The GBPs are one of the major statutory and building control submissions for the private sector. At present, the majority of the GBP preparations are completed by traditional 2D CAD approach in Hong Kong. Using BIM to prepare the GBP will be a new approach to the construction industry. However, it is observed that even if BIM is adopted in the design, (a) GFA has to be calculated via CAD manually, and (b) the related design productions from these calculations have to be compiled manually to demonstrate compliance with the statutory requirements. A programme was developed to apply BIM in the calculation of residential saleable area. The relevant definitions of the Residential Properties (First-hand Sales) Ordinance had been reviewed and converted to a computer source code. The developed computer programme was capable of automatically generating residential saleable areas of residential flats using a BIM model. Using this programme, this project aims to develop a tool for automatic calculation of GFA and checking of some building codes for preparation of a BIM-GBP in residential building projects.

The objectives of the research are to:

• To develop a function in the Autodesk Revit Plugin for calculating GFA;
• To develop a function in the Autodesk Revit Plugin for checking and performing Fire Safety calculations in compliance with the statutory requirements; and
• To develop a Practice Note and User Manual for the developed Autodesk Revit Plugin.

BIM-Automation of Gross Floor Area (GFA) Calculation, Fire Safety and Prescribed Checking for General Building Plans (GBP) Preparation

• Automated most of the time-consuming works commonly required for calculation of GFA.
• Automated checking and calculation of Fire Safety issues and Prescribed Checking such as prescribed window calculation, sanitary fitment calculation, etc. for BIM GBP preparation.
• Ready for use in December 2021.

Unique Selling Point of the Plugin

• The project was monitored by a Working Group consisted of representatives from the Architectural Services Department, Buildings Department, Independent Checking Unit under the Office of the Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Housing), Lands Department and Urban Renewal Authority.
• The FIRST available plugin based on Hong Kong regulations and practices to calculate GFA, Means of Escape, Sanitary Fitments etc. and generate related plans automatically for BD submission.
• The core calculation process embedded in the plugin has been used in countless number of BD submissions for 15 years.
• The plugin is developed by an AP who had worked for over 15 years in the largest Architectural Firm in Hong Kong.

How you could get and use this R&D Product?

1. FREE one licence for one year for all architectural firms listed under HKIA and AACSB that are eligible to apply for the Construction Innovation and Technology Fund (CITF).
   List of CITF Eligible Companies / Organisations (Page 6)
2. If you need more licences, you could get it at 50% discounted price until end of 2023.
3. This product is pre-approved by the Construction Innovation and Technology Fund (CITF)
   • Pre-approved Code: PBS18-036
   • Software: ACS (Automatic Computation System)
4. Use this Product to prepare your GBP submission to BD.
5. Feedback to us any discrepancy in using this Product (e.g. any different in interpretation of GFA calculations between this Product and yours).
6. Develop more automation tools to address the Industry's needs. e.g. automate the checking of headroom of all parts of the building.

Construction Innovation and Technology Fund (CITF) - Pre-Approved Lists

• Pre-approved Code: PBS18-036
• Software: ACS (Automatic Computation System)

CIC Funded Projects - Building Information Modelling

Past Webinar

Click Here to Apply for One Free Licence*

*Limited Offer: Only available for all architectural firms listed under Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA) , The Architectural and Associated Consultants Selection Board (AACSB) and Association of Architectural Practices Ltd (AAP). The free licence is only valid until 31 Dec 2022.

Should you have any inquiries, please contact Mr. Wong at info@bit-world.net.