The need for BIM Standards in digital construction
Updated: May 11
In this post, I explain the need for BIM standards in digital construction. Watch the video or read the post below.
In the construction industry, the term 'standards' typically refers to published documents that define the common specifications, methods, and procedures that are to be used and contribute to producing effective collaborative processes and deliverables for all projects.
The reason that standards are vital to the construction industry is that the sector has significant problems that can be solved when applying a system or structure. For example, the traditional process often deals with uncoordinated drawings and numerous hours of layering drawings or the fact that the construction managers didn't receive the latest design changes.
Digitalization is transforming the industry and includes several technologies such as pre-fabrication, advanced building materials, 3D printing, autonomous construction, augmented reality, wireless monitoring, cloud and real-time collaboration and Building Information Modelling, BIM.
In this new digital world, we need to collaborate and communicate in a structured manner to control the digital flow of information and outcomes. The construction process is a complex ecosystem; without a system and a structured approach delays and errors occur, with a major impact on project time and budget.
The use of BIM is in rapid growth in the largest construction markets and many countries worldwide require the mandatory implementation of BIM in all public works. The countries that have enforced BIM through specific standards and procedures, such as the United Kingdom, have recorded the highest success rates.
Other countries have developed national BIM standards, with many others planning to follow suit. However, in some countries, the lack of BIM mandates has led to private and public bodies creating initiatives with their own unique BIM standards, making it difficult to adopt BIM due to the need for construction professionals to adapt to different BIM standards.
“Standards” can be Professional codes, Corporate technical specifications, Sponsored Standards, National standards, Regional standards and international ISO Standards. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an independent body responsible to produce voluntary international standards.
Why we need standards in BIM? BIM is a procedure and procedures need standards and guidelines to be effective and accurate.
To establish a common language for BIM implementation, the first two standards of the ISO 19650 series were published in 2018. The two standards which are based on the English standard BS 1192 aim to bridge the gap between industry-specific BIM standards. They provide a consistent and effective method of information management resulting in significant benefits for construction projects worldwide.
Today, numerous start-ups and technology vendors invest in BIM-oriented workflows that support open BIM solutions, coordination, live sharing, and communication in a digital context. BIM is the heart of digitalization for the industry and is often referred to as the 4th evolution.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution describes the blurring of boundaries between the physical, digital, and biological worlds and includes advances in artificial intelligence, robotics, the Internet of Things, 3D printing, genetic engineering, quantum computing, and other technologies.
The technological advances are pushing the boundaries of the sector, while the construction ecosystem of the future requires a more standardised, consolidated, and integrated construction process that is product-based instead of project-based.
Standardization can support the industry towards the efficient definition and transfer of information, making informed and timely decisions, as well as adopting a unified approach for BIM globally.
Standards may consist of a few pages and hundreds of words. Still, the real opportunity lies in the fact that the construction industry's nature, with the traditional workflows, the cultural gaps, the interoperability, and the execution issues changes. The new path for the construction sector is led by digitalization, innovation, and standardization.
See also in our youtube channel ISO 19650 in 3 minutes - Information Requirements and ISO 19650 in 3 minutes - Information Management functions.
BIM CPD-certified online training, in line with ISO 19650
BIM training by BIM Design Hub introduces you to the concepts and principles of Building Information Modelling, BIM, in line with ISO 19650 and provides sufficient skills and knowledge of the BIM process, standards and guidelines that support the digitalization of the construction industry.
Learn more: https://www.bimdesignhub.com/bim-training
Author: Panagiotidou Nicoleta
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