When Hatch-Marks Miss the Mark: Incorporating Finishes into BIM

Abstract

This research studies how Finish Materials are depicted in architectural blue-prints and drawings. It examines how they are commonly represented via the hatch-mark and seeks to improve this representation. By first defining historical use and then analyzing the current uses of the hatch-mark in today’s different softwares, the study identifies gaps in both industry standardization and basic functionality. Both a Literature Review and Technical Review were performed to find out how well the hatch-mark tools work. These reviews identified a “Benchmark Hatch-Mark” to aid in construction and communication for the finish trades. These criteria and model were then applied to a case study of a landscaped green roof of a wastewater pump station. Through a mixed-method approach, the benchmark criteria were tested in drawings, real-world installation, and interviews. The goal is to make 3D Finish Models more accurate and improve clash detection. This will in turn move BIM technology forward.