National BIM Library – Free-to-use MEP BIM objects

Throughout 2014, we have been publishing free-to-use generic BIM objects for service engineers to the NBS National BIM Library. Over this period, NBS Technical Author Andi Connolly Horsley has written articles on theNBS.com discussing the benefits of using these objects.

• Generic Mechanical and Electrical BIM Objects for the NBS National BIM Library
• Integrating BIM objects into your projects

We’ve now got over 100 different types of objects for service engineers, so I spent a little time on the train (aka #bimtrain) earlier this week having a look at these in a test model. The screenshot below shows this model. With each object I have made the clearance zone for maintenance and the detection zone visible. I have also scheduled these to give an indication of the scope of content and consistency of our standard properties.

(For each image - please click to enlarge and see it fully)

A selection of our MEP objects

Boilers, heat exchangers, convectors and radiators

Various types of detectors

Tanks, chillers, air handling and power supply units

Sounders, keypads, rails and brackets

Transformers and generators

As detailed in our NBS BIM Object Standard, international standard properties from COBie and IFC have been respected. The screenshot below showing an export from this model to IFC2x3 displays these objects in DDS Viewer. The advantage of using objects authored to the NBS BIM Object Standard is that those using the data that the design team provides can rely on consistent information. For example, the architect may be using ArchiCAD, the structural engineer may be using Tekla and the service engineer may be using Revit. If all objects have been created to a common standard – the resultant IFC files (or federated single IFC file) will be of greater use with standardised data.

Viewing the property-sets for each object in an IFC viewer

In addition to the 100s of generic objects, it's great to see some manufacturer BIM content for service engineers too on NBS National BIM Library.

Lighting solutions from iGuzzini

If you are a manufacturer and or know of a manufacturer who you think should be joining NBS National BIM Library, please see the following page for more information:

- nationalbimlibrary.com/bim-for-manufacturers

Finally, all National BIM Library service engineering content is written to link with specifications created using NBS Create (see screenshot below). 

Our NBS Create specification system - built for BIM

For further information on NBS Create please visit:

- thenbs.com/products/nbscreate/

To download our free-to-use NBS Plug-in for Autodesk Revit please visit:

- nationalbimlibrary.com/nbs-plug-in-for-autodesk-revit