Background and definition

BIM is the process of creating and managing information digitally across a construction project ’ s life-cycle . As a digital description of absolutely every aspect of the built asset from the development , design , and construction phases , it allows a collaborative information sharing platform which is constantly updated .

Through BIM , the construction industry is undergoing its very own digital revolution . BIM is a way of working . BIM is information modelling and information management in a team environment , where all team members should be working to the same standards as each other .

Ingredients of BIM

In many respects , BIM is like a cake – where the finished article needs many different ingredients and can be made up from the following outputs and inputs :

Output

• 3D models – When most people think of BIM , they think of the graphical 3D model . But this is just the tip of the iceberg , as so much information and data is required below the surface within the BIM process .

• Data output – such as CoBIE or IFC . This is a spreadsheet data format for the delivery of a subset of building model information , rather than geometric model information .

Input

• BIM software - BIM software has intelligence that helps it understand the different elements of a building , and the inter-relationship between them . The completed model will also include information about the construction and finish of each element , and , in some instances , the resources required to build it .

• Online product library - Specific products can have their details downloaded directly in 3D format into

BIM software such as Revit , Vectorworks or Archicad . This involves the creation of a BIM object which is produced by online product libraries .

• Data dictionaries – This is a library which allows users to identify objects in the built environment and their specific properties . It works as a semantic mapping tool that connects like-terms based upon their meaning . For example , whether we call a door a ‘ door ’ or a ‘ doorset ’ the tool understands that these words are both connected to the same core concept . An example of a data dictionary is LEXiCON , which is the CPA and UK Construction Innovation Hub initiative to create an online data dictionary to share product data consistently for construction products in UK . GAI is currently on a LEXiCON working party to further develop this concept .

• Product Data Templates ( PDTs ) - A Product Data Template provides a method for a manufacturer to provide product data in a structured

format . These serve as a common framework to manage construction product related data in a machine-readable format . It is a common data structure which defines the ‘ properties ’ such as fire rating and colour and describes the product in a way that can be traced to a credible source . Product Data Templates are especially useful for manufacturers who can populate them with the most up-to-date and accurate information about their products . Once complete , this populated template is called a Product Data Sheet ( PDS ).

• Product Data Sheets ( PDSs ) - A Product Data Sheet summarises the performance and other technical characteristics of each construction product , material , or component according to the specific regulatory , market or client requirements . This PDS can then be hosted on the manufacturer ’ s website as a source of structured information on each product .