The Ultimate BIM Knowledge Hub
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ELI5
Gross Internal Area (GIA)
The total area of buildings owned, occupied, or maintained, measured to the internal face of the perimeter walls at each floor level, is referred to as GIA (i.e. the footprint
2022-07-24
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agent
…’An agent is just something that acts (agent comes from the Latin agree, to do). Of course, all computer programs do something, but computer agents are expected to do more:
2022-07-11
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Text Annotation
Text annotations are a way for a modeller to provide additional information to a BPMN diagram reader. The text annotation object can be associated with a specific object on the
2022-06-29
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BS EN ISO 19650-2:2018
Organization and digitization of information about buildings and civil engineering works, including building information modelling (BIM) — Information management using building information modelling Part 2: Delivery phase of the assets
2022-07-24
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How To
Problem Solving Process
Understanding the Problem-Solving Process
Effective problem-solving is at the heart of success in any field. Drawing inspiration from the book “General Relativity for Babies” by Chris Ferrie, which simplifies complex topics into easy-to-understand concepts, I have created a straightforward guide to the problem-solving process.
2024-07-14
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Golden thread
The (digital by default) record of predefined documents and building information required to ensure that the original design intent and any subsequent building changes are captured, preserved, and used to
2022-07-04
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TN system
A system having one or more points of the source of energy directly earthed, the exposedconductive-parts of the installation being connected to that point by protective conductors.
2023-02-05
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actor
person, organization or organizational unit involved in a construction process [cited from ISO 19650-1:2018(en), 3.2.1]
2022-07-24
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system
interacting objects organized to achieve one or more stated purpose [SOURCE: ISO/IEC/IEEE 15288:2015, 4.1.46, modified — The words “combination of” at the beginninghave been removed; “elements” has been replaced by
2022-07-24
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Current-carrying capacity
Themaximum current which can be carried by a conductor under specified conditions (Installation method, temperature,grouping,etc.)without its steady-state temperature exceeding a specified value (for example,90 ºCfor cables with thermosetting insulation).
2023-02-05
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component
named and individually scheduled physical item and feature that might require management, such as inspection, maintenance, servicing or replacement, during the in-use phaseNote 1 to entry: Components can serve as
2022-07-24
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trigger event
a planned or unplanned event that changes an asset (3.2.8) or it’s status during its life cycle (3.2.10), which results in information exchange (3.3.7) [cited from ISO 19650-1:2018(en), 3.2.13]
2022-07-15
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Blog
BS8519 awareness of the changes
An email debate on whether BS 8519’s “dedicated cable support” rules really apply to central battery emergency lighting. We unpack the scope of BS 8519 vs BS 5266-1 and BS 7671, and what that means for segregation, containment and life-safety wiring on real projects.
2025-11-14
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Equipment Clearance
Equipment Clearance shall be modelled for use in interference management and maintenance access requirements. It is the minimum space adjacent to the equipment required to allow access for maintenance, installation
2022-07-11
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Plain Language Questions (PLQ)
The publication of ISO 19650 set of standards replaces use of PLQ and instead introduce the term with exchange information requirements (EIR) and project information requirements (PIR). Project information requirements
2022-07-27
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BS 8541-5:2015
Library objects for architecture, engineering and construction Part 5: Assemblies – Code of practice Note: ISO 22014 and ISO 22057 are under development tosupersede BS 8541, parts 1-6.
2022-07-15
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Globally Unique Identifier (GUID)
globally unique identifier (GUID) its a unique object identifier that guarantees its uniqueness throughout its entire life unique, the identifier is usually generated using an algorithm a unique identifier generated
2022-07-24
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Builders work in connection (BWIC)
Coordination of Builders work in connection to services i.e. openings in walls or floors for MEP Services It is anticipated that as a minimum, all builders work openings of 50x50mm
2022-07-04
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Infrastructure
the structures that emphasize, organise and enable social functions. Individual units of infrastructure are known as assets. It is sometimes subcategorised into economic infrastructure, the networks of built assets that
2022-07-11
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Design Web Format
Design Web Format (DWF), created by Autodesk. DWF is a compressed, non-editable, vector file format created by CAD and BIM applications. A DWF file can represent sheets for plotting purposes
2022-07-11
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ISO/TS 12911:2012
Framework for building information modelling (BIM) guidance STANDARDS BY ISO/TC 59/SC 13
2022-07-24
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Competent person
Aperson who possesses sufficient technical knowledge, relevant practical skills and experience for the nature of the electrical work undertaken and is able at all times to prevent danger and,where appropriate,
2023-02-05
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Conformance Class
Conformance class allows establishing relations from the information model of BS EN 82045-2 to any other object of relevance available information model. For example, the Project Information Model (PIM) Conformance
2022-07-11
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risk register
means a risk register containing the risks associated with the timely delivery of information as may be identified in the Information Particulars and/or provided in accordance with the Information Standard.
2022-07-03
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Navisworks file format (NWF)
When saving to a “Navisworks file format (NWF), only a list with pointers to the files currently loaded is saved, along with the scene’s environment, the current view, clash results,
2022-07-11
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Required Standard
means the level of skill and care applicable to the Party’s equivalent obligation under the Appointment. [1] [1] UK BIM Framework, 2020. Information protocol to support BS EN ISO 19650-2
2022-07-11
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How To
Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs)
Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs) in the UK: Technical Requirements and Implementation Executive Summary Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs) represent a significant advancement in electrical fire safety. This whitepaper provides
2025-05-23
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Blog
Emergency Lighting in Toilet Cubicles
Summary
1. If the toilet has borrowed light and is less than 8m square:
a. There is no need for emergency lighting, however,
b. If there is a cubicle with full height door – therefore closed without borrowed lighting – then the EM lighting would be required in that cubicle.
2. If the overall toilet has no borrowed light,
a. And the WC cubicles do not have full-size doors; there should be at least one emergency outside row of cubicles.
b. If there is a cubicle with full height door – therefore closed without borrowed lighting – then the EM lighting would be required in that cubicle.
2023-05-27
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Product Data Template (PDT)
The document aimed to be used by manufacturers and consumers where information about a product, is collated in a standardised and structured way. The information is structured in the form
2022-07-24
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How To
Electrical & Mechanical Equipment Access and Maintenance
Electrical & Mechanical Equipment: Access & Maintenance (UK) “All controlgear shall be mounted so as to facilitate its operation and maintenance. Where a special tool is necessary to adjust, maintain,
2025-08-21
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third party
person or body that is recognized as being independent of the parties involved with the issues in question [1] Note 1 to entry: “Parties involved” are usually supplier (“first party”) and purchaser (“second party”). 1
2022-07-11
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How To
Separation Gap for Primary and Secondary Life Safety Cable Trays Roof Installation)
UK electrical and fire safety standards do not prescribe a fixed minimum separation distance for roof-mounted life-safety cable trays. However, BS 7671, BS 8519, and BS 5839 collectively establish that life-safety circuits must be installed on dedicated containment and be either separated by barriers or adequately distanced to ensure circuit independence.
2025-07-29
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Model View Definition (MVD)
One or more specific information exchange requirements may necessitate the need for a model view definition (MVD). A machine-readable representation of MVDs is required when using them in software development.
2022-07-24
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Parametric behaviour
The parametric behaviour of an object describes whether its shape, position, and orientation are designed to be dependent on other information associated with the object or the context in which
2022-06-29
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Tier 1
In the construction industry, Tier 1 is a Contractor referred in ISO 19650 as the Lead appointed party, who provide goods or services directly to the ultimate client. The Tier
2022-07-27
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cooperation
The interaction of individuals or task teams who work together to achieve a common goal, it demonstrates the ability to learn from each other. Cooperation forms a crucial attribute of
2022-07-15
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Dictionary
lead appointed party
The term introduced by ISO 19650 typically describes the Tier 1 Main Contractor. For example: : The Lead Appointed Party is a specific entity directly appointed (employed) by the primary
2022-07-03
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k Factor
Factors for conductor materials from BS7671:2018,Table43.1. Different values are given for different types of conductor and insulatingmaterials. k2s2 used in adiabatic calculations gives the short-time withstand of a conductor in
2023-02-05
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BS 8536-1:2015
Briefing for design and construction Part 1: Code of practice for facilities management (Buildings infrastructure)
2022-07-15
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Instructions
Project Template_RVT_2024
Revit Electrical Project Template 2024 v24.1.1 Template For: Electrical Engineers, Bim Managers, Electrical Designers Setup: Typically 2–4 hours — quicker for experienced users. View Details Technical Details Released: Jul 24,
2025-07-24
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merge request
A merge request corresponds to the creation of one property and the deactivation of several properties. After validation of the merge request by the experts, the merged properties are deactivated.
2022-07-24
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specialization relation
relation between kinds of things that relates two concepts whereby the subtype concept is a more specific concept than the supertype concept and has all the aspects that define the
2022-07-11
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Dictionary
BS EN ISO 9001:2015
Quality management systems Requirements ISO 9001 is a set of quality management principles defined by various criteria and standards. It outlines the importance of defining a quality management system (QMS)
2022-07-15
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Project Information Standards
Project Information standards shall be covered within the BIM Execution Plan (BEP). Standards In line with BIM Goals and Uses to ensure continuity that information containers are structured, coordinated, managed
2022-07-11
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Industry Foundation Classes (IFC)
conceptual data schema and exchange file format for building information modelling (BIM) data BS EN ISO 23387:2020 In general, IFC, or “Industry Foundation Classes”, is a standardized, digital description of
2022-07-24
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How To
Cable Ladder vs Perforated Cable Tray Selection Guide
Cable Ladder vs Perforated Cable Tray – Selection Guide (UK, 2025) Scope & references BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 and A3:2024 (selection & erection; installation reference methods; grouping). IET On‑Site Guide to BS
2025-08-24
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Blog
Wiring in Protected Escape Route
Compliance with fire safety regulations in Firefighting Cores directly affects life safety and emergency response. This guide will help you meet the latest fire performance standards.
2025-02-17
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Contractor’s proposals (CP)
Contractor’s proposals (CP) in AEC industry refer to documentation prepared by tenderers for design and build projects or on a traditional contract where the bidder is to design specific parts
2022-07-11
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Physical Asset
A physical asset is an item of economic, commercial, or exchange value that has a material existence.Physical assets are also known as tangible assets.For most businesses, physical assets usually refer
2022-07-11
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asset management
coordinated activity of an organization to realize value from assets Note 1 to entry: Realization of value will normally involve a balancing of costs, risks, opportunities and performance benefits.Note 2
2022-07-24
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