Bexel Consulting Applied Integrated BIM Approach for Large Hotel and Resort Project

Bexel Consulting is a high-tech, construction and engineering consultancy company. They were hired by Karisma Hotels and Resorts to design, build, and construct the Sensatori and Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts on the east coast of Dominican Republic.  Bexel wanted to coordinate a BIM methodology between all stakeholders from design through to delivery. This included the development of a multi-discipline 3D BIM model based on architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing designs. The model was kept up-to-date throughout the project phases and used to conduct regular constructability analysis to detect and resolve conflicts.

The entire design was developed and reviewed in BIM authoring tools. Quality assurance and model validations were done prior to the IFC export. The IFC files were shared with all stakeholders, allowing clients to easily be included in the process. The 3D BIM model was used for advanced visualizations and renderings, including animation, simulation, and on-site situational analysis. During the design review, clash detection reports were shared with stakeholders using BCF (BIM Collaboration Format) which was used to create visual reports for design and construction teams.

The baseline schedule intelligently linked with BIM model elements and embedded pricing and cost information enabling 4D/5D simulations using the Bexel Manager software. 4D Simulations notably increased overall efficiency and workforce organisation on site, up to 70% in some areas. All scheduling and cost data were produced in IFC4 file formats for data sharing.   Construction monitoring was done by an onsite monitoring team that collected, analyzed, and processed all construction progress data – while generating daily progress and cost tracking audits, executive reports and schedule impact predictions.

IFC was used for the exchange between the architectural design team (Arqtel, Mexico), the main contractor and designer of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (grupo Electrico, Dominican Republic) and the BIM construction consultancy and BIM developer (Bexel Consulting).  Stakeholders continually shared BCF using IFC viewers. Design teams and the client created notes, issues and views using BCF Manager and shared those via the online document management system. Issues were reviewed and resolved progressively, eliminating possible problems during future execution on-site and reducing the risk of potential costs and delays.

At the end of the project, a complete asset list, component registers, links to procedures, operation manuals, and other documentation were linked to the BIM model in Bexel Manager and delivered to the client in IFC format with respective COBie sheets. The 6D as-built BIM model prepared the owner for the facility asset management phase of the lifecycle. This wealth of open, comprehensive as-built information is proving invaluable in the continued operations and maintenance of the Sensatori and Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts.