Download the AEC (UK) documents here.
AEC (UK) BIM Protocols
AEC (UK )BIM Technology Protocol v2.1 (Main document)
AEC (UK) BIM Protocol v2.0 (Russian language version)
AEC (UK) BIM Protocol – BIM Execution Plan v2.0
AEC (UK) BIM Protocol – Model Matrix v2.0
AEC (UK) BIM Protocol For Autodesk Revit v2.0 (Supplementary document for Autodesk Revit)
AEC (UK) BIM Protocol For Autodesk Revit – Model Validation Checklist v2.0
AEC (UK) BIM Protocol For Bentley ABD v2.0 (Supplementary document for Bentley AECOsim Building Designer)
AEC (UK) BIM Protocol For Bentley ABD – Model Validation Checklist v2.0
AEC (UK) BIM Technology Protocol For ARCHICAD v2.0
AEC (UK) BIM Technology Protocol For ARCHICAD – Template Checklist v2.0
AEC (UK) BIM Technology Protocol For ARCHICAD – Model Validation Checklist For Import v2.0
AEC (UK) BIM Technology Protocol For ARCHICAD – Model Validation Checklist For Export v2.0
AEC (UK) BIM Protocol For Nemetschek Vectorworks v1.2
AEC (UK) CAD Standard
AEC(UK)ProtocolForLayerNaming-v4.1 * NEW! *
AEC (UK) CAD & BIM Standards Site 
Have the AEC(UK) team, or anyone else for that matter, published a Revit to DWG export mapping for Uniclass2015 yet? It’s referred to as a work in progress item in the AEC(UK) Protocol for Layer Naming document, but I can’t find it anywhere.
Thank you.
Download the Classification Manager for Revit for Uniclass 2015 mapping. Unfortunately it doesn’t map to DWG exports (I’ve requested it does), but you can see all the mapping. Emma Hooper (@Liccle_Em) has a DWG table.
http://evolve-consultancy.com/product/exporting-layers-ifc-revit/
Hi, Can somebody not just create a sample Revit template with example files and naming structure and a Folder structure to illustrate exactly how the Naming Convention(BS1192), Revit Conventions, NBS and Uniclass tie in together? at the moment is all seems to be in the air and not properly defined!
Hi
In order to export to CAD format sheets from Revit I´m looking for the TXT file.
Does anyone knows where can I find it?
Thanks a lot
Hi,
Just a quick question on how to deal with Refurbishment projects and elements that are Existing, Demolished, Retained or New ?
How does this implement in a logical way (and easy to use in for example Vectorworks) in the layering system?
Thanks!
I’ve since developed a file naming creator and an internal deliverable series code which is concatenated with the sequential number.
Revit is now organised using a two character series code, Example:
Floor Plans
(*WorkingViews)
Floor Plans
60 Plans (General)
61 Substructure
62 setting out
We have Working Views for each drawing type and then a series number for drawing types that are to be sheeted up.
A sheet number consists of the series number and sequential number, Example
61 and 0001 concatenated to 610001
If we need to add a volume number into this we simple substitute the first leading zero in the sequential part of the number with the volume number, Example:
611001
We also use Uniclass 2015 classification in our deliverable name! Example:
XXX-IDL-01-GF-DR-A-2505-621001_Setting Out Plan
We use the elements and functions tables for the classification of deliverables. Where we have drawings that have multiple elements or not applicable we simply use ZZ for multiple and XX for not required in our classification.
Everyone is probably wondering why we use the six numbers and this is because BS1193 shows a four digit integer number and also because a lot of our schemes have over 300 floor plans for various series hence the need for the six char sheet number!
Has anyone set-up all the uniclass 2015 layers in AutoCAD?
How can you classify information such as floor plans, elevations, sections using uniclass 2015?? For example if I have a Proposed ground floor plan where would this fall in the Uniclass 2015 tables???
You wouldn’t classify document types that way, Nathan. Uniclass describes the contents of containers. You’d use the Type field for this. BS1192 doesn’t provide codes for plans, elevations, etc, only M2 for 2D files – but it does allow “project-specific extensions”. The AEC (UK) has allowed for that previously using “project-specific” codes: MP, ME, MD & MS.
Hope that helps.
I thought M2 was ‘2D Model File’ i.e. its own separate file, just like M3 is for 3D Model Files. The BS has DR for 2D Drawing, but what I’ve never understood about PAS/BS file naming is how you can have 25 characters but not include an easily identifiable ‘projection’ character for drawings, e.g. plan, section, or elevation. For this reason we use:
DP for Plans
DS for Sections
DE for Elevations
DD for Details
That works too.
We use the M2 type code to refer to a 2D model file, i.e an AutoCAD file with a model tab only. We then use project specific drawing type codes that we define in our BEP as follows:
GA = GA Plan
SE = Section
EL = Elevation
DA = Detailed Assembly (1:50 / 1:20)
DC = Detailed Component (1:10 / 1:5 / 1:2)
SH = Schedule
AS = Acoustic Strategy
FS = Fire Strategy.
We then use the CI/SfB codes for the first two digits of the number field to define what type of element we are describing.
e.g. XX-DC-A-32001 would be internal door details
XX-SH-A-32001 would be internal door schedule
00-GA-A-20001 would be ground floor GA plan at 1:100 / 1:200
00-DA-A-22001 would be ground floor DA (partitions setting out) plan at 1:50
Glad we’re not alone. Seems a shame to use CISfb and not one of the Uniclass tables… but it works…
After a lot of discussions and reviews, we are leaning to a very similar numbering system.
Hi,
A quick question. Why does the Revit BIM Protocol Section 10 state that only delivered Revit Shortcut shall be used?
How does the use of a keyboard shortcut alter the BIM model or other deliverables, or other members working on them?
Can somebody please tell me what the difference is between the BIM Technology Protocol/BIM Technology Protocol for Revit & the BIM Standard for Revit? They appear very similar to me. Thanks
They are simply renamed, revised versions. Names were changed to align better with the UK BIM work.
Revit protocol – should section 8.5 be updated from Zone to Volume as per bs1192 2016?
Can someone help me with the question about hyphen or underscore before ‘description’ in a file name?
The examples in AEC (UK) BIM Technology Protocol v2.1 all have the ‘description’ following a hyphen.
BS1192:2007+A2:2016, 5.1 Structure of names, Note 2 says: Any ‘description’ (see clause 14) is appended following an underscore.
That’s a bone of contention with many, Stefan. The reason for the underscore isn’t explained in BS1192. nor is it rational or a breaking character. With adoption of Uniclass 2015 (which uses underscores as a field divider) it becomes even messier. That’s why the AEC (UK) recommends a hypen – for consistency.
The AEC (UK) also recognises that this causes issues for people following BS1192 to the letter and states: “For strict BS1192:2007+A1:2015 compliance, an underscore should be used prior to the description. The AEC (UK) does not follow this convention, as the underscore is a non-breaking character, contrary to other field-based naming standards, and confusing now that Uniclass 2015 utilises underscores between categories. Using an underscore does not contravene the AEC (UK) conventions and may be used if necessary.” (Note 1 page 8 Protocol for Layer Naming v4.0).
However, if you’re following BS1192 to the letter, the description isn’t used in the file name so the problem isn’t relevant (see BS1192:2007+A2:2016 table 4 page 16).
In the end, ask yourself is it possible to identify the contents of the container? If so, hyphen or underscore, it really isn’t important. The field codes are far more important.
Good answer. Thanks.
hey, I am also new to this and I am trying to setup our company standard for revit. Do you by any chance have any list of system family naming criteria. eg. naming of wall types, floor types etc… Also do you have in place standard for phase setting as well as object styles. Seems like a lot of architects in our office are not happy with line thickness and object styles setting… Need help
Hi Sharina
That’s all covered in the BIM technology protocol v2.1.1 section 8.6 Library Object Naming.
It would be great if we had a forum where we could also discuss interpretation and implementation of these standards.
I can’t located the new version of AEC (UK) CAD Standard. Can you please post a link to it?
Thanks
The documents are all available on the Documents page
Click to access aecukprotocolforlayernaming-v4-0-2.pdf
Make the “AEC (UK) BIM Protocols” and “AEC (UK) CAD Standard” show more like Titles on your documents list by underlining them. People are confusing them for inactive links.
But the links underline when you hover over them… thanks for the suggestion, but we’ll leave it like it is. I think most people can work out the difference between text and a link.
Hi, I’m current reviewing MAG current cad standards👍🏻. And I’ve just noticed that Uniclass tables have change. Are AEC publishing an up to date CAD standards to fall in line with this change?
Many Regards
Christopher Smith
Are the Layer Naming standards likely to adopt Uniclass 2015? Is it OK to start using them?
Hi,
Can someone confirm the status or purpose of these documents please? I am confused.
Do these documents supplement the BS and PAS 1192 or are they interpretations of those documents?
Are the documents official and a recognized standard with the same importance as BS/PAS documents?
Thanks,
Hendrik
Hi Hendrik
The purpose of these is defined in the documents themselves. In simple terms these would be Common Standards & Protocols for BIM authoring tools based on the family of 1192 documents.
Hi. I’m very new to the world of BIM, so forgive me if I have misconstrued something that is stated in the new BIM Technology Protocol. I am confused by one statement, which I would like clarifying, if possible. The penultimate bullet point of Clause 7.5 reads “Switching between Imperial / Metric units shall be avoided where possible in order to maintain proper or conventional measurements, such as 50mm rather than 50.8mm.” To my mind there is no mention of Imperial measurement here. There is also no switch. 50mm and 50.8mm are both metric measurements. Or am I missing something blindingly obvious? Apologies if I am. I’m currently at the lower end of the steep part on the learning curve! Many thanks for your patience/clarification.
Kind regards
Alan Lucas
In brief, this refers to modelling in one unit of measurement then converting the model to another. If you were modelling 2″, you’d end up with 50.8mm which isn’t an accurate metric size. Or more specifically, a 4″ wall is not the same as a 200mm wall.
…or even a 100mm wall 😉
Looking for a naming convention for Levels I found the BIM Technology Protocol v.2.1.1 and find it very helpful. Any BEP could refer to this document.
Regarding the Project Level Code Examples in 11.1 I have a few questions and comments based on what I have seen in BIM models.
Is the elevation of 00 Ground Floor always = FFL? (I hope all would say yes). M1 is not necessarily the mezzanine above Level 01 but just the first mezzanine in the building? What about a code for the terrain? (Have seen this named Ground Level and had it confused with the ground floor named L00 GA).
What is the recommended punishment/encouragement for BIM coordinators/authors naming levels with these seen examples: Door, High Eaves, Bottom of Cladding, Base of Cladding, Cladding Base, Blue Brick Top, Top of blue brick, Band Base, Blue Façade Panel, GF TW, FFC Level, Verge, Roof Curve Alignment etc.?
PAS1192-2 refers to BS1192-2007 for the final word on file naming (remember that the status of a PAS is not as high as that of a BS), which states: “For all levels below the ground floor the prefix “B” should be used: B1, B2, etc.”
On this basis, I would retain the 2 digits only, and ignore the PAS reference to LG1.
Specifying a consistent (not just minimum) length of a field makes it far easier to run macros / formulae based on interrogating file names for ease of QA checking of naming; in this matter both the PAS and the BS’s approach of expanding the number of digits in the Role code to cope with more specialisms is very irritating!
Chris, This is exactly our understanding, too. The uniqueness of a drawing number is given by the whole code, with the Number field indicating the same location on each level. e.g. 1447-AAR-Z1-00-GA-A-2001 and 1447-AAR-Z1-01-GA-A-2001 would both be internal partitions drawings of the same plan extract, but on levels 00 and 01 respectively. We define how large buildings breakdown onto multiple drawing sheets in our BXP, and use View Matchlines in Revit to ensure that it’s consistent.
I’d be interested how you actually implement 25 character drawing numbers in practice (especially in Revit)
We’ve implemented it as per the PAS (first I’ve heard that the PAS is incorrect) which results in unique 10 character drawing numbers, (Sheet Numbers in Revit), with all other fields dealt with via Shared Parameters (added to the file name on export by RTV Xporter). This is a neat workable solution as 10 characters can just about fit in a callout head or section head etc for cross referencing between sheets. No idea how you cope with 25 character referencing.
One further comment:
Field 4 in the protocol (level or location) is specifically limited to 2 characters. The PAS has an example with 3 characters: LG1 for Lower Ground 1. We initially adopted two characters but moved to three characters to accommodate things like LG1. Why can’t the protocol say “2 or 3 characters” like you’ve done for Discipline?
Again there is inconsistency between the documents. BS 1192:2007 suggests “00 Base level of building (where ground floor is not appropriate)”. LG1 in PAS 1192-2 is the only example anywhere that I can see that uses 3 characters. Using 2 characters provides greater consistency as well as not creating stupidly long codes. However, I will take this back to the committee and gather a greater consensus when version 3.0 is developed to see if it is necessary to expand to 3.
Rather than change our system back, I think I’ll wait for v3 then…
Thanks for all the hard work on the revised document.
One comment: PAS1192-2 suggests that the ‘unique’ part of the full reference is the number, when concatenated with File Type and Discipline, i.e. you concatenate fields 5+6+7. This isn’t exactly the same as the wording on page 34 of the protocol.
Note that the wording in PAS 1192-2 is actually incorrect and is due to be corrected. I confirmed this with Mervyn Richards one of the author. The whole code should create the uniqueness not certain parts. So for example if the Level changes then the Number part does not change.
Are the documents available in native file format?
What has happened to http://www.aec-uk.org?
Hi Allen
No, they’re not available in native format, just the PDFs. We didn’t want uncontrolled edited versions to be in circulation. The PDFs are all open for copying what you need out of them though.
We let aec-uk.org lapse. Didn’t see the point when the WordPress site we use now serves us perfectly well.
hi there,
please where
can i find the standard BS1192:2007 free?
You can register for your free copy here: http://shop.bsigroup.com/forms/PASs/BS-1192-2007/
[…] What the AEC standards do now is assist designers to use common technical terms, as they did before, but with reference information on how to manage BIM projects using a ‘BIM Execution Plan.’ […]
Hi, Really appreciate the document. Just highlight 2 minor typo in aecukbimprotocolforautodeskrevit-v2-0.pdf, PDF page 5 & 6, it should be “Revit” sub-committee, instead of “Bentley” sub-commmittee.
Can someone suggest which CAD Layer reference to use for Car Parking Equipment such as automatic barriers, Ticket Dispensers, POFs & P&Ds?
Thanks
Hello,
Thanks for providing these Standards. They’re well written and clear to implement. It’s a refreshing change from the theoretical brain-storming that many experts still seem to be hung up on. The theory is clearly implicit in this Standard, but it’s instrumented through straightforward procedures.
One question though; where can the Project BIM strategy pro-forma and BIM Strategy guidance note be downloaded? I’d really like to have the complete package.
Kind regards
Dan
They will be available from this site as well. We’re just in the process of approving them.
Now available, Dan: https://aecuk.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/aecukbimprotocol-bimexecutionplan-v2-0.pdf
The AEC Standards for Revit include naming standards for Models, Views, and Worksets, but not for Sheets, how are people naming, and organising them in a Revit environment?
Regards
Kevin
The sheets are covered in the standard. It specifies using the same naming convention as for your drawings. So, for example, if you had a drawing number a/101, your sheet should be A101.
My query was more related to relationship between the file number and the sheet number in relation to the concatenated filename structures of the AEC and BS1192 standards. I suppose this is more of an implementation issue, and outside the scope of the documents. Revit cannot easily handle the BS1192 file naming of exported sheets / drawings without 3rd party plug-ins.
Looking forward to the 2.0 standards.
Does anyone know when version 2.0 of the BIM and Revit standards will be released?
We’re working on v2.0 generic, Autodesk and Bentley right now, Balazs. We’re also hoping to release a Vectorworks version as soon as possible afterwards as well.
We don’t have a guaranteed release date yet, but we hope it will be before the summer.
Thanks for getting in touch and watch this space for future updates.
Still forgetting Graphisoft ArchiCAD 😦 Volunteered to help in July last year – see post on this forum. Disappointed we (as a community) still have no involvement / inclusion.
Hi Rob
ArchiCAD is still on the list – once we have the new versions out of the way. I have not forgotten your offer.
I notice that dates are included as a necessary part of the interchange process but date formats are not included in your standard.
The ISO format for dates is YYYY-MM-DD e.g. 2012-12-31
The ISO date format should be included in your BIM standard to facilitate transfer of data with North America, as parochial US/UK date formats are easily confused.
Great work!
Will you be producing DWT files for AutoCAD based on the AEC (UK) CAD Standards, or DWG Layer Export files from Revit?
I don’t want to start creating these from scratch, if there are imminent “official” versions!
Regards,
David Simpson
Yes, there are already DWT files in existence for v2, and we plan to update those shortly for v3.
Remapping tables will also be prepared.
We will confirm schedules shortly.
Why did AEC(uk) use an unpublished own version of Uniclass instead of waiting for CPIC, the owners of Uniclass to publish the correct version?
The purpose of AEC (UK) is to provide a current workable implementation of British Standards and Uniclass. In lieu of the updated versions, we have published with what is currently available to avoid discontinuity. Rest assured that when Uniclass finally publishes we will review the updates and revise the AEC (UK) Standards to suit.
Could you confirm when you will be producing the AEC (UK) BIM Standard for ArchiCAD, Microstation and Vectorworks?
We’re heading for the first release of the Bentley Building BIM standards in September, with discussions set to take place for VectorWorks beginning in August. As for ArchiCAD we’re still short of volunteers to help put in the effort needed. Anyone out there ready to take on the challenge?
Well as an ArchiCAD user for 10+ years i guess i’m reasonably well qualified in understanding the needs of an ArchiCAD user. I have also written all our office CAD and BIM standards.
As a company we are also one of the biggest users of ArchiCAD in the country and have used ArchiCAD for 17 years.
My issue as an ArchiCAD user at the moment with standards is that we are being asked to conform to BS1192 AND AEC by contractors. Whilst they are similar they aren’t fully compatible and this is leading to confusion from others. The AEC standards are currently impractical for us (for example lots of references to Revit terminology) and not workable on ArchiCAD projects and so we have adopted BS1192 as our standard. In truth this isn’t perfect either but is a little more adaptable to international standards which are also important for architects carrying out both work in the UK and abroad.
Personally i would rather see the AEC standard get either the BS amended or a new BS produced? Whatever emerges needs to be compatible with government thinking.
Happy to participate in discussions regarding development of UK ArchiCAD standards. I have some reasonable connections to find a few more users if this would help. If you want to set something up then you can contact me on bim@bondbryan.co.uk.
As a grumpy ex-pat, I’m in, even on the west side of the pond. Over here we refer to it as “lonely BIM” (John Tocci, of Tocci Constructors and BIM evangelist)
I note that in your standards you sometimes refer to the first field as “Discipline” and sometimes as “Owner”, and this field is (usually) a single character. A single character will not always be sufficient for both definitions. It is quite common for projects to have multiple owners that share the same discipline – even quite modest projects. For a real example, working on a refit of a retail unit in a shopping centre we have the shell architect, the existing fit-out architect, and ourselves, the proposed fit-out architect. When the data is handed over at completion the landlord needs to be able to retain this split. I realise that I can modify the standard to suit the project, but by doing so it ceases to be THE standard and dilutes the advantage of using a published standard.
The standard is a baseline level of compliance, not an exhaustive, prescriptive rulebook for every situation. We recognise that a single approach is critical, but there has to be flexibility to allow for an extensive range of companies, projects and methods. This is exactly why the Discipline code (nominally 1 or 2 characters) has been extended with an Originator to help define the owner when exactly your situation arises:
“Where necessary this field should include an Originator code to help identify the owner of the contents. For example on larger projects where two architects are involved, it may be necessary to add the company’s initials before the discipline:
e.g.
ABC-A- ABC Architects
XYZ-A- XYZ Architects”
If you need the originator, use it. If you don’t, don’t. But in every case, “Variations to this convention, either additions or simplifications, should be noted in the project BIM Strategy document.”
It’s not modifying the standard to something different, and thus diluting it, it’s working within the baseline constraints and still providing an identifiable and common method.
I hope that helps, and thanks for the comment.
The sample diagram for the model breakup is an interesting break up of the model? Certainly not the approach I would take… Separating overlapping and interacting elements is not a good breakup.
As model breakup is extremely project specific, I think the diagram should stop at the discipline specific level with a note to simply state “further break down may be required on larger scale projects, but will be specific to the project”
My 2 cents…
Chris
Yes, the break-down of the modelled components is very important, and is something we intend to look at in more detail in the future. But just as a best practice guide, not a definitive standard. Each project and package is going to have specific requirements which can’t really be generalised. The important factor is the “project BIM strategy document” which can clarify the project-based approaches to this challenge. We will be publishing an example/template very soon.
Thanks
[…] Documents […]
Hi,
I’m going into a BOM (Big Office Meeting)this a.m., with your 4 Handbooks. There is no agenda (yet), but we will be discussing the training programme of the 5 new Revit workstations. Virtually all of the 12 odd operators have developed their skills in autocad (Only 2 of us know MicroStation, me on SE, and the other guy on V8). I’m going to put these manuals on the server, and hopefully initiate some orderly, dgn/dwg thinking and practices.
Regards, Claude Bredell
Hi Claude,
I was wondering how your BOM went that you described in your previous post. I appreciate this was some time ago but we have found ourselves in a similar situation in our office. We are in the process of setting up 4 or 5 Revit workstations and it would be good if you could provide any feedback (good or bad) with your experiences.
Kindest Regards
Iain Crawford
Hi Iain,
They went the revit route. I feel it was the correct choice as they are all autocad users. I wasn’t using much CAD at the time, so I wan’t personally affected. But they are not yet using it as a BIM tool, just 3D modelling,drawing and schedule extractions, and cloud rendering.
The handbooks were useful to me, but I think they use the generic set that is built into the software.
My apologies for taking so long to answer.