Home > What is BIM? > BIM Glossary

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A B C D F G I L M N O P R S U V

A

AMO BIM: Assistant to the project manager whose role is to assist by taking charge of all or part of the tasks related to BIM. This is done in the name and on behalf of the client. (AMO = Assistance à Maîtrise d’Ouvrage or Project Management Assistance)

B

BIM (Building Information Model, Modeling, Management): constructive approach based on the 3D model completed with all the information describing the building, all the technologies and processes aimed at creating the model and the management of the information throughout the building’s life cycle.

BIM 4D: Introduction of the dimension of time in BIM

BIM 5D: Introduction of the economic dimension in BIM

BIM 6D: introduction of information concerning the life cycle of the project.

BCF (BIM Collaboration Format): neutral and open format, allowing to annotate and comment on a digital model for exchanges. This is the BIM post-it.

C

CDE (Common Data Environment): common environment where all the shared data of a project is stored, generally on a website in the cloud.

CIM (City Information Model): analogous to BIM, it designates the urban digital model.

CityGML: OGC (Open Geospatial Consortium) standard for describing the representation, storage and exchange of 3D models of digital cities and terrain models (geometry, topology, appearance, semantics).

Classification: process of sorting objects integrated into the model according to a standard, a norm or a proprietary definition.

Codification: method of identifying objects integrated into the model according to a standardized, normalized or proprietary process or specific to the project defined in the BIM specifications.

COBIe (Construction Operation Building Information): exchange format, based on IFC definitions, which focuses on the transmission of mainly non-graphic building information.

Life cycle: all the stages necessary for the life of a structure from its planning to its deconstruction.

Conflict (Clash): A potential incident brought to light as a result of a conflict check (clash control).

D

DMS (Document Management System): software designed to store, structure and manage files centrally for all project partners. It is a component of the Common Data Environment (CDE).

D&B (Design and Build): Project delivery method used in the construction industry in which design and construction services are handled by a single entity.

Digital twin: digitized representation of a physical structure, used primarily for the purposes of its operation and maintenance.

F

BIM compliance forms: forms published during the control of each digital model provided by BIM management.

Native file format: file format particular to a specific BIM software, for example RVT for Revit.

Open file format: file format based on an open standard, whose specifications are published and documented, so that any supplier or developer can ensure compatibility with their software. For example IFC and BCF formats.

G

gbXML (Green Building XML): file format used to facilitate the transfer of building properties stored in a 3D BIM model to energy calculation applications.

I

IFC (Industry Foundation Classes): object-oriented language used by the construction industry to exchange and share information between software. This file format is open and has been released as the ISO 16739 standard.

IDM (Information Delivery Manual): basic standards that define a methodology for exchanging information between the different parties.

Interoperability: ability to exchange information thanks to the presence of a neutral and open standard of data between the different “models” without depending on a particular actor or tool.

L

LOD (Level of Definition, Level of Detail or Level of Development): degree of development of the geometry of an element and additional information associated with it.

M

BIM model: digital model or virtual version of a structure supplemented with information describing its components.

N

Point cloud: set of 3D measurement points obtained following a high-definition digital survey usually using a 3D laser.

O

OpenBIM: universal approach to collaboration within the construction process (design, execution and management), based on open formats.

OmniClass: American construction product classification system.

P

PAS 1192-2, -3, -5, and -6: series of standards relating to the levels of information necessary for different aspects of BIM. PAS 1192-2 concerns the construction and delivery phases, PAS 1192-3 the operational phase, PAS 1192-5 a BIM process oriented towards security, digital environments and intelligent asset management and PAS 1192-6 health and safety information.

BIM Execution Plan: contractual document supplementing the BIM protocol and describing how the provisions of the latter are to be executed in practice.

BIM protocol: contractual document containing the conventions and expectations in terms of BIM.

BIM process: set of operations, actions, or events implemented to achieve one or more objectives and achieve a BIM use.

R

RFC (Request For Change): change request submitted by one of the members of the BIM project team.

S

Open Standard: Specification or open standard that is publicly available and free to use.

U

Uniclass: classification system used in the United Kingdom.

V

BIM Vision (or BIM Charter): Document from the project owner specifying its expectations related to BIM