
Electrical Outlets - Modeling the location of electrical outlets is required for in-patient rooms
and rooms containing medical equipment.
Door Objects – Properties of door objects must include finish information, door swing, vision
panels, seals, acoustical properties, hardware, locks and keying, electrical requirements, and
applicable fire resistance ratings.
Ceilings – Properties of ceilings must include fire ratings and sound transmission coefficients.
Raised Floors – Access/Raised Floors are modeled EXCLUDING supports.
Casework – All architectural casework, millwork and features provided by the GC (Acquisition
Code CC) must be modeled to include finish information and be collected in the room properties
to be included in the overall room finish tag. Casework materials will generally consist of a
horizontal and/or vertical element. Casework and countertops must be modeled to correct
dimensions (length/width, depth, and height).
2.18.3. Structure
Structural models must be the basis of evaluating and analyzing the building structure, and
include all the objects, elements, and components to do so. All material and material properties
must be included for each Object, the building structure and geometry must be accurately
defined and labeled for foundations, subgrade enclosures, slab-on-grade, superstructure, and
exterior vertical enclosures and roofs.
2.18.4. Interiors
Interior Finishes – Interior finish plans, ceiling plans, elevations, and intelligent scheduling of
objects/elements must be used to convey materials and finishes in a separate Interiors model,
associated with the architectural model (and others as required). Interior Finishes must be
included as a part of the room properties. All materials that are representative of a system
greater than ¼ inch in thickness must be included in the model as 3D geometry (example: wall
protection, interior cladding such as stone, masonry, glass, metal, or wood paneling).
Walls – Wall bases must be modeled (based on dimension and type) where elevated. Wall
finishes greater than ¼ inch thickness must be modeled for coordination and clearance. Non-
geometric data (e.g., actual material specified) will be included as part of the room finish tag on
the architectural finish plans.
Modular Furniture– Manufactured modular furniture selected for the design-intent documents
which will be purchased by VA and installed by the GC (Acquisition Code VC) must be modeled
to correct dimensions (length/width, depth, and height) and linked to the basis-of-design cut
sheet for the item.
Ceilings - All ceiling materials, other than paint, must be modeled and included as part of the
overall room finish tag.
Stairs – All stair finishes will be scheduled in the model.
2.18.7. FFE
A separate FFE model, referenced to the Architectural model and Medical Equipment, Food
service, and Laboratory Equipment models (as needed in the project), must be created for FFE
items that are not medical equipment and purchased by VA (Acquisition Code VV). Do not
attach FFE to a surface.
Mechanical – All components of the mechanical systems must be modeled accurately, and
include the necessary space reservations for appropriate access during maintenance and
replacement. Louvers should be modeled as a part of Mechanical.
Electrical – Ceilings diffusers, light fixtures, etc. are cosmetically arranged by the architect but
the systems are designed by the electrical engineer. The architectural, mechanical, and
electrical models must reference each other and be a part of the Design Coordination to
eliminate any mismatches between the models.
Plumbing for Domestic (Potable) Water - Because of the need to manage healthcare
environments to prevent legionella and other water-borne pathogens, all of the supply and
return elements, components, and distribution systems of the Domestic Water System must be
modeled regardless of size, with properties for the name of the system (e.g., Domestic Water),
material (copper, PVC, etc.) diameter of pipe, direction of water flow, design temperature
ranges, filter locations and type, color coded differently for supply and return, and other
identification necessary to be able to view the Domestic Water System independently from
other plumbing so the system can be identified and managed for patient safety during facility
management operations.
Other plumbing components may be in the Plumbing Model and identified by system and
component if not a part of the Domestic Water System.
Fire Protection - A “Design Build” procurement executed by the GC is generally used for Fire
Protection systems. The GC must assure that the Fire Protection system is a part of the BIM
construction coordination management. It is the GC’s responsibility to assure that the Fire
Protection system is installed so that it does not interfere with the location or maintenance
access to other building systems or equipment. The GC must provide as-built documentation
regarding the final location of the Fire Protection system in a 3D format.
Medical Technology Infrastructure – Medical technology and business systems infrastructure
must be in separate models. These systems, if not a part of the GC’s contract, must be modeled
as Space Reservations and included in the Design and Construction coordination activities.
25
Autodesk AutoCAD has been selected as the CAD software for use in VA.
26
“Fully assembled:” all disciplines in one model, also called a “Federated Model.”
27
“Coordinated:” material spatial clashes resolved
28
NWD is an Autodesk Navisworks file structure. “Or Equal” means other review software formats.
The final locations and sizes of the MEPFT equipment and distribution systems, utilities servicing patient
headwalls, distribution systems, fire walls and smoke partitions, magnetic shielding for medical
equipment, structural support for mounting overhead equipment (medical equipment, lights, etc.), and
location of interior partitions (at a minimum) must reflect as-built conditions in the Record Model.
The Record Model must be fully assembled and coordinated in the original Design-Intent native BIM
authoring file formats. The AE must develop a 3D grid to be included as a point of reference and provide
any necessary instructions for navigating through the model. As the model contains Linked Files, a full
description of how to reassemble the model and how to extract 2D documentation, including software
names and version numbers, must be provided in the digital project files. See the DDR for file structures
and naming.
• Linking References – All references to other models and links outside of the models must have
relative paths, not absolute paths. The relative path will begin at the main model directory.
Avoid reference nesting.
Correct Examples: AHU1\Cutsheets\filters.pdf
...\AHU1\Cutsheets\filters.pdf
Incorrect Example: F:\Models\AHU1\Cutsheets\filters.pdf
Coordinating with the GC, the AE must provide the continuously updated Record Model, the As-Built
Drawings, the FM Data (in a COBie format), Linked Files, and a Comprised Progress Report to VA
beginning at the 10% construction milestone and at a minimum of every three months thereafter for the
duration of the work. The information must match the items in the Construction Submittal Register
which have been approved. The Comprised Progress Report for the final deliverables for Facility
Management use (Record Model, As-Built Drawings, the FM Data, and the Linked Files) must note the
status of the information (received by the GC, data validation completion, updated, and imported and
not yet imported into the CMMS, etc.). The AE submittals will be reviewed for completion by VA.
The AE must complete the comprised Record Model within 60 calendar days after the GC has completed
the drywall on interior partitions. The AE must support VA in loading the FM Data into the CMMS by
incrementally validating and cleansing the data during construction and providing the VA preferred BIM
viewer. VA’s Office of Information & Technology (OI&T) in collaboration with VA Facility Management
will incrementally load the FM Data into the CMMS when the information is known. The FM Data must
be completely loaded into the CMMS before 85% of construction Earned Value is reached.
Loading other information into the CMMS outside of these requirements is the responsibility of VA, who
is also responsible to ensure that the CMMS is configured to accept the AE supplied information.
The AE’s BxP must provide a communication plan and schedule to coordinate the CMMS upload that
coordinates with OI&T, VA Activations, VA Medical Center Chief Facility Engineer responsible for the
CMMS, the GC, VA Project Management, and any Government Agent (USACE or other).
5 Design Coordination EXCEL DVD or Other AE & Each design submittal; after each
and Construction GC Construction Coordination
Coordination Reports meeting
6 Design-Intent Native Format, DVD, Hard AE Each design submittal
Model(s) and Derived NWD (or Equal); drive or Other
2D Drawings DWG, Digital 2D
(Building and Site) PDF
7 FM Data EXCEL/COBie DVD, Hard AE After Concepts, at each Design
drive or Other Submittal
8 Room Contents List EXCEL DVD, Hard AE As Noted in PG 18-15
with Room drive or Other
Equipment Data
9 Final Design-Intent Native Format, IFC, DVD, Hard AE 100% Design
Model(s) and Derived NWD (or Equal), drive or Other
2D Drawings 3D PDF; DWG,
(Building & Site) Digital 2D PDF
10 Construction Models, Native Formats, DVD, Hard GC At Beneficial Occupancy
including Fire NWD (or Equal) drive or Other
Protection
11 Record Model(s) Native Format, IFC, DVD, Hard AE Update continuously to reflect
(Building and Site) NWD or Equal, 3D drive or Other construction changes; Final
PDF Deliverable within 60 calendar
days of completing drywall on
interior partitions
12 As-Built Drawings DWG, Digital 2D DVD, Hard AE Within 30 Days of Completion of
(Building and Site) PDF drive or Other Record Model(s)
13 Updated and Final EXCEL/COBie DVD, Hard GC To AE at Construction Milestones
FM Data drive or Other for checking; Final to AE at 85%
of construction Earned Value
14 Models for the BIM, As-Built DVD, Hard AE 60 calendar days before
CMMS (Buildings and drawings, linked drive or Other Beneficial Occupancy
Site) files per IBM
Import
GC Requirement GC
AE GC Model Authoring for a new project must follow the VA BIM Standard.
4.3. FM DATA
AE GC Create, update, and maintain all model objects and required data as required listed in the FM
Data, e.g., for room spaces and Building Service Equipment. Models and/or associated
databases must contain the necessary data to produce project documentation for construction
and to enable VA’s facility lifecycle management objectives. On renovation projects, coordinate
with facility when naming and numbering Building Service Equipment to eliminate duplication
with existing equipment.
29
GUID = Globally Unique Identifier used by computers to manage data
30
CSS = VA Consulting Support Service
AE 4.5.6. Distances
When providing proposed layout alternatives in 2D Drawings, each layout must have BIM
derived 2D measured distances, patterned or color coded and annotated for length, to be used
to evaluate the best design solution, for the following:
• Nurse walking routes and distances from the nurse station to the furthest patient
room, patient room to support rooms (utility, meds, nourishment, and medical
equipment rooms), and problematic pathways.
• Process flows routes and distances:
1. Surgery to nursing units (ICU, Med/Surg)
2. Sterile Processing Services (SPS), process flows routes and distances to surgical
services (corridors and service elevators)
• Life Safety egress routes and distances
• Accessibility line of travel routes (from vehicle drop-off to check-in)
through the model along a predetermined path to demonstrate the design and constructability
of the project. Acceptable formats are AVI, MPEG, and MOV.
• Fly-throughs can have variable heights as defined by the AE or as requested by VA.
These animated views can be around exterior or interstitial spaces
• Walk-throughs are to be set at 5’-6” above finish floor unless otherwise requested by
VA.
• Ride–throughs are to be set a 3’-10” above finish floor to demonstrate the view from a
wheelchair
At a minimum, the following visualizations are required:
• Aerial view showing facility campus (fly-through)
• Showing arrival approach to facility at eye level of patient (car/wheelchair)
• Showing drop-off entry to facility and lobby at eye level of patient
(car/walking/wheelchair)
• Kiosk and registration areas (walking/wheelchair)
• Other views as necessary to present the solution
AE GC 4.5.10. Sequencing
A communication plan that outlines the project sequencing approach (which includes project
phasing) will be provided to VA as color-indexed 3D/4D 31 graphics and still images (derived from
the Model or 3D PDFs) which clearly illustrate the project sequence. Consistency in color
indexing, animated views, and element phasing data must be maintained throughout the
project. Acceptable formats are AVI, MPEG, and MOV. Formats and color schemes used are to
be documented in the BxP.
AE The AE must illustrate the planned sequence of work with the major elements of the project,
where departments and facilities may be temporarily re-located, when existing facilities are shut
down or new facilities come online. Phase data must be applied and maintained for all design
elements in the BIM and will be provided by the AE in the project documentation at a level of
development equivalent with Schematic Design. The GC will use this data to provide
better/more detailed logistics for the site.
GC • Construction Phasing Plan
BIM linked to a construction scheduling tool and derived still images must be used by
the GC as a supplementary communication tool to explain the sequential execution of
the work (but not daily production rates) to VA and the construction trades and must
have a level of development equivalent to that of Construction Documents. Granularity
in the 4D BIM beyond the VA approved CPM schedule will not apply to construction
schedule interpretations.
The sequence of the 4D animation must be developed through the point where the
building is substantially enclosed (including, but not limited to all structure, envelope,
roof, rooms containing ASE, and MEPFT equipment/systems). The 4D animation and
derived still images will be submitted to VA and reviewed within 30 days of the start of
31
4D BIM animation linked to a schedule
construction, and must incorporate information and milestones as developed by the AE.
It is not expected that the GC maintain the animation with the CPM schedule during
construction activities (although the contractor may elect to do so if desired), unless a
change to the sequencing (but not schedule) of the work occurs.
• Interim Life Safety Measures (ILSM) and Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA)
Plans and Facility Operational Logistics Phasing
For existing medical care locations, provide BIM 3D/4D and/or still images for site
Logistics Phasing must be used to identify and coordinate vehicular and pedestrian
traffic rerouting, street closures, utility rerouting or shutdowns, pedestrian route
protection, security protection, and protection of continuing facility operations (e.g.,
infection control measures, deliveries, etc.) during construction and to communicate the
proposed approach for approval from VA, and to inform the community, public utilities,
and other interested parties. Prior to construction start, VA will review the GC’s site
logistics plans(s) to ensure that any impacts construction activities have outside the site
boundaries or to facility operations that will continue during construction are mitigated.
32
The commonly used term, “Clash Detection,” is a part of Coordination Management
responsible for performing Construction Coordination with their sub-trade’s models during
their respective phases of the project for the building components (especially all MEPFT
systems) and site utilities.
The AE is responsible for ensuring that the architectural construction details reflect the modeled
space reservations needed for building distribution systems and equipment, and include pipe
sloping and insulation where required.
Space reservations for maintenance of building systems and equipment, routing reservations
for medical technology systems, business systems, and fire protection systems must be included
in all Design and Construction Coordination activities with other building systems to assure that
there is adequate layout and maintenance space for all systems. The AE and GC must ensure
these reserved spaces are clear of encroachments.
Each unique systems model (e.g. structural, interior, mechanical, etc.) will be combined using
interference detection software that performs automated conflict (clash-detection)
identification. Particular care must be given to the structural, architectural, MEPFT, space
reservations, existing (if locations are known) and new underground site utility systems during
coordination meetings. All slope, insulation, clearance, and access requirements specified in the
contract documents must be included for interference detection purposes; model elements
must not be excluded based solely on the size of the element.
BIM files submitted for Coordination must have all extraneous 2D and 3D references and
elements stripped from the models. During their respective coordination processes, the AE and
GC must ensure:
• The location of building equipment and distribution systems, ASE Equipment, and
Medical technology items do not interfere with the locations of other systems and
parts of the building (e.g., walls, structure, etc.) and that there is adequate space
around the equipment/systems so they are functional, repairable, replaceable,
maintainable, and constructible.
• Design and Construction Coordination of underground site utilities, both existing and
new. Actual routing locations of existing underground site utilities may be unverified or
unknown. Where this is the case they must be modeled and identified as “Location
unverified: for information only.” New routing must be located in the Record Model(s)
as per the as-built locations provided by the GC.
• Formal Design and Construction Coordination meetings must be regularly held
(generally weekly) to fully coordinate the work.
• Prior to each scheduled Coordination meeting, an updated interference report will be
issued to the respective Team members by the Team Model Manager to help facilitate
and manage issue resolution.
• The AE at each Design Deliverable, and the GC after each critical coordination meeting
during construction until construction is complete, will provide VA with a Design or
Construction Management Progress Summary Report of active coordination issues for
VA Quality Assurance review, along with a trending graph showing progress. Items that
will not be tracked will be identified in the respective BxPs. At the end of the
Coordination Management activity, a report will be submitted identifying all the
approved clashes remaining in the model (e.g., light fixtures next to diffusers; plumbing
pipe through floors).
• The GC is responsible to ensure that equipment and systems are installed according to
the Construction Coordinated model locations, which have been signed off by VA
Facility Management personnel, and are refined from the AE Design Coordinated model
locations. Any deviations that impinge on space reservations as noted in VA BIM
Standards must be approved by VA in writing.
• VA’s Standard of Care for BIM Objects used in Design Coordination is a minimum of
LOD 300 33 and for Construction Coordination is a minimum of LOD 350.
• The Design and Construction Coordination are required to use IFC coordination views
and exchange environments.
• The GC must provide access on demand to VA Senior/Resident Engineer to the models
and to observe the Construction Coordination effort.
33
See the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) BIMForum document on Level of Development (LOD)
5. DEFINITIONS
Acquisition Codes (VV, VC, CC, R) – Codes that identify responsibility for purchasing and installing
Personal and Real Property Equipment. VV = government furnished/government installed; VC =
government furnished/contractor installed; CC = contractor furnished/contractor installed; and R =
reused.
AE - the Architect/Engineering firm, along with all the consultants hired by the AE to produce the
Design-Intent Model, contract documents, and all other documentation necessary to support bidding
and construction.
Architecturally Significant Equipment (ASE) – Medical and non-medical equipment items that are
customarily installed by the manufacturer or vendor that can impact the construction critical path
schedule and/or requires connection to/accommodation by building infrastructure. Close coordination
between VA Activations and procurement, equipment planners, construction contractor (GC),
installer/vendor, and AE, is required.
BIM – Building Information Model(ing): various definitions are used within industry. BIM is the process,
the Model, and the management of creating digital information for design and construction. The context
defines the acronym’s meaning.
CAD – Computer Aided Design
Construction Model(s) – the GC models used for construction purposes on the project.
Design-Intent Model - a complete and coordinated expression of the AE's design. Final equipment and
materials choices are based on performance specifications provided by the AE, allowing some variation,
but equivalent, equipment and materials to be selected by the GC during construction. Therefore, the
Design-Intent Model will be augmented with submittals, shop drawings and substitution requests
provided by the GC. Moreover, the GC is responsible for the means and methods of construction, which
are similarly not contained in the Design-Intent Model. The GC is, however, responsible for providing,
installing, and constructing a complete and functional project, which includes requirements explicitly
contained in the Design-Intent Model and requirements that, using normal industry practices, are
reasonably inferable from the Design-Intent Model and necessary to achieve a complete, functional, and
maintainable project. Design-Intent model also refers to individual models such as a particular discipline
model or in whole such as a composite or federated model.
Drawing Deliverable Requirements (DDR) – defines 2D drawing creation derived from either CAD or
BIM.
Federated Model – an assembly of various discipline or trade models into a composite 3D view.
Record Model - the Design-Intent Model updated with actual constructed locations for equipment,
systems, walls, etc. which will be used for Facility Management. This is intended to be a lightweight
model with enough detail to enable facilities management operations without overly detailed elements.
Furnishings, Fixtures, & Equipment (FFE) – Movable and fixed furnishings, fixtures, non-med equipment.
General Contractor (GC) - the General Contractor and all the sub-contractors under contract to the GC
who are involved in the construction/fabrication of a specific facility.
Globally Unique Identifier (GUID) - Machine readable identifying codes that must be preserved through
generation and regeneration of digital deliverables so that a given object (space, equipment, etc.) can be
tracked properly. GUIDs are automatically assigned by the Space and Equipment Planning System
(SEPS), BIM, and other software. BIM software documentation should be consulted to determine how
copied equipment object instances are handled in outputted reports and how they are handled internal
to the software.
Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) - An international standard schema for data exchange.
MEPFT Equipment - Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Fire protection, Technology (including medical low
voltage systems, structured cabling) equipment such as generators, transformers, electrical fixtures, air
handling units, boilers, chillers, VAV boxes, plumbing fixtures, and communication technology cable
trays.
MEPFT Systems - the distribution systems for piping, conduits, or ducting (including but not limited to
Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Fire Protection, and Technology (including medical low voltage
systems, structured cabling, communications).
Model – refers to an individual model containing various components, a combination of models,
AND/OR the process of modeling in general. The most appropriate meaning within the context of use
would apply.
Project Data Security Plan – the documented protocol that defines how the data will be protected from
loss or unauthorized access during creation, exchange, and retention.
Program for Design (PFD) - the baseline SEPS design program as provided by VA that identifies the
rooms, net square footage, and other requirements for the project.
Project Room Contents (PRC) - A SEPS export file providing preliminary room contents for each room.
BxP – BIM Execution Plan, a BIM project management plan internal to the working teams, which
outlines the management roles, division of work between prime/consultants or general contractor/sub-
contractors for modeling responsibilities, standards, software versions, etc. used for model creation on a
project.
SEPS - the Space and Equipment Planning System (SEPS) is a medical planning software shared by VA
and DoD which provides the space Program for Design (PFD) and preliminary Project Room Contents
(PRC) for a new project.
6. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This document was prepared by the National Institute of Building Sciences for:
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Office of Construction & Facility Management – Stella Fiotes, AIA, Executive Director
Office of Facilities Planning – Lloyd Siegel, FAIA, Associate Executive Director
Facilities Standards Service – Donald Myers, Director
VA BIM Program Manager – Renée Tietjen, AIA, VA BIM Standard Project Manager
National Institute of Building Sciences
Nanne Davis Eliot – NIBS Project Manager; Roger Grant, Earle Kennett
Johnny Fortune – BIM Director, Bullock Tice Associates, Editor, Layout, Superhero
VA BIM Standard would not have been possible without the generosity of many people and
organizations that have contributed their expertise and help, including permission to liberally adapt
their excellent work for VA’s use. Their willingness to share is deeply appreciated and is a shining
example of the American commitment to support our veterans.
This list of contributors represents our major contributors. There are many others who, by their
example or through public forum discussions, have also influenced these standards and are too
numerous to name individually. That fact doesn’t reduce our gratitude.
Many thanks to everyone!
Renée Tietjen, AIA RLA LEED-AP
VA BIM Program Manager
ORGANIZATION - OWNER/CONSULTING FIRM – CONSULTANT
• JKN Solutions – Malcolm Junkin • Ohio State University - Joe Porostosky
• VA Palo Alto Healthcare System - Stephen G. • Mayo Clinic – Andy Jizba
McGrath, VA Supervisory Engineer • Denver International Airport - Brendan Dillion
• HDR – Dennis Patnode • Walsh Construction – Steve Cook
• EcoDomus – Igor Starkov • VAH Activations – Patrick Hull
• Onuma, Inc. – Kimon Onuma • DPR – Daniel Gonzales
• USACE - Steve Hutsell, Van Woods, and • Perkins+Will – Matt Peterman
USACE/Industry BIM and CIM Consortia (UIBCC) • HOK – James Vandezande
• AECOM – Matt Anderle • John Poe Architects – Nathan Schwab
• Hanson Bridgett, LLP - Howard Ashcraft • Cumming – Abe Schainker
• Kristine Fallon Associates, Inc. - Kristine Fallon, • Skanska – Jennifer Macks
FAIA; Danielle Gran • Polt Design Group – Jim Knapp
• CFM Central Region – Daniel J. Therrien, • WB Engineering – Greg Brenner
Director, Facilities Planning Support • Balfour Beatty Construction – Jason Reece
• Project Eagle, VA Denver Medical Center – Todd • HDR – Ron Croke
Bofinger, Senior Resident Engineer • AEC Infosystems – Dianne Davis
• Massachusetts Port Authority BIM Guidelines - • MBP – Ralph Kreider
Dr. Lucianna Burdi/AEC Infosystems - Dianne • Jim Bedrick
Davis • Bob Mauck
• Los Angeles Community College LACCD Building
Cover Photographs of the new VA Louisville Medical
Information Modeling Standards - Magdalen
Center by URS/SmithGroup Joint Venture
Hron/AECOM - Jim Youngblood
• gafcon – John Turner
• GSA BIM Guide 07 Version 1.0
• Yeats Construction Company – Benjamin Crosby