Uniclass is primarily used to standardize the way information is organized and shared in construction projects. If you’re an architect, here’s how you can use it effectively
📃 How to Use Uniclass
1. Organize Your Models
In your BIM software (such as Revit), Uniclass helps you label and categorize elements consistently. For example, if you're working on walls, doors, or windows, Uniclass gives each of these a unique code. This ensures everyone on the project is referring to the same thing in the same way.
2. Collaborate Easily
By applying Uniclass codes to building elements, it's easier to collaborate with engineers, contractors, and consultants. The codes create a universal language, which reduces confusion and mistakes during construction.
3. Documentation and Specification
When creating specifications, you can use Uniclass codes to describe materials and components clearly. This is especially useful when tendering or ordering materials, as everyone knows exactly what you mean by a specific item.
4. Future-Proofing
If the project grows or changes, the Uniclass system helps you maintain structure and consistency. It's designed to handle everything from small tasks to large-scale infrastructure projects.
📃 Example of Basic Uniclass Codes
Here are some basic Uniclass codes and how you might use them:
1. Elements
Major components like walls, roofs, or foundations.
- EF_30_20: Floors
- EF_25_10: Walls
- EF_35_10: Roofs
2. Products
Specific materials or manufactured products.
- Pr_30_59_24_80: Sliding door and partition sets
- Pr_30_59_98: Window Unit
3. Activities
Tasks related to the project (useful for scheduling or project management).
- Ac_10_35: Excavation
- Ac_10_40_30: Formwork Installing
📃 Example of Multiple Uniclass Codes
Let’s dive deeper with examples to show how multiple Uniclass codes apply in different scenarios. This will help you see how Uniclass is useful in organizing a variety of building elements, products, activities, and systems in a project.
🏢 Typical Building Elements
🔎 Walls:
External Brick Wall
An external wall made of brick with insulation and plasterboard.
Element Code (for walls): EF_25_10_25 - External walls
Product Code (for brick): Pr_20_93_52_15 - Clay bricks
Product Code (for insulation): Pr_25_71_70 - Rigid Insulation boards and panels
Product Code (for plasterboard): Pr_25_71_35_63 - Plasterboard panels
🔎 Doors:
Wood Leaf and Frame Door
An door with a wood leaf and frame.
Element Code (for doors): EF_25_30_25 - Doors
Product Code (for door frame): Pr_30_59_23_96 - Wood door frames
Product Code (for door leaf): Pr_30_59_23_97 - Wood flush door leaves
🔎 Flooring:
Carpeted Floor
A floor with carpet tiles.
Element Code (for flooring): EF_30_20 - Floors
Product Code (for carpet): Pr_35_57_11_62 - Pile carpet tiles
🏡 Residential Apartment Building
🔎 Bathroom:
Shower with Tiled Walls
A bathroom with a tiled shower area.
Location Code (for Bathroom): SL_35_80_08 - Bathrooms
Element Code (for walls): EF_25_10_40 - Internal walls (for bathrooms)
Product Code (for wall tiles): Pr_35_93_96_19 - Ceramic tiles
Product Code (for shower fittings): Pr_40_20_87_75 - Shower fittings package
🔎 Kitchen:
Built-in Kitchen Cabinets
Cabinets with stone countertops and flush pull handles.
Location Code (for Kitchen): SL_45_10_23 - Domestic kitchens
Element Code (for furniture): EF_40_30 - Furnishings
Product Code (for cabinets): Pr_40_30_87_95 - Wall-mounted kitchen cupboards
Product Code (for countertops): Pr_40_30_30_18 - Countertops
Product Code (for handles): Pr_30_36_59_29 - Flush pull handles (for furniture)
🏫 School Building:
🔎 Classrooms:
Windows in a Classroom
Large fixed windows with IGUs.
Location Code (for classroom): SL_25_10_14 - Classrooms
Element Code (for windows): EF_25_30_97 - Windows
Systems Code (for window systems): Ss_25_30_95_75 - Sash window systems
Product Code (for IGU): Pr_25_71_33_42 - Insulated glass units (IGUs)
🔎 Playgrounds:
Outdoor Play Ground
Location Code (for playground): SL_40_05_59 - Outdoor activity areas
Element Code (for external structures): EF_20_10_30 - Framed structures
🏥 Hospital Building
🔎 Operating Room:
Medical Equipment
Spaces Code (for rooms): SL_35_10_53 - Medical treatment rooms
Product Code (for operating table): Pr_40_50_52_57 - Operating theatre tables
Product Code (for medical cart): Pr_40_50_53_51 - Medical service carts
🔎 HVAC System:
Air Conditioning System
System Code (for HVAC): Ss_65_80_05 - Central air conditioning systems
Product Code (for air conditioning unit): Pr_70_65_03 - Air conditioning units
Product Code (for ductwork): Pr_65_65_25_32 - Flexible ductwork
📃 Multiple Uniclass Codes Help In:
✨ Detailing Components
By assigning different Uniclass codes to various products or components in a project (like walls, doors, and floors), you ensure that each item is well-organized and identifiable in BIM software and project documentation.
✨ Handling Complex Projects
Large projects like hospitals or schools involve multiple building systems. Uniclass helps by grouping these systems under their relevant categories, such as medical equipment, HVAC systems, or external structures.
✨ Easier Scheduling and Specification
Since Uniclass codes can be linked to schedules, you can break down tasks, materials, and products by their codes. For example, "install air conditioning units" is easily identified in the project schedule by its code `Pr_70_65_03`.
✨ Consistency Across Projects
You can apply the same codes to similar elements across different projects, making it easier to track and manage components over time, especially if you handle multiple projects.
📃 Friendly Tip
Don’t worry about memorizing the codes! The Uniclass system is available online, where you can look up the specific codes you need. Revit offers a plug-in called Autodesk Interoperability Tools, which will allow you to implement the Uniclass System.
By using Uniclass, you're making your projects more organized, improving communication with others, and creating clearer documentation for construction and maintenance.
💭 Final Thought
Using multiple Uniclass codes in your project ensures that every single part of the building, from major elements like walls to detailed products like door handles, is catalogued and easily accessible. This makes it a powerful tool for architects to keep projects structured and clear for everyone involved.
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