1. The Ultimate
Glossary of BIM Terms

2. BIM Terms You Should Know
The architectural, engineering and construction
domain is fast evolving. With technologies like BIM
acquiring a center stage, many industry professionals
and stakeholders get confused about all the terms
and jargon they keep on hearing.
In this blog, let’s look at some industry-specific
terminology and special BIM terms you should know
before you jump deeper into the world of Building
Information Modeling (BIM).
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3. 1. 3D Modeling
3D modeling is the most common form of
BIM that uses common data environment to
create and share graphic/non-graphic
information in a 3D model for collaboration.
2. 4D Modeling
4D modeling adds construction sequencing information in
the project model that lets stakeholders know how the
project will be developed sequentially. Essentially, this
involves adding scheduling data to the components to
keep everyone informed on the development sequence.
3. 5D Modeling
5D modeling is related to cost information and
enriches a BIM model with accurate cost
information associated with various components
and systems. 5D model embeds capital costs,
operational costs and replacement costs associated
with every physical aspect of a project. The
calculation is linked to different components within
the graphic model itself.
Read this detailed article about BIM Dimensions at,
What are BIM Dimensions- 3D, 4D, 5D, 6D and 7D
BIM Explained | Definition & Benefits
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4. 4. Asset Information Model
An asset information model is essentially a BIM model
complemented with all the required information essential
to operate and manage the asset after construction. An
asset can refer to civil or infrastructure work or any other
dedicated asset within the bigger BIM model.
5. Building Information Model
A building information model (BIM) is a digital depiction or
representation of various components of a building or facility,
usually in 3D format. The three-dimensional model is linked to
a central database consisting of information about materials,
components, systems, products and their attributes.
6. Building Information Modeling
Building information modeling is the process of creating
informative 3D models using data modeling software. This
is done to create a detailed representation of a building
digitally to outline the physical and functional attributes.
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5. BIM coordination allows various stakeholders to work in relation to each
other throughout the entire lifecycle of a BIM project. This is done to
avoid chances of clashes and detect the same at early stages to minimize
wastage of resources and for achieving cost-efficiency. Clash detection
helps discover conflicts between various elements- structural, MEP
through a digital approach via the BIM model.
Feel free to explore this article,
How clash detection is augmenting construction drawing validation?
7. BIM Coordination (Clash Detection)
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6. BIM works on different levels from Level 0 to level 3 where Level
0 means making use of 2D CAD drafting with no collaboration.
BIM levels can be said to be distinct milestones that take the
modeling process to greater collaboration. The distinct levels
are as follows:
• Level 0: 2D CAD drafting with no collaboration between
stakeholders
• Level 1: Amalgamation of 3D CAD and 2D for
documentation and product information. The data is shared
electronically through a CDE. Though there is no
collaboration between various stakeholders. Each maintains
its own data.
• Level 2: Collaborative working using 3D CAD models where
information is shared via a common file format.
• Level 3: Complete integration of work between all the
stakeholders using shared project model stored in common
data environment to eliminate conflicts.
Feel free to explore them in detail at,
BIM Maturity Levels Explained- Level 0, Level 1, Level 2, Level 3
8. BIM Levels
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7. www.united-bim.com 7
A Bill of Quantities is developed by a cost consultant
or quantity surveyor to provide accurate quantities
of the materials, parts, etc. required for completing
a task by looking at the drawings or specifications.
9. BOQ (Bill of Quantities)
Bill of materials is used to enlist the raw materials,
parts, components, sub-components required for
completing a project.
Related article:
What is BOQ & BOM and How BIM is Improving
BOQ/BOM Development Process?
10. BOM (Bill of Material)
A BIM object contains detail information about
a component and its geometry representing its
physical characteristics within a project model.
Are you looking to develop custom BIM objects
library, check out our,
Revit family creation service.
11. BIM Objects

8. www.united-bim.com 8
A BIM execution plan is drafted to manage the project delivery.
BEP is categorized into pre-contract and post-contract BEP
where pre-contract BEP outlines the proposal in response to
the information requirements and post-contract BEP consists of
delivery details.
Here is everything you need to know about BIM Execution Plan,
BIM Execution Plan (BXP)- What, Why, When and How
14. BIM Execution Plan (BEP)
The term is a code of practice used for referring the process
of producing AEC information, collaboratively in conjunction
with each other.
13. BS 1192
The standard term used to refer collaborative information
drafting associated with fulfilling employer’s information
exchange requirement using COBie.
12. BS 1192-4

9. www.united-bim.com 9
Common Data Environment (CDE) is a shareable information
repository that can be used by all the stakeholders in a BIM
project. All the data related to a BIM model is created, stored and
shared via the CDE through cloud storage that can be accessed by
various departments/stakeholders to improve coordination and
boost productivity.
16. Common Data Environment (CDE)
A standard legal agreement prepared for construction and
contractor clients outlining additional rights and duties of employer
and contracted parties for promoting collaborative working without
diluting ownership and control over intellectual property.
17. CIC BIM Protocol
A comprehensive data scheme consisting of a portion of
information within the building model created for facility
management handover.
Read the full article about COBie,
What Is COBie & How It Streamlines Data Collaboration Between
AEC Professionals
15. Construction Operations Building
Information Exchange (COBie)

10. 18. Clash Rendition
Clash rendition is the process undertaken to minimize
chances of clashes and speed up the process of clash
detection between Building Information Models
(BIM) developed by different teams. Clash rendition
is done to reduce errors and minimize costs.
19. Data Exchange Specification
Data exchange specification is a standard
specification for electronic file formats for facilitating
exchange of digital data between various BIM
software to promote interoperability.
20. Federated Model
A federated model is an integrated model developed
by collating different individual models into a single
model. This is done by importing several models into
a single model via the process of collaborative
working.
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11. IFC specification is a data standard managed by buildingSMART
international that governs the data format for describing, sharing
and exchanging information used in the building and facility
management sector. Fundamentally, it includes definition,
schemas and libraries of IFC- a neutral data format.
21. IFC Specification
An information delivery manual is developed to identify different
construction process and articulate information required at every
stage. IDM is developed using a standard format outlined in ISO
29381-1. Information delivery manual is designed to make
required information available to stakeholders whenever required.
22. Information Delivery Manual
Life-cycle assessment or life cycle analysis is the process of
determining the environmental impact of any project – all its
assets in terms of materials consumed, energy expended, and
waste/pollutants released during its entire lifecycle.
Fundamentally, LCA is done to check the environmental load of an
asset using a standard methodology defined in ISO 14040.
23. Life-cycle Assessment(LCA)
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12. www.united-bim.com 12
Level of detail is a standard defined in PAS 1192-2 which depicts
the Level of Model Detail and Level of Information Detail. While
level of model detail outlines the graphical content on models at
each stage, level of model information is associated with non-
graphical content within models at different stages. Level of
detail can be schematic, concept or defined.
24. Level of Detail
Level of Development (LOD) specification allows AEC professionals to articulate
Building Information Models at different stages of design and construction
process. It is form of a standard reference that promotes clarity, accuracy and
reliability of the content of a BIM model.
Read the detailed article about LOD definitions and how each level represents
the capability of BIM model at,
BIM Level of Development | LOD 100, 200, 300, 350, 400, 500
25. LOD- Level of Development
Open BIM is open-source version of
collaborative design, development and
building operations using open standards
and frameworks. Build using SMART data
model, open BIM incorporates data to ISO
16739, processes to ISO 29381-1 and terms
to ISO 12006-3.
26. Open BIM

13. www.united-bim.com 13
Quantity take-offs refer to accurate measurement of
materials and labor required for completing a
construction project. An estimator develops quantity-
takeoffs during the pre-construction process which
are used for outlining the scope of construction.
27. Quantity Take-off
PAS 1192 framework outlines the level of model detail
in terms of graphical content, model information in
terms of specification data and model definition in
terms of meaning is required. Also, its subsets, PAS
1192-2, PAS 1192-3, PAS 1192-5 and BS 1192-4 defines
how much information is required for various stages
such as CAPEX, OPEX, etc.
28. PAS 1192
Record BIM refers to a coordinated model or
a group of models that represents the
construction of a structure completed under
a contract. It is submitted by a contractor or
subcontractor.
29. Record BIM
Uniclass is a standard classification system
used in the United Kingdom which allows
grouping of objects into numerical headers.
This facilitates streamlined arrangement of
information as per type or class and is used for
categorization within BIM models.
30. Uniclass

14. Guidelines for Outsourcing BIM
Key Takeaways for AEC Professionals
FEATURED BLOGS
What is COBie?
How it is streamlining data collaboration
between AEC professionals
What is Clash Detection in BIM?
Process, Benefits and Future Scope in Modern
Day AEC industry
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15. Review your design drawings to perfection with this easy to use
drawing checklist, made for Architects and Engineers.
REVIEW CHECKLIST
FOR PERFECT DESIGN DRAWINGS
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16. www.united-bim.com info@united-bim.com
+1 (954) 537-9137