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

To view the latest version of this document and thousands of others like it, sign-in with LexisNexis or register for a free trial.

Powered by Lexis+®
Latest Construction News

Scottish Government launches consultation on housing delivery incentives and penalties

The Scottish Government has launched  a consultation seeking views on measures to accelerate the build-out of homes on sites already identified for housing development, in response to falling housing starts and completions despite a substantial pipeline of consented land. The consultation supports the Housing Emergency Action Plan and related planning commitments, and examines whether incentives, penalties or other interventions could increase delivery rates, including for small and medium-sized housebuilders, within a plan-led, infrastructure-first framework under National Planning Framework 4. It is informed by evidence that slow delivery is driven primarily by post-consent factors such as market absorption rates, viability constraints, infrastructure costs, public sector risk exposure and limited developer capacity or commitment, rather than by the planning permission process itself. Drawing on previous reviews and research by bodies including the Competition and Markets Authority and the Scottish Land Commission, the consultation outlines potential approaches such as land assembly, public sector-led development, reform of compulsory purchase and sales powers, and policy tools to influence build-out rates, and notes that any future action may require legislative change in the next parliamentary session and would be subject to appropriate impact assessment. The consultation closes on 30 April 2026.

View Construction by content type :

Popular documents