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BIM/VDC Coordination Procedures

Document Type: Procedure
Version: 1.0
Last Updated: February 2026
Distribute To: Project Managers, BIM Coordinators, Trade Coordinators

Purpose​

Establish procedures for Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) coordination.

BIM/VDC Overview​

What is BIM?​

  • 3D model-based design
  • Contains building data
  • Enables coordination
  • Supports visualization

What is VDC?​

  • Broader application of BIM
  • Includes 4D scheduling
  • 5D cost integration
  • Construction planning

Benefits:​

  • Clash detection before field
  • Better coordination
  • Reduced RFIs
  • Fewer field conflicts
  • Improved quality
  • Enhanced planning

Project BIM Requirements​

Review BIM Execution Plan (BEP):​

Key Elements:

  • LOD (Level of Development) requirements
  • Model sharing procedures
  • Coordination meeting schedule
  • Clash detection process
  • Deliverables and deadlines

LOD Definitions:​

LODDescription
100Concept
200Schematic
300Design development
350Construction documentation
400Fabrication
500As-built

Coordination Process​

Coordination Workflow:​

Designer Models
        ↓
Trade Models (Subs)
        ↓
Model Compilation (GC)
        ↓
Clash Detection
        ↓
Coordination Meetings
        ↓
Issue Resolution
        ↓
Updated Models
        ↓
Field Coordination Drawings

Clash Detection​

Clash Types:​

TypeDescriptionPriority
Hard clashPhysical interferenceMust resolve
Soft clashClearance violationShould resolve
Workflow clashSequence conflictConsider

Common Clashes:​

SystemsTypical Issues
MEP to StructurePenetrations, routing
HVAC to PlumbingVertical conflicts
Electrical to MechanicalRouting conflicts
All to ArchitectureCeiling space, walls

Clash Prioritization:​

Priority 1: Safety, structural integrity Priority 2: Major coordination (must fix) Priority 3: Minor coordination (should fix) Priority 4: Optimization (nice to fix)

Coordination Meetings​

Frequency:​

  • Weekly during design
  • Weekly during construction (active areas)
  • As needed for specific issues

Attendees:​

  • BIM coordinator (facilitates)
  • Trade coordinators (MEP, structural)
  • Design representatives (as needed)
  • Superintendent

Agenda:​

  1. Model Status (5 min)

    • Updates received
    • Models compiled

  2. Clash Review (30 min)

    • Walk through clash report
    • Assign resolution
    • Discuss solutions

  3. Design Issues (15 min)

    • Items needing RFI
    • Design decisions needed

  4. Schedule (10 min)

    • Upcoming areas
    • Model deadlines
    • Coordination priorities

Documentation:​

  • Meeting minutes
  • Issue log updates
  • Assignment tracking
  • Decision documentation

Trade Modeling Requirements​

Subcontractor Deliverables:​

TradeModel Content
MechanicalDuctwork, equipment, piping
PlumbingPiping, fixtures
ElectricalConduit, equipment, cable tray
Fire ProtectionPiping, heads, equipment
StructuralFrame, connections (if modeling)

Model Standards:​

  • Per BEP specifications
  • Proper layer/workset structure
  • Accurate to LOD required
  • Regular updates per schedule

Submission Schedule:​

  • Coordinate with project schedule
  • Allow time for compilation
  • Meet coordination deadlines

Issue Resolution​

Issue Log:​

IDAreaDescriptionTradesOwnerDueStatus

Resolution Process:​

  1. Identify clash/issue
  2. Assign to responsible trade(s)
  3. Propose solution
  4. Review at coordination meeting
  5. Approve resolution
  6. Update models
  7. Verify resolution
  8. Close issue

Escalation:​

  • Unable to resolve at trade level → PM
  • Design change needed → RFI
  • Owner decision needed → Formal request

Field Coordination Drawings​

Purpose:​

Translate BIM coordination to field-usable drawings

Content:​

  • Coordinated routing
  • Heights/elevations
  • Penetration locations
  • Hanger locations
  • Section details

Distribution:​

  • Approved by coordination team
  • Distributed to trades
  • Posted in field
  • Updated as needed

4D Scheduling​

What is 4D?​

Model linked to schedule for construction sequence visualization

Benefits:​

  • Visualize sequence
  • Identify space conflicts
  • Plan logistics
  • Communicate to team

Application:​

  • Phase planning
  • Milestone visualization
  • Just-in-time coordination
  • Safety planning

Model Management​

File Management:​

  • Naming conventions
  • Version control
  • Central file location
  • Access permissions

Model Updates:​

  • Regular update schedule
  • Change documentation
  • Version tracking
  • Archive old versions

Common Challenges​

ChallengeMitigation
Model not currentUpdate schedules, accountability
Missing informationEarly LOD requirements
Coordination not followedField verification, accountability
Too many clashesPrioritization, progressive resolution
Design changesChange management, re-coordination
  • RFI Process
  • Submittal Process
  • Meeting Management
  • Schedule Management

Software Tools​

Common BIM Software:

  • Revit
  • Navisworks
  • BIM 360
  • Procore BIM
  • Bluebeam

Template provided by support.construction. BIM coordination prevents field problems.

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