BIM

What is BIM?

BIM is the acronym commonly used for building information modelling. It is a model-based process which uses technology to create a common, co-ordinated source of design and construction information and 3D simulations of a construction project, enabling more collaborative working between the various parties involved. See Practice Note: What is BIM?

The extent to which BIM might be used on a project varies: there are four 'maturity' levels of BIM ranging in complexity from level 0 (the traditional 2D CAD approach) to level 3 (the operation of a single, fully integrated, shared model). These levels are primarily relevant in the UK. In 2018 to promote a unified global approach to BIM, the British Standards Institution (BSI), the Centre for Digital Built Britain (CDBB), and the UK BIM Alliance introduced the UK BIM Framework, based on the ISO 19650 from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to achieve global standardization and collaboration throughout the entire lifecycle of a BIM project.

The use of BIM is growing steadily in the UK and the government encouraged its adoption by setting a target of 2016 for all major government projects