getting the most out of bim a guide for clients
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Davis Langdon, An AECOM Company
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BIM: A guide for clients
CONTENTS
BIM in brief............................................................................................................................................................................... 4 A little BIM-speak................................................................................................................................................................ 6 1.0 What’s all the fuss about?................................................................................................................................ 7 1.1 Background................................................................................................................................................................. 7 1.2 So what is BIM?......................................................................................................................................................... 7 1.3 This guide...................................................................................................................................................................... 7 2.0 How does BIM work?............................................................................................................................................ 8 2.1 The essentials............................................................................................................................................................ 8 2.2 The importance of information sharing and exchange................................................................... 8 2.3 Towards "full BIM".................................................................................................................................................. 9 2.4 A little technical detail — the importance of ‘objects’.................................................................. 10 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3
What can BIM ever do for me?.................................................................................................................... 11 Key BIM benefits................................................................................................................................................... 11 Ongoing BIM issues and risks...................................................................................................................... 12 A balanced view..................................................................................................................................................... 12
4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3
What’s happening now?.................................................................................................................................. 14 Market overview and growth trends......................................................................................................... 14 The UK scene........................................................................................................................................................... 15 Likely future trends............................................................................................................................................. 15
5.0 Getting started in BIM...................................................................................................................................... 16 5.1 BIM in use.................................................................................................................................................................. 16 5.2 Current realities..................................................................................................................................................... 17 5.3 A note on software............................................................................................................................................... 18 5.4 Getting the most out of BIM: What clients need to do.................................................................. 19 5.5 In conclusion…....................................................................................................................................................... 23 6.0 If only... Tomorrow’s world............................................................................................................................ 24 6.1 Vision — what does good look like?......................................................................................................... 24 6.2 Tomorrow’s world today: Getting to Level 3, and beyond............................................................. 24 6.3 Further reading and references.................................................................................................................. 25 7.0 Next steps................................................................................................................................................................. 26 7.1 Going for BIM........................................................................................................................................................... 26 7.2 Getting started....................................................................................................................................................... 26 7.3 Who to contact....................................................................................................................................................... 27
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Davis Langdon, An AECOM Company
BIM IN BRIEF
BIM provides the opportunity for radical improvements in building design, construction and operation through advances in computer-based modelling technologies
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There is currently much interest in Building Information Modelling (BIM) in UK construction. Inevitably, there is also much hype, not only about the extent to which BIM is likely to be used but also about the benefits of using it. This guide is aimed at construction clients and provides a general introduction to BIM, explaining what BIM is, and how it works. It looks at how BIM is being used in the current construction marketplace. It highlights the key benefits and how clients may go about getting started with BIM. It does not cover everything, but provides references to further information for those who want to delve deeper.
While the construction sector generally is at an early stage in its deployment of BIM, awareness and use is growing rapidly in a number of key markets, including the USA, Europe and in the UK also. The UK Government has recently announced that it will be seeking efficiencies through greater use of BIM, and would like to see BIM used on all public projects by 2016, regardless of size.
BIM is essentially a new way of designing buildings and managing design and construction processes made possible by advances in computer-based modelling technologies. The ultimate promise of BIM is to transform the design, construction and operation of buildings way beyond current practice. By involving all key participants in creating a single, accurate and complete digital model of the building, many of the risks and uncertainties common in the construction process are greatly reduced. More than that, a building’s performance can be optimised before it is even built. Additionally, construction is improved and the building can be more effectively managed through its operational life.
–– Develop a project strategy and execution plan setting out clearly their intention to use BIM, what they want from it and how their objectives will be achieved, including:
Clients stand to benefit greatly from BIM. To get the most out of it, they will need the advice and support of their professional design and construction team. They will also need to:
–– Who will lead on BIM. –– What BIM modelling software and systems will be used, including related issues of standards and IT infrastructure. –– The resources required, including additional BIM training needs. –– The impact of proposed procurement arrangements. –– How communications will be managed. –– Agree on appropriate BIM modelling software and systems and understand the capabilities to support their project objectives and the extent to which the design and construction teams are experienced in using them.
BIM: A guide for clients
–– Agree information exchange standards and protocols, ensuring that all key project participants buy in, not only to the principles of improved information sharing, but also to the specific standards and protocols being proposed. –– Consider the legal, contractual and insurance issues. These do not create insurmountable barriers but the use of BIM changes traditional roles and responsibilities, and provision needs to be made for this.
Of course the most important decision clients will face is the selection and appointment of the design and construction team. Finding the right team of people with a positive approach to using BIM, sharing information and above all learning from the experience is key. By following the key principles in this guide, clients can provide the necessary conditions for BIM to be highly effective and for considerable benefits to be realised.
BBC Pacific Quay C&S BIM Model BBC Pacific Quay C&S BIM Model
BBC Pacific Quay Photograph BBC Pacific Quay Photograph
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Davis Langdon, An AECOM Company
A LITTLE BIM-SPEAK
2/3D
Modelling in two or three geometric dimensions
IFC Industry Foundation Classes — standards for project data models
4D
Modelling to include schedule/ programme data and simulations
5D
Modelling to include cost data and simulations
IFD International Framework for Dictionaries, a means of allowing software applications (eg architectural CAD) to ‘talk to’ ’object’/product databases
nD
Modelling to include a variety of data and simulations, covering, for example, time/schedule, cost, carbon impact, energy use, etc. (n represents the number of these ‘dimensions’)
BIM
Building Information Modelling
BIM (M)
Building Information Modelling and Management
BuildingSMART International alliance promoting BIM and the use of IFCs (see below) CAFM Computer Aided Facilities Management CPIC Construction Project Information Committee COBie Construction Operations Building Information Exchange — a method and related information standards for the capture and use of project handover data ERP Enterprise Resource Planning IDM Information Delivery Manual, the BuildingSmart standard covering processes in BIM, specifying when different types of information are needed
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IPD Integrated Project Delivery, where design and construction teams work as an integrated virtual organisation and use BIM to deliver the project Objects Also Object-Oriented (OO) technology. Objects are fundamental to BIM. They are typically digital representations of a building’s physical components — eg windows, structural beams, and even spaces — that are defined in terms of attributes (geometry, material composition, specification, cost, etc) so that they can be manipulated digitally within a project model Product libraries Also called object libraries, these are digital collections of groups or families of objects that are available to designers and others working in a BIM environment Revit An Autodesk product for building design using BIM
BIM: A guide for clients
1.0 WHAT'S ALL THE FUSS ABOUT?
1.1Background
By working together to develop With the UK Government calling for the sophisticated, information-rich and coordinated computer models, the use of Building Information Modelling Information Benefits of Building Modeling: different design and construction (BIM) on all its construction projects by 2016, BIM is the term on everyone’s disciplines can ‘prototype’ projects nts of BIM for over • it willQuickly manipulate/test design before proposed they are built. Designs can be lips. Some say revolutionise and expertise to developed and tested ‘virtually’ so that solutions building design and construction brought to any performance and cost is optimised. to the point where many processes hen used become highly-integrated, efficient They can be coordinated so that • Early 3D design collaboration between many potential problems are either advantages toeffective. Others say they have and design disciplines designed-out or avoided altogether. nd beyond. ‘seen it all before’ and argue that Ultimately, the benefits not only lie in BIM is not much more than a new Accurate and fast more options appraisal efficient and effective design nts of BIM at setthe of design •tools that construction and construction processes, but better ly C&S andmust MEPadapt to and work with. But and more certain 3D environment most agree that is introducing • BIMEarly material quantities output project outcomes — better buildings that are more he fruition of a real new ways of working for design fit-for-purpose and meet their brief and construction teams that bring • Accurate cost appraisal information tool intent. requirements and design considerable benefits for all involved
nt allows our in construction – and for clients most • Accurate cut & fill modelling nd to quickly of all. 1.3 This guide om a cost, This guide to BIM answers c perspective. The • Construction sequencing and Health & some key questions for clients who want to get 1.2 So what is BIM? at having tested Safety advantagesthe through visualisation most out of BIM: In a nutshell… BIM exploits the e at a solution potential in computer-based modelling s.
• Virtual Prototyping–allows – What isteam BIM? to construct technologies to provide a new way building on computer long before they start 2.0) of designing buildings and managing –– How does it work? (Section ction the team on site design and construction processes. use the design –– What are the benefits? (Section 3.0)
ion and early –– What’s(RMP) currently happening? In team particular… wellModel beyondPrototyping • BIM goes Rapid w the design (Section 4.0) the effective application of 3D CAD. e problems on It provides a major step-change in Equally costs, –– How can BIM be used all effectively? • Excellent communication tool through the ability of design and construction (Section 5.0) ve been accurately stages of design and construction
teams to structure and exchange information around shared, computer- –– What does the future look like? (Section 6.0) based models• of a building project. Services clash detection h Construction. This of course can bring great benefits, References to other material are p the BIM model including better design coordination, provided throughout the text.1 ing additional reductions in design costs and nd item improved communications throughout file. The the design and construction process. t are obvious as But the real benefits of BIM go further.
eir whole building
1 For a more detailed (but reasonably readable!) guide to BIM and the business benefits, see Constructing the Business Case: Building Information Modelling (2010), available from BSI at: http://shop.bsigroup.com/Browse-by-Sector/Building--Construction/Building-Information-Modelling/
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Davis Langdon, An AECOM Company
2.0 HOW DOES BIM WORK? 2
By providing an intelligent, digital structure for project information — and ultimately a means by which the information can all be held centrally as a ‘single’ model — BIM opens up a wide range of possibilities for improvement
2.1 The essentials BIM is based on digital models of a building that store information about the project (relating to architecture, engineering, construction, and so on) in a way that enables it to be shared across and between different design and construction disciplines. Not only that, 3D dynamic modelling software can be used to develop and manipulate these digital models to refine the design, and also to test and validate its potential performance across a range of criteria, including buildability, energy performance-in-use, whole life cost etc. The potential for all key project information to be stored and manipulated on computer is what sets BIM apart from more conventional approaches, and BIM-based design solutions differ from their traditional counterparts in that they:
CLIENT PROJECT MANAGER
FM PROVIDER
ARCHITECT/ DESIGNER
FM CONSULTANTS
SUB CONTRACTORS
BIM
BUILDING SEVICES ENGINEER
CONTRACTOR
SPEC CONSULTANT
SUPPLY MANUFACTURE COST CONSULTANT
Figure 1 Information sharing in BIM Source: BuildingSMART
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STRUCTURAL ENGINEER
CIVIL ENGINEER
–– are created and developed on digital databases which enable collaboration and effective data exchange between different disciplines; –– allow change to be managed through these databases, so that changes in one part of the database are reflected in (and coordinated through) changes in other parts; and –– capture and preserve information for re-use by all members of the design and construction team, including facilities management (FM), and user operation and management.
2.2 The importance of information sharing and exchange Conventionally, a good deal of design and construction work is documentbased. Information is communicated and stored via a variety of drawings and reports that, despite being stored and distributed in digital form, are essentially ‘unstructured’ and thus of limited use. Not only is this information unstructured, it is also held in a variety of forms and locations that are not formally coordinated (information on individual building components, for example, are contained on drawings, specifications, bills of quantity descriptions, etc). Such an approach has considerable potential for data conflicts and redundancy as well as risks to data integrity and security. Conversely, by providing an intelligent, digital structure for project information – and ultimately a means by which the information can all be held centrally as a ‘single’ model – BIM opens up a wide range of possibilities for improvement. These include better ways of generating, exchanging, storing and reusing project information that greatly improve communications between different design and construction disciplines through the life of the asset.
2 An excellent discussion of BIM, including an analysis of construction’s shortcomings and how BIM can help overcome them, is provided in Ray Crotty’s new book: Crotty, R (2011) The Impact of Building Information Modelling: Transforming Construction, Spon Press, London.
BIM: A guide for clients
While the idea of a single, central project model is something of a ‘holy grail’ for BIM, in practice digital information is held in number of project models that are used for different purposes – architectural ‘rendering’, structural analysis, costing, and so on. But the key feature of BIM working is that these models are co-ordinated and work from shared databases. Thus BIM is as much a process of generating, sharing and managing project information throughout the lifecycle of the asset, as it is the digital model itself. That is why BIM is sometimes referred to as BIM(M) – Building Information Modelling and Management.
2.3 Towards ‘full BIM’ Of course, digitally structuring information can take many forms, from simple temporary models created for a specific purpose (eg a room schedule with key room dimensions in spreadsheet form) through to shared 3D whole-building models containing architectural, structural, servicing and other data all in the same place (‘Full BIM’). And the greater the degree of information-sharing and collaboration in the development of the models, the more accurate and complete the models will be and the greater are the benefits of using BIM. As shared models are developed, problems – such as clashes between structure and services – tend to get ironed out, and designs become more consistent and coordinated. As all project information comes to be based on a single model, there is considerably less scope for misinterpretation and consequential change, disruption and re-work. And all of this helps greatly to improve the predictability and certainty of project outcomes.
Knowledge database Company External
Rules and regulations Building; Health and Safety; planning
Functional description Functions Calculations Requirement Demolition Reconstruction
BIM software Architecture; structural/ civil engineering; building services
Virtual reality modelling language (VRML) Visualisation 3D models
Reuse Refurbishment Demolition Reconstruction
BIM FM Renting, sale and use Maintenance Warranty
4D Schedules Logistics Sourcing Product database Price database
Simulation Comfort Air, heating Life-cycle costs Light; sound; insulation; use; fire; environmental; impact; life expectancy
Description Including cost estimates
Figure 2 Full BIM Source: BuildingSMART
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Davis Langdon, An AECOM Company
A good deal of work in the software industry has been devoted to developing standard definitions for 'objects' to ensure they are interoperable across different systems and tools
2.4 A little technical detail – the importance of ‘objects’ The digital project model at the heart of BIM is usually created by software using ‘object’ technology. ‘Objects’ are essentially digital representations of parts of buildings. While typically these are physical components (eg doors, windows, etc), they can also be more abstract entities (eg spaces). In the past, different software providers tended to have their own ways of defining and handling objects, so their systems – and the information contained within them – were not ‘interoperable’. Interoperability – eg the effective exchange of information between, say architectural and structural engineering CAD systems – is key to BIM. Because of that, a good deal of work in the software industry has been devoted to developing standard definitions for objects to ensure they are interoperable across different systems and tools – one such set of definitions, called Industry Foundation Classes (IFCs, now promoted by BuildingSmart), is becoming more widely used in construction. 3 Objects are important because of the richness of the information they contain, including how they relate to other objects (parametric information). Such information is not only dimensional, but can relate, for example, to thermal performance, carbon emissions, cost, repair and replacement cycles etc. Objects are therefore information-rich ‘building blocks’ of design and construction, and can also be used well into the operating stages of projects. They can also be stored in digital libraries and re-used and refined on other projects.
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To take a simple example, a building object such as a window may be defined in terms of its location in the building, key dimensions, weight, connections, performance characteristics, and so on. Attaching other information such as capital cost, delivery/logistics data, maintenance/ repair frequencies, life expectancy, etc allows other software tools to manipulate that information to help produce cost plans, whole life cost estimates, construction schedules, and so on. Importantly, further information may also be added to define the relationships between objects that link together, so that when key object ‘parameters’ are changed (the dimensions of a window, for example), related parameters in other objects (eg the wall opening for the window) change as a consequence. And more complete ‘project’ models, containing many of these kinds of objects and their interrelationships, can be used post-construction to help manage and maintain assets through their life cycle. Further, once objects are defined they can be used over again on other projects, albeit with some refinement. So while tools to manipulate objects and the data they contain (for example, energy simulation, scheduling/ planning and cost estimating tools) are important, how objects are defined and by whom, also has significant implications for information ownership and management. Some of these implications are discussed further in Section 3.0.
IFCs for construction were initially developed by the International Alliance for Interoperability (IAI), now known as BuildingSmart. The IFC format is registered by ISO as ISO/ PAS 16739 and is in the process of becoming an official International Standard ISO/IS 16739
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BIM: A guide for clients
3.0 WHAT CAN BIM EVER DO FOR ME?
3.1 Key BIM benefits The benefits of BIM derive fundamentally from the way in which all parties to the project can both contribute to project data models and draw information from them. BIM has the potential to improve many functions, from checking compliance with building regulations, through design, cost estimating, work scheduling, fabrication and construction, through to operations, FM and even decommissioning and demolition. Significant benefits are claimed for BIM, particularly when working in a genuinely collaborative way using a single digital model of the project (towards what is being called ‘Full BIM’). Generally, BIM is recognised as providing a wide range of valuable benefits, covering: –– Design – improved coordination of design and deliverables between disciplines; improved project understanding through visualisation; improved design management and control, including change control; and improved understanding of design changes and implications through parametric modelling. –– Compliance – ability to perform simulation and analysis for regulatory compliance; and ability to simulate and optimise energy and wider sustainability performance. –– Costing/economics – ability to perform cost analysis as the design develops, and to check for adherence to budget/cost targets; ability to understand cost impacts of design changes; and improved accuracy of cost estimates.
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–– Construction – reduction of construction risks through identification of constructability issues early in the design process; early detection and avoidance of clashes; ability to model impact of design changes on schedule and programme; and ability to integrate contractor/sub-contractor design input directly to the model.
There is a growing consensus that BIM offers significant financial savings for both clients and the construction supply side
–– Operation and management – creation of an FM database directly from the project (as built) model; ability to perform FM costing and procurement from the model; and ability to update the model with real-time information on actual performance through the life of the building.
The financial impact of all these benefits, taken together, could be considerable. While there is an expanding body of information on reported benefits from using BIM on live projects, these are often issued by interested parties such as software vendors and are difficult to verify. Nonetheless, there is a growing consensus that BIM offers significant financial savings for both clients and the construction supply side. A recent McGraw Hill report 4 looked at user perceptions of BIM in the UK, France and Germany, concluding that the majority of users believe that they are getting a positive return on investment (ROI) in BIM, and also that the business benefits of BIM have not yet been realised in full. This report is covered further in Section 4.1.
The Business Value of BIM in Europe (2010), McGraw Hill SmartMarket Report Series.
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Davis Langdon, An AECOM Company
The potential for project models to support the management of facilities in the post-construction phase is considerable and could lead to more effective operation of buildings through the whole life-cycle
3.2 Ongoing BIM issues and risks Primarily because BIM is a relatively new approach that has not yet achieved widespread adoption in the construction sector, there are a number of uncertainties and potential risks in its adoption, including: –– Legal, contractual and insurance issues5: Fundamentally, there is a lack of precedent to provide clear guidance on issues such as ownership of intellectual property rights (IPR) in project models and information. Standard forms of building contract – including design and consultant appointments – do not currently make specific provision for BIM. The implications for design liability and associated insurance arrangements of the greater integration of design, construction and operation information envisaged under BIM have not yet been fully worked through. These issues are reviewed further in Section 5.0. –– Current practice: Related to the issues of liability and insurance is the question of the standards of professional practice (and associated duties of care) that are expected across the sector. New modelling capabilities are blurring the boundaries between who does what in design and construction teams; ‘best practice’ in BIM is not yet clearly defined and different disciplines are developing their own methods and standards; and training requirements are not yet clear.
–– IT and software: While a critical requirement of BIM is interoperability of systems and data, not all software and associated IT platforms currently used for BIM deploy IFC-compliant information standards, for example, and manufacturers have not yet agreed on a single standard. The variety of systems in use can impose heavy training burdens on firms who need to operate with some or all of them. –– Awareness and expectations: Paradoxically, BIM suffers from relatively low levels of client and sector awareness combined with very high expectations typical of new information technology developments. Because the ultimate potential of BIM is so considerable – see Section 6.0 – there is a tendency for some proponents to believe that all the possible benefits are available today, and to over-promise on what can currently be achieved. This guide will help users set realistic targets in line with a simple BIM ‘maturity model’ – see Section 5.0.
3.3 A balanced view Do the benefits of BIM outweigh the risks? Most certainly yes, and to a very significant degree. The sheer transformative affect of BIM should not be underestimated. More efficient and effective design processes; greatly improved information quality and co-ordination between design and construction; and better prototyping prior to construction
5 For a more detailed discussion, see Appendix 5 of the Strategy Paper for the Government Construction Client Group, June 2011 - http://www.bis.gov.uk/policies/business-sectors/ construction/research-and-innovation/working-group-on-bimm
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are all of made possible through BIM. Definition Building Information Modeling (BIM) Potentially these bring enormous
"a digital representation of physical and functional benefits, not only by improving the characteristics of an asset in the built efficiency ofadesign and construction, environment...and shared knowledge resource for but by improving itsforming effectiveness information about that asset a reliable basis foralso, decisions during its life-cycle; defined as existing ultimately providing greater from earliest conception to demolition."
certainty of project outcomes and
better More that, Building anbuildings. Information Model, thethan process of generating and managing project data throughout the potential for project models to the lifecycle of an asset. Typically utilises 3D, real-time, support the management of facilities dynamic modeling software to capture and reuse in the post-construction phase is are critical project data. 3D components in the model considerable and could lead to more place holders for information that can be embellished with data rich information as required. Building effective operation of buildings Information Modelling solutions have three through the whole life cycle. One characteristics: of these benefits is to provide new
• learning they create and what operatereally on digital databases about works in for collaboration design and construction which can be • they manage change throughout those fed databases back to so inform andtoimprove that change any part ofthese the processes. database is coordinated in all other parts (parametric) • they capture and preserve information for Conversely, the downside risks, though reuse by other members of the AEC value real,chain. are generally resolvable and do
not create insurmountable barriers to BIM adoption. Indeed, as BIM use becomes more widespread, it may be expected that, amongst other things, issues associated with IPR, insurances and best practice will all become clearer and more easily managed through improved contracts and management arrangements.
The use of BIM for engineering services
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Davis Langdon, An AECOM Company
4.0 WHAT'S HAPPENING NOW?
Major designers (architects and engineers) and, to a lesser extent, contractors, have recognised the trend towards increasing demand for BIM for some time and many have already invested in much of the technology and training necessary to prepare themselves to adopt it
4.1 Market overview and growth trends Useful indications of market trends are currently available from two widely-cited reports by McGraw Hill covering BIM use in construction in the USA (2007 and 2009) and in three countries in Europe (UK, France and Germany – 2010).6 These reports are based on internet opinion surveys and, while sample sizes in each appear reasonable, it must be remembered that respondents to these kinds of surveys essentially constitute a selfselecting sample and some care in the interpretation of the results is needed. Nonetheless, they provide helpful indications of current and likely future trends. Key findings from the McGraw Hill reports suggest that: –– BIM adoption is further ahead in the USA than in Europe. While the term ‘BIM adoption’ is not clearly defined (one problem being that there are varying degrees of BIM adoption - see Sections 2.3 and 5.1), most commentators would agree that the USA is ahead of Europe, including the UK, in its use of BIM. This is partly due to the requirements of the General Services Administration on major Federal projects.
–– Contractors in the USA appear to be adopting BIM more than their European counterparts, however, contractors (rather more than architects and engineers) in Europe are anticipating a significant increase in the use of BIM in the near future – 54% of respondents expect BIM to be used on more than 30% of their projects by 2012. –– A higher proportion of BIM users in Europe (45%) than in the USA (42%) consider themselves expert or advanced users. This is a somewhat surprising finding given that BIM use appears to be higher in the USA, though European users claim to have been using BIM for significantly longer on average than their USA counterparts. –– Some 70% of expert BIM users in Europe are already committing a large proportion (>60%) of their project portfolios to BIM. Additionally, just under half of the BIM ‘beginners’ (46%) are undertaking a small but significant proportion of their work in BIM (15%). –– Most BIM users in Europe expect a positive ROI on their investment in BIM. Experienced users also report ongoing productivity benefits and enhanced abilities to secure new work.
–– All BIM users in Europe expect significant future growth in the use –– The rate of BIM use has grown rapidly of BIM. Some 75% of users expect to in the USA between 2007 and 2009. use BIM on more than 30% of projects Again, the headline results need some by 2012, up from 60% in 2010. care in interpretation, as the samples surveyed are not the same for the 07 and 09 ‘snapshots’; nonetheless, 4.2 The UK scene recent growth in BIM use would There is a lot of anecdotal material appear significant, and might suggest on the growth in BIM usage in UK future significant growth in Europe construction. Additionally, recent as well. surveys – including the McGraw –– Architects are the most active users Hill report on BIM in Europe – of BIM. In the USA, 37% of architects provide more evidence to support responding to the survey were using claims of growth in BIM, not only in BIM on more than 60% of projects in awareness but in current use and 2009; in Europe in 2010 some 46% of future intentions. An RICS Survey architects were using BIM. of members in 20117 suggests that some 10% of quantity surveyor 7 6
RICS (2011) Building Information Modelling Survey Report, RICS, London.
The Business Value of BIM (2009), and The Business Value of BIM in Europe (2010), McGraw Hill SmartMarket Report Series.
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BIM: A guide for clients
members are using BIM regularly, with over 20% reporting that they had worked on projects that used BIM in the last 12 months. A National Building Specification (NBS) survey of technology use and trends in UK construction in 2010 8 suggests that architects generally have a more positive attitude to the adoption of new technology, though a relatively small proportion of all respondents (28%) stated that they would invest in BIM in the next two years. NBS followed up their 2010 survey with another in October and November 2011, and the 2011 survey – albeit using a different and somewhat larger sample than 2010 – indicates that in general awareness and use of BIM is increasing 9. In particular, there is an increase in respondents who intended to use BIM in the next three to five years. Further evidence of the growing interest in BIM can also be found in its popularity in the construction press and on the conference agenda over the past 12 months. Some of this has been driven by the publicity given to former Davis Langdon senior partner and now UK Chief Construction Adviser, Paul Morrell’s recommendation, in his report on Low Carbon Construction10, for the mandatory use of BIM on public projects with a value greater than £50m. As a result of that, the more recent Government Construction
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Strategy11 called for increased use of BIM, and the subsequent report to the Government on BIM from an industry Working Group recommends the use of BIM on all public construction projects to be phased in over the next five years12, regardless of value. The UK Government has now formed a BIM Implementation Group to take forward this recommendation and is currently (early 2012) looking at trial projects to provide practical demonstrations of the benefits of adoption.
Hill European survey that the major designers (architects and engineers) and, to a lesser extent, contractors, have recognised the trend towards increasing demand for BIM for some time and many have already invested in much of the technology and training necessary to prepare themselves to adopt it.
It seems clear that BIM is set to become increasingly relevant in UK construction, not only for ‘early adopters’ – particularly on larger The BIM report to the Government is building projects initially – but already proving to be influential in eventually for most businesses accelerating the adoption of BIM in UK involved in construction who will have construction. A key point summary of to develop at least a degree of BIM this report and a commentary on its capability if they wish to be considered key recommendations are available at for public work. Forecasting the rate http://www.davislangdon.com/upload/ of wider adoption is always going to be StaticFiles/EME%20Publications/ difficult, but it seems likely that the NewsArticles/Gov_BIM_strategy.pdf next 12 to 24 months will be critical, and the larger construction businesses in particular may be expected to 4.3 Likely future trends develop a significant BIM capability in that timeframe. The results of the McGraw Hill, NBS and other surveys on BIM and But BIM, of course, is not a ‘oneIT use; anecdotal evidence of the size-fits-all’ solution, and Section topicality of BIM over the past year 5.0 considers degrees of adoption of or so in the construction press BIM and some of the implications for and on the conference circuit; and construction clients who wish to get the new Government Construction the most out of it. Section 6.0 in this Strategy together with the report guide attempts to look a little further to the Government on BIM, all point ahead and provide a glimpse of a to a rapidly growing interest in, and future where BIM is the norm in design demand for, greater use of BIM from and construction. the client community. Additionally, there is evidence from the McGraw
For a summary, see http://www.thenbs.com/topics/PracticeManagement/articles/theTechnologySurvey.asp
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NBS (2012) National BIM Report 2012, NBS, London available at http://www.thenbs.com/topics/BIM/articles/ nbsNationalBimSurvey_2012.asp
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Low Carbon Construction. Innovation and Growth Team, Final Report. Department for Business Innovation and Skills, November 2010. Recommendation 6.14 http://www.bis.gov.uk/assets/biscore/business-sectors/docs/l/10-1266-low-carbon-construction-igtfinal-report.pdf
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Government Construction Strategy, Cabinet Office, May 2011. http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/sites/default/files/resources/Government-Construction-Strategy.pdf
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BIM: Strategy Paper for the Government Construction Client Group, from the BIM Industry Working Group, published by the Department for Business Innovation and Skills, June 2011. http://www.bis.gov.uk/policies/business-sectors/construction/researchand-innovation/working-group-on-bimm 15
Davis Langdon, An AECOM Company
5.0 GETTING STARTED IN BIM
BIM practice in construction lies in a fairly wide band between two extremes, with very little yet in the ‘full BIM’ higher end
LEVEL 0
HIGH
5.1 BIM in use BIM means different things to different people. On the one hand, using 2D CAD, supported by simple spreadsheets to communicate project information is a form of BIM, albeit a fairly basic one. On the other hand, using a fully integrated collaborative project model covering all key design disciplines and based on IFC-compliant data exchange standards and protocols (‘Full BIM’ as outlined in Section 2.0), is also a form of BIM, but at a much higher level of sophistication and usefulness. Current BIM practice in construction lies in a fairly wide band between these extremes, with very little yet in the ‘full BIM’ higher end. Because the range of practice is quite wide, some of the survey results about rates of ‘BIM adoption’ quoted in Section 4.0 are unclear and ambiguous, and that is why we have been somewhat circumspect in reporting them.
LEVEL 1
LEVEL 2
LEVEL 3
Single Project Model IFC standards for data exchange
MATURITY
HIGH
BENEFITS
Managed 3D
Managed CAD
LOW
Unmanaged CAD
TOOLS
3D
LOW
TECHNOLOGY COLLABORATION DATA SHARING/EXCHANGE
LOW
Paper
Figure 3 BIM maturity levels based on Richards and Bew 16
2D
BIM Environment
File based collaboration
Filed based collaboration & Library Management
HIGH
Integrated web services BIM hub
To get a better understanding of what BIM adoption means – and how to get the most out of it – it is helpful to have a simple model that captures different levels of sophistication or ‘maturity’ in the use of BIM. The model shown in Figure 3 below is a simplified version of one taken from the recent BIM report to the Government. The definitions of the different maturity levels in this scheme are as follows: –– 0 Unmanaged CAD, usually in 2D format, with paper (or electronic paper – eg pdf files) as the main data exchange mechanism. –– 1 Managed CAD in 2 or 3D format with a collaboration tool (extranet) providing a common data environment, possibly also using some standard data structures and formats. –– 2 Managed 3D environment held in separate discipline 'BIM' models and tools with attached data. Data exchange is mainly on the basis of proprietary exchange formats. This approach may include 4D programme data and 5D cost data. –– 3 Fully-open process with a single project model and data integration and exchange using IFC standards; the process is managed by a collaborative model server.
BIM: A guide for clients
No comprehensive assessment of current or recent construction activity in terms of this model has yet been undertaken, so it is not possible to say just where the sector lies in its adoption of BIM. But in our view, while a relatively small number of practitioners are operating at Level 2, others are more likely to be at Level 1 at best, with most at Level 0.
5.2 Current realities So what does Level 2 BIM really mean? Current BIM practice at this level varies depending on the participants involved; the systems and software applications used; the scale and complexity of the project; and other factors. In summary, Level 2 BIM typically involves:
In this context then, the use of the term ‘BIM’ in UK construction generally –– A project strategy or plan that tends to describe working at Level 2, provides for information sharing ie, where each discipline collaborates between all key design/construction in a managed environment using disciplines via BIM, including exchange formats and procedures. its own 3D Model of the project (eg, architectural, structural, MEP, etc). –– A baseline 3D model of the building, Information is exchanged between usually created by the architect/lead these models in a structured way, designer and distributed to other though there is typically no centrallydesign/construction disciplines for held single model of the project, them to create their own models. and data exchange uses proprietary This baseline or reference model is updated during the design process file formats rather than commonly with input from other disciplines agreed IFC-compliant standards and to represent key points in design protocols. This is not to downplay the development. benefits of Level 2 working – which are real and considerable – but simply to –– Separate 3D (and ‘nD’) models recognise that it is some way off the for each key design/construction ‘Full BIM’ Level 3 ideal. discipline, based on the baseline model but developed by each discipline using their own specific That said, Level 2 signifies a major software and modelling tools; and step on the path to Full BIM for UK used to update the baseline model at construction, and that is why the key points in design development. recent report to the government on BIM recommends that all construction should be capable of operating at least at Level 2 within five years, ie by 2016. This target is being taken forward through a Cabinet Office BIM Mobilisation and Implementation Group.
–– Information exchange via proprietary file formats, which are file structures developed by individual software vendors that enable other vendors’ software to read and write their files (for example, Autodesk’s DXF format). –– Project extranet used for distributing models and related files.
The remainder of this section provides –– Design co-ordination via face to guidelines for using BIM to Level 2. face (or video-conference) meetings Of course, the further one moves up of key disciplines in the design and the maturity scale, the more that the construction team, structured around very valuable benefits claimed for each discipline’s contribution to the BIM – and summarised in Section 3.0 central baseline or reference model. of this guide – can be achieved, and the ultimate goal is BIM Level 3. Section 6.0 of this guide provides a glimpse of what BIM working at Level 3 might look like.
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Davis Langdon, An AECOM Company
BIM is as much a new way of working and of exchanging and coordinating information on a construction project as it is an IT-based approach
In time, as experience in BIM increases and more sophisticated technology becomes deployed, the baseline model will become a single, shared model of the project that supports real time and concurrent input by different disciplines. This is what working at Level 3 will involve, and is discussed further in Section 6.0.
5.3 A note on software BIM is as much a new way of working and of exchanging and coordinating information on a construction project as it is an IT-based approach. Yet it would not be possible without advances in computer-based modelling. It is important to review briefly the different BIM systems and software packages available. Remember that BIM is not ‘simply’ a way of designing buildings in 3D geometry. The term ‘modelling’ refers
Activity/BIM Vendor
Revit Architecture Architecture Archicad Digital Project
Structural engineering Autodesk Bentley Design Data Tekla AceCad
Revit Structures Structural Modeller SDS/2 Tekla Structures StruCad
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There is an increasing variety of BIM systems available covering architecture, structural engineering and – to a somewhat lesser degree – MEP engineering. These systems are referred to generically as BIM authoring software (or BIM modelling software) and contain collections of standard and well-defined construction objects, called product libraries or families. Table 1 below identifies the main proprietary
Main product/application
Architecture Autodesk Bentley Graphisoft Gehry Technologies
MEP engineering Autodesk Bentley
to the ability to use and manipulate ‘objects’ that can have extensive data on a variety of properties associated with them (geometry, connections to other objects, thermal performance, cost, delivery, life expectancy, etc). It is this ability that makes BIM so powerful, and allows designers to produce accurate, coordinated, buildable and robust designs that can be tested in virtual 3D space before they are built.
Revit MEP Building Electrical Systems Building Mechanical Systems
Table 1 BIM authoring software Source: Crotty, R (2011) The Impact of Building Information Modelling: Transforming construction, p89.
BIM: A guide for clients
packages, but is not exhaustive. Additionally, there are other support and analysis tools covering, for example, thermal and energy simulation, quantity take-off, cost estimating, construction scheduling, procurement, FM etc. These additional tools may work with some or most of the proprietary BIM authoring tools, though as yet there is no single integrated suite or package that offers full end-to-end capability (ie from project initiation/feasibility through to operation/maintenance and end-oflife). The choice of BIM authoring software is obviously important and, while some pointers on the criteria to be adopted are provided Section 5.4 on using BIM, a detailed review of the capabilities of the different software packages is well beyond the scope of this guide. Software developers, BIM vendors and others working in this area are currently very active, and new solutions and applications are appearing regularly to plug gaps in existing systems and to provide new ways of dealing with current problems.
Clients will need the advice and support of their professional design and construction team in implementing BIM on construction projects. This could be provided initially to help with project set-up by the lead designer/architect, the principal contractor, the project manager or indeed any of the other disciplines with experience of BIM to Level 2. Section 7.0 of this guide sets out the key steps in implementing BIM and how Davis Langdon, an AECOM company, can help clients through the process.
There is no single integrated suite or package that offers full end-to-end capability (ie from project initiation/ feasibility through to operation/maintenance and end-of-life)
5.4.2 Develop a project strategy and execution plan A key requirement is to set out clearly the intention to use BIM in a Project Strategy document, and to ensure that all project participants are committed to it. The strategy need be no more than one page, and describe: –– Project purpose and vision –– Key objectives and BIM goals –– Benefits of using BIM, and how they are to be delivered
To support the Project Strategy, a Project Execution Plan (PEP) is needed to describe how the project will be delivered. This can follow standard 5.4.1 Overall PEP formats but should document There is a growing body of information clearly the role of BIM and how it and guidance on using BIM, and an will be deployed, including the role emerging stream of standards and of the various disciplines involved. protocols from organisations such as It is important that BIM is carried BuildingSmart, the BSI, and others. out within a well-organised and Additionally, BIM vendors and software documented framework, and the PEP application developers are producing should provide for: their own guidance, ‘white papers’ and procedures whilst manufacturers –– BIM leadership - there is much and others are publishing their own discussion at present about the product libraries. A good deal of need for a ‘BIM manager’ or Project Information Manager for projects the material available is detailed using BIM. Certainly, the lead and technical (references to some designer should have a key role of the key publications are provided in developing the BIM element of at the end of this guide) and what the PEP and in helping the client follows is a distillation of the key decide who should lead on BIM – points of relevance to clients who are whether this requires a separate BIM considering adopting BIM to Level 2. management function or not.
5.4 Getting the most out of BIM: What clients need to do
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Davis Langdon, An AECOM Company
Clients will need the advice and support of their professional design and construction team in implementing BIM on construction projects
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–– BIM modelling covering the authoring software to be used and the range and extent of models and other deliverables to be produced (eg architecture, civil and structural engineering, MEP, etc), and including: –– authoring software and tools to be used (see Section 5.4.3);
include more detail of BIM deployment covering detailed modelling and analysis requirements, changing roles and responsibilities and other matters.
5.4.3 Choose appropriate BIM authoring software
In the present, imperfect world of BIM there is no single suite of authoring –– standards for data exchange, version and change control, file and software that does everything. In fact, different packages and applications document management (see also under Communications below), etc; undertake similar functions in different ways (and sometimes –– the design/construction stages at through a different process/sequence) which models will be created; and it is important for clients to –– levels of detail required; and be clear on their requirements and well-advised on the capabilities –– the different analyses required and limitations of the different (eg for visualisation, energy products available. For example, performance, quantity take-off, some products are not designed cost, clash detection and so on), when these will be required and the specifically for certain types of project (infrastructure/civils projects, tools to be used. for example, tend to have their own –– BIM systems and technology covering dedicated products). Others have all IT requirements (hardware, differing approaches to design that networks, etc) and how these will be may not suit all design/construction implemented on the project – see team members and their current Section 5.4.3. capabilities. –– Resources, including who will be responsible for modelling and Regardless of the authoring software information management, and used, a vitally important activity is the whether any additional training initial development of the baseline will need to be provided (to client or reference model (in BIM Level 2 participants in particular). working) as this will determine how –– Project procurement arrangements well other authoring software and (if known), and how these will analysis tools can use model data impact on the responsibilities effectively. Fundamentally, if the and arrangements for modelling, quality of this initial model – and information management, etc. it is frequently the architectural –– Communications - a vitally important model – is poor, then the ability of ‘last-but-not-least’ item that is other disciplines to use the model essentially a communications plan is compromised, and the potential for the project, covering all necessary benefits are impaired. Initial model communication (not just data set-up and development is critical, exchange) and including information and curtailing this activity is likely to sharing, storage and retrieval, lead to serious compromise later in access rights and permissions, and the process. so on. Further suggestions for how information sharing is dealt with Of course, the choice of design team between project participants are and the choice of BIM authoring provided in the Section 5.4.4. software are closely related. Primarily As the project progresses, the PEP can because of the investment required be revised, updated and expanded to in software licenses, training and
BIM: A guide for clients
associated hardware, designers tend to opt for one of the main packages, so choosing a lead designer may well determine the authoring software to be used. Nonetheless, clients should understand the capabilities and limitations. Key points to note in deciding on appropriate authoring software include: –– Overall capabilities, including: –– extent of deployment and support in the market, and availability of case histories; –– coverage of product libraries, including support for IFC-compliant objects and library management capability; –– extent of modelling tools available (eg can it model construction sequences; generate construction/ fabrication drawings? etc); –– visualisation, including ‘walkthrough’ and the ability to link to presentation software; –– workflow and information sharing, and whether these will fit with the client’s normal project processes; –– operating system (eg Windows/ Mac), including limitations in-use (eg file sizes, etc) and hardware requirements; –– whether it supports remote (across the internet) working; and –– file structures and interoperability with other authoring systems.
project life cycle – are at the core of BIM, and key requirements are outlined in Sections 2.4 and 5.2 above. In addition to effective data exchange standards, the PEP (see 5.4.2 above) should also cover how information is to be exchanged between, and shared by, key project participants. This can be done by management arrangements (or information exchange protocols) that supplement and support the more technical exchange standards for data. Ray Crotty (2011)13 identifies five key principles for information sharing: 1. Buy-in and commitment from all the key participants from the outset to the overall BIM strategy and the underlying principle of improved information sharing. 2. Realism – avoid the temptation for full automation. Manual intervention can be beneficial and effective. 3. ‘Need to know’ basis – not everyone needs to edit all of everyone else’s information. In fact, most participants need only to be able to read and comment on others' material. 4. Responsibility – firms who use others’ data in their own design and publish the resulting design/model take responsibility for the accuracy of the published work, regardless of its original source.
–– Companion product support, covering how well it integrates with other analysis tools (eg for energy performance, costing, scheduling, and so on); and how data is exchanged between them.
5. Information standards for the project need to be as effective as those of the individual participating firms.
–– Cost and ease of deployment, including cost per seat; training requirements; and availability.
5.4.5 Consider legal, contractual and insurances issues
5.4.4 Agree information exchange standards and protocols Effective standards for the exchange of project data – both between the systems and analysis tools used by different disciplines, and along the
In the present, imperfect world of BIM there is no single suite of authoring software that does everything
The very nature of BIM requires a rather more collaborative approach to design and construction than is traditionally the norm. So long as consultant appointments, construction and other contracts provide for collaborative working, BIM should not change any of
13
The Impact of Building Information Modelling, p102. 21
Davis Langdon, An AECOM Company
The very nature of BIM requires a more collaborative approach to design and construction than is traditionally the norm
the fundamental principles or responsibilities. The recent strategy paper for UK Government on BIM concluded that "little change is required in the fundamental building blocks of copyright law, contracts or insurance to facilitate working at Level 2 of BIM maturity". There is currently some debate over ownership of project models, particularly models that are developed by a number of different parties. Generally, where there are multiple inputs to project models, each participant owns its particular part, and is also responsible for the material it publishes, regardless of where it originates. As with more traditional, paper-based arrangements, clients purchase licences from designers and others who create the BIM model(s) so they may use the model(s) for constructing and/or operating the building in question. Ownership of the intellectual property in the model(s) remains with the creator. Of course this is a highly simplified overview, and more detailed consideration of the key issues will be needed when setting up a project to use BIM. The recent strategy paper for UK Government on BIM14 (especially Appendix 5) provides a very useful introduction to the issues involved. In summary, its conclusions cover:
See in particular Section 5.2 and Appendix 5 of the Strategy Paper for the Government Construction Client Group, June 2011 http://www.bis.gov.uk/policies/businesssectors/construction/research-andinnovation/working-group-on-bimm
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–– Integration with existing contracts and appointment documentation: Most existing contract and appointment documentation does not deal specifically with BIM (neither does it prevent the use of BIM), and protocols may be needed to help ensure effective BIM working under these forms, with any additional duties (for example, for BIM management) to be defined. –– Insurance and liability: Existing insurance arrangements appear adequate for collaborative working required at BIM Level 2. Further insurance products will need to be developed to respond to more collaborative and integrated forms of working up to and including BIM Level 3. These are likely to include Integrated Project Insurance products.
While BIM is generally not considered to raise insurmountable difficulties in terms of legal, contractual and insurance requirements, it gives rise to rather different complications than occur with more traditional, paperbased design. This is due to a number of factors, including the involvement of multiple parties in the development of project models, and the joint/ collective ownership of copyright and intellectual property that may result.
Additionally, BIM requires different and more collaborative ways of working than may be the norm on more traditional approaches to design and construction, and these will need to be clearly defined among the contracting parties on a construction project. It could be that new working protocols and forms of contract will emerge to deal with the majority of these issues. –– Ownership and sharing of data: In the meantime, clients may need Again, this is not seen as a major specialist legal advice to understand barrier to BIM adoption. Collaborative the implications and make appropriate forms of construction contract can arrangements for them. help facilitate sharing of data and information, and sharing protocols and other arrangements can help –– Copyright and Intellectual Property (IP): IP is not seen as a major barrier to BIM and, although IP relating to collaborative working in construction is still being developed, issues can generally be dealt with using relatively simple protocols and amendments to current forms of contract.
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ensure that contract provisions are practical and workable.
BIM: A guide for clients
5.5 In conclusion‌ Clients have a key role to play in adopting BIM on construction projects. By following the principles identified in this guide, clients can provide the necessary conditions for BIM to be highly effective and for the considerable potential benefits to be realised.
Finding the right team of people with a positive approach to using BIM, to sharing information and above all to learning from the experience is key
The most important decision clients will face is the selection and appointment of the design and construction team. Finding the deling right team of people with a positive approach to using BIM, to sharing use of 3D analysis, information and above all to learning All AECOMfrom the experience is key. In this regard, mensions, using theclients should expect all their consultants, contractors and specialists to be familiar with BIM and its requirements; to be positively nment enables the engaged in its adoption; and to be eir proposed actively developing ways in which nicate theirprocesses ideas can be made more valuethe team. adding and effective.
sis and CAD er ideas quickly and tigate alternative uickly adapted to
y visualisation of medium to transfer n team and Client.
he project ng building l modelling offers by allowing early ll be constructed
aterial quantities to equirements and onstruction Phase. and cost is ling.
Typical BIM Model, Middlesbrough Schools Typical BIM Model, Middlesbrough Schools
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Davis Langdon, An AECOM Company
6.0 IF ONLY... TOMORROW’S WORLD
The potential to transform design and construction is enormous, driven essentially by a profound step-change in the quality of project information and the extent to which this is shared across design and construction teams
6.1 Vision – what does good look like? The ultimate promise of BIM is for a future for construction that is fundamentally different from today. The potential to transform design and construction is enormous, driven essentially by a profound step-change in the quality of project information and the extent to which this is shared across design and construction teams. In essence, an accurate and complete single project model (BIM at Level 3 and beyond – Section 5.0 explains the different BIM ‘maturity’ levels) made up of intelligent and ‘interoperable’ objects opens up a whole new vista of performance improvement. Imagine a world where buildings are designed in a virtual environment that allows the specific inputs of all key participants to be fully coordinated; where designs can be tested rigorously and virtually – for a whole range of diverse requirements such as cost effectiveness, buildability, construction sequence and material supply logistics, energy performance, sustainability, operational effectiveness, occupant behaviour and response and so on – before work has even started on site; where the majority of ‘construction’ is undertaken away from the construction site in state-of-the-art CAD/CAM facilities, driven directly from a complete and unambiguous project model; where designers and constructors are so confident of the performance of their buildings that they guarantee them for several years; and where building operation, management and maintenance are all driven from a digital model that is accurate and complete in terms of what has been built and what subsequent alterations have been made. This is the world of BIM.
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This is also the world where roles change; where creative design and construction professionals have greater freedom than ever before in the knowledge that their designs can be rigorously tested before anything is built; where project models are the basis on which prices are determined and agreed; where the construction process becomes more vertically integrated and includes manufacturing as well as site assembly; and where all who have a positive, creative input to make to building stand to benefit. And this is the world in which clients will get what they want, with far greater certainty and predictability of outcomes from early in the design process, and with ongoing guarantees of future performance.
6.2 Tomorrow’s world today: Getting to Level 3, and beyond How close is this future? Closer than you think, might be the simple answer. While the construction industry is still in the relatively early stages of ‘BIM adoption’ – with little evidence of effective working at BIM Level 3 – some leading businesses, including both design and construction firms are already investing heavily, and there is growing evidence that the rate of BIM awareness and use is increasing rapidly. This will be accelerated by the UK Government’s intention for all public construction to be undertaken with BIM at least at Level 2 by 2016. Those who may be more tentative now will soon be faced with a choice of getting involved or risk getting left behind.
BIM: A guide for clients
Of course, greater adoption of BIM up to Level 2 initially will require investment in training, technology, standards and protocols by all involved. In the immediate future BIM is likely to involve the use of discipline-specific project models that are coordinated with, but distinct from, the lead designer’s/architect’s reference model, as outlined in Section 5.2. As experience of BIM working increases, businesses will become more used to exchanging project data; and data standards and protocols will become more generally accepted and widely used. And all this will build a platform for moving on to Level 3 and realising the more significant benefits that will inevitably follow. There is no doubt that the investment and changes in current practices necessary to move to BIM at Level 3 are considerable, and it would be wrong to suggest that this can be achieved easily and without any pain from all involved. But the potential gains are very considerable. Ray Crotty (2011) notes that less than three decades ago the manufacturing and retail sectors stood on the brink of a data revolution, and were subsequently transformed by embracing the power of data modelling technologies such as CAD/CAM and Electronic Point of Sale. These technologies provided fundamental, step-change improvements in data accuracy, quality and availability and enabled these sectors to make radical and profound improvements in their production, sales and distribution processes. Now it’s construction’s turn.
6.3 Further reading and references There is a growing body of literature on BIM. The following are selected from the sources cited in this guide as being of particular value to those who wish to delve a little deeper on key topics. For a more thorough description of BIM, including its historical development, its adoption in other industries and the current and likely future state of play, see:
BIM helps clients get what they want, with far greater certainty and predictability of outcomes from early in the design process, and with ongoing guarantees of future performance
–– Crotty, R (2011) The Impact of Building Information Modelling: Transforming construction, Spon Press, London.
For more detailed guidance on implementing BIM, see (from the USA): –– Eastman, et al (2008) BIM Handbook – A Guide to Building Information Modelling for Owners, Managers, Designers, Engineers and Contractors, Wiley & Sons, Hobken NJ –– American Institute of Architects (2008) Building Information Modelling Protocol Exhibit Document E202, AIA, Washington
A growing body of standards deal with data exchange standards and protocols, file naming conventions, and so on. Important existing and emerging standards include: –– ISO/PAS 16739 Industry Foundation Classes, Release 2x, Platform Specification (IFC2x Platform) ISO. Available at http://www. iso.org/iso/catalogue_detail. htm?csnumber=38056 Note that the IFC format, initially developed by the International Alliance for Interoperability (IAI), now known as BuildingSmart, is now registered by ISO as and is in the process of becoming an official International Standard ISO/IS 16739. –– BSI 1192:2007 Collaborative production of architectural, engineering and construction information. Code of practice, British Standards Institution, London. Available at http://shop. bsigroup.com/en/ProductDetail/?p id=000000000030163398 25
Davis Langdon, An AECOM Company
7.0 NEXT STEPS
Clients adopting BIM are not simply embarking on a new software implementation project. They are ultimately changing their ways of working, including their skill sets, standards, practices and procedures
7.1 Going for BIM Clients adopting BIM are not simply embarking on a new software implementation project. They are ultimately changing their ways of working, including their skill sets, standards, practices and procedures. Some will need advice and support through these changes to get the most out of BIM. Davis Langdon’s experienced team of BIM specialists can help every step of the way.
–– Developing a Project Execution Plan (PEP) – to describe how BIM will be delivered, including by whom. The PEP will also cover a range of important matters including BIM leadership, authoring software, systems, data exchange standards, and so on.
This guide identifies the key issues to think about in adopting BIM. It is –– Providing support – so that important to understand them if the new practices, standards and process of implementing BIM is to set procedures are adopted and, where off in the right direction and deliver the necessary, adapted to the particular expected benefits at each key stage. circumstances of the project and the participants.
7.2 Getting started Getting started in BIM will involve: –– Committing to the approach –– Identifying a project – not all projects are suitable for BIM. Some may be at too late a stage in design development; others may already have a team on board with little BIM capability. Generally, projects that allow for BIM from the very early stages stand to benefit more from streamlining design and construction input throughout the process. –– Developing a project strategy – it is vitally important to set out clearly the vision for the project and the project goals, as well as how using BIM will contribute to them. –– Selecting the team – in very many respects the success of projects using BIM is governed by many of the same factors that shape nonBIM projects, and the selection and appointment of the right team is the most critical decision clients can take. It is vital that the design and construction team have
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experience in BIM and/or access to it, are committed to its successful implementation on the project and clear on how this is to be done. Identifying team BIM training needs and making provision for them is essential.
–– Planning for learning – so that all involved capture and learn from their experience on the project, and also that performance is measured and benefits are realised.
BIM: A guide for clients
7.3 Who to contact Davis Langdon, an AECOM company, has unrivalled experience in the management and delivery of construction projects and programmes of all types and sizes. We have assembled a highly experienced team of BIM specialists who can help you plan your BIM implementation process and manage your project through to successful completion. Key contacts are as follows: Paul Zuccherelli – Director, London E: paul.zuccherelli@davislangdon.com T: +44 (0)20 7061 7000 Graham Jones – Director, London E: graham.jones@davislangdon.com T: +44 (0)20 7061 7000 Gillian Breen – Associate, London E: gillian.breen@davislangdon.com T: +44 (0)20 7061 7000 Matt Viall – Associate, Birmingham E: matt.viall@davislangdon.com T: +44 (0)121 710 1100
Paper prepared by Dr John Connaughton Director, London
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AECOM is a global provider of professional technical and management support services to a broad range of markets, including transportation, facilities, environmental, energy, water and government. With approximately 45,000 employees around the world, AECOM is a leader in all of the key markets that it serves. AECOM provides a blend of global reach, local knowledge, innovation and technical excellence in delivering solutions that create, enhance and sustain the world’s built, natural and social environments. A Fortune 500 company, AECOM serves clients in more than 130 countries and has annual revenue in excess of $8.0 billion. More information on AECOM and its services can be found at www.aecom.com
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