9. Technology Platform and Software
9.1 Approved BIM Software for VA Projects:-1-
VA accepts object oriented software applications that comply with current industry interoperability standards and are able to be used in a collaborative environment. All software platforms used for VA projects shall be compliant with:
- The most current version of Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) file format
- Commercially available collaboration software that provides interoperability between the different software applications (see below).
- Traditional 2D documentation shall be prepared with approved IFC compliant BIM authoring software and plans, elevations, sections, schedules, and details shall be derived and fully coordinated with the coordinated building model. All other documents are to be submitted per the VA contract requirements.
| TYPE (These are general categories. Listed software can be used for more than one “Type.”) | SOFTWARE (no order of preference) |
|---|---|
| Planning/Preliminary Cost Estimates | VA-SEPS, Onuma Planning System (OPS), DProfiler, Tokmo, CodeBook |
| Authoring – Design (Architecture, Structural) | Revit Architecture, Bentley BIM, ArchiCAD, Tekla, Vectorworks |
| Authoring – MEPF (Engineering & Construction) | ArchiCAD MEP, Revit MEP, AutoCAD MEP, Bentley BIM, CAD-Duct, CAD-Pipe, AutoSprink, PipeDesigner 3D |
| Authoring – Civil | Bentley Inroads and Geopak, Autodesk Civil 3D |
| Coordination (clash detection) | NavisWorks Manage, Bentley Navigator, Solibri Model Checker, Horizontal Glue, EPM Model Server, BIMServer |
| 4D Scheduling | Synchro, Vico, NavisWorks Simulate, Primavera, MS Project, Bentley Navigator |
| 5D Cost Estimating | Innovaya, Vico, Tokmo |
| Specifications | Speclink-e, eSpecs |
| Model Checking Validation, IFC File Optimizer | Solibri or equal |
| COBIE | Tokmo COBIE exchange, Onuma Systems |
| Energy Analysis-2- | EcoDesigner, Ecotect, eQuest, Green Building Studio, EnergyPlus, Trane/Trace, DOE2 |
-1- Software other than those listed may be used subject to the above compliance requirements and with VA approval.
-2- BIM based energy analysis software used should support IFC import or be a native BIM model format that is IFC compliant. Energy analysis software selection shall be based upon U.S. Department of energy Recommendations and ANSI/ASHRAE 140-2007 (or latest version).
in this section:
3-D Models, Formats, and Model Structures | Technology Platform and Software | Modeling Requirements | Files, Security, Waivers | Drawing Requirements for Paper Printing