Building Information Modelling

These links were updated on 3 July 2014.

 

Searching online

 

Locating construction information online

Tony Burke has produced this very informative video to help students locate construction information online.  The topic, Building Information Modelling (BIM), is used as a search case study.

 

Reports

 

Constructing Excellence in the Built Environment

BIM management for value, cost and carbon improvement

March 2011

The Government has published its strategy on building information modelling management (BIM(M)). The report was presented to the Government Construction Clients Board in March 2011, and is now being made publicly available. The paper includes a suggested road map and strategy to enable the progressive use of BIM on government building programmes, as well as providing a framework for procurement and delivery standards. It is designed to be considered as part of a construction-futures triumvirate alongside the recently-published Government Construction Strategy and the Low Carbon Construction Action Plan. Davis Langdon’s commentary on the key features and likely implications for construction professionals of the BIM strategy is available here.

 

Dell

Future-proofing BIM: Creating a robust environment for successful Building Information Modeling

2011

The white paper presents the comparative benefits of various kinds of hardware specification, with some guidance on the proper selection and specification of BIM workstations. Compatibility with existing standards, such as software types and project workflow, are outlined. Advice on adoption strategy is reviewed, such as the phased introduction of BIM workstations and expectations for cost control and ROI on preferred, higher-end systems. The white paper will address relevant key trends, including mobile BIM.

 

NBS

Building Information Modelling

March 2011

This is the first ‘NBS BIM Report’ in what is designed to be a series of reports on the adoption of what we currently call ‘BIM’ or Building Information Modelling. These reports will track changes in attitudes towards BIM as well as implementation within the industry. They will act as a reference point for the industry to share success and to highlight areas of developmental need. Ultimately, they will also strip away much of the hype and hysteria around BIM to provide detailed answers to important issues including return on investment.

 

NBS

National BIM Report 2012

2012

This latest survey on Business Information Modelling (BIM) suggests that at a time when government is pushing the industry towards this innovative collaborative environment, research indicates that far from ignoring the drive towards BIM, one in five remain in blissful ignorance of BIM’s existence.

 

NBS

Specification Survey: Summary of findings

2011

In early 2011 NBS carried out a research project to find out how people were creating and using specifications in the UK, and how people saw specifications developing in the future. The research followed on from NBS’s research into BIM (Building Information Modelling), which confirmed that specifications were an integral part of BIM.

 

Robert Gordons University

BIM as a mindset

April 2011

This paper considers business information modelling (BIM) as a process, a method of sharing data and a controller of risk and certainty. Initially it was seen by many as a procurement modeller, but now it is becoming the client’s financial model, the design team’s construction model and the owner’s facilities management model, all bound inextricably together.

 

Royal Institute of British Architects

BIM Overlay to the RIBA Outline Plan of Work

May 2012

The BIM Overlay to the RIBA Outline Plan of Work builds on the Green Overlay to the RIBA Outline Plan of Work , published in November 2011, and forms part of the response from the construction industry, and in particular the RIBA, to the Government’s commitment to have all its projects utilising BIM from the summer of 2012. This document provides an Overlay that simplifies the BIM processes and clarifies contradictory terms causing confusion in the industry. Core BIM activities are considered in the guidance for each stage of the plan. Together with the Green Overlay to the RIBA Outline Plan of Work these two documents are part of the preparatory work being undertaken prior to a fundamental review of the RIBA Plan of Work that will take place in 2012-13

 

Articles

 

Andy Pearson

A model solution

Modus

March 2012 pp.34-37

The M25 widening is the first highways project to employ the powerful capabilities of BIM.

 

Koko Udom

BIM: Mapping out the legal issues

NBS eNewsletter

February 2012

This article intends to achieve two purposes: the first is to outline the legal issues that may occur in adopting the BIM process and how they may be managed, and the second is to expand the discourse on the appropriate approach for adopting BIM in the UK in light of these legal issues.

 

Tim Dwyer

Further dimensions

CIBSE Journal

January 2012 pp.34-37

The author argues that the UK urgently needs to move forward with the development of building information modelling across the supply chain if it is to avoid being left way behind the progress of other nations.

 

Judit Kimpian

Knowledge sharers

CIBSE Journal

January 2012 pp.38-40

Questions the effectiveness of current IT modelling systems for predicting building performance outcomes.

 

Bob Cervi

Other dimensions

CIBSE Journal

January 2011 pp.22-26

Considers the key obstacles still in the path of building information modelling.

 

Rizal Sebastian

Changing roles of the clients, architects and contractors through BIM

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management

Vol.18 Issue 2, 2011 pp.176-187

This paper aims to present a general review of the practical implications of building information modelling (BIM) based on literature and case studies.

 

Y. Arayici et al

BIM adoption and implementation for architectural practices

Structural Survey

Survey 29 Issue 1, 2011 pp.7-25

The aim of this paper is to introduce a best practice study of business information modelling (BIM) adoption for an architectural company practising in social housing and to highlight the implications for the company work flows and identify efficiency gains. The paper then recommends the adopted approach of BIM implementation at the operational level for other small and medium enterprise architectural companies.

 

Sarah Graham

BIM and the future of sustainable design

AEC Magazine

September/October 2011 pp.22-23

The author argues that beyond eliminating waste and lessening re-work, Building Information Modelling (BIM) can offer more systemic benefits for teams concerned with sustainability in buildings.

 

David Light

BIM implementation: HOK buildingSMART

NBS Newsletter October 2011

The author. BIM Manager at HOK, outlines his companies approach to BIM.

 

Brodie McAdam

Building information modelling: the UK legal context

International Journal of Law in the Built Environment

Vol.2 Issue 3, 2010  pp.246-259

The purpose of this paper is to identify some of the legal problems posed by full adoption of building information modelling (BIM) for construction design, and to propose a potential procurement solution for implementation in the UK.

 

Conferences: Presentations and papers

 

Constructing Excellence Members Forum on BIM.  London, 14 March 2012

The presentations from the Constructing Excellence Members’ Forum on BIM held on 14 March 2012 are now available to download. The presentations include: Delivering the Government BIM Strategy; Open BIM v Closed BIM; Creating BIM libraries; Manufacturer’s perspective; Interactive session and action planning; and BIM training and support.

 

Bringing down the barriers to BIM adoption.  Birmingham 31 January 2012

Bringing together leading practitioners, this conference aimed to showcase the benefits of using Building Information Modelling (BIM) and explain how its adoption will require changes in workflow, practices and procedures. Presentations are available online, covering issues such as collaborative working, legal considerations, facilities management, BIM benefits for SMEs, and refurbishment.

 

Towards Intelligent Construction Conference.  London, 30 November 2011

The Conference title was chosen to reflect the need for the construction industry to adopt new and more effective ways of working, in order to offer better construction solutions and to deliver much better value for clients and customers. It is not about suppliers making minor modifications at the margins but rather the need for a fundamental reshaping of the technologies, processes and relationships that are applied within the industry. This includes smarter build solutions including the increased use of offsite solutions, the application of the principles of design for manufacture and assembly, the use of lean production techniques to eliminate process waste and the increased and intelligent use of Building Information Modelling. The Conference featured two significant Case Studies, the first being the British Land project at 122 Leadenhall Street in the City of London. Commonly referred to as the Cheese-grater, this stunning and technically challenging development is being constructed by Laing O’Rourke and will be completed 6 months ahead of schedule through the application of intelligent construction techniques, including the use of Building Information Modelling, with the use of offsite manufactured components accounting for 85% of the building. The second Case Study featured the development programme of elective surgery hospitals by Circle Health Properties. This substantial investment programme is characterised by the requirement for excellence in design, excellence in construction, excellence in use and excellence in customer experience. The expert client in collaboration with their supply chain is constantly challenging what it does and why it does it, as well as taking the learning points from each hospital project and applying the lessons to their next projects. This process ensures that tangible benefits in terms of more effective design and construction techniques, reduced cost of ownership, provision for adaptation, and the development of clinical and customer services are being achieved in a way that also ensures that waste in all its forms is being eliminated. The client’s supply chain is deploying Building Information Modelling both to manage the overall design and construction process and to drive efficiency in the building form. Presentations featuring both case studies are available online.

 

Computer Knowledge Building. Sophia Antipolis, France, 26-28 October 2011

The proceedings of the conference reflect the current up-to-date developments and future exploration of the leverage expected from ICT deployment in a very active and moving Construction sector, based on a selection of high quality papers, as well as fruitful and living sessions and dedicated workshops that provide with detailed information on the achievements and trends in research, development, standardisation and industrial implementation of ICT and knowledge management in this industry sector. The conference considered the work of two Commissions of the International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction (CIB). These are W078, Information Technology for Construction, and W102, Information and Knowledge Management in Building. The conference accepted a number of scientific and technical papers, covering numerous research topics in the fields of Construction ICT and knowledge management. 104 of these papers, many dealing with BIM, together with a huge number of presentations, are available online.

 

BIM – Are you ready for the digital switchover? London, 16 September 2011

Following on from the success of the NBS BIM Roundtable held in May 2011, this joint NLA-NBS conference has provided a timely opportunity for construction professionals to hear the latest thinking on Building Information Modelling (BIM). Videos of the presentations are available online.

 

28^th International Symposium on Automation and Robotics in Construction. Soeul, Korea, 29 June – 2 July 2011

The annual symposium of the International Association for Automation and Robotics in Construction (IAARC) has been held since 1984 with the aim of gathering world renowned researchers, academics and industrial practitioners in automation and robots in construction. Specific topics of the symposium include the construction industry, civil and building engineering design and project execution, advanced construction machinery and robotic applications in construction, information technologies for planning, design, logistics, computer-aided project management, environmental protection issues, building systems monitoring and control, safety and recovery operations, and temporary/rapid construction technologies. Proceedings of the Symposium are available online.

 

6th Nordic Conference on Construction Economics and Organisation: Shaping the construction/society nexus. Copenhagen, 13-15 April 2011

Building Information Modelling as innovative journey: BIM experiences on a major UK healthcare infrastructure project. Paper presented by Richard Davies and Chris Harty (pp.233-245)

This paper discusses empirical findings from an ongoing longitudinal case study of a BIM implementation, specific the transition of BIM from the design office to the site environment and from the design phase to delivery phase. Interviews were conducted with BIM innovators and users working for a large international contractor on a major hospital development project in the United Kingdom. The analysis draws on Van de Ven’s model of the ‘innovation journey’ and the associated analytical categories of; ideas, people, transactions, context and outcomes. Analysis of the development and use of BIM on the project reveals the emergent and dynamic nature of the innovation process as it unfolded over time. Although the accounts of the BIM development bore many similarities with the innovation journey findings, we found suggestions of differences in the areas of ‘people’ and ‘context’ where our respondents seems too have created more stable and manageable situation than the innovation journey concept would predict.

Revisiting bounday objects: ERP and BIM systems as multi-community artefacts. Paper presented by Chris Harty and Christian Koch (pp.283-294)

This paper revisits the early conceptions of boundary objects, with a view to unpacking the multiple ways in which boundary objects are constructed, shaped and deployed in practice across multiple communities within construction contexts. This is significant given both the role of technologies in transforming practice within the sector, and the ways they affect and are shaped by traditional practices and institutional conventions. The authors do this through analysing and comparing two different empirical cases – the implementation of an Enterprise Resource Planning system (ERP) in a large engineering consultancy and the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) to coordinate the design and construction of two large hospitals in central London. Both BIM and ERP have complicated and on-going histories, and involve the inclusion of many different groups and actors, as well as a plethora of objects in circulation between them. They therefore make useful sites within which to problematise and explore the dynamics and implications of boundary objects.

 

CIB Working Commission (W078): Information Technology in Construction. Salford, 10-13 May 2010

A Building information Modelling based production control system for construction. Paper presented by R. Sacks, M. Radosavlievic and R. Barak (pp.1-13)

The authors propose visual interfaces for BIM-based construction management systems to empower construction personnel on site by providing them with construction process and status information.

Building Information Modelling in the Netherlands: A status report. Paper by S. van Nederveen, R. Beheshti and P. Willems (pp.28-40)

This paper gives an overview of some important BIM-related developments in the Netherlands.

Real-time management in a BIM model with RFID and wireless tags. Paper presented by A. Sattineni (pp.67-75)

This paper explores the possibility of combining radio frequency identification (RFID) technology with BIM and a few associated applications that might result due this combination. It is argued that the use of this combination of technologies can provide a safer work environment for the construction worker and also enable project managers to monitor the productivity of construction workers.

A synopsis of the handbook of research in Building Information Modelling. Paper presented by U. Isikdag and J. Underwood (pp.84-96)

The Handbook of Research on Building Information Modelling and Construction Informatics: Concepts and Technologies, published in 2010, focuses on providing an up-to-date comprehensive and collective perspective of both the latest leading-edge research along with the current understanding and practice in the area of BIM and Construction Informatics within the global construction industry. This paper aims to provide a synopsis of the Handbook, and discuss the emerging research and industry-related issues for Building Information Modelling from the perspective of the contributors to the Handbook.

Building Information Modelling processes: Benefits for construction industry. Paper presented by O.A. Olatunji, W.D. Sher, N. Gu and D.R. Ogunsemi (pp.137-151)

This study reviews literatures on evidenced benefits of BIM, especially on how it reduces confrontation and system inadequacies of entity-based 2D CAD through thorough integration, collaboration, communication and interoperation. Conclusions are drawn on the challenges of changes from conventional paradigms which are triggered by BIM in relation to construction project goals.

Building Information Modelling: Literature review and model to determine the level of uptake by organization. Paper presented by A.T. Haron, A. Marshell-Ponting and G. Aouad (pp.168-184)

Building Information Modelling has been recognised as one of the Information Technology/ Information Systems that could assist construction delivery in achieving integrated practice. However, the level of uptake currently varies between one organisation to another and has raised the need to determine whether the uptake is moving towards integrated practice or not. Through a literature review, this paper discussed a few models that that could be used to determine the level of uptake.

The changing perceptions in the artefacts used in the design practice through BUM adoption. Paper presented by P. Coates, Y. Arayici, L. Koskela and C. Usher (pp.212-223)

This paper presents the key findings through the action research methodology about the change in the nature of artefacts and deliverables resulting from the BIM adoption in the KTP (Knowledge Transfer Partnership) project undertaken by the University of Salford and John McCall Architects.

 

Web Links

 

AceCad Software

Established in 1986, AceCad Software is a leading developer of software solutions and provides specialist software products for BIM collaboration and design to construction project management, and dedicated structural steelwork fabrication.

 

AEC Magazine

This bi-monthly journal is described as is the only title devoted exclusively to architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) technology solutions in use throughout Building, Architecture, Civil & Structural Engineering. Particular focus is placed on Building Information Modelling.

 

Architectural Evangelist

Architectural Evangelist is a non-profit initiative in collaboration with veteran architects, engineers, project managers and other AEC and building services professionals. It is focused on researching real estate trends and news, analyzing green building solutions, and suggesting the most suitable technique and cost saving method for architectural firms, home builders, and real estate developers. The articles featured in Architectural Evangelist talk about innovative BIM solutions, AEC software and tools, and benefits of architectural outsourcing services which help BIM managers, CAD managers and consultants make informed decisions. Good Life Architecture section features articles on life style, mill working, landscaping and interiors, encompassing a plethora of economic, environmental, and social and green benefits.

 

BIGBIM

Building Information Modelling (BIM) brings together electronic construction information into a single integrated database, encouraging a more integrated approach to design and construction. BIG BIM utilizes and develops this data from validation of the project through to operation of the facility, optimizing performance at every stage.

 

BIM +

The team behind Construction Manager has launched a brand new Chartered Institute of Building-backed website devoted to BIM adoption in the UK and beyond.  The BIM + website will provide CIOB members and professionals across the industry with high-quality and freely accessible news, project case studies, interviews, commentary and guidance.  BIM + also has the backing of the UK BIM Task Group, the UK Contractors Group, Constructing Excellence, collaboration platform 4project and software specialist Asta.  The editorial content is written by experienced journalists or industry-acknowledged experts, and includes topics that are not currently well-served by existing print or online publications.  They include: in-depth case studies of projects that have implemented BIM; up-to-date news coverage of what’s happening in BIM; Q&A interviews with key figures in BIM, with a particular focus on clients; a “3D views” feature exploring three professionals’ responses to a BIM-related issue; coverage of developments in BIM software and other forms of digital technology; comment and analysis on legal and contractual issues; and news on BIM training courses and qualifications.

 

BIM Open Project

The Landscape Institute has launched a section on its website devoted to Building Information Modelling (BIM) in order to help the profession prepare for the implementation of BIM by 2016. It provides an introduction to BIM and advises on how our practices can adapt to BIM working processes should they choose to do so.

 

The BIM Share + Inspire

This website aims to bring more clarity and understanding to the use of BIM in the AEC industries, cutting through the hype and building a definitive video resource.

 

BIM4SMEs

BIM4SMEs is a working group made up of individuals from SME organisations that have a passion for BIM and desire to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in their understanding and engagement of the BIM process. Its primary and only focus its to support the SME community in its understanding and use of BIM, whether they be consultants, contractors, specialists, suppliers or manufacturers.

 

BIMForum

The BIMForum’s mission is to facilitate and accelerate the adoption of building information modelling (BIM) in the architecture, engineering and construction industry.

 

BIMhub

BIMhub provides Building Information Modelling services. Free registration provides access to BIM information .

 

BIMTalk

A website focusing on Building Information Modelling (BIM) has been established by the Chartered Institution of Building Service Engineers (CIBSE). The aim of BIMTalk is to allow industry bodies and professionals to share knowledge, insight and experience, creating an independent source of concise, informative and unbiased material. The BIMTalk open initiative is supported by BSRIA and the Landscape Institute along with contributors such as Arup, Andekan, Balfour Beatty and Hoare Lea.  The aim of this website is to deliver some core information to help understand BIM through brief consensus definitions and by providing ordered links to other web resources. It includes links to other useful websites.

 

Build Smart International

A neutral, international and unique non for profit organisation supporting open BIM through the life cycle. It has regional chapters in Europe, North America, Australia, Asia and Middle East.

 

Building Information Modelling (BIM) Bulletin

This is the first edition of the BIM bulletin issued by NBS. This can be received regularly by registering to receive technical information and guidance from NBS on Building Information Modelling.

 

Building Information Modelling (BIM) Task Group

The Building Information Modelling (BIM) Task Group are supporting and helping deliver the objectives of the Government Construction Strategy and the requirement to strengthen the public sector’s capability in BIM implementation with the aim that all central government departments will be adopting, as a minimum, collaborative Level 2 BIM by 2012. It is argued that significant improvement in cost, value and carbon performance can be achieved through the use of open sharable asset information.  The task group aims to bring together expertise from industry, government, public sector, institutes and academia. The website will provide the latest news on the programme, linkage to key resources, lessons learned from the exemplar BIM projects and provide a means of contacting the team.

 

Building Smart Alliance

The buildingSMART alliance is an organization helping to make the North American real property industry more efficient by leading the creation of tools and standards that allow projects to be built electronically before they are built physically using Building Information Modeling.

 

CODEBIM: Collaborative Design Education using BIM

This project aims to examine whether collaborative design education can be improved using building information modelling (BIM) technologies; how best to adapt these technologies to existing Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) courses; and to develop new curriculum for collaborative building design courses in a variety of delivery modes. The project is being carried out in collaboration with UniSA, UTS and the University of Newcastle.

 

Digital Building Lab

Based at Georgia Tech, this resource aims to provide information on the specification, functionality and exchange capabilities of BIM tools to help facilitate new technology for the architecture, engineering and construction industry.

 

Journal of Information Technology in Construction

The Journal of Information Technology in Construction (ITcon) is a peer-reviewed scholarly journal on the use of IT in architecture, civil engineering and facility management. ITcon articles are submitted and published electronically only. The Journal is committed to minimizing publication delays, and to promoting maximum flexibility in the ways that readers use the journal for teaching, research, and scholarship while maintaining strict peer-review standards. ITcon is an Open Access journal and its articles can freely and with no charge be read by anybody who has an Internet connection. The copyright of the articles remains with the authors, from the start of 2009. Issues are published on an annual basis, dating back to 1996.

 

Landscape Institute BIM Working Group

The Landscape Institute BIM Working Group is leading on BIM for landscape, aiming to help LI members adapt to BIM processes and new ways of working.

 

National BIM Library

The National BIM (Building Information Modelling) Library, developed and managed by NBS for the UK construction industry, is a free of charge online resource enabling construction professionals to locate and download generic and proprietary BIM objects. This service aims to host a comprehensive range of systems and products such as walls, windows, doors, foundations, cladding and roofs, with many more to come to become the primary source of standard and proprietary BIM objects. By also publishing property set definitions for all systems and products, NBS will help establish a common approach to quality standards across the construction industry, with a view to encouraging consistency and collaboration.

 

NBS Building Information Modelling

This site provides links to articles and videos on BIM.

 

McGraw-Hill Construction

McGraw-Hill Construction’s special BIM section includes news and case studies; in-depth research; conference and product info; image galleries; and more.

 

OpenBIM

Open BIM is a universal approach to the collaborative design, realization and operation of buildings based on open standards and workflows. Open BIM is an initiative of buildingSMART and several leading software vendors using the open buildingSMART Data Model.

 

OPEN BIM Network

The OPEN BIM Network is a UK based independent, open and non-product specific group facilitated by Constructing Excellence. The primary function of the OPEN BIM Network is to inform industry about Open BIM, what it means, why it is increasingly becoming the global solution of choice, how it can be done and what, collectively, industry can do to accelerate its adoption.

 

Slideshare

Enter the term “BIM” in search box to find presentations on the topic.