Clarifying BIM

What is BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING?

 The National Institute of Building Sciences defines BIM as

 Building Information Modeling (BIM) utilizes cutting edge digital technology to establish a computable representation of all the physical and functional characteristics of a facility and its related project/life-cycle information, and it is intended to be a repository of information for the facility owner/operator to use and maintain throughout the life-cycle of a facility.

In simple English, BIM technology uses a 3D model as a data base for information about the building and all operating systems; environmental, security, MEP, etc.. The diagram below, courtesy of AEC Infosystems Inc., gives an excellent example of BIM technology. As you can see, the image of the door and door frame have pop-up categories with room for myriad information about the door, the frame and hardware. The information can be retrieved for use at any time and can be altered, changed or edited by the administrator/primary user(s) as necessary.

Detailed examination of the diagram provides insight into the type of information that can be stored and retrieved from a 3D model. The information from the model can be used for operations, planning,  construction, facility retrofits and as-built documentation.
Facility owners can conduct a variety of simulations utilizing the information stored within the 3D model. For example, the diagram above contains a significant amount of information about the construction of the door. In addition to the dimensions of the door, the diagram includes the door's fire rating, acoustical rating, glass inserts, heat transfer rate, etc. This vital information can be used to create a variety of simulations that can help a facility owner decide what types of changes, retrofits or upgrades would provide the best results for the long term operation of a facility. Acoustical simulations, energy simulations, heat transfer simulations can all be conducted within the 3D model. The facility owner/operator can exchange the door in the virtual world, replacing it with a door that has different fire rating, heat transfer rating, different type of glass inserts and conduct simulations for sound, air flow and energy usage. Simulations like these can help facility owner/operators develop strategies to reduce operational cost.
Air contaminants are a critical concern for museums. The quality of the air, the flow, moisture and circulation can have a major impact on exhibits, especially historic items. The ability to test the quality of the air and its impact on the museum environment is crucial to the long term survival of historic artifacts. BIM technology holds the answers to the problems that all museums struggle to address.
Given the detailed information included in the diagram above, imagine what type of information can be included in an entire building that incorporates BIM technology. Windows, doors, walls, ceilings, floors, mechanical systems, electrical systems, plumbing, roofing, landscaping, there is no  aspect of a building that cannot benefit from the inclusion of BIM technology.

Documenting Historic Sites

Laser scanning is not an untested technology when it comes to the documentation of archaeological sites. There are currently dozens and dozens of preservation projects underway around world utilizing laser scanning technology to capture and store data. Organizations like the Center For Advance Spatial Technologies, CyARK and Universities from all over the world are working with lasers and 3D models to document and preserve historic structures and sites for future generations.

Here are just some of the historic preservation projects currently underway around the world:

CAST Projects
(Center For Advance Spatial Technologies)

Project: Laser scanning of Machu Picchu, Peru. A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Organization: Center For Advance Spatial Technologies w/University of California Los Angeles' Cotson Institute for Archaeology. "Computer Modeling of Heritage Resources Field Program" 

Project: Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park, Historic Civil War Site
Organization: Center For Advance Spatial Technologies- University
of Arkansas Honors College

Project: "Visualizing The Roman City: Ostia Antica"
Organization: Center For Advance Spatial Technologies w/ University
of Arkansas Honors College




CyARK Preservation Projects

Church of Sao Francisco

Church of Sao Francisco- Bahia Brazil, 1538
Mt. Rushmore- South Dakota
Medieval Bridge at Regensburg Germany
The Presidio of San Francisco
The Cathedral of Beauvais, Beauvais France
Ruins at Chichen Itza, Mexico
The Ramesseum at Ancient Thebes, Egypt
Deadwood, South Dakota
Temple at Angkor, Cambodia

The Ruins at Pompeii

Mesa Verde Ruins

Roman Baths, Weibenburg, Bavaria

Rapa Nui- Easter Island Monolith

Qal' at al-Bahrain- (14th Century Portuguese Fort)
Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado...(in collaboration w/Texas Tech University, UC Berkeley and National Park Service)

Chichen Itza-
 Mayan Ruins

Chichen Laser Scan

These are just some of the historic preservation projects currently underway around the world that are utilizing laser scanning technology for documentation purposes. Given the number and the extent of the historic documentation projects listed above, what makes "Capturing History" such a unique project? What is History San Jose, NVentum LLC. and Evergreen Valley College doing that sets this project apart from all others?

Pasetta House
Laser Scan by Ken Hanna, NVentum, LLC.

The Difference is BIM
Capturing History utilizes laser technology as the foundation of our project in the same manner as other documentation projects. Laser scanning provides fast accurate documentation for condition monitoring, preservation, clash detection and virtual reconstruction. However, this is just scratching the surface of what this technology can be used for. As mentioned in many of my previous post, one of the major objectives of this project is to create a BIM model of the historic buildings and the History Park' s 14 acre campus.

Blacksmith's Shed and Trolley Barn
Laser Scan by Ken Hanna, NVentum, LLC

A complete BIM model of the HSJ campus and facilities will provide a shared platform for the day to day maintenance, management and operations of the museum.
Operations staff will use the 3D model for virtual expansion of the park grounds, to monitor mechanical systems, plan/install sustainable energy upgrades, conduct facility performance simulations, or to schedule maintenance and repairs.
Administrative staff will use the 3D model as a project calendar and to schedule events
Marketing staff will use the model as a sales tool, a data base and/or online exhibit.

Pasetta House
Scan by Ken Hanna

Safety/Security staff will use the 3D model to monitor the museum's assets, emergency planning, traffic control, fire inspection/permits, seismic monitoring/retrofits, etc.

The Capturing History project answers the question, "what now?... Now that I have this 3D model, what can I do with it?"

Pasetta House

Pasetta Porch/Entrance

GEMS AT THE MUSEUM

LEFEBVRE VELOCIPEDE

Alexander Lefebvre of Saint-Denis, France is credited with building the world's first two wheel velocipede powered by treadles connected to cranks on the rear wheels in 1842. He brought the bicycle to California when he immigrated twenty years later. 

The Lefebvre Bicycle is the oldest bicycle of its' kind in existence and it currently resides at the San Jose History Museum.

Lefebvre Bicycle Images Courtesy Of 

History San Jose

Raw Laser Scan by Ken Hanna, NVentum, LLC.

Unrestored, The  Originial Lefebvre Velocipede Lives at History San Jose's Collection Center

Laser scanning and 3D documentation provides owners, curators and operators with highly detailed information about the construction and condition of the artifact. The laser scans contain exact dimensions and measurements of all the artifacts' components. Scanning the artifact prior to restoration provides a platform for virtual restoration as well as a 3D schematic for reference

Laser Scans by Ken Hanna, NVentum, LLC.

Laser Scans by Ken Hanna, NVentum, LLC. 

Laser Scans by Ken Hanna, NVentum, LLC. 

Laser Scans by Ken Hanna, NVentum, LLC. 

Laser Scan by Ken Hanna

Photo Courtesy of History San Jose

Laser Scan by Ken Hanna, NVentum, LLC.

Historic Trolley Barn

Trolley Barn at San Jose's History Park

Earlier blog entries addressed the concerns about the limitations of laser scanning for historic documentation. One of the most glaring examples of the limits of this technology is the problems encountered when scanning non reflective objects.

Interior Laser Scan of HSJ Trolley Barn
NVentum, LLC.

Lasers capture the light reflected off of the object being scanned. Objects and colors that absorb light are difficult, if not impossible to capture clearly. This was clearly demonstrated during our initial scans of the interior of History San Jose's Historic Trolley Barn.

The Trolley Barn was built in 1984 as a place to restore and house historic trains and trolley cars. In addition to the trains and trolley cars, the barn also houses historic automobiles and old factory machinery.

At first glance, the preliminary laser scans of the interior of the barn provide the viewer with a great amount of detail. The details of the signage in the back ground, the outline and the detail of the 1913 Metz in the foreground are promising images and a great start to the project.

1913 Metz- HSJ Trolley Barn
Laser Scan by NVentum , LLC.

As we continued our process, the concerns moved from the laser capture process to texture mapping. How would the photo overlay work against a laser scan with so many non-reflective objects? The automobiles, the trains and much of the machinery had major elements that were finished in black or flat black. However, this 1913 Metz was finished in a very dark blue and the laser scans showed great promise.

Classic Autos- HSJ Trolley Barn

As you can see by the scan on the right, the two classic automobiles were captured very clearly in the laser scan, or so it appears. The automobile in the foreground is dark blue in color. The automobile in the background is very dark blue with black fenders. Understanding the laser's limitations, I was pleased with the initial images. However, the images that you see in this still photo are deceiving. What clearly appears as two dark colored antique automobiles is actually an illusion. The areas of the vehicles that appear black are actually areas of the scan that are devoid of all information. The laser was unable to capture any data at all, it is literally a "hole" in the scan. One of the main benefits of laser scanning technology is the ability to store and extract information from the model. While the scans of the automobiles appear to have quality information, the lack of data in this scan means the user is unable to gather critical details about the vehicles; its dimensions, the condition of the body, finish and metal. Though, at first glance this technology appears to be the perfect documentation tool.

History San Jose- Trolley Barn Machinery
Laser Scan by NVentum, LLC.

 This "mass" of equipment to the left is actually an amazing collection of antique machines and equipment used in factories at the turn of the century. The majority of these machines are finished in either black or flat black. As you can see from the scan, much of the detail of the machines is missing or indecipherable. There are gears, pulleys, drills and a host of belts and levers that were not picked up by the laser and cannot be seen clearly in this scan. Looking at the scan from other angles reveals a void of information similar to the scans of the automobiles.

The scan below was actually taken from a 360 degree scan of the 1913 Metz above. This is the Historic Trolley #124 that is still in use at the San Jose History Park.

History San Jose's Trolley No.124
Laser Scan by NVentum, LLC.

Trolley No.124
Photo Courtesy of History San Jose

Future blog post will document the reality capture and mapping of the Historic Pasetta  House located on the campus of the San Jose History Park. The goal is to feature the Pasetta House as the museum's first extensive BIM structure and data based model exhibit. Stay tuned for new blog post, updates and unique solutions to the challenges of  "Capturing History"

The Pasetta Project

Laser Scan and Texture Mapping by Ken Hanna, NVentum, LLC.

To the untrained eye, the difference between a high definition photo and a laser scan can very difficult to recognize. Given the quality of today's high definition photos, some may ask the question, "why laser scan at all?".

While high def photos can provide outstanding clarity of details and extremely crisp colors, the benefits of the laser scans lays its ability to collect and store massive amounts of data.
3D Model As A Data Base
What type of data are we talking about? Let's start with the "visible" data contained in this preliminary scan of one of the interior rooms of the historic Pasetta House located at the San Jose History Park.
The visible data contained within this scan can range from the general to the extremely detailed;
based upon the needs of the user. Details such as:

1. The manufacturer, distributor and color code of the paint on the walls and ceilings. 
2. The type of wood and stain used to construct the floors, trim around the windows and room. 
3. Information about the lighting fixtures; the manufacturer, date of purchase and installation,  the wattage and power usage.
4. The artwork on the walls; the creation date, the artist, the lender/owners, the materials and/or process used to create the piece(s), etc.
5. The manufacturer, cost, date of purchase of the antique area rug.
6. Location and number of wall outlets
7. Location of floor vents along with manufacturers information

Photo Courtesy of History San Jose

What about the "invisible" data contained within the laser scan; critical data that can be used to help monitor and reduce carbon emissions, reduce operating cost and minimize costly repairs through managed preventive maintenance. 

Laser Scan/Texture map by Ken Hanna

1. Mechanical information: Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning components
2. Plumbing and piping information
3. Electrical/wiring systems
4. Ceiling/wall insulation materials
5. Air Flow/air contaminant monitoring sensors
6. Humidity monitoring sensors
7. Energy auditing systems
8. Detailed dimensions of the room and measurement capabilities
9. Emergency response systems; fire suppression, security, etc.

The wealth of information contained in the 3D model can be used to manage the day to day operations of the park, conduct long-range strategic planning, to create unique online exhibits,  create site maps for specific events and/or projects, conduct and manage major construction projects, remodeling and retrofitting of specific historic buildings, control and manage museum assets and inventory, reduce energy consumption, design campus upgrades and most anything else the facility operators, owner and/or guest require.

A quick glance at the preliminary scans in this blog post reveals a couple of unique features that immediately grab the viewers attention. First and most noticeable is the large black circle or "hole" in the center of the floor of the room. This spot represents the space occupied by the laser during the scanning process. If you've read any of the previous post on this blog, you'll recall that the laser scans an area that is 360 degrees x 270 degrees. The 90 degrees not covered by the initial scan is actually the area directly beneath the scanner. This black spot or "hole" in the scan is easily remedied by conducting a second scan from another location within the room and combining or"stitching" the two scans together to create the model.

The second thing that you'll notice is the color coded X, Y, and Z coordinates located within the scan. These coordinates usually represent the camera/laser's position and is relative to where you are viewing from. Typically, these coordinates are just a length in a direction; X= side to side, Y= up and down and Z= near and far. Without getting too complicated, the floating point number is a distance in 3D space relative to the origin. (Zero, Zero, Zero)

Laser Scan/Texture Mapping by Ken Hanna, NVentum, LLC.

The purpose of the Pasetta Project is to create an as-built model of the building that will serve several purposes. First, the laser scans conducted by NVentum, LLC.will serve as the "blueprint" of this historic home. Secondly, the 3D model will be adapted to serve as an online exhibit for guest and visitors to the museum. Lastly, our long range plan is to use the Pasetta House to establish the protocol for historic documentation and sustainable energy upgrades for as-built facilities and museums.

The Relevance of "Capturing History"

              Green Building Standards
The "Capturing History" project is comprised of several important components; each brings it's own unique contribution to the museum's life cycle management and operations plan.  Whether the emphasis is on indoor environmental quality, preservation, condition monitoring, energy conservation, virtual design, asset management or BIM the project cannot move forward without the reality capture, laser scanning and surveying of the campus. The 3D model is the data base and  hub for each and every aspect of the project.

San Jose City Hall

 Though each component of the project has its importance, new green building regulations and future legislation towards sustainable construction can't be overstated. Many communities have adopted green building standards aimed at new construction. Eventually, these regulations will be extended to affect building remodels and retrofits. 
 Those individuals looking to enter the workforce will need knowledge and training in disciplines that embrace sustainability, energy efficiency, environmental stewardship and conservation; all major components of the "Capturing History" project. 
Here is an example of the trend towards green building standards and the importance of this project's BIM/sustainable energy component:
From the webpage of the US Green Building Council- Northern California Chapter:
Out of 109 cities and counties throughout the Bay Area: 
• Most cities and counties began adopting required green building standards starting in
2006.
• Forty-four cities and counties have adopted required new commercial green building
standards and nearly all of them are based on the LEED rating system.
• Fifty-one cities and counties have adopted required new residential green building
standards and all of them are based on the Build It Green rating system.
• Local approaches to standards typically require higher standards for larger buildings
and more flexibility for smaller buildings.

New Commercial Construction
• Thirty-nine cities have adopted their green building standard based on the LEED rating
system for new commercial construction. For projects greater than 30,000 square feet,
24 of those cities require a LEED rating level such as Certified, Silver or Gold, while the
other 15 cities at least require a LEED checklist.
• LEED Silver is the most frequently used level and LEED Certified is also common.  San Francisco  Oakland  San Jose  California Energy
Commission

New Residential Construction
• Forty-six cities have adopted green building standards, all based on the Build It Green
rating system. Thirty-seven require Green Point Rated and nine of them only require
completion of the Build It Green Checklist.
• Twenty-three cities require a minimum of 50 points  for new residential construction.
This is the most common level among Bay Area cities for new residential construction.
• Fourteen cities require more than 50 points, in which the most common range lies
between 60 - 90 points. San Rafael, San Anselmo and Rohnert Park, require in between
75 – 200 points depending on the threshold.    
• A few cities offer the option of using LEED for Homes certification as an alternative to

the Build It Green rating system.                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Oakland City Hall

Other Findings
• Forty-two cities and counties require a LEED rating level, such as Certified, Silver or Gold
for new municipal construction.
• Twenty cities and counties require a LEED rating level or checklist for commercial
remodels or renovation projects depending on the project size or valuation. On the

SF City Hall

other hand, six cities require a minimum number of points in the LEED Checklist (usually
ranging from 10 – 35 points).
• Twenty-two cities and counties require 25 – 50 points Green Points Rated for existing
residential buildings depending on the project size or valuation on either the Elements

or Whole-House Build It Green Checklist.

The Evolution Of Capital Facilities

Much of the innovative automotive technology we've witnessed over the past 40 years has been inspired by concerns for the comfort and safety for owner/operators, environmental legislation, advances in energy conservation, and the desire for enhanced performance. The same innovations witnessed in the automotive industry, driven by the same need for comfort and safety, energy conservation and enhanced performance capabilities are the inspiration behind the evolution of today's capital facilities.

My First Car
1968 Mustang

I was sixteen years old when my parents agreed to help me buy my first car. It was a 1968 Ford Mustang with a 289 V8 engine and and automatic transmission. At the time,  I did my own maintenance out of necessity. Back then, automobiles were fairly simple; basically an engine and drive train were all you had to maintain. You maintain the fluids levels, check your points and change plugs and you were good to go. If your car didn't start, you make sure you had gas. If you had gas, then you had to make sure you had spark. If you had spark and gas, then you "listen" to the car: does it sound like it wants to turn over but can't? Does it sound like you battery is too weak to crank the motor? That was how you diagnosed car problems in the early seventies. If you took your car to the shop, their process for diagnosing car problems was not much different. Concerns about the care and upkeep throughout the "life" of the vehicles were unheard of or secondary at best. Automobiles were originally designed with the idea in mind that owners would eventually want to replace their vehicle with  new, more modern models. The idea of an automobile owner purchasing a vehicle and keeping it for life was not part of the industry's business plan.

Carbon Emissions and the Environment

Catalytic Converter

In the late 1960's and early 70's when environmental issues were really taking root in our communities and concerns about  gasoline and fossil fuels were becoming more prevalent, people started to push for stricter environmental laws and regulations. In California, concerns over smog and air pollution led to some of the strictest environmental laws in the country. Strict new regulations regarding automobile emissions were implemented to limit the amount of pollutants in our atmosphere. Smog test and catalytic converters became a way of life, and business, in California.

CO2/Volatile Organic
Compound Sensor-
SEIMENS

In reality, carbon emissions from automobiles are not the major culprit in the air quality, pollutant and global warming issues that we initially thought. The fact is, the majority of carbon emissions do not come from transportation sources, the pollutants come from buildings. We do everything in buildings; people eat, sleep, work and congregate in buildings. In the United States, buildings account for 38% of carbon emissions, more transportation or industry. According to the U.S. Green Building Council, buildings account for 48% of carbon emissions world wide.
In response to the problems associated with carbon emissions in the capital facilities industries, many municipalities are adopting sustainable, green building policies. These new policies require owners,  architects, designers and general contractors to adhere to sustainable environmental practices when designing and building new facilities. These new green standards are a step in the right directions however the vast majority of the problems rest in existing facilities. There are many more existing building than there are new buildings under construction. In order to have a truly positive impact on the environment and carbon emissions, we must address the problems associated with energy retrofitting of existing facilities.

Tesla Motors

The Evolution Of The Automobile
Today's automobiles have more computers, actuators and sensors than the original Apollo Space Craft.  For me, the days of looking under the hood of my car to diagnose a problem are long gone. Modern automobiles store information about the vehicle, it's maintenance schedule and performance within the on board computer systems. There's no need for you to keep paper records about your vehicle's history any longer. When you take your vehicle to a "service technician", the technician plugs in a laptop computer and the vehicles maintenance records are right at his/her fingertips. Not only are the records accessible, the automobile's computer systems will explain what the current maintenance issues/and or problems are so the technicians don't waste time with long costly diagnostic procedures. Computer systems on today's automobiles monitor everything from electrical and fuel systems to road conditions. This data is processed and used to make adjustments to the vehicles operating systems to help maximize the vehicles performance while limiting fuel consumption and reducing carbon emissions. 

The Evolution Of Capital Facilities

San Jose City Hall 1948

Carbon dioxide emissions in our atmosphere and the emissions of other GHG's (Green House Gases), are often associated with the burning of fossil fuels like natural gas, crude oil and coal. Though carbon emissions from the transportation industry were the early focus of many environmental groups, the research conducted over the past three decades have led to a better understanding of the impact of buildings on the environment and to the creation of new legislation regarding the design and construction of sustainable, green buildings.

San Jose City Hall 1975

 Much like the changes witnessed in the automobile industry over the past thirty years, the design, construction and operation of today's buildings are driven by the same forces at play; comfort and safety of the building's occupants, energy conservation and enhanced performance. 

San Jose City Hall 2008

An added incentive for the evolution of capital facilities is the financial benefits realized through the reduction and proper management of energy resources. According to the U.S. Green Building Council, buildings consume 70% of the electricity load in the U.S. A recent report conducted by the National Institute of Standards and Technology said, "approximately 84% of the life cycle energy use of a building is associated with operating the building rather than the materials and energy used in construction. Building systems almost never achieve their design efficiencies at any time during the operation and their performance typically degrade over time". Understanding how your building distributes and consumes energy is key to finding ways to reduce cost. 

Building Management System
Johnson Controls

Additional cost savings will result from the health and increased productivity of the building's occupants. Studies show that Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) has a tremendous impact on the productivity of the American workforce. According to an August 2000 report from the Environmental Energy Technologies Division of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, the estimated potential savings and productivity gains in the U.S. alone are $6 Billion to $14 Billion from reduced respiratory disease, 2 to $4 Billion from reduced allergies and 20 to $160 Billion from direct improvement to worker performance related to health.

Today's Smart Buildings
Smart  buildings provide the most cost effective approach to the design and implementation of building systems. Traditionally, buildings are constructed by designing, installing and operating each system independently. A smart building integrates the design and installation of all building systems. This process reduces the inefficiencies in the design and construction process, saving time and money.

What does this mean for the building's owners and operators? A building that monitors the "health" of its own systems means less costly repairs and down time due to unforeseen mechanical problems. It gives the owner/operator the ability to conduct long-range planning and scheduling of preventive maintenance which minimizes disruptions to daily operations. There is the elimination of long, costly diagnostic procedures when problems do arise. The building's iinteractive capabilities means faster response to the needs of occupants/tenants. Modern actuators and sensors provide real-time information about a building's performance allowing for real-time energy audits and simulations. The overall result is a major reduction in operating cost and the positive environmental impact of  reducing the carbon footprint of the facility through energy conservation and proper resource management.