Continuous Integration Of 3D BIM With Costs And Deadlines

Workshop building, cement works, East Africa. The model BoQs created to Rauscher standards in RIB iTWO 5D, which are able to be used all the way to a detailed tendering stage, form the basis of every structure to be planned and are constantly being logically extended. Image: (c) Loesche GmbH

Codema International Sets the Course for Model-Oriented Working

Codema International GmbH, founded in 1974, works in construction as an independent consulting firm of engineers. In the planning field, the international planning and project management company focuses on complex tasks in industrial, plant and power station engineering. The firm is a leader among the Rauscher group of companies in the field of model-oriented planning and construction using the BIM method (Building Information Modeling): In the past year, within the planning office, a comprehensive R&D project on the use of the BIM 5D method was set up to serve as a basis for model-based work with continuous integration of time and cost information for the entire Rauscher group.

This measure required much initiative in the firm: Under the leadership of Martin Sontag, who principally looks after the disciplines of tendering and scheduling at Codema, and Felix Alzheimer, who brought in his expertise in the field of construction planning and structural engineering, an integrated, dynamic tendering system was set up at Codema. This interlinked the 3D BIM models created with the CAD programs used at Codema – Revit and Tekla – with cost and schedule information.

Dynamic Tendering With REVIT, TEKLA and RIB iTWO

The task in the first stage was to define how the BIM models were to be prepared by the 20 or so designers in the company so that the RIB cost and project-management software iTWO 5D could be able to select them correctly and process them accordingly. The parametrization of the elements in the model took place here according to the company’s own templates. “Already in the pre-planning stage, we created a 3D BIM model for each industrial structure to be realized,” explains Felix Alzheimer, who is laying the foundations for a uniform working method in the construction team. “As the components in this sector are very different, we work to the component method. The 3D model is created on the basis of building measurement. Dynamic tendering allows access to the individual components. For every individual trade, we created bills of quantities giving numerous details. Specific abbreviations in the software system indicate construction materials that we use and have in store. This helps to find matching materials for a current project within the RIB project control software. When the material is selected we assign it as per VOB (German construction tendering and contract regulations) to the corresponding item in RIB iTWO,” he continues.

The model BoQs created to Rauscher standards in RIB iTWO 5D, which are able to be used all the way to a detailed tendering stage, form the basis of every structure to be planned and are constantly being logically extended. As the projects vary, the existing content has constantly to be added to new components, for which new forms have to be created. The model BoQs available in German and English thus grow logically as the process continues.

So that this dynamic tendering process functions flawlessly, the designers are required to show great discipline when drafting. “At every stage, checks are needed,” Alzheimer acknowledges. “Certain elements, among them doors, for example, must not be transferred with copy & paste,” he explains. “Here, the designers have to be made fully conscious of the details of the company content and the integration of Revit, Tekla and iTWO 5D,” he concludes.

Costs and Deadlines, Integrated

Already during his master’s dissertation, Felix Alzheimer was engaged with the integration of schedules from Microsoft Project and Primavera Power Project: “Masses and deadlines were linked together in this way,” Martin Sontag reports. “First off in this process, expenditure values are assigned to items. Using the masses from the 3D model, the duration of the schedule processes can be calculated. Model-based deadline planning takes place floor by floor by splitting masses. First, the expenditure value for the floor is calculated, then exterior walls and formwork, from which an outline schedule is created,” Sontag reports. Just like the model BoQ, the expenditure values based on concrete projects are constantly updated and supplemented, thus serving as the basis for further tasks.

Opening the Door to BIM 5D

The information created for the 5D BIM procedure in the course of in-house projects is not just for the planning office: “With our experience gained from projects, we also support other international companies and open the door for them to enter into model-based planning and construction,” summarizes Martin Sontag. Thus, Codema International GmbH is supporting the rollout of iTWO at thyssenkrupp Industrial Solutions AG in its Mexico City site.

At the same time, BIM construction within the Rauscher group is being resolutely driven forward. Hence EDR, active in tunnel construction, is currently carrying out tests for model-oriented construction using their own CAD-BIM software Nemetschek Allplan.

Using Our experiences gained from projects, we also support other international companies and open the door for them to enter into model-based planning and construction.

Martin Sontag, Codema International GmbH

Advantages through the 3D Integration:

• Dynamic tendering with Revit, Tekla and RIB iTWO
• Reliable deadline and cost planning
• Consistency ensures quality standards in projects

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