One of the topics I've been dealing with a lot recently is the subject of classification - unfortunately, I also had to realize that we haven't made much progress on this topic in German-speaking countries. But what is the reason for this? I believe that many people still don't realize why this topic is so important. After all, we work with intelligent BIM systems, why should we still classify the model?
The problem of a lack of classification only becomes noticeable when two intelligent systems have to communicate with each other - let's take Revit and iTWO as a classic example. While Revit understands and can use the model built according to its own logic perfectly, on the other side, to exaggerate, there is just a pile of information that first has to be sorted:
Photo by Rick Mason on Unsplash
Of course, you can sort the pile using rules, as in the example above, according to the color, shape and function of the components - but is that really the point? Wouldn't it be much easier if the building blocks arrived pre-sorted? And this is exactly where the classification systems come into play!
From a global perspective, there are already established classification systems that most people know at least by name:
MasterFormat - was developed in the USA and classifies all construction-related products and activities. This classification can be stored in Revit in the form of building element keys. The classification is located in a text file, which is usually stored under the following path: C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\RVT 2019\Libraries\
UniFormat - also from the USA, classifies all physical components of a building (ideal for cost calculations). This classification can be integrated in Revit via the parameter assembly identifier. The classification structure itself is saved in a text file, which is located under the following path: C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\RVT 2019\Libraries\Germany\UniformatClassifications.txt
Uniclass - developed by the National Building Specification (NBS) in England, covers all components, materials and project properties in the construction sector. This classification is best suited to the Classification Manager from the BIM Interoperability Tools developed by Autodesk.
OmniClass - also a US standard for the management of product data of all built objects over the entire life cycle (therefore often used in the transition to building operation).
This classification system is also stored in Revit and can be stored in the family editor. The classification itself is stored as a text file in the following path: C:\Users\\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk\Revit\Autodesk Revit 2019\OmniClassTaxonomy.txt
But a DIN276 or an IFC scheme are also classifications that we will talk about in the next blog posts!
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Cool new design, I like it, nice and wide!
Yes, the Classification Manager is a great tool, especially because you can also use the custom Excel file ( C:\Program Files (x86)\Autodesk\BIT\2019\Classification Manager\Classification Manager Database Custom.xlsx ) to create your own standards very nicely. It would be nice if there was a column with the German names for the categories. I think the DBD tool for classification only works with a paid account, right? There are good videos on the interoperability tools here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFpzpx9RPXPttpA5mAlAcGQ
The Excel files are not really databases. What is the best way to manage these files in a company so that they are consistent and can be opened by several employees at the same time?
Hello Thomas, that's probably true, neither text files nor Excel are really ideal, which is why there are currently more and more tools on the subject! I'm currently testing a few methods here and will also discuss these tools, including the Classification Manager, in the next few posts. I look forward to interesting discussions and an exchange of opinions!
So many classification systems, which system will win in the end?
Or will someone completely different come around the corner and bring everything up to standard?
e.g. Google, Amazon or another big player.
Classifications are sought in so many associations (VDI, BTGA, DIN and then in ISO)
Hopefully the players will come to an agreement soon. Otherwise the above will happen.
I don't think there is a "perfect" classification system, as it also depends on the purpose for which the model is used. For example, I also know end users who modify the above-mentioned text files in Revit so that they represent the cost groups according to DN276.
As we do not yet have a BIM mandate, we also lack a standardized classification system, but in Austria there are already initial trials with the feature server, and work is also underway in Germany as part of the VDI 2552 guideline. I will write more about these topics in the next few posts and also show the Austrian feature server!
Best regards, Lejla
Dear Lejla,
What an apt post!
Especially when it comes to the entire "BIM chain", it becomes extremely exciting. How do I classify and attribute meaningfully in the early planning stage to ensure consistent continuity right through to operation with a CAFM system? From which perspective do I see my elements/objects? Planning, execution, operation, especially in the HVAC/HVAC sector?
A single project data management system with multidimensional data and information management, with rules and workflows that "lives" the entire building life cycle as a smart and intelligent digital twin... that is my vision of digitalization in the construction industry.
Perhaps the Merkmalservers are a further step in this direction.
Kind regards,
Andreas
Hello Andreas,
thanks for your comment - yes, consistency would of course be ideal, but I'm not entirely sure whether this is really possible due to the different requirements in the life cycle? In the end, it's probably only feasible with several parameters that can possibly be combined as required. But maybe I'm missing something - it remains exciting in any case 😉
Best regards,
Lejla
Hello Leijla, I am currently a student in the civil engineering program and have attended an elective course on BIM objects during the semester break. As a final assignment of this course, I will give a presentation on classification systems, standardization and normalization of BIM objects. Unfortunately, I don't know much about this topic and I generally find it a bit difficult to find my way around the BIM topic. This post has given me some hope. Could I possibly ask you a few questions on this topic?
Hello Leijla, I am currently a student in the civil engineering program and have attended an elective course on BIM objects during the semester break. As a final assignment of this course, I will give a presentation on classification systems, standardization and normalization of BIM objects. Unfortunately, I don't know much about this topic and I generally find it a bit difficult to find my way around the BIM topic. This post has given me some hope. Could I possibly ask you a few questions on this topic?
Hello Anna,
thanks for your comment - what do you think about describing your questions to me in more detail and I'll write an article about it, I'm sure others will be interested too?
Just send me a short e-mail to info@bim-me-up.com 🙂
LG, Lejla
Hello Leijla, is there any news on this topic from February in the meantime? Many thanks for your reply! VG M
Hi Michael, thanks for your comment - I'll write another update in a few days! LG, Lejla
Hello Lejla,
As far as classification is concerned, there is news with ECLASS, buildingsmart and VDMA. ECLASS is to be internationalized and is an ISO/IEC-compliant data standard - could be something, what do you think?
LG, Gabi
Hi Gaby, thanks for your comment - yes, that's true, it could definitely be something - but I also have the feeling that it's all developing very slowly and doesn't cover all use cases in practice. But I believe that more work will be done on this topic in the next few years and that we can therefore expect faster progress!