Land F/X in a BIM Workflow

Note: The following catalog of content covered in this webinar is time stamped to allow you to follow along or skip to sections of the video that are relevant to your questions. You can also search for content on this page using the FIND command in your browser (CTRL + F in Windows, Command + F in Mac OS.)

• Intro/TOC
• Define BIM for Landscape Architects
• Why BIM Integration is Needed
• Land F/X to 3D
• Export 3D for BIM Coordination
• Land F/X Revit Plugin
• BIM Coordination and Clash Detection
  • Role of LAs in BIM Projects
    • Model Authors/Contributors
    • BIM Managers and Clash Detection
• Results

0:00 – 4:53: Intro/TOC

4:54 – 6:46: Define BIM for Landscape Architects

BIM entails providing the information landscape architects need in order to coordinate with other disciplines. All plant objects in the design have data associated with them for easy scheduling, allowing the landscape architect with all the information needed to get the planting design drawings out to construction – no more, and no less.

 

Diagram on how Land F/X integrates itself with BIM (6:06)

You can see the diagram here.

6:47 – 11:51: Why BIM Integration is Needed

• Collaboration (6:47)
  • Integrate with other disciplines
  • Coordinate designs in 3 dimensions
  • Data associated with objects for estimating, construction, and maintenance

 

Why Land F/X is BIM (7:28):

Data associated with individual Land F/X blocks about the plants and site features:

• Plant size
• Cost
• Environmental needs
• Accurate schedules can be generated at any time
• Files can be reviewed by contractor to locate elements
• O&M can receive files at project turnover

 

BIM software difference (8:57)

Revit:

• Using same software as architecture, structural, MEP in deliver of building model.
• Easy to view and compare design against other trades’ models in the native program (no need for 2D CAD exports by other trades to review).
• Most client reviewers and consultants would be working with the same tools.
• Model statistics are readily available for review by estimation, and scheduling has a direct link to the 3D model.
• For project turnover, Revit model information will be fully up to date in the as-designed condition.

 

AutoCAD/Civil 3D + Land F/X

• Using Land F/X, Rhino, Civil 3D, and SketchUp still allows for export to a shared BIM environment such as BIM360 or Navisworks.
• All stakeholders can still review models in this shared environment regardless of the means to produce them.
• Site work contractors are not using 3D in delivery of site construction.
• A fully integrated model requires continual design updates from all “authors,” regardless of which format they deliver.

11:52 – 23:18: Land F/X to 3D

Land F/X plugin options (12:13):

• SketchUp
• Rhino
• Revit

 

 

 

 

 

Example of a plan in CAD, SketchUp, Rhino, and Revit (13:44)

 

The importance of setting a User Coordinate System (UCS) (14:10)

 

Setting a UCS with Land F/X (15:05)

 

Example of a Land F/X plant symbol with data associated with it (17:10)

 

Exporting Land F/X plants to 3D using the 3D Connection (Rhino used as an example) (17:50)

 

Importing Land F/X plants into a 3D application (Rhino used as an example) (18:40)

 

The convenience of using Cloud Data (19:15)

 

Importing plants into SketchUp (20:00)

23:19 – 26:57: Export 3D for BIM Coordination

• The base point is critical! Use the Land F/X UCS tool.
• Revit has a direct connection with Navisworks NWC (.nwc) format.
  • SketchUp and Rhino models can also be imported easily.

 

Importing a 3D model back into CAD and then back into 3D again (25:20)

 

 

26:58 – 28:29: Land F/X Revit Plugin

Exporting a Revit view to DWG, NWC, or other formats (27:27)

28:30 – 35:39: BIM Coordination and Clash Detection

Exporting the files is the extent of coordination with other disciplines for Perry-Becker.

 

Example of how Perry-Becker coordinated a project (30:15)

 

Errors and clash reports (32:00)

 

 

 

Role of LAs in BIM Projects (33:30):

Model Authors/Contributors

• Export 3D design
• Send to BIM managers in proper format
• Update design from clash report results

 

BIM Managers and Clash Detection

• Compile individual models in consolidated model
  • Verify correct base point and location, and ensure that files are accurate to design drawings
  • Review coordination model for clash detection
  • Run clash reports and distribute to team
  • Set up biweekly BIM review meetings to coordinate

 

Clash detection example (34:10)

35:40 – end: Results

• Minimized field RFIs and coordination issues
• By taking the lead, they were able to control the design from connect through to construction

 

Takeaways/lessons learned:

• The model and coordination is only as good as the files the LA receives.
• The LA only needs to input that will be required for coordination. (LAs don’t need to overdo it.)
• It’s a coordination model – can easily integrate with rendering software if required.

 

With the tools available, landscape architects possess the holistic approach required to take the lead on BIM coordination and deliver projects accurately.

 

Other resources (37:35)

 

Question: Does the rootball information in Revit get transferred back to Land F/X? (39:12)

Answer: No, rootball information isn’t changed automatically between the two programs. You can employ a manual process or other workarounds for editing rootball information. Just keep in mind that the insertion point is the most important factor.

 

Question: Are the irrigation pipes and equipment also imported? (41:47)

Answer: As of webinar time, irrigation pipes and equipment are not imported and exported between CAD and 3D. However, we have plans to allow the mainline to be imported with the design.

 

Question: Is Land F/X planning to include rootball size information? (43:55)

Answer: Yes, we have this capability in the works.

 

Question: When would you typically integrate the 3D BIM into the design process? (44:25)

Answer: Perry-Becker typically does not include a 3D deliverable until design development phase. At design development, they will provide a 3D model at the 300 level of BIM development (object is represented accurately in its shape and is geolocated correctly).

 

Also, clients’ demands will vary. Some will want a rendering at the beginning.