The MPS is a language that owners, designers, and builders can use to define every element and task in the building construction process. It serves as a coordination point for information about the building, what is being modeled, and to what level of detail it is being modeled, estimated, and scheduled. It provides the efficient framework for the project stakeholders – a written checklist that matures from a very schematic level of detail to a high level of detail in terms of 3D geometry, cost, and time.
The MPS assumes the premise that as the level of detail increases during the design process, the estimated cost and schedule becomes more and more accurate. For example, at LOD 100 we know that the cost of a foundation structure is an average of 30 dollars per square foot and that the building needs a foundation structure. Neither dimensions nor production method are known at this level of detail. At LOD 200 we might know the rough location and indicative dimensions of the foundation elements. At LOD 300, the structural analysis results are known, which means that the actual dimensions of the foundation elements can be determined and that a decision regarding the production method to be used can be made.
Data and Uniformat in the example used with permission from CSI and Webcor.
With the MPS in place, you can map your activities directly to the most efficient business process to achieving your program goals. Moving from one project phase to the next is translated as increasing the level of detail in one or more sections of your model specification. The ‘Owner’ concept allows for effective management of work required to complete the required work. Standardized and repeatable, the MPS can be redeployed on multiple projects (because while each component is unique, the progression on specificity remains mostly the same).
The model progression specification is an organization system for all the information contained in the BIM model. Without a clear and coherent template, the model cannot be exploited for coordination, scheduling, estimating, and on-site production control. By leveraging each department's expertise, GCs can consolidate their firm's intellectual property and elegantly present it to Owners.
The Vico Services Team can help you roll out an MPS for your next BIM project:
• Step 1: Analyze your organization and current process to determine typical
deliverables and process steps;
• Step 2: Define a framework and definitions based on which your 5D process will
be implemented and managed;
• Step 3: Collect data from knowledge databases and the experience of your
project team members;
• Step 4: Build standard 5D content and deploy on a project.
To learn more, take advantage of these online resources:
Paper: AECBytes article MPS for BIM
Webinar: Webcor and the MPS
Webinar: Orchestrating BIM the Vico Way
Webinar: Connecting the Conceptual Estimate to the MPS
Webinar: Understanding and Using the MPS
Video: BIM Level of Detail
Video: BIM Model Authors and Sources
Video: Purpose-Built BIM Models
Video: Orchestrating 5D BIM with the MPS
Blog: What Can Be Done to Improve BIM Model Fidelity?
Webpage: MPS Frequently Asked Questions
You can also register to receive a collateral packet with even more MPS information
• Model Progression Specification Whitepaper by Jim Bedrick at Webcor