BIM (Building Information Modeling) is a revolutionary system that offers many opportunities for the construction industry by digitizing processes. Although there is still much to learn about BIM, it is essential to abandon old work practices and retrain to adapt to digitalization fully.
One critical aspect of BIM processes is the delivery of information, which needs to be transformed. In the past, a push system was used where suppliers would deliver documentation in the form they choose, which could be overwhelming for the receiving party to sort through and organize. This problem persists in model-based workflows where data exchange is not tailored for the receiving party’s needs, and exchanged data models often contain all project information relevant for all participants.
However, model view definitions (MVDs) offer a solution to the information push system. MVDs are filtered views of the IFC schema built for specific purposes, enabling the receiving party to request information they require and have it delivered to them in a suitable form. Additionally, mvdXML, a buildingSMART standard, allows building owners to specify precisely the information they require and validate the information delivered.
For instance, a custom MVD can be created for cost estimation by creating an MVD file that the architect can use to export quantities with IFC entities and properties required. Upon receipt of the IFC Model View Definition, the same mvdXML file can be used to check whether the delivered model contains all the requested information. This is a pull and validation system, making it an ideal workflow that enhances the benefits of BIM.
For further information on MVDs and their use in BIM, visit www.buildingsmart-tech.org/specifications/mvd-overview.
