Kingspan Access Floors has now made its first products available in 3D digital form – as Building Information Modelling (BIM) files.
In the first stage of a commitment to roll out BIM objects across its product range, Kingspan Access Floors has released BIM files for its RMG600 and FDEB38 raised access floor panels, and its Alpha V pedestal.
The objects are registered on the NBS National BIM Library (www.nationalbimlibrary.com) – the construction industry’s free-to-use resource of objects covering all major building fabric systems and are also available on Kingspan Access Floor’s own website, www.kingspanaccessfloors.co.uk
BIM files enable architects, designers and specifiers to download 3D objects with embedded information and incorporate them into their designs. They are fully utilised during design, specification, tender, construction and as a 3D library throughout the life and demolition of a building, to record and illustrate all of the building elements used.
BIM involves both an output and the process. The output is a database that represents all elements of the building and structure and the “properties” of each element. As a process, BIM is about project participants putting together this digital information so that ultimately, it can be handed over to the client or user to manage performance of the assets in a more efficient and effective manner
Kingspan Access Floors BIM files were developed by RIBA Enterprises and are available in ArchiCAD, Bentley, IFC, Revit, and Vectorworks file formats to help ensure that the majority of BIM users can access them. They incorporate just enough technical information such as load capabilities, dimensions and clearances to show how the systems fit into an overall design without overwhelming the user’s systems.
Ian Lomas, one of Kingspan’s Specification Sales Managers, said: “We have decided to make our systems available in BIM formats in response to customer feedback and Government expectations for the development of BIM. An increasing number of main contractors and specifiers are now requesting BIM compliance, and the format provides contractors and architects with increased versatility of tangible information when working on projects. BIM is here now and it will not be going away. The UK’s construction industry is changing and we at Kingspan Access Floors are embracing this as for the benefit of all involved, now and for the future. ”
The Government’s strategy for the UK construction sector states that BIM will play an increasingly important role in helping the UK to increase its share of a global construction market which is forecast to grow by over 70% by 2025. BIM Level 2 will be mandatory on all Government projects by the end of 2016.