What is BIM (Building Information Modeling)?

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a collaborative digital process for creating, managing and sharing intelligent 3D models of buildings and industrial assets. Unlike traditional CAD drawings, BIM combines geometry with information about materials, costs, schedules and maintenance throughout the asset’s lifecycle.

How Does the BIM Process Work?

The process of working in the BIM approach contains separate stages, here’s a breakdown of how the BIM process works:

1. Data collection
2. Reality capture (laser scanning / drones)
3. Point cloud generation
4. BIM modelling
5. Clash detection
6. Design coordination
7. Documentation
8. Construction support
9. Facility management
10. Digital Twin integration

BIM Planning

In Capnor we focused on good planning to make sure all other stages of the project can be executed in the most efficient ways.

BIM Design Development

At that stage, we can deliver intelligent 3D models as a new design or as we most specialized intelligent 3D model based on point-cloud collected by our Survey Engineers.

Coordination and Clash Detection

Based on information contained in the design process we collect all disciplines such as architecture, structure, piping, electric, etc., and analyze them to identify any clashes or misalignments. At that stage, we can coordinate all disciplines to avoid any problems during construction.

Documentation and Visualization

All documentation, visualization, and 3D models can be delivered to the client such as production drawings, costs, logistics, etc.

Benefits of BIM

Modeling in the BIM environment allows for the inclusion of full information about a given element or material. Attributes consistent with LOD can be assigned to each element created in the modeling process and the appropriate level of geometry detail can be ensured. The BIM modeling process is not only focused on the 3D presentation of the project, but also a design process focused on cooperation and project management allowing for the optimization of the entire design process and facility management

BIM objects – what are they?

A BIM object is a 3D model of a product made in BIM software that includes detailed information not only about detail geometry but also the type of material, how to use it, and the cost of a single element or part. BIM objects come in different file formats and can be used with various BIM software like Revit, ArchiCAD.

BIM vs CAD

CAD and BIM are both used in engineering and construction, but they support different stages and types of project work. CAD focuses mainly on creating precise 2D drawings and 3D geometry, while BIM combines geometry with structured information about materials, systems, costs and asset operation.

Feature	CAD	BIM
Main purpose	Technical drawing and geometric design	Digital asset design and information management
Data structure	Lines, surfaces and solid geometry	Intelligent objects with properties and relationships
Collaboration	Files are usually exchanged between teams	Multiple disciplines work within a coordinated model
Project lifecycle	Mainly design and documentation	Design, construction, operation and maintenance
Change management	Changes may require manual drawing updates	Changes can be reflected across connected views and schedules
Typical applications	Mechanical design, drawings and fabrication	Buildings, industrial facilities and infrastructure

BIM vs Digital Twin

BIM is primarily used to design, coordinate and document a building or industrial asset. It contains structured information about geometry, materials, equipment and systems.

A Digital Twin goes further by connecting the digital model with current or historical operational data. This may include information from sensors, inspections, maintenance systems and facility management platforms.

BIM can therefore provide the information base for a Digital Twin, while the Digital Twin represents the asset throughout its operation and allows its condition and performance to be monitored.

BIM standards

BIM standards define how project information should be created, classified, exchanged and managed. They improve cooperation between designers, contractors, asset owners and facility managers.

One of the most important international BIM standards is ISO 19650, which describes information management throughout the lifecycle of a built asset. BIM projects may also use Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) for open model exchange and classification systems for organizing elements and technical data.

Using agreed BIM standards helps maintain consistent file structures, naming conventions, responsibilities and approval procedures across the project.

What is Scan to BIM?

Scan to BIM is the process of creating an accurate BIM model from laser scanning or photogrammetry data. The collected measurements are processed into a point cloud that represents the existing geometry of a building, installation or industrial facility.

Engineers then use the point cloud as a reference to model structural elements, piping, equipment, architecture and other systems. The resulting BIM model can support renovation, modernization, clash detection, facility management and as-built documentation.

Scan to BIM is particularly valuable when technical drawings are missing, outdated or do not reflect the actual condition of the facility.

Industries using BIM

BIM is used in sectors where accurate design coordination, asset documentation and lifecycle information are essential.

Industry	BIM application
Architecture and construction	Building design, coordination and construction documentation
Industrial facilities	Modeling equipment, structures, piping and technical installations
Oil and gas	Plant modernization, clash detection and maintenance planning
Energy	Power plant design, infrastructure coordination and asset management
Maritime and offshore	Modeling vessels, platforms and technical systems
Manufacturing	Factory layout planning and equipment integration
Civil infrastructure	Bridges, tunnels, roads and railway projects
Facility management	Asset documentation, maintenance planning and space management

What is LOD (Level of Development)

Levels of Development define how detailed and reliable BIM elements should be at different stages of a project. They help project teams understand which information can be used for planning, coordination, fabrication or facility management.

LOD	Purpose
LOD 100	Conceptual representation and preliminary planning
LOD 200	Approximate geometry, dimensions and location
LOD 300	Accurate geometry for design coordination and documentation
LOD 350	Detailed interfaces between elements and building systems
LOD 400	Fabrication, assembly and installation planning
LOD 500	Verified as-built information and facility management

BIM software - which one does we use in our projects?

At Capnor, we use BIM and engineering software selected according to the project scope, source data and required deliverables. Autodesk tools form the main environment for BIM modeling, design coordination and clash detection, while Leica Geosystems solutions support laser scanning and point cloud processing.

Software	Purpose
Autodesk Revit	BIM modeling of architecture, structures and installations
Autodesk Navisworks	Model coordination, clash detection and project review
Autodesk Inventor	Mechanical design and equipment modeling
Autodesk AutoCAD	Technical drawings and CAD documentation
Autodesk Recap	Point cloud import, processing and preparation
Leica Cyclone	Registration and processing of laser scanning data
Leica CloudWorx	Working with point clouds in CAD and BIM environments

What is LOD (Level of Development)

Levels of Development (LOD) define the level of detail required in a building information model (BIM) at various project stages.

As a standard, we recognize 6 levels of development:

LOD 100 – conceptual design

At this point, the model reflects the general dimensions and outlines of elements with minimal specific details. It is utilized to communicate the underlying design purpose.

LOD 200 – schematic design

The model becomes increasingly precise by incorporating various elements' estimated amounts, dimensions, shapes, and positions. Analyzing spatial relationships and early design concepts is aided by this tool.

LOD 300 – detailed design

During this stage, the model includes geometric data and detailed object components, such as sizes, shapes, and specific details. It is utilized in the creation of construction documents and the coordination of various disciplines.

LOD 350 – construction documentation

The model contains detailed assemblies along with detailed fabrication and construction-level information. Construction documents and shop drawings are produced using this software.

LOD 400 – fabrication and assembly

This stage requires the development of intricate models with precise assemblies and connections, designed for fabrication and assembly tasks.

LOD 500 – as-built or facility management

The model currently incorporates data on the building's installed components and operational features, providing a realistic representation of the maintenance and facility management needs

BIM information sharing – how does it proceed?

BIM projects contain a huge amount of information necessary to ensure the proper execution of the process. The ability to share this information between the individual design departments and with the client's representatives allows for quick and effective work. At Capnor, we are focused on the effective execution of our activities, working on the right platforms using the latest technologies is a key element of the entire process supported by good communication.

BIM software - which one does we use in our projects?

As a company related to the industry, our main tools are Autodesk products. Programs such as Revit, Inventor, or Navisworks are the natural environment in which we operate. With Leica Geosystem solutions allowed us to perform projects based on the point cloud. 3D laser scanning and data processing allow us to quickly transfer this information to the CAD environment.