Design
Data Exchange Standards Activity

Design Project Management
AISC Defining workflows and developing best practices for Data Management Conformance (DMC) within the CIS/2 standard.
Autodesk Auditing and version control implicit in applications or through file management and with partner applications.
Bentley Audit Trail, version control, Document Coding, design history, AEC file content management, security access control.
BLIS PREMISS model is related also to the design management.
FIATECH Automated Design Workflow Mapping and Checklists - Project startup is critical to the overall success of project execution. Unfortunately, all too often, there is insufficient time to get organized before work commences. Starting work without awareness of overall workflow requirements can result in rework, which is inefficient and costs money. This project is addressing the configuration and startup phase of project execution by providing boilerplates for common work exchanges and supporting checklists to make communication, setup and coordination easier. ACTIVE.
gbXML Contains version control elements
Graphisoft Solibri SMC does extensive model auditing, model integrity clash detection, spatial and logical checking.
IAI Yes. 80% covered in IFC Product Model Servers.
IFMA NOTE 1: While not primarily focused on standards development, IFMA on behalf of its 18,400 worldwide members is a major stakeholder in standards and regulations affecting Ownership, Leasing, Operations and Management of real estate assets and the built environment and would appreciate the opportunity to participate in developing standards in this area.
NIBS Whole Building Design Guide - Comprehensive internet-based portal to a wide range of federal and private sector, building related guidance, criteria & technology. It links information across traditional professional disciplines to encourage integrated thinking and a "whole building" approach to the project during the planning/ programming, design, use, construction, operation, and maintenance of the facility.

As a registered CES provider, the WBDG CES system is a source of AIA Continuing Education System learning units for registered architects. The courses featured offer an introduction to whole building design concepts as well as more specific applications for design objectives, building types and operations and maintenance. All courses are currently available free of charge. www.wbdg.org

buildingSMART ® - buildingSMART is the dynamic and seamless exchange of accurate, useful information on the built environment among all members of the building community throughout the lifecycle of a facility. buildingSMART is simply a smarter process for managing the project lifecycle.

In January 2007, NIBS’ Board of Directors unanimously approved the buildingSMART® Alliance charter created to spearhead technical, political, and financial support for advanced digital technology in the real property industry—from concept, design and construction through operations and management. The new public/private initiative expands on goals of the North American Chapter of the International Alliance for Interoperability (IAI-NA), whose Industry Foundation Classes (IFCs) have initiated open standards for national and international links among industry players, and will serve developers and users of Building Information Models (BIMs), the digital tools that are increasingly helping to share highly accurate information throughout a facility’s life cycle. www.iai-na.org/bsmart

National BIM Standard™ (NBIMS) a buildingSMART® initiative - National Building Information Model Standard, Version 1.0—Part 1
  1. Overview, Principles, and Methodologies (PDF 13.3 MB)
  2. Appendices and References (PDF 2.6 MB)
This comprehensive document developed for the past year and released in the spring of 2007 is the collaboration of over thirty subject matter experts from many areas of the capital facilities industry. There are many Building Information Modeling (BIM) issues to discuss, coordinate, and resolve, not only throughout the United States, but also with our international counterparts. It is hoped that this effort will facilitate discussion and bring to closure any areas of confusion. The NBIM committee is also finalizing their consensus process based on the NIBS NCS consensus process. Ballots will be developed for various items needing consensus voting. It is anticipated that NBIMS Version 1, Part 2 will be available near the end of 2008. www.facilityinformationcouncil.org/bim
Primavera YES, creates XML (100%).
Solibri BIM/IFC file auditing, BIM file version control, Architectural and Structural model comparison, clash detection.

Design
AISC CIS/2 (CIMSteel Integration Standards/Version 2): The specification providing for the electronic interchange of data (EDI) and the integration of engineering software applications dealing with steelwork design, analysis, and manufacturing. The CIS/2 data model is called the Logical Product Model (LPM). The LPM supports the engineering of low, medium and high rise construction, in domestic, commercial and industrial contexts. The main structural steelwork and the secondary steelwork (purlins, siderails, cleats and cladding) are covered. The parts can be rolled sections, plates and sheets or castings. Joints can be bolted, welded or pinned. The LPM addresses the exchange of data between structural steel software applications. It is meant to support a heterogeneous set of software applications over a fairly broad portion of the steel lifecycle.
ASHRAE ASHRAE's Advanced Energy Design Guide for Small Office Buildings provides a sensible, hands-on approach to design through use of products that are practical and commercially available as “off-the-shelf” technology from major manufacturers. Guides are available on small office and small retail buildings, K-12 schools and warehouses and self-storage units. Prepared in collaboration with AIA. The books are available for free download.

ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2007, Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, provides minimum requirements for the energy-efficient design of buildings except low-rise residential buildings. For designers who are participating in a LEED-certification design, the standard’s energy cost budget method was produced in collaboration with representatives of the U.S. Green Building Council.
Autodesk Architectural, civil, structural, HVAC, plumbing, piping, fire protection and electrical design, visualization, sketching, and 2D drafting.
Bentley Architectural, Civil, Structural, Detailing, Mechanical (HVAC, Piping, Plumbing), Electrical, Telecom, Visualization, Sketching, 2D Drafting, 3D Models, Interference Detcection, BIM, IFC 2x3, Generative Design etc.
BLIS We have designed, documented, and developed certification test suites for multiple "BLIS Views" of IFC. In this design process category, these include:
  • Space Planning to Arch Design
  • Arch Design to HVAC Design
FIATECH BIM for Precast Concrete (BPC) - This project defined the functional requirements for a Building Information Modeling (BIM) standard for precast concrete, focusing on the multiple exchanges between the architect and the precast contractor. It documented the process and workflows, and monitored the costs and benefits associated with the new data representation. It also incorporated the results into the National BIM Standard. It is the first module of the NBIMS and will be used by designers, fabricators, contractors, owners and software developers. COMPLETED.
gbXML Is used to facilitate green building related analyses including thermal, HVAC design, energy use, from within CAD/BIM applications. Facilitates sharing of data for these analyses.
Graphisoft ArchiCAD supports all building disciplines covered by IFC up to & including release 2x2: HVAC, piping, sanitary, electrical, structural - steel, concrete, timber and pre-cast concrete. VB - insert all DWG, SVG, etc formats we support GS is supporting the next release of the IFC model IFC2x3 which has comprehensive GIS functionality-greatly expanding the accessability of land, cadastral, topographic, utilities and planning data, as well as extension to building structures.
IAI Yes. 95% covered.
IFMA NOTE 1: While not primarily focused on standards development, IFMA on behalf of its 18,400 worldwide members is a major stakeholder in standards and regulations affecting Ownership, Leasing, Operations and Management of real estate assets and the built environment and would appreciate the opportunity to participate in developing standards in this area.
NFRC We develop fenestration energy performance rating processes.
NIBS U.S. National CAD Standard® (NCS) Version 4.0 (January 08) is a consensus standard incorporating industry publications - (2D Drafting) in conjunction with AIA & CSI (PDF Document on CD-Rom). Includes Foreword, Administration, AIA Layer Guidelines, Drawing Set Organization, Sheet Organization, Schedules, Drafting Conventions, Terms & Abbreviations, Symbols, Notations, Code Conventions and Plotting Guidelines.
NIST NIST is working with AISC and industry partners to ensure that CIS2 works in communication between steel designers and downstream participants, and is exploring the cross-cut between IFC and CIS2 with an eye toward harmonization of the two approaches. For more information on IFC and CIS/2 see this page. CIS/2 files can be translated to VRML (online translator) and IFC (online translator) formats, and from VRML or IFC to DXF and most other 3D file formats.
Solibri Focus on Architectural, Structural, Mechanical, and Electrical. BIM delivery checking, Design Quality, Building Code Compliance e.g. Accessibility, Information assurance for downstream applications. Utilizing BIM files and visualization.
W3DC The Web3D Consortium was formed to provide a forum for the creation of open standards for Web3D specifications, and to accelerate the worldwide demand for products based on these standards through the sponsorship of market and user education programs. Web3D applications have been actively pursued by many organizations for quite some time. This community has spearheaded the development of the VRML 1.0 and 2.0 specifications, which provide the basis for the development of associated applications. The organizations involved in this effort felt that the creation of an open consortium focused exclusively on Web3D would provide the structure necessary to stabilize, standardize, and nurture the technology for the entire community.

Today, the Web3D Consortium is utilizing its broad-based industry support to develop the the X3D specification, for communicating 3D on the web, between applications and across distributed networks and web services. Through the well-coordinated efforts with the ISO and W3C, the Web3D Consortium is maintaining and extending its standards activities.

Analysis
AISC CIS/2 (CIMSteel Integration Standards/Version 2): The specification providing for the electronic interchange of data (EDI) and the integration of engineering software applications dealing with steelwork design, analysis, and manufacturing. The CIS/2 data model is called the Logical Product Model (LPM). The LPM supports the engineering of low, medium and high rise construction, in domestic, commercial and industrial contexts. The main structural steelwork and the secondary steelwork (purlins, siderails, cleats and cladding) are covered. The parts can be rolled sections, plates and sheets or castings. Joints can be bolted, welded or pinned. The LPM addresses the exchange of data between structural steel software applications. It is meant to support a heterogeneous set of software applications over a fairly broad portion of the steel lifecycle.
ASHRAE ASHRAE's "Procedures for Commercial Building Energy Audits" provides procedures to guide analysts and owners in conducting audits and a uniform method for reporting basic information, such as building, system and energy use characteristics.
Autodesk Earthwork, lighting/day lighting, lifecycle plus thermal and energy analysis, structural, HVAC, plumbing, piping, fire protection, electrical design, wind flow, seismic, etc. with analysis partners, egress, security, costing with/ partners.
Bentley Digital terrain modeling, editing, analysis, Earthworks balancing, thermal performance implicit with applications and partner applications, Structural,/Seismic, Mechanical, Electrical, hydrologic and hydraulics systems analysis, design, and management.
BLIS A similar "BLIS View" (documentation and certification test suites) exists for Arch Design to Thermal Analysis. Digital Alchemy's IFC BIM Quantity Takeoff module will generate quantities reports as Excel spreadsheets from any IFC BIM.
gbXML Is used to facilitate green building related analyses including thermal, HVAC design, energy use, from within CAD/BIM applications. Facilitates sharing of data for these analyses.
Graphisoft ArchiCAD supports all building disciplines covered by IFC up to & including release 2x2: HVAC, piping, sanitary, electrical, structural - steel, concrete, timber and pre-cast concrete. VB - insert all DWG, SVG, etc formats we support GS is supporting the next release of the IFC model IFC2x3 which has comprehensive GIS functionality-greatly expanding the accessability of land, cadastral, topographic, utilities and planning data, as well as extension to building structures.

ArchiCAD supports Thermal analysis such as LBNL Energy+ and Riuska. It also supports Sustainability application LCA Design.
IAI Yes. 90% of data to perform analysis covered by IFC model.
IFMA NOTE 1: While not primarily focused on standards development, IFMA on behalf of its 18,400 worldwide members is a major stakeholder in standards and regulations affecting Ownership, Leasing, Operations and Management of real estate assets and the built environment and would appreciate the opportunity to participate in developing standards in this area.
NFRC We work with code development and enforcement entities to ensure our standards/codes are used.
NIBS Whole Building Design Guide (WBDG), buildingSMART alliance and NBIMS - see above.
NIST NIST is exploring the use of IFC-based BIMs to inform its simulation and analysis programs including CONTAM (indoor contaminants), CFAST (zone-based fire and smoke transport), FDS (CFD-based fire and smoke transport) as a means to identify extensions or modifications needed to make IFC more useful.
OSCRE Yes. Using BIM Models and other technologies to extract, segregate and determine building systems/components costs in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code's Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS).
Solibri Analyzing BIM/IFC models for accessibility, egress, security, quantity take-off, fire zones, etc.

Code Compliance
AISC AISC LRFD Specification for Design of Steel Buildings; AISC Code of Standard Practice.
ASHRAE Using ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2007, Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, with supporting educational and compliance materials, is the best way to ensure that commercial and high-rise residential buildings meet the Energy Policy Act, model building codes and the professional standard of care. Standard 90.1 has been established by the Department of Energy (DOE) as the commercial building reference standard for state building energy codes under the Energy Policy Act of 1992. In addition, the 2001 standard also is included in the 2003 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and the 2003 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 5000 Building Construction and Safety Code.
Autodesk Building and zoning with partners.
Bentley Building and zoning, etc.
BLIS Three of our member organizations - Pacific Northwest National Labs, Solibri, and Digital Alchemy - have solutions in this area called ComCheck EZ, Solibri Model Checker, and SMARTcodes for SMC. Please see their contact information on the BLIS web site.
FIATECH Streamlining the Building and Land Use Regulatory Processes - This is a new project chartered to offer streamlining and use of automated technologies in the nation's building regulatory system that is compatible with the development and application of automated technologies within building construction, operations and maintenance. Elements of the project include:
  • Coordinating the development of a national Building Regulatory Technology Roadmap that integrates with FIATECH's Capital Projects Technology Roadmap.
  • Linking and better coordinating streamlining and automated technology efforts between government and the private sector.
  • Creating new projects to accelerate research, development and deployment of integrated technology in the capital projects industry and in government building and land use regulatory programs.
  • Strategic opportunities to grow the membership to include state and local municipalities and engage them in existing FIATECH projects and activities that will add value to their construction and building operation's programs.
ACTIVE
gbXML Can be used to transfer energy code related data.
Graphisoft Certified for Stage II, Singapore Code Checking system, ePlanCheck. Working with Australian Accessability Code AS 1428; working with Norwegian government on their Byggsøk planning approval and residential building permit system.
IAI Yes 85% covered.
IFMA NOTE 1: While not primarily focused on standards development, IFMA on behalf of its 18,400 worldwide members is a major stakeholder in standards and regulations affecting Ownership, Leasing, Operations and Management of real estate assets and the built environment and would appreciate the opportunity to participate in developing standards in this area.
NFRC We work with code development and enforcement entities to ensure our standards/codes are used.
NIBS Whole Building Design Guide (WBDG), buildingSMART alliance and NBIMS - see above.
NIST NIST is a partner in the NCS/BCS-led project "Streamlining the Regulatory Process" and the recent NCS/BCS project with the New York City Department of Buildings, and is looking at the use of IFC-based BIMs in submission and review of designs.
Solibri Analyzing BIM/IFC models for accessibility, egress, security, fire zones, etc.

LEED Compliance
AISC The U.S. Green Building Council has now determined that the location of the steel fabricator, rather than the location of the steel mill, may be used as the manufacturing location when calculating the local and regional material makeup of projects under its LEED rating system. According to a February 2, 2004 credit interpretation ruling, for the purposes of calculating the local and regional material makeup of projects in LEED versions 2.0 and 2.1, the location of the fabricator may be used as the point of manufacture.
ASHRAE ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2007, Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, contains a new informative appendix to rate the energy efficiency of building designs that exceed its minimum requirements.
The guidance provided in this appendix is beneficial to HVAC designers who are trying to achieve the required points for either a Silver or Gold Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) certification of a facility.
Autodesk Energy analysis with partners.
Bentley Energy analysis implicit with applications and with partners.
BLIS One of our member organizations - Granlund Oy - has a solution in this area. Please see their contact information on the BLIS web site.
gbXML Contains 45 of the 69 possible points. Will expand to include all point categories.
IAI Yes. 60 percent. Energy and ASHRAE are well covered. Material contents, some site work and drainage are moderately covered. Ecology modestly covered.
IFMA IFMA Foundation offers a LEED-EB primer - Deliver the Green.
NIBS Whole Building Design Guide (WBDG), buildingSMART alliance and NBIMS - see above.

Documentation
AISC AISC LRFD Specification for Design of Steel Buildings; AISC Code of Standard Practice.
Autodesk 2D and 3D
Bentley Drawings, specifications, detailing, 2D and 3D.
FIATECH FIATECH and NIST developed a Capital Facilities Information Handover Guide. This guide explains the main issues in determining strategies for the handover of capital facility information and illustrates the use of available classification systems and reference data libraries for the delivery of capital facility information. FIATECH is now working on the development of a Part 2 for plants. COMPLETED.
Graphisoft Supports new IFC 2D view, and all legacy formats DWG, DXF etc.
IAI Yes. 90% The IFC model can store the info to generate views. Specification clauses and referencing to external specs are covered.
IFMA NOTE 1: While not primarily focused on standards development, IFMA on behalf of its 18,400 worldwide members is a major stakeholder in standards and regulations affecting Ownership, Leasing, Operations and Management of real estate assets and the built environment and would appreciate the opportunity to participate in developing standards in this area.
NIBS Whole Building Design Guide (WBDG), buildingSMART alliance and NBIMS - see above.
PISCES Currently reviewing Electronic Deliverables & Submittals, with in-progress Working Group project creating XML data collection templates to be distributed by Owners to Contractors and Suppliers for automated bulk loading of building systems and components into Owners Maintenance, Facilities, Asset Management, FInancial and related technology systems.
Primavera YES, creates XML (100%).