What is BIM?
There are many definitions of what BIM is and in many ways it depends on your point of view. Sometimes it’s easier to say what BIM isn’t!
- It’s not just 3D CAD
- It’s not just a new technology application
- It’s not next generation, it’s here and now!
Building Information Modelling (BIM) is essentially a value creating collaboration through the entire life‐cycle of an asset (i.e. infrastructure/project), underpinned by the creation, collation and exchange of shared 3D models and the intelligent, structured data that is attached to them.
Crudely defined, Level 2 BIM is a series of domain specific models (e.g. architectural, structural, services etc) with the provision of a single environment to store and share data and information.
How do we use BIM?
Other than a digital‐tool set you don’t actually use BIM, it is way of working, it’s what you do: information modeling and information management in a team environment. That team can be made up of many different companies positioned in many different locations but the SDE (shared data environment) allows all parties to see potential issues, in the digital domain, before they arise in the real world.
The rich 3D experience includes digital simulations, design stage rehearsals, build and operational processes. The information within the models help facilitate well informed decision making resulting in improved business outcomes, clarity, improved communication, de‐risking and ultimately better efficiency.
What are benefits of working this way?
BIM models associate additional information about asset components with geometry in a structured way. This lets us build project documentation in a much more consistent and structured manner.
BIM‐enabled working allows this information to be shared by different project participants and also between different stages of design, construction and operation.
For example, an engineer is able to use information sourced from the architect to prepare energy calculations or a contractor can check the coordination of contributions from different members of the project team, and more importantly the information should always be the most recent information so all parties are working from the most current documentation avoiding costly redesign work.
BIM has the potential to allow information about the use of the building to be collated and held in formats useable by the operators of facilities – enabling buildings and other assets to be used and maintained efficiently.
What is the Government strategy and why does this matter?
The Government Construction Strategy (GCS) requires that: Government will require fully collaborative 3D BIM (with all project and asset information, documentation and data being electronic) as a minimum by 2016. This refers to all centrally procured Government projects as outlined in the GCS including new build and retained estate.
The government has already commissioned many current projects using BIM methodology and has seen significant savings.
As the government is the largest single client in the UK its decision to reduce what it sees as inherent wastage within the construction industry has far reaching implications for all contractors and suppliers.
For more information view: www.bimtaskgroup.org