First Thing First: Setting up Folder Structure (BIM)

First Thing First: Setting up Folder Structure (BIM)

I have been tasked by my organisation to look into BIM implementation and the requirements to be certified for BIM level 2. I stumbled into ABHIJEET SHARMA post for the above subject. I decided to publish a post on the same subject as I have not seen many. By the way this is my first post (hey! I know what you are thinking ...).

In order to have a productive workflow and better coordination throughout the project life cycle, setting up folder structure for your organisation is paramount and should be adopted by all.

Below are brief explanation of top folders but this is not limited, it depends on the size of your organisation and the type of projects.

Project Folder Structure:

Below is the organisation project folder structure and folder description.

1.      Project Code/Number/Name:

At the start of each project a project code or number will be allocated/provided and followed by the name of the particular project. This code/number will define your project and top level naming for files, drawings etc. Once the project code/number has been allocated/provided, this folder will contain all relevant BIM Model information (this would consist of subfolders).

Note: It is strongly recommend not to use spaces when naming folders and other elements of the project, rather use underscore (_) to separate the words.

2.      Building Model

This folder contains your BIM model, all things related to creating model, drawings, views etc.
The following subfolders are:

·         Central Models – is one that multiple users can access, allowing simultaneous work to occur. The central model stores the current ownership information for all work-sets and elements in the project, and acts as the distribution point for all changes made to the model.

·         User Model – this the user local copy of the central model

·         Benchmark Models – This contains shared models from users in a particular project.

·         Project Components – This contains families created by users and downloaded families from suppliers and others.

·         Project Standards – This contains standard documents of the organisation.

·         References – References.

·         Automation and Documentation – This contains contractual documentations for specific project and other relevant documents can also be included.

·         Linked Revit Models – This contains all linked model from other users (2D and 3D). 

3.      Output

This Folder is for your deliverable, drawings, pdf, renders, schedules, analysis and miscellaneous things that your BIM model is capable of producing. The Following subfolders are:

·         Animations – This contains project animation/video for visual interpretation.

·         CAD – Exported 2D file in DWG format.

·         Plots – all PDF File from the project.

·         Renders – All images and Screen shots from the project. Create subfolder if necessary

·         Schedules – All Schedules from the project. Create subfolders for different schedules (doors, windows…).

·         Miscellaneous – Other elements from the project.

4.      Record

This folder contains all the shared files that you share internally with other teams, externally to the consultants or receive from your consultants.

·         Company records/files – Internal files can be stored in here.

·         Received – All received file or emails.

·         Sent – All sent items e.g. RIF etc.

5.      Visualisation Model

This folder contains exported part or complete 3D geometry of the BIM model for external render/animation specific software. This also contains working models with all materials and setups for any other 3rd party programs.

6.      Trackers

This folder contains all the documents to track the project timeline, updates in template, deliverable documents, status of drawing released, RFI etc. are stored here.

My next post will be on Revit Model Management - Look out!