Design employees at AB Glass, an aluminium manufacturing and installation company based in Swansea, have recently completed bespoke Revit training as part of Building Information Modelling (BIM) level 2 – a collaborative way of working underpinned by digital technologies.
The idea of BIM levels is viewed as the accepted definition of what criteria are needed to be considered BIM compliant. The BIM levels, which range from 0 to 3, are the steps that are taking the industry into the digital era.
BIM Level 2 centres around collaborative working, where all parties use their own 3D CAD (computer-aided design) models. However, parties do not necessarily work on a single, shared model. How information is exchanged between various parties is the key point of BIM level 2.
Since April 2016, all government funded projects need to be drawn and collaborated using BIM level 2 in accordance with regulations set by The British Standards Institution (BSI). As outlined by government, advancing the construction industry to full collaborative working will be progressive and marked by these defined and recognisable BIM level milestones.
AB Glass is now one of few façade manufacturers in the South Wales region with BIM level 2 competences. As well as investing in staff training to ensure they are compliant with such standards for government projects, AB Glass has also invested in a full licence of AutoDesk’s Revit software. This provides the company with 3D capabilities, in addition to the Solibri Model Viewer tool used by the firm.
Such training and software means AB Glass can view and interrogate architects’ central project models and produce its own 3D models.
Alan Brayley, managing director of AB Glass, commented:
“We are proud that our design team are continuing to successfully complete training at BIM level 2 in order to meet industry standards. Collaborating on a common model through BIM level 2 competencies is crucial in today’s industry. Working collaboratively with more effective communications and greater accuracy is extremely beneficial to the industry and the projects that we work on.”
AB Glass boasts an impressive project portfolio, having worked on a number of multimillion pound projects across the UK during its 25 years in business.
The company was also recently announced Manufacturing Business of the Year and the overall Business of the Year at the Swansea Bay Business Awards 2017. These two awards add to the many accolades the business has won over the years.