What is Building Information Modelling (BIM)?
The promise of Building Information Modelling (BIM) is the ability to build a structure virtually prior to physically constructing it. In doing this, we allow project participants to design, analyse and explore a project through a digital environment. However, it is important to state that BIM is not just a software model. To successfully implement BIM three aspects need to be considered: Processes, Technologies and Behaviours. “The core of BIM is far more than updating software – it is a cultural shift in the mind-set in the way construction management teams collaborate” (Hardin, 2015).
What can BIM do for the industry?
“BIM is the first truly global digital construction technology and will soon be deployed in every country in the world. It is a ‘game changer’ and we need to recognise that it is here to stay” (MacLeamy, 2012). This quote reiterates how BIM has positively affected global response to achieving efficiency within the construction industry. The change has encouraged the construction of future public sector projects to be fully compliant with level 2 BIM by 2016 and level 3 BIM by 2019.
What’s BIM’s biggest advantage?
The main advantage of this central source model is that the project team can visually compare models. This can then help identify changes that are needed earlier in the process and remove potential errors – so saving on time and cost.
What’s BIM’s biggest disadvantage?
The UK government believes that the construction industry must achieve a cultural change in order to reduce the fragmentation of the industry. It also believes that the sector must continue to improve upon its collaborative working methods to ultimately reap the full benefits of the technological aspect of BIM. In addition, the need for specialist technical education and training pose potential barriers to the effective implementation of BIM
Read more information on how BIM has been incorporated into the UK government’s .