We can define BIM (Building Information Modeling) as a digital representation of the physical and functional characteristics of a building. It is a shared knowledge resource for information about that building from first conception to demolition.
This creation of information is classified into 5 dimensions – 3D, 4D, 5D, 6D and 7D. Each dimension determines the degree of information that is incorporated into the BIM model.
3D BIM
It is related to strictly three-dimensional content, the best known to everyone. The virtual representation of reality: The building, the infrastructure, the terrain. Virtual representation allows graphic animation exercises of construction that are used to see construction processes, or to allow a vision related to virtual reality.
3D representation acquires the BIM category when it involves the creation of a structured database that provides us with information about “what is represented.”
4D BIM
It is the dimension that deals with “planning” in the broadest sense of the term, understood as an approach to temporal characteristics that affect construction processes. In this way, it approaches the planning of works by simulating its phases.
Temporal progression is also related to processes such as certification for executed work, or the analysis of the safety conditions of a work.
5D BIM
Aspects related to cost estimation or valuation are the content of the 5D dimension. The extraction of data for measurement, the consequent costs, the simulations of different solutions for economic analysis, or the evaluation of costs of different subsystems of the project, or partial projects, developed from different disciplines.
It is worth remembering here that, when carrying out measurements and budgets, the model data must be complemented with data that comes from the information contained in classic 2D and in the specifications.
6D BIM
This is the dimension of sustainability. Aspects such as energy efficiency, environmental impact analysis or eco-design are included here. As a consequence, this dimension has a direct relationship with the environmental certification processes of buildings such as BREEAM, DGNB, LEED, VERDE, and others.
7D BIM
The aspects related to the operation or useful life of the building or infrastructure are contemplated from the 7D dimension that covers what we would include within Asset Management (Facility Management). The “As Built”, operation and maintenance, space management, with all the associated information, are part of this dimension.
