Plan

Building Information Modelling (BIM) refers to a method of networked planning, implementation and management of buildings and other structures with the aid of software. All relevant building data is digitally modelled, combined and captured. The building is also visualised in geometric form as a virtual model. Here, different levels of detail (LoD) are defined in terms of both geometry (Level of Geometry, LoG) and information (Level of Information, LoI). BIM enables collaborative working on construction projects. Construction project information is collected on a central data platform (Common Data Environment, CDE) and made available to all involved.

Crane Information Models (CIM) make the operational planning of cranes easier for architects and construction planners. The CIM concept offers customised solutions and closes information gaps in the planning process, ranging from estimates of how many and what type of cranes will be needed on site, to the determination of details such as working ranges and corner loads.

Liebherr Tower Cranes is currently working on a generic way of integrating CI-models into authoring systems and will be launching the CI-models in full over the next few months.

The main and sub processes of a Building Information Model are closely linked to a Common Data Environment (CDE). This is a system based on various interconnected databases, cloud systems and servers. The Common Data Environment (CDE) is therefore a cohesive source of information for all building project stakeholders. The CDE platform consolidates and summarises all the information needed for the construction model and the collection, management and distribution of documentation.

The platform brings together all project information across the construction lifecycle, whether this has been generated in a BIM environment or has a conventional data format. Creating a single source of information facilitates collaboration between members of the project team and helps to avoid errors and duplication of work.

An IFC file is a model file created in Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) format - an open file format used by Building Information Modelling (BIM) programs. It contains a data-driven model of a construction machine, building or facility, including its shape, spatial elements and materials used, as well as their associated properties (attributes).

IFC allows complex 3D models, including planning data, building elements and their descriptive attributes, to be transferred between different CAD systems in a common format.

BIM authoring software typically uses parametric modelling for the design of digital building models. Authoring software plays a key role in BIM processes as models for model-based working cannot be created without it. The Liebherr Crane Planner 2.0 is an example of such authoring software.