What is Building Information Modeling (BIM)?
Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a process of transforming data into valuable information, enabling the digitization of the value chain within the construction industry throughout the lifecycle of an asset. It involves exchanging various types of information, including geometric, technical, functional, cost, and performance data throughout the entire lifecycle of a building.
BIM begins with the creation of an intelligent 3D model, which serves as a platform for all construction partners to share documents and coordinate activities during the entire lifespan of a project. Thus, BIM goes beyond a simple 3D graphic representation; it provides a new approach to construction and construction management. Its implementation allows for making informed decisions at every stage of the lifecycle—from investment to operation and even demolition.
Benefits of BIM
BIM significantly enhances the quality and speed of the construction process by greatly improving collaboration among construction partners. This innovation allows all parties involved to save time, reduce costs, and avoid expensive mistakes.
ISO 19650 Standard and Certification
BIM is widely used in construction, but its benefits also extend to the operation and maintenance of industrial assets. To standardize the application of building information modeling in the industrial sector, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has developed the ISO 19650 series.
ISO 19650 is a series of standards that specify information management using BIM. It consists of five parts, covering various phases of the asset lifecycle, from planning, design, construction, to operation and maintenance. Each part provides guidelines for defining the framework for information management. ISO 19650 can be applied to all types and sizes of assets and organizations involved in building and managing structures and other built assets.
Parts of ISO 19650:
- Concepts and Principles: This part provides an overview of BIM concepts and principles, defining it as a digital representation of physical and functional characteristics of an asset, which can be used for decision-making throughout its lifecycle.
- Delivery Phase of the Asset: It focuses on the delivery phase, including design, construction, and commissioning. It outlines the requirements for deliverables like models, drawings, and specifications, as well as protocols for information exchange.
- Operational Phase of the Asset: This part covers the operational phase, emphasizing the smooth transition from the delivery phase to operation with the transfer of data and documentation.
- Information Exchange: Specifies detailed processes and criteria for decision-making during information exchange.
- Security-Minded Approach to Information Management: Sets requirements for a secure approach to project management, use of digital technologies, integration of control systems, such as building management systems, digital built environments, and smart asset management.
The Importance of BIM
With nearly 10 billion people expected to live on the planet by 2050, the construction industry must adopt smarter and more efficient design and building methods. This is not only to meet global demand but also to create more functional and resilient spaces.
Standardizing BIM helps drive positive changes in the construction industry by facilitating the use of digital technologies and contributing to the creation of optimal cooperative processes in design, construction, and maintenance phases.
Building Information Modeling allows you to design a building and fully calculate and identify all processes within it before actual construction begins.
