Certificate of Development in Building Information Modeling (CD-BIM)

Sample BIM Execution Plan (BxP), Version 2016-0501

Certificate of Development in Building Information Modeling (CD-BIM.com)

Sample
BIM Execution Plan (BXP)

Note to the Readers:

This is a sample BIM Execution Plan (BxP) developed in collaboration with the Certificate of Development
in BIM educational program. This document is for educational purposes to represent industry standard in
BxP provisions gathered from over a hundred different projects led from the very top design and
construction teams from across the country. At the time of publishing, it also includes the latest
developments from some of the leading international BIM organizations such as BIM Forum, U.S.
Institute of Building Documentation (USIBD), the National Institute of Steel Detailing (NISD), Building
Information Modeling for Masonry Initiative (BIM-M), The Steel Joist Institute (SJI) and many others. The
sample BxP has also undergone peer review from some of the leading practitioners in the area of BIM.

To learn more about the organizations referenced in this document, please visit their websites:

1) U.S. Institute of Building Documentation (USIBD), USIBD.org

2) National Institute of Steel Detailing (NISD), NISD.org
3) Building Information Modeling for Masonry Initiative (BIM-M), bimformasonry.org
4) BIM Forum, BIMForum.org
5) Steel Joist Institute, SJI.org

This document is for educational purposes only as part of the CD-BIM training curriculum and
certification program. The intended audience is potential CM-BIM candidates who are existing detailers
in BIM or students considering a career in creating and developing BIM in the building industry.

This document is free to distribute. Any portions of it that are copied should cite the source.

Setting:
The participant of the CD-BIM program shall read and study this document with the following
assumptions. Imagine these circumstances as you read this document:

1) Your job entails modeling in BIM for design,

construction or facility management.
2) The company you model for could be an architecture,
engineering, discipline-specific focused company or
independent modeling and detailing firm.
3) This BxP is issued by a project stakeholder who will
lead BIM coordination on a project the firm is
proposing on.
4) You have been told that you need to estimate the BIM
requirements as part of preparing a budget for your
time.
5) The project requires that all modelers involved have a current CD-BIM certificate.

The logos of USIBD, PCI, NISD, MBMA, BIM Forum and SEI belong to their respective organizations
which maintain all rights for these logos. Certificate of Development in Building Information Modeling (CD-
BIM) is a trade mark of the publisher, BIMxD Solutions, LLC, copyright 2016. CD-BIM.com
 Certificate of Development in Building Information Modeling (CD-BIM)
Sample BIM Execution Plan (BxP), Version 2016-0501

Exhibit XXX: BIM Execution Plan

Project Name:
Job Number:

SECTION 1 – GENERAL
1.1 SUMMARY

1. The Project Team intends to improve the design, construction and facility management
processes, create efficiencies in the product delivery, and enhance the quality of the
construction project through Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) techniques. VDC utilizes 3D
models to construct the project in a virtual environment. This allows designers and construction
trades the opportunity to identify and resolve potential conflicts at early stages. VDC utilizes the
principles of Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) to create a line of communication and
coordination between members of the construction team in order to make the construction
process more coordinated and predictable. This can reduce the risk and provide a profitable
and positive experience for all project participants.

1.2 GOALS

1. One of the goals of this process is to perform clash detection between the construction
disciplines and to verify constructability from design to construction. For the purpose of field
installation, the subcontractors shall consider the final coordinated models as a contract for
space. It is their responsibility to notify the general contractor and the potentially impacted
trade if they wish to make any changes to the models they have agreed upon. The
subcontractors reserve space by modeling or directing a third party modeler with the
components included in their scope of work, including access space, etc. If a conflict arises in
the field during installation, the subcontractor who did not reserve space for their components
is responsible for moving their components for the subcontractor who did reserve space at no
additional cost. It is discouraged for any contractor to install components that have not already
been submitted and approved through the coordination process.

2. The frequent sharing of models during development allows subcontractors to familiarize

themselves with the constraints of the project early and clearly communicate concerns before
other disciplines in the coordination effort finalize their work. This also allows each discipline to
use other disciplines’ models as 3D backgrounds during their modeling process. This practice
should promote proactive modeling leading to clash avoidance. The Spatial Coordination
Process serves as a supplement to the existing coordination process. Subcontractors are
ultimately responsible for coordination with other disciplines. Therefore, all disciplines need to
be proactive in uploading revised and up-to-date files so that others can utilize models and/or
backgrounds of other team members when planning and modeling their respective scope of
work.

The logos of USIBD, PCI, NISD, MBMA, BIM Forum and SEI belong to their respective organizations
which maintain all rights for these logos. Certificate of Development in Building Information Modeling (CD-
BIM) is a trade mark of the publisher, BIMxD Solutions, LLC, copyright 2016. CD-BIM.com
 Certificate of Development in Building Information Modeling (CD-BIM)
Sample BIM Execution Plan (BxP), Version 2016-0501

SECTION 2 – Level of Development (LOD)

1. Any assumption of Level of Development (LOD) shall be included in your pricing for the
project. All references to LOD shall be per the current BIM Forum LOD Specification which is
available at BIMforum.org/LOD.

2. All disciplines shall provide direction to the third party modelers in a timely fashion to allow
modeling to a Level of Development – LOD 300 as defined in the BIMForum current LOD
Specification. Clash tolerance will be determined and adhered to by the coordination
manager based on the input of the design engineers and/or installers (i.e., insulation can be
compressed by half the insulation thickness, clash tolerance on flex duct is a reasonable
amount set from industry practice and discipline-specific experience. , etc.).

1. All disciplines shall identify clearance requirements for service access, code compliance,
installation, etc., and these clearances shall be identified as a separate layer within that
discipline’s model.

2. It is the responsibility of the subcontractor’s detailer to provide information for modeling

accurate equipment based upon approved submittals for the project. Therefore, time is of
the essence for the submittal process to ensure accurate information is modeled. Modelers
can only create and update 3D content for what they have accurate information for.

3. The Models will vary in LOD for individual Model Elements, but at a minimum must include
all features that would be incorporated on an eighth inch (1/8"=1'-0") scaled drawing. The
following is a list of model element topics required for project coordination.
a. ARCHITECTURAL
b. STRUCTURAL / MISCELLANEOUS STEEL
c. MECHANICAL
d. PLUMBING
e. ELECTRICAL / TELECOMMUNICATIONS
f. FIRE PROTECTION
g. PNEUMATIC TUBE
h. MASONRY
i. CURTAIN WALL & EXTERIOR ENCLOSURES
j. DRYWALL
k. CIVIL
l. METAL FRAMING CHANNEL, TELESCOPIC TUBING AND STRUTS (SUCH AS UNISTRUT)
m. OWNER-FURNISHED KITCHEN EQUIPMENT, MEDICAL EQUIPMENT, ETC.

The logos of USIBD, PCI, NISD, MBMA, BIM Forum and SEI belong to their respective organizations
which maintain all rights for these logos. Certificate of Development in Building Information Modeling (CD-
BIM) is a trade mark of the publisher, BIMxD Solutions, LLC, copyright 2016. CD-BIM.com
 Certificate of Development in Building Information Modeling (CD-BIM)
Sample BIM Execution Plan (BxP), Version 2016-0501

SECTION 3 – General Provisions

3.1 Introduction
1. The Project team shall establish an FTP site for the project with their 3D BIM consultant.

2. Instructions on where to upload files will be distributed to the team at the kick-off meeting.

3. Questions regarding the file sharing site should be directed to the Project Team’s BIM manager.

4. The subcontractor’s information for modeling (2D PDF, CAD, etc.) must be uploaded no later than
two (2) business days prior to a scheduled meeting unless noted otherwise by the Project Team.
This will allow time to coordinate the files, information, models and perform clash detection. A
pre-meeting report will be uploaded 24 hours prior to a meeting for all team members to review
and have potential clash solutions ready to expedite the meetings. Files will NOT be accepted
that do not follow the file naming convention or are not oriented per the instructions
outlined in this plan.

3.2 BIM MANAGER & MODELER REQUIREMENTS

The following will be required by each project stakeholder’s manager
or designated modeler. The requirements are:
1. Show the minimum qualifications for BIM. The BIM manager for the
project shall complete the 4 day AGC Certificate of Management in
BIM (CM-BIM) curriculum and pass the AGC CM-BIM credential. All
modelers on the project shall complete the Certificate of Development
in BIM (CD-BIM). This is a half day of free online content and a 1-hr
exam for a nominal fee.

2. Attend a BIM kickoff meeting for the project. The location and time
will be determined by the Project Team. The training may include the
basics of how to use the free BIM Federation Model review and digital
plan review tools.

3. Have a laptop computer that meets the minimum system

requirements for the applications shown at the kickoff meeting. It is the modeler’s
responsibility to validate the tools that the lead BIM Coordinators will use prior to working on the
project.

4. Remain on the project for the duration of the coordination effort through field
implementation with the role of communicating layouts defined in the model to the field
personnel who are installing their content. If a discipline changes its project manager who
passed through initial training (item 1 above) they must notify the lead BIM manager for the project
and the Project Team in writing with at least two weeks’ notice prior to changing that discipline’s
project manager. At the Project Team’s discretion, the discipline’s replacement project manager

The logos of USIBD, PCI, NISD, MBMA, BIM Forum and SEI belong to their respective organizations
which maintain all rights for these logos. Certificate of Development in Building Information Modeling (CD-
BIM) is a trade mark of the publisher, BIMxD Solutions, LLC, copyright 2016. CD-BIM.com
 Certificate of Development in Building Information Modeling (CD-BIM)
Sample BIM Execution Plan (BxP), Version 2016-0501

may be required to attend a half-day orientation meeting at the Project Team’s office, at a cost to
be stated by the main BIM Manager at bid time to be back-charged to that discipline’s contract.
5. Upload information and signoff on models punctually per the instruction in this BIM
execution plan. If a discipline’s project manager is delayed in uploading information for model
creation, that discipline will be back-charged for late model information uploads at a rate to be set
by the main BIM Manager at bid time. Uploaded model information may include but is not limited
to 2D sketches of proposed installation paths, routing of a discipline’s systems, or any requested
PDF’s of submittal data.

6. The subcontractors shall use the free model viewers and tools shown in the training (item
1 above). They are responsible for directing the modeling of and signing off on the 3D
models for spatial validation as the basis of their installation and development of their 2D
shop drawings. The models on this project do not replace the formal 2D shop drawing process
required by the construction documents as the official submittal process.

7. The trades shall submit their sub-BIM Execution Plan (sub-BxP) that outlines their specific scope
of work, schedule, budget and model element LOD.

3.3 FILE REQUIREMENTS

1. The required submittal format for files are Autodesk AutoCAD 2013 (*.DWG) with components of
the subcontractor’s scope represented as 3D solids (not polymesh). If using a CAD package with
object enablers on top of AutoCAD, export out a *.DWG file that has all model geometry fully
expressed in the single file so that the enablers are not required for viewing. The use of formats
other than *.DWG (e.g. *.IFC, *.NWC, etc.) shall be coordinated with the Project Team.

2. Model files are to be free of unnecessary data, including any x-refs (except for grid lines), text or
marks that are not used in the Spatial Coordination Process.

3. The layer names of the submitted model files shall be intuitive for construction practitioners.

4. The models for each subcontracting discipline will be developed in zones that are defined by each
level of the building. Each model for a given level will contain objects above that level’s finish floor
elevation and below the next level’s finish floor elevation. There shall be no overlap or gap between
the components represented in different model files with the exception of riser drawings, should a
discipline choose to model their respective risers through the building in one model file.

The logos of USIBD, PCI, NISD, MBMA, BIM Forum and SEI belong to their respective organizations
which maintain all rights for these logos. Certificate of Development in Building Information Modeling (CD-
BIM) is a trade mark of the publisher, BIMxD Solutions, LLC, copyright 2016. CD-BIM.com
 Certificate of Development in Building Information Modeling (CD-BIM)
Sample BIM Execution Plan (BxP), Version 2016-0501

3.4 DISCIPLINE–SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

The following requirements define discipline-specific terms that each discipline (if applicable) will follow.

The logos of USIBD, PCI, NISD, MBMA, BIM Forum and SEI belong to their respective organizations
which maintain all rights for these logos. Certificate of Development in Building Information Modeling (CD-
BIM) is a trade mark of the publisher, BIMxD Solutions, LLC, copyright 2016. CD-BIM.com
 Certificate of Development in Building Information Modeling (CD-BIM)
Sample BIM Execution Plan (BxP), Version 2016-0501

Steel Joist and Deck

1. Steel joists will be modeled at LOD 350 for cross

discipline coordination review. Element modeling will
include but not limited to actual final joist profile
locations with accurate panel points, joist bridging and
lateral braces, fire protection coating, miscellaneous
steel pertaining to the joist, and chord and web member
section profiles are defined, as defined by the BIM
Forum’s current LOD Specification. For more
information regarding steel joist BIM, refer to the Steel
Joist Institute for BIM guidelines.

Masonry

Exterior Wall for masonry elements will be modeled at LOD 350 which will
include members modeled at any interface with wall edges (top, bottom,
sides) or opening through wall. Any regions that would impact coordination
with other systems shall also be modeled, as defined by BIM Forum’s current
LOD Specification. For more information regarding BIM for masonry, refer to
BIM-M standards.

The logos of USIBD, PCI, NISD, MBMA, BIM Forum and SEI belong to their respective organizations
which maintain all rights for these logos. Certificate of Development in Building Information Modeling (CD-
BIM) is a trade mark of the publisher, BIMxD Solutions, LLC, copyright 2016. CD-BIM.com
 Certificate of Development in Building Information Modeling (CD-BIM)
Sample BIM Execution Plan (BxP), Version 2016-0501

Structural Steel

For more information regarding BIM for steel detailing, refer to NISD guidelines and standards.

Precast Concrete

For more information regarding BIM for precast and pre-stressed concrete, refer to PCI guidelines and
standards.

3.5 As-Built with Reality Capture

If required, level of accuracy for as built documentation will be defined in the kick-off coordination meeting.
For more information regarding level of accuracy, refer to USIBD standards and definition of Level of
Accuracy.

The logos of USIBD, PCI, NISD, MBMA, BIM Forum and SEI belong to their respective organizations
which maintain all rights for these logos. Certificate of Development in Building Information Modeling (CD-
BIM) is a trade mark of the publisher, BIMxD Solutions, LLC, copyright 2016. CD-BIM.com
 Certificate of Development in Building Information Modeling (CD-BIM)
Sample BIM Execution Plan (BxP), Version 2016-0501

SECTION 4 – PROJECT COORDINATES

4.1 ORIGIN LOCATION

1. Load the project .DWG coordinate location file ([JOB ACRONYM]_CD-BIM_ORIGIN_2013-01-03)
into your BIM software by inserting it at the origin of your application (Global X, Y, Z COORDINATE
= 0,0,0). This file shall be located on the project’s FTP site.

2. Orient the model to the following information that is in the DWG file:
X-Axis = [UPDATE PER PROJECT]
Y-Axis = [UPDATE PER PROJECT]
Z-Axis = [UPDATE PER PROJECT]
Origin = [UPDATE PER PROJECT] in CAD packages

See below for example:

[UPDATE ORIGIN LOCATION IMAGE

PER PROJECT]

SECTION 5 – PROJECT PLAN AREAS AND ZONES

5.1 PROJECT ZONES

1. The model should be broken up and submitted by Level. Each Level is defined from finish floor to
finish floor as follows:

Zone L00: Below [UPDATE PER PROJECT]

Zone L01: EL= [UPDATE PER PROJECT] to [UPDATE PER PROJECT]
Zone L02: EL= [UPDATE PER PROJECT] to [UPDATE PER PROJECT]
Zone L03: EL= [UPDATE PER PROJECT] to [UPDATE PER PROJECT]
Zone L04: EL= [UPDATE PER PROJECT] to [UPDATE PER PROJECT]

[UPDATE ZONE IMAGE PER PROJECT]

The logos of USIBD, PCI, NISD, MBMA, BIM Forum and SEI belong to their respective organizations
which maintain all rights for these logos. Certificate of Development in Building Information Modeling (CD-
BIM) is a trade mark of the publisher, BIMxD Solutions, LLC, copyright 2016. CD-BIM.com
 Certificate of Development in Building Information Modeling (CD-BIM)
Sample BIM Execution Plan (BxP), Version 2016-0501

SECTION 6 – FILE NAMING CONVENTION

1. Names of submitted model files shall follow the schema outlined below:

XXXX
[UPDATE
4 letter acronym for the job name:
PER
PROJECT]
ARCH 4 letter acronym for the discipline:
ARCH: Architecture
STRL: Structural
MECH: Mechanical Only
ELEC: Electrical Only
ELTS: Light Fixtures
EPWR: Electrical Power
PLUM: Plumbing Only
GPIP: Gravity Piping
PPIP: Pressure Piping
TELE: Telephone / Data (Cable Tray)
FIRE: Fire Protection
MASN: Masonry
PNEU: Pneumatic Tubing
MTPN: Metal Panels
CFMF: Cold Form Metal Framing & Sheathing
WTPR: Waterproofing
STLM: Structural Steel
DWAC: Drywall / Acoustical
MFCL: Metal Framing Channel
MDEQ: Medical Equipment
KTEQ: Kitchen Equipment
FEDM: Federate Model - Composite of 2+ BIMs
ACMEC 5 letter acronym for the firm. (ACME Company)
P0A Phase of the model
L01 Zone of the model
030 The model is approximately 30% complete for that level
YYYY-MM-DD Date of export & upload of that zone of the model.

2. If a coordination team member needs to use a different system for breaking down and submitting
model files, and thus needs to alter the aforementioned file naming convention, the method of
breakdown and file naming needs to be submitted and approved by the Coordination Manager.
File names and model breakdowns need to be adhered to, once submitted, for the duration of the
project with no exception. The functionality of federation model software depends on consistent
file names. Files not adhering to these requirements will be returned to the sender for correction.

The logos of USIBD, PCI, NISD, MBMA, BIM Forum and SEI belong to their respective organizations
which maintain all rights for these logos. Certificate of Development in Building Information Modeling (CD-
BIM) is a trade mark of the publisher, BIMxD Solutions, LLC, copyright 2016. CD-BIM.com