What is BIM? One model, with every drawing generated from it
BIM is not just a good-looking 3D drawing. Five short stages show that BIM is a model that holds data, why it saves rework on documents, and how it catches clashes — ending with a real IFC model.
What the model calculates, and what it doesn't
The steel warehouse in the game is generated from exactly two parameters — the number of bays (6 m each, 24 m wide) and the number of dock doors. From these the model generates each component with its own code (foundation M-A3, column C-A3, truss K-3…), and the 3D view, 2D plan, bill of quantities and specification are all read from those same components. That is the whole idea of BIM: change one thing and every document updates.
Quantities are geometry only (pieces, m, m²) to avoid inventing prices. The clash check uses a longitudinal section: trusses occupy 7.6–8.2 m, roof purlins 8.8 m, rack tops 6.0 m and the 0.5 m clearance is a game assumption — the actual clearance required by the fire protection system must be determined by a fire safety engineer.
Stage 4 uses a real model: “Simple-Scene” sample file set of buildingSMART International (CC BY 4.0 license) — a small house split into three IFC4 files: architecture, structure and MEP. The page reads the files with a compact custom-written IFC reader (supporting only triangulated mesh geometry and extrusions from polygons — enough for this sample set), draws on a canvas, and uses no server. Clash detection works in two steps like professional software: filter by bounding box, then confirm with triangle–triangle intersection; a “bounding box touch” marks a spot for a person to review and is not necessarily an error.
Not calculated: cross sections, connections, loads, full MEP, level of detail (LOD) and the process of exchanging models between disciplines. Your .ifc file with other geometry types (Brep, boolean subtraction…) will be reported as skipped — this viewer is for understanding BIM, not a replacement for BIM software.
Frequently asked questions
How is BIM different from 3D drawings?
3D drawings are just pictures. BIM is a model where each component carries data: code, location, materials, connections, maintenance schedule. 2D drawings, bills of quantities and 3D views are all ways of looking at the same model, so if you make one change, all documents will change accordingly.
What size of warehouse or port project warrants BIM?
When a facility has many disciplines overlapping in a tight space — steel structure, fire protection, electrical, automated equipment — the cost of a single fix on site already exceeds the effort of building the model. Automated warehouses, cold stores and cargo terminals are typical cases.
Have real project parameters? Send them to CGD and get feedback on the design scope
This simulation stops at the principle. For a specific project, CGD builds the model on real operating data and floor plan drawings.
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