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The term OpenBIM originates from the concept of working on BIM (Building Information Modeling) using openly available tools, software, industry processes, and standards.
OpenBIM aims at increasing process efficiencies and enhancing collaboration among project participants through an open BIM collaboration format. It adopts a universal approach and widely referenced processes by leveraging proprietary data formats and promoting data sharing in a common data environment built on open and neutral standards of creating and deploying 3D building models.
Most importantly, OpenBIM is aligned with ISO 19650 standards which makes it highly quality-driven and standardized in terms of executing and managing BIM workflows. Also, OpenBIM standards are compliant with different document formats and are highly supportive of interoperability, integration, and updates.
OpenBIM promotes more democratic choices at integration and aids in procedural efficiency. As OpenBIM dwells on the idea of collaborative design it makes information sharing seamless, which makes the entire process faster while enabling more transparent and efficient communication between stakeholders.
OpenBIM originated from the buildingSMART alliance, which is a consortium of construction companies, building engineers, and other domain practitioners. The idea behind the alliance is to create open standards for collaborative information management and process implementation in the construction industry. There are different open tools available with different sets of features and their own array of advantages and limitations.
Any construction project requires different team members and stakeholders to collaboratively work on different file formats while rapidly exchanging resources across platforms and frameworks. Here, BIM interoperability needs to deliver relentlessly for flawless and smooth results. This is where OpenBIM IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) comes in to play a critical and pervasive role. In the real sense of the word, IFC is the standard protocol that defines the data structures and workflow patterns for OpenBIM projects. It basically characterizes and appoints the way BIM data (like geometry, semantics, information, etc.) should behave in a digital construction process.
In 1996, IFC 1.0, the first version of Industry Foundation Classes was published.
In the year 2006, the most important version of IFC was released which made the most impact revolutionizing industry practices. The name of this version was IFC 2 x 3.
The year 2013 saw a major unfolding with IFC 4.0 getting released which had key modifications and updates.
In the year 2022, the latest version of Industry Foundation Classes, IFC 4.3 was submitted to ISO, with added service modules for Rail and Infrastructure.
In the future, IFC 5.0 is going to take the stage with IFC data schema built in response to trends in digital twins. This will shift the focus from the file-based approach to digital data sharing.
There is a common perception about IFC files that these are uneditable and cannot be modified. However, this is false. IFC files can be modified as they define a BIM data model and not a user interface. With the help of different OpenBIM software tools and programs IFC data can be presented in different ways and can be edited as required. For instance, an IFC file can be shown as a set of objects in one program while the same file can be shown in the form of numbers and equations in the other program. Here, in both the files the IFC BIM data can be edited in different forms as per the requirement as they both have the understanding of OpenBIM standard.
BCF or BIM Collaboration Format is a structured XML file that is used for issue tracking in digital construction projects. It is designed to capture contextualized information related to an innate issue or discrepancy in the project by referring to the 3D View captured by IFC coordinates. While the IFC schema structures objects, geometries, and information from software to software, BCF is where the communications surrounding the models live. The use of BCF to coordinate changes and control any errors or deviations is an integral aspect of OpenBIM. BCF is highly efficient in depicting any problems or issues by marking them on the spot of occurrence along with the description and details. It has a vast application in BIM processes as it can be used with both authoring software tools and clash coordination platforms.
One of the main purposes behind using OpenBIM is to foster collaboration between different disciplines and departments. This helps in synchronizing workflows, enabling compliance, and ascertaining accuracy in the process. This makes it possible to bring all the disciplines like mechanical, electrical, and architecture together in a close-knit process framework that promotes interoperability and collaboration throughout the system. OpenBIM provides a platform where people, programs, and processes along with different resources come together to work in close coordination to achieve optimum turnarounds, reduced errors, assured data quality, increased transparency, and higher workflow capacity.
Construction modeling requires continuous exchange of information across project teams. This incessant transfer and storage of important project data across common data environments needs to be dealt with with diligence and accuracy. Open BIM creates a supportive environment to exchange data through a hyper-connected secure communication process that is meticulously designed to support information sharing among different stakeholders. This approach empowers project participants to prevent any unauthorized access and mishandling of data to avoid any process hazard or information loss.
One of the most compelling features of OpenBIM that has revolutionized the building information modeling workflows, is vendor neutrality. Open BIM allows project teams to operate over and above the limitations of proprietary formats and conventional workflows to offer solutions that work neutrally across different vendor platforms. This aids in valuable engagements and exchanges across domain professionals and BIM authorities, which encourages digital transformation and innovation in the BIM ecosystem. Vendor neutrality leads to seamless project communication and management and helps in achieving process-aligned and cost-effective results.
Open BIM allows project members to seamlessly collaborate and exchange data following open rules provided by the Open BIM modeling software applications. This allows smooth transfer of data across different application programs without any loss of data or gap in information exchange just like in the case of the same software platform. This further boosts transparent commercial engagement and comparable service evaluation, eventually curtailing the chances of errors and latency in the process.
Open BIM utilizes open standards to ensure that data remains accessible, interoperable, and usable well into the future. By breaking down data silos it provides a solid foundation for projects to thrive over time, preserving data integrity and compatibility across evolving platforms. This approach not only future-proofs projects but also enables seamless integration with new tools and technologies as they are available. With the help of Open BIM, project teams gain flexibility, enhanced collaboration, and a streamlined workflow, which contributes to greater efficiency and long-term project success.
Also Read: The Power of BIM 360 for Construction
Understanding OpenBIM’s critical components empowers project teams to leverage its full potential in construction. By embracing open standards, such as IFC and BCF, OpenBIM promotes interoperability, efficient data management, and seamless collaboration across diverse platforms and stakeholders. This universal approach not only supports vendor-neutral workflows but also improves data quality, making it adaptable to new technologies over time. As OpenBIM aligns with industry standards like ISO 19650, it becomes a robust foundation for digital transformation, offering flexibility, transparency, and future-ready solutions that enhance the success of construction projects.
With the help of Open BIM team members can share project data consistently across different software platforms through open formats like IFC. It allows users to adopt a universal approach and enables them to avoid redundant data entry and ensures that all members can access, share, and use the same data maintaining its quality and integrity throughout the project's lifecycle.
Open BIM provides for better construction process implementation and management by creating digital prototypes that all stakeholders can access and analyze. It facilitates efficient clash detection and coordination during the construction phase, reducing errors, preventing costly rework, and ensuring that project information aligns with industry standards.
Yes, Open BIM creates a common language for project information. This allows teams to work across different software platforms and service environments seamlessly. By supporting open standards, Open BIM lets software vendors offer solutions that cohesively align and are compatible with different functional resources and process frameworks, promoting a collaborative workflow where project data can be accessed and modified in any compatible software.
Limited software compatibility and varying levels of support across platforms are some challenges with Open BIM formats and the IFC standard. These can lead to data loss or misinterpretation as the IFC format can be complex and may not fully capture all project-specific details, reducing flexibility in certain workflows. Users may also face issues with data accuracy and consistency on certain occasions during file-based transfers. This may complicate collaborative processes and impact overall project coordination and data reliability.
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