The UK construction industry has undergone a transformation in recent years, with the introduction of Building Information Modelling (BIM) playing a significant role. BIM is a digital representation of the physical and functional characteristics of a building or infrastructure asset, which helps to improve collaboration, coordination, and decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.
But how did BIM become an essential part of the UK construction industry, and what standards and levels of BIM are there? In this article, we’ll explore the evolution of BIM in the UK construction industry and answer these questions.
Introduction of BIM in the UK
BIM was first introduced to the UK construction industry in the early 2000s by pioneering firms such as BDP, Arup, and Foster + Partners. These firms recognized the potential benefits of BIM and began using it to improve their design and construction processes.
In 2011, the UK government recognized the potential of BIM and launched the BIM Task Group, a group of industry experts tasked with promoting and implementing BIM across the UK construction industry.
Mandate of BIM in the UK
In 2016, the UK government mandated the use of BIM Level 2 for all centrally procured government projects. This meant that all government-funded construction projects had to use BIM Level 2 from April 2016.
BIM Level 2 is defined as a collaborative process that enables the creation, sharing, and use of digital information throughout the project lifecycle. It includes the use of BIM software and the adoption of standards such as BS 1192 and PAS 1192-2.
BIM Standards and Levels
BS 1192 is a standard that provides a framework for managing the production, distribution, and quality of construction information. It defines the processes, procedures, and roles and responsibilities for creating, sharing, and using information.
PAS 1192-2 is a specification that defines the requirements for the delivery of BIM Level 2. It covers the exchange of information, file formats, and data structures.
BIM Level 2 is the minimum requirement for centrally procured government projects in the UK. It involves the collaboration of all project stakeholders and the use of BIM software and standards to create a digital model of the asset.
BIM Level 3 is the next level of BIM, and it involves the integration of all project data into a single, shared model. It includes real-time collaboration and decision-making and allows for the optimization of the asset throughout its lifecycle.
BIM has become an essential part of the UK construction industry, with the government mandating its use for all centrally procured government projects. BIM Level 2 is the minimum requirement for these projects, and it involves the collaboration of all stakeholders and the use of BIM software and standards. The adoption of BIM has helped to improve collaboration, coordination, and decision-making throughout the project lifecycle, and it is expected to continue to play a significant role in the future of the UK construction industry.
References:
UK Government BIM Task Group – https://www.bimtaskgroup.org/
BS 1192:2007+A2:2016 – Collaborative production of architectural, engineering and construction information. Code of practice – https://shop.bsigroup.com/ProductDetail?pid=000000000030306426
PAS 1192-2:2013 – Specification for information management for the capital/delivery phase of construction projects using Building Information Modelling (BIM) – https://shop.bsigroup.com/ProductDetail?pid=000000000030253553
