Data Requirement Planning for Standards-Compliant 4D/5D BIM Workflows

Overview

Effective 4D (time) and 5D (cost) BIM simulations require more than geometric models—they demand semantically enriched data that aligns with industry standards and supports multiple downstream workflows. This case study demonstrates Yatzar Creations’ systematic approach to data requirement planning for simulation-ready BIM models. 

The Challenge

Many BIM projects fail to deliver on 4D/5D promises because models lack proper data structures. Common issues include: 

  • Inconsistent property data across disciplines and project phases
  • Missing classification that prevents integration with cost and scheduling tools 
  • Data gaps discovered too late for efficient remediation 
  • Incompatible formats that don’t support interoperability 

Without a structured data requirement plan, teams spend excessive time cleaning, enriching, and restructuring models—or worse, abandon simulation workflows entirely. 

Our Approach

Yatzar Creations developed a comprehensive Data Requirement Planning Matrix that defines exactly what information each BIM element needs at every project stage, ensuring models are simulation-ready from the start. 

buildingSMART Professional Certification – Foundation

1. IFC Schema Foundation

We work with IFC 4.3 as the baseline schema, supporting both building and infrastructure domains while ensuring: 

  • Long-term data accessibility and vendor neutrality 
  • Compatibility with requirements for facility management 
  • Adherence to buildingSMART international standards 

2. Phase-Based Data Development

Data requirements are mapped to the RIBA Plan of Work, ensuring structured and progressive development of information throughout the project lifecycle: 

  • RIBA Stages 0–7 provide a clear framework for when and how information is developed 
  • Data maturity evolves in parallel with design progression 
  • Avoiding premature detailing in early stages and eliminating last-minute gaps before construction and handover 

This structured phase mapping ensures information is delivered at the right level of detail at the right time, supporting seamless 4D and 5D integration. 

3. Classification Strategy

We adopt Uniclass as the single, unified classification system to maintain consistency and interoperability across all project stages. 

Using Uniclass enables:

  • Standardized identification of all model elements 
  • Direct linkage between model components and cost or schedule data 
  • Improved traceability across design, construction, and FM phases 
  • Simplified data exchange within RIBA-aligned workflows 

4.Discipline-Phase-Class Mapping Matrix

The core of our methodology is a matrix that maps: 

  • Dimensions: Discipline (Architecture, Structure, MEP, FP), Phase (Concept → Construction), Class (e.g., Acoustics, Air Terminals, Actuators) 

Requirements: 

  • Property Sets (Psets) → semantic attributes (e.g., fire rating, acoustic performance) 
  • Quantity Sets (Qsets) → measurable attributes for QTO (area, volume, length, count) 
  • Property Specifications → property type, data type, and definitions 

Implementation Benefits

Simulation-Ready Models 

  • 4D Construction Sequencing – elements include schedule phasing attributes 
  • 5D Cost Estimation – structured QTO and specification data enable accurate costing 
  • Clash Detection – classification-based filtering simplifies analysis 

Enhanced Workflows 

  • Automated QTO through predefined quantity sets 
  • Standards-based integration with scheduling and cost control systems 
  • Progressive data development aligned with RIBA stages 

Quality & Compliance 

  • Eliminates data gaps during design-to-construction transitions 
  • Ensures compliance with IFC 4.3, and Uniclass standards 

Key Methodology Principles 

  1. Plan Before Modeling – define data requirements at project inception. 
  2. Phase-Appropriate Enrichment – align detail with design maturity using RIBA stages. 
  3. Discipline-Specific Mapping – tailor Psets and Qsets for Architecture, Structure, MEP, etc.
  4. Single Classification Approach – Uniclass used as the unified structure. 
  5. Standards as Foundation – IFC 4.3 and buildingSMART standards for interoperability. 

Conclusion

Yatzar Creations’ data requirement planning methodology transforms BIM from a geometry-based model into a structured information management platform. 
By defining what data is required, when it’s required, and how it should be structured, we enable accurate, standards-compliant 4D/5D simulations that support informed decision-making throughout the project lifecycle. 
Our methodology ensures BIM models are not just visually accurate—but information-rich digital assets ready for QTO, cost estimation, scheduling, and FM handover from day one. 

Learn More

Interested in implementing standards-compliant BIM workflows? Explore more case studies and technical resources at Yatzar Creations or contact us to discuss your project requirements. 

Website: https://yatzarcreations.com 

Contact: reachus@yatzarcreations.com 

Delivering efficient AECO projects with openBIM, coordinated teams, and knowledge-led outcomes.

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