What is Building Information Modeling (BIM)?
Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a complex and multifaceted digital representation of a facility’s physical and functional characteristics. It encompasses an intricate and interconnected network of information about a facility, providing a reliable basis for making informed decisions from conception to the end of its lifecycle.
The Need for National Standards in BIM
Despite the growing use of BIM in the construction industry, there is still a long way to go in terms of achieving universal implementation on all projects with 100% participation from the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) community. One of the critical factors in achieving this goal is the adoption of national standards and interoperability among software applications.
Various countries, such as the UK, Finland, Norway, and Singapore, have already developed their own national BIM standards. However, the issue arises when different government agencies and public and private entities have also created their own sets of standards for BIM use. This makes it challenging for architects and contractors to adopt and utilize these standards effectively.
National BIM Standard-United States (NBIMS-US)
The National BIM Standard-United States (NBIMS-US), developed by the National Institute of Building Sciences buildingSMART alliance, is currently the most comprehensive and reliable set of universal BIM standards available. These standards have been developed through a consensus-based approach that references existing standards, documents information exchanges, and delivers best business practices for the entire built environment.
Although the NBIMS-US has a relatively small number of adopters, it is still an impressive list that includes some of the major players in the AEC community.
The Challenge of Interoperability
Interoperability is another critical challenge that needs to be addressed to facilitate the universal adoption of BIM. In order for stakeholders to communicate and collaborate effectively on projects, they need to be able to transfer and share data created with different software applications.
However, this is currently a significant issue as many applications are not compatible with earlier versions of the same software. The development of open-source data exchange methodologies and the adoption of standards for object naming, data fields, and assemblies are crucial to facilitate better data exchange through the lifecycle of a project.
The Future of the Construction Industry with BIM
BIM is undoubtedly the future of the construction industry, and it is essential that the AEC industry adopts its use as soon as possible. By creating and adopting open and vendor-neutral BIM standards and protocols, stakeholders can share data consistently and effectively, improving collaboration among all parties involved in a project.
The Benefits of Universal BIM Standards
The adoption of universal BIM standards has the potential to provide significant benefits to the construction industry. These benefits include a reduction in costs associated with construction and facility operations, improved collaboration among stakeholders, faster delivery times, and a decrease in change orders. Architects and contractors will also benefit from a more streamlined and less complicated approach to adopting BIM standards, making it easier for them to utilize these standards effectively.
Conclusion
The construction industry needs to come together to create and adopt universal BIM standards that facilitate the adoption of BIM, improve collaboration among stakeholders, and reduce costs associated with construction and facility operations. Creating open and vendor-neutral BIM standards and protocols will lead to a consistent and effective method of data sharing, enabling project team members to use software tools and applications that best suit their company’s needs. By working towards this goal, the AEC industry can create a brighter future for everyone involved in the construction process.
