1. ‘BIM Validation’?
George Mokhtar – Senior BIM Coordinator, BIM Academy

2. What does ‘BIM Validation’ actually mean?
BIM provides the opportunity for
Increased reliability, but does not
guarantee it!
• Valid Geometry / Space
Fit for purpose
Support BIM processes in the BEP
• Valid Data
Unified structure / values / definitions
Standardised structure (IFC/COBie)
Classification

3. Validation
Visual check
Navisworks/
xBIM/
Solibri model
checker
In a 3D environment visually interrogate objects to identify
anomalies such as:
• Overlapping objects.
• Misplaced or rogue objects.
• Missing or misaligned geometry for walls, roofs, floors and other
building elements.
• Misaligned linked models or imported geometry in models.
Standards Check
Navisworks/
xBIM/
Solibri model
checker
Model Data
Check
xBIM / Solibri
model checker
Automated BIM
Validation
Solibri model
checker
Interrogate a selection of building elements to identify any
which have been categorised incorrectly.
To identify where the project data set has no
undefined, incorrectly defined or duplicate properties.
An automated process implementing rule sets designed to identify
issues relating to the quality of model geometry and data.
Rule sets as listed below should be implemented as a minimum.
The validation software used (Solibri) requires models to be in IFC
format for analysis.
Duplicate elements
Model structure check
Components and construction types
Object clearance
Deficiency detection
Space check
Intersection checking
Clash Check
Issue IFC export of
design models to
contractor
Discipline specific
clash detection
Valid Invalid
All models federated
for clash detection
Hard and soft clash detection rule sets implemented.
Specific rule sets to be defined by contractor eg
Columns/Doors, Ducts/Beams
Clash report issued to
design consultant
Model amended to
resolve coordination
issues.
Clash report
created.
Clash report issued
to individual
design consultants
Responsibility Contractor Individual consultants Lead Consultant
Contractor to define
or provide rule sets
for clash detection.
Valid Invalid
Process is repeated
to ensure improved
coordination.
Validation process

4. Demonstration
Duplicate elements
Model structure check
Components and construction types
Object clearance
Deficiency detection
Space check
Intersection checking

5. General Advantages
• More time efficient than manual checking
• Less risk of human error
• Systematic, reasoning
• Automated dimensions
• Standard rule sets
• Developing and improving bespoke rule sets
• Open source
Design Teams:
• Easy Dissemination
• Improved Collaboration
• Reduced Iteration
Cost Management:
• Accurate models received
• Improves Cost Estimate Precision
• Concentrate on Value Improvement
Client:
• Improves Confidence
• Reduction in Abortive Work/On-site Costs
Summary