Glossary
Authoring Software - The software product used to produce BIMs or associated software tools
BIM - Building Information Model
BS 1192 - The current updated BS for processes associated with BIM
BS 8541 - The new 4 part BS for construction products in relation to BIM
Build Asset - Building or built structure owned or leased
Capital Project - Project that requires funding from a known or fixed pot of money
Catalogue Object - An object or Content configured using an online catalogue
Clash Detection - Automated detection of clashes between elements of a building e.g. structure and ductwork
COBie - Digital Operation & Maintenance Manual
Collaborative BIM - 100% functional interoperability between all BIM software packages
Construction Sequence Visualization - Graphic representation or animation of the construction process of a project
Content - 3D Objects or data created for use in BIMs
Engineered to Order - An object or Content configured within the BIM authoring tool
e-procurement - Electronic production of services such as tendering, ordering, invoicing etc
EU (CEN350) - Standard methods for assessing the sustainability of new or existing construction works
Federated Model - Models or information from different authors viewed together
Framework - A group of companies within a previously tendered or appointed supply chain
Frozen Object - An object or Content whose graphic representation cannot be altered
Generic Content - Non manufacturer specific content or objects
Graphic - The drawn 3D representation of an object
Hard Clash Detection - Clashes between solid objects
IFC - Industry Foundation Class. The common standard for BIM
Interoperability - The ability of models or data from one software package to work properly with another
ISO 16739 - Data sharing in the construction and facilities management industries
Keying - Manually inputting
Level 3 BIM - Fully Collaborative BIM
Level of Detail - The complexity of detail of a 3D graphic representation
Materials - Materials used in construction
Native IFC File - A file produced in the originating format (IFC), as opposed to an ‘export’ from another
Off Site Manufacture - Components or parts of a building manufactured in a factory
Parameters - The data or functionality contained within a piece of ‘Content’
Product Configurator - On line configuration of products by selection
Protocol - A process which may include standards
RICS/BCIS - RICS Building Cost Information Service
Scenario Planning - A strategic planning method to make flexible long term plans
Soft Clash Detection - Clashes between maintenance or installation zones
Standard Data Fields - Standard data fields contained within all IFC Content
Structured Data - Data organized to a common standard that can be reused
Supply Chain - Organisations supplying goods or services to a contractor, company or institution
UK Systems - Systems or standards operation in the UK
Update - Revise Content with new data
VE - Value Engineering or ‘cost cutting’
Vendor - The producer of a software package
Virtual Product - 3D graphic with associated product data as would previously have appeared in hard copy