Paper A10

39. Model Uses Taxonomy

Model-Uses-TaxonomyFigure 1. Model Uses Taxonomy (Full Size)

The Model Uses Taxonomy organises Model Uses into a tiered structure that allows: (a) collation of Model Uses from across different industries; (b) close alignment with the Competency Taxonomy (Succar et al., 2013 - http://bit.ly/BIMpaperA6); (c) custom use-cases for unique projects; and (d) future expansion towards whole of life cycle classifications.

The Model Uses Taxonomy includes 3 Categories and 9 Series:

Category I: General Model Uses represent all Modelling Information as applicable across various knowledge domains, industries, and information systems. General Model Uses are organised a single Series, General Modelling (1000-1990) and include the word ‘modelling’ in their name to differentiate them from other categories (e.g. Audio-visual Systems Modelling or Urban Modelling);

Category II: Domain Model Uses represent industry-specific Modelling Information. The Construction Domain Model Uses are organised in seven Series:

CATEGORY III: Custom Model Uses are a combination of General and Domain Model Uses to respond the non-typical requirements of a specific project. Custom Model Uses are organized under a single Series, Custom Modelling (9000-9990) - e.g. Modelling security systems for a correctional facility.

 Please Note:

  1. The Model Uses Taxonomy was published as part of  BIM ThinkSpace Episode 24 (Sep 9, 2015).
  2. Please also refer to earlier post: Model Uses Conceptual Structures (Sep 9, 2015)
  3. There are currently 125 Model Uses across all categories and series (as of March 24, 2016). For a full list, please refer to BIMexcellence.org/model-uses.

37. Model Uses - Conceptual Structures

Model Uses are the “expected or intended project deliverables expected from generating, collaborating-on and linking 3D models to external databases” (BIM Dictionary, 2015). Each Model Use represents a set of defined requirements, specialised activities and specific project outcomes, grouped together under a single heading. 

Model Uses [1] rely on the conceptual structures of the BIM Framework, namely: the Tri-Axial Framework, Competency Framework, and BIM Ontology - Figure 1:

   Model-Uses-Conceptual-StructuresFigure 1. Conceptual Structure underlying Model Uses (Full Size v0.3 or Older Version )

As highlighted in Figure 1, Model Uses are supported by three conceptual structures [2] - Updated May 2, 2016:

  • Within the Tri-Axial Framework, Model Uses are deliverables [Tri-axial Framework>Fields>Field Components>Deliverables (Model-based Deliverables, identified through the Information Management Lens)] (refer to Papers A2 and A5);
  • According to the BIM Ontology, a Model Use is a knowledge block [BIM Ontology>Knowledge Objects>Knowledge Sets>Knowledge Blocks> Information Uses > Model Uses] (refer to Thesis, Appendix A); and
  • Within the Competency Framework, Model Uses are competency topics [Competency Framework> Competency Hierarchy>Competency Tiers (Domain)>Competency Set (Operation)>Competency Topics (9 Topics)] (Refer to Paper A6).
 

 
[1] Model Uses are discussed in detail  within Episode 24 on BIM ThinkSpace.

[2] The number of structures supporting a BIM Framework part is proportional to its conceptual strength.