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:
| LOD | Description |
|---|---|
| 100 | Concept |
| 200 | Schematic |
| 300 | Design development |
| 350 | Construction documentation |
| 400 | Fabrication |
| 500 | As-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:
| Type | Description | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Hard clash | Physical interference | Must resolve |
| Soft clash | Clearance violation | Should resolve |
| Workflow clash | Sequence conflict | Consider |
Common Clashes:
| Systems | Typical Issues |
|---|---|
| MEP to Structure | Penetrations, routing |
| HVAC to Plumbing | Vertical conflicts |
| Electrical to Mechanical | Routing conflicts |
| All to Architecture | Ceiling 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:
-
Model Status (5 min)
- Updates received
- Models compiled
-
Clash Review (30 min)
- Walk through clash report
- Assign resolution
- Discuss solutions
-
Design Issues (15 min)
- Items needing RFI
- Design decisions needed
-
Schedule (10 min)
- Upcoming areas
- Model deadlines
- Coordination priorities
Documentation:
- Meeting minutes
- Issue log updates
- Assignment tracking
- Decision documentation
Trade Modeling Requirements
Subcontractor Deliverables:
| Trade | Model Content |
|---|---|
| Mechanical | Ductwork, equipment, piping |
| Plumbing | Piping, fixtures |
| Electrical | Conduit, equipment, cable tray |
| Fire Protection | Piping, heads, equipment |
| Structural | Frame, 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:
| ID | Area | Description | Trades | Owner | Due | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Resolution Process:
- Identify clash/issue
- Assign to responsible trade(s)
- Propose solution
- Review at coordination meeting
- Approve resolution
- Update models
- Verify resolution
- 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
| Challenge | Mitigation |
|---|---|
| Model not current | Update schedules, accountability |
| Missing information | Early LOD requirements |
| Coordination not followed | Field verification, accountability |
| Too many clashes | Prioritization, progressive resolution |
| Design changes | Change management, re-coordination |
Related Documents
- 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.