B2 - Interoperability

A major issue within the data world is to have files not being supported by certain systems. For instance, Revit not accepting an AutoCAD file. From this, the Initial Graphics Exchange Specification (IGES) file format was created for interoperability. Interoperability is the ability to exchange data between applications, which smooths workflows and sometimes facilitates their automation. The AEC field was brought in and included since they are experts within the field, and would know what to include.

Initially, a decent sum of money was going towards translators (people who exchange data between different software and applications) which caused two companies, Boeing and General Electric, to develop IGES. With the new format adapted, issues regarding it came about varying from technical factors to procedural factors. There are three levels that are defined to achieve interoperability:

External Level: The user's view on information exchange requirements.

Conceptual Level: Data model on this level is considered a logical schema, which is generated by consolidating multiple users' views.

Internal Level: Also known as a physical schema. This level has the translator between two different systems implement the logical schema from the conceptual level into the software application.

The Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) is a schema developed to address all of the building information from design and construction, to occupancy and operation. Building elements can be categorized and sub-typed. As it further advanced, it developed to be able to export/import specified data based on the subsets created. This type of exchange is called model views definitions (MVDs) whereas information delivery manual (IDM) is the specification of information requirements.

File based exchange data formats started advancing towards BIM servers. The two types of transaction/management are file-level transaction and object-level transaction. The FLT is a method to save the entire model file as one piece of information and OLT is a method to parse and save a model on an object level. Because these type of files tend to have multiple people working on them, FLT has issues with synchronization and will not resolve them. BIM servers are articulated towards the AEC field. The base requirements for a BIM server are: manage users, import and parse BIM models, query and export object-level data, manage object instaces, and control versions of stored data.

Interoperability allows a great method of collaboration and communication. It gives the ability for different software to have the same data file format which soon progressed to BIM. Interoperability will be something that will always be advancing in the AEC field as designs get more and more complex.

Source
Chuck Eastman et al., BIM Handbook: A Guide to Building Information Modeling for Owners, Managers, Designers, Engineers and Contractors (3rd Edition Wiley, 2018)

Comments


Cory
As you mentioned how BIM software allows different disciplines to work easier with each other, it makes me think of how it was before the BIM era. Although it does allow easier coordination with other disciplines, I do agree with Spencer's comment on how proper training is definitely needed to have a greater coordination. 

Varsha, BIM has definitely affected the AEC field drastically. Including contractors, like you said, would increase the efficiency and result in less RFIs in my opinion. They would have the ability to enter the model and observe any detail/cross sections, therefore, would not need to send an RFI. However, this would only be beneficial if the designers using the BIM software were properly trained and the materials and drawings were properly drafted.

Mika,
Looking at the same topic, it is interesting to see your perspective on it. The AEC field is becoming much more digital and virtual as it advances. With this, there will always be flaws that will need to be addressed. I think it's also important to mention that with the different file formats, there are other types that are more ideal depending on the project.