(Date of MC MVP (Beta) release will be announced closer to the date)
Overview
It is crucial that BIM models submitted by QPs adhere to the standards outlined in the CORENET X Code of Practice (COP) for effective regulatory review by agencies.
To support the industry, the Model Checker (MC) is a supplementary tool in CORENET X that automatically validates BIM models in IFC+SG format against:
- basic IFC standards,
- modelling standards, and
- selected regulatory requirements.
MC will be introduced to the industry in phases, starting with the MC Minimum Viable Product (MVP) a.k.a Beta release. This early version of MC contains selected clauses (“rules”) from different agencies. It will be expanded and released to the industry progressively to include more rule checks.
These checks are developed based on learning points from projects, established IFC standards, and good modelling practices from the CORENET X Community of Practice (COPr). We have shared these learning points through various platforms, including seminars and the CX website. These learning points are now converted into automated checks in MC to help QPs ensure BIM model quality- a common challenge in BIM model preparation. QPs should use MC to validate the BIM models during design and before submission to ensure compliance with COP and reduce iterations with the Agencies.
Key Features of MC
MC comprises three categories of checks:
1. IFC Schema Check
The first step of validation. This check informs QPs upfront if BIM models fail to meet basic IFC standards, which would prevent BIM models from being properly viewed and processed by MC and Agencies.
Common issues include:
Outdated IFC schema versions
Corrupted or encrypted files
What QPs should do:
Revise the BIM models to address the issues and upload them again.
2. Quality Check
Ensures BIM models across all disciplines meet the minimum quality standards specified in the CORENET X Code of Practice (COP). It evaluates the completeness and consistency of model information across disciplines to enable effective regulatory review.
Common issues include:
- Missing mandatory properties
- Improper geo-location alignment across different discipline models
What QPs should do:
Verify the consistency and completeness of information across all discipline models before submission to facilitate efficient agency review.
3. Regulatory Compliance Check
Assesses whether BIM models comply with Agencies’ regulatory requirements, when the necessary information is present in the models.
Common issues include:
- Insufficient headroom clearance
- Undersized bicycle parking lots
What QPs should do:
Review and confirm regulatory compliance of their design before submission.
When to Use MC MVP (Beta)
- Before Formal Submission (Pre-Submission Check)
QPs should conduct at least one round of Pre-Submission Check with MC MVP (Beta) to identify and address non-compliances or modelling issues. This reduces resubmissions and agency queries.
- At the Point of Formal Submission
Formal Submission Check is mandatory. IFC Schema Check runs automatically upon upload of BIM models. QPs may then request Quality Check through the Submission Portal (SP).
Note: MC MVP (Beta) is not intended to replace the QP’s review of compliance with regulatory requirements. QPs remain responsible for ensuring full compliance prior to submission.
Stay tuned for more updated on release of MC MVP (Beta)!