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We’re struggling with BIM coordination on a 1.2 million sqft mixed-use development involving multiple firms, disciplines, and software platforms. Key issues:
1️⃣ Model size & performance – IFC models are huge, cloud-based tools lag, and syncing is slow.
2️⃣ Version control conflicts – Structural, MEP, and architectural models often don’t align, causing clashes late in the process.
3️⃣ Data ownership & interoperability – Each firm uses different BIM authoring tools, leading to reformatting issues and data loss.
We’ve tried linked models, cloud-based collaboration, and clash detection early, but issues persist.
For those managing multi-disciplinary BIM coordination, how do you ensure model consistency and real-time updates across multiple firms?
We’ve faced this—some firms refuse to update their models unless formally directed. Should this be an explicit deliverable with penalties for outdated models?
(BIM Legal Advisor): This is a huge issue. Most contracts don’t specify BIM update responsibilities clearly, leading to scope gaps and model discrepancies.
(Construction Technologist - Prefab): Prefabrication relies on precision, but BIM coordination lags too much for accurate offsite fabrication. We had a 5mm tolerance mismatch between the MEP model and reality, forcing costly rework.
We do periodic scans, but integrating point cloud data into live BIM coordination slows things down. How often should we be running these scans?
(Reality Capture Specialist): Are you integrating laser scans and as-built verification back into your BIM workflow? Point clouds can catch misalignment issues before fabrication.
(MEP Engineer - Data Centers): Different firms using different BIM platforms is a major pain. Revit, Tekla, ArchiCAD, Navisworks, and Rhino don’t play well together, and IFC doesn’t always transfer metadata properly.
We looked into it, but most middleware requires manual adjustments per export. Any platforms that handle real-time cross-software data exchange better?
(Interoperability Consultant): IFC is improving, but it still struggles with parametric relationships and nested objects. Have you considered using BIM middleware to automate format conversion?
(Structural Engineer - High-Rise): We’ve run into versioning conflicts where architects revise layouts, but clash detection isn’t rerun fast enough, so steel orders are placed based on outdated plans.
We’re mostly exchanging files. Would model streaming technology improve real-time updates across teams?
(BIM Software Developer): This sounds like a federation lag issue—are you using a centralized model repository or relying on file-based exchanges?
(BIM Coordinator - Infrastructure): Model performance issues are usually a sign that LOD is too high too early. Are you optimizing your geometric complexity and linked file structure?
(BIM Manager - Mega Projects): Definitely. Use LOD progression—start with lightweight geometry, then swap in detailed elements at key milestones.
Some models are too detailed for early coordination, but teams push back when we suggest LOD adjustments. Would creating a low-resolution proxy model for coordination help?
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(Project Controls - Infrastructure Megaprojects): The biggest issue isn’t the tech—it’s contractual responsibility for BIM updates. Who’s responsible for ensuring BIM models are continuously updated across disciplines?