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Integrative Work With Building Models And RIB Software

November 1, 2015
4 mins read

Max Bögl Group and RIB Software Lay the Foundations for Model-Based Construction

SENGENTHAL and STUTTGART, February 24 2015. From Building Information Modeling to Building Information Management with RIB software. Detailed planning, integrating all tasks and processes in a construction project, is needed to work efficiently with structural models across fields. This, at least, is the experience of the Max Bögl group, the largest family-run construction firm in the federation and for long years a technological partner of RIB Software AG.

Max Bögl is in the top 5 in the entire German construction sector and has engaged with the digitalization of construction for many years within the framework of its partnership with RIB. Together with the software manufacturer from Stuttgart, practicable solutions arise from collaboration for work with BIM models in construction. The iTWO 5D software by RIB is consistently extended with the goal of optimizing model-based work for the future. All involved disciplines should be able to work continuously on a structural model together using the iTWO solution. From pre-planning through construction to controlling. Intensive collaboration with the sectoral leaders at home and abroad forms the basis for this.

At the Max Bögl group, the term “Building Information Modeling” (CAD-BIM), now established across the sector, has ever further developed towards so-called “Building Information Management”. Mathias A. Bartl, head of construction operation technological organization in company development at the Max Bögl group, explains where classical CAD-BIM reaches its limits: “Practical experience has shown that a BIM model cannot solve typical construction problems but only transfers them in order to examine them. The more dimensions become part of model-oriented working – at RIB it is five in total, with 3D geometry plus costs and time – the larger the dataset to be handled becomes.” As an example in the 5D working process, he names the transfer of tasks and decisions from calculation to model-creation. At Max Bögl, the 3D models for the shell construction are created in-house. Bartl continues: “For this reason, as a company, we are required to drive forward the BIM process with the possibilities that are open to us as an enterprise.”

BAUMA, the construction fair that took place in January, has made clear that a real BIM hype has broken loose in Germany. Because of aggressive manufacturer presentations, which are monitored both from the software field and by materials manufacturers, construction industry managers often see BIM as the solution to all problems. That the publicized working methods also require the digitalization of internal business processes is often overlooked. According to the experiences of Max Bögl, BIM is often simply a database of many things that all need to be interlinked.

“Model-oriented construction requires proper planning,” explains Mathias A. Bartl. “A good foundation for the construction is a detailed execution plan with a virtual model. If costs are included, linking services and model data is required. Because costs are always referenced to services. The solution is integrative working methods. Here, over the long term, procurement and financial bookkeeping are linked to the model-based working method and are thus part of the project: from the virtual to the physical. We are working on these solutions within our company and in collaboration with our partner, RIB,” he concludes.

Benefits for Max Bögl:

  • High transparency in the planning process
  • Improved coordination of all involved in planning
  • BIM as an all-encompassing method ensures quality in the project

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