BSI helps construction firms implement BIM
Work on creating best-practice standards for implementing BIM (building information modelling) in organisations has been started by the British Standards Institution — working with Government, industry bodies and private construction practices. A survey of nearly a thousand construction professionals conducted by National Building Specification in 2011 showed that 31% of respondents were using BIM, up sharply from 13% in 2010. The usage was typically in the form of 2D or 3D CAD modelling.
In 2011, the Government announced that all suppliers wishing to bid for public-sector building contracts must use BIM tools and techniques from 2016 — making its implementation commercially critical for companies that wish to apply for high-value public projects in the future.
BIM is the process of bringing together and sharing information in a digital format amongst all those involved in a construction project — including architects, engineers and builders. By making information far more accessible and available to the client and end user to support through-life asset management, BIM is an enabler for greater productivity, risk management, improved margins and sustainability.
Members of the committee drafting the standard include Building Smart UK, RICS, the UK Contractors Group (which represents the top 30 contractors in the UK, Department for Business, Institution of Civil Engineers, Chartered Institute of Building, RIBS, University of Northumbria and Construction Project Information).
Peter Rebbeck chairs the committee and explains, ‘With BIM soon to become mandatory for public-sector contracts, many construction companies will be looking to implement it in the most effective way. The standards we are putting together will help companies achieve this, ensuring they can bid for public-sector contracts and realise the huge commercial, organisational and environmental benefits of BIM. We are calling on private practices to come forward, join our committee and contribute to the development of the standards.’
