[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Building Information Modeling\u00a0(BIM) is a process involving the generation and management of digital representations of physical and functional characteristics of places.\u00a0Building information models\u00a0(BIMs) are files (often but not always in proprietary formats and containing proprietary data) which can be extracted, exchanged or networked to support decision-making regarding a building or other built asset.<\/p>\n
Current BIM software is used by individuals, businesses and government agencies who plan, design, construct, operate and maintain diverse\u00a0physical infrastructures, such as water, refuse, electricity, gas, communication utilities, roads, railways, bridges, ports and tunnels. The most popular software is Autodesk’s Revit but there are many more that can produce models compatible with BIM’s principles.<\/p>\n
Industry Foundation Classes (IFC)<\/a> formats are very common within BIM projects.<\/p>\n The table below provides a summary of the key characteristics of each Level:[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]<\/p>\n [\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n\n\n
\n \nLevel<\/th>\n Description<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n LEVEL 0<\/strong><\/td>\n In its simplest form, level 0 effectively means no collaboration. 2D CAD drafting only is utilised, mainly for Production Information (RIBA Plan of Work 2013 stage 4). Output and distribution is via paper or electronic prints or a mixture of both. The majority of the industry is already well ahead of this now.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n LEVEL 1<\/strong><\/td>\n This is the level at which many organisations are currently operating. This typically comprises a mixture of 3D CAD for concept work, and 2D for drafting of statutory approval documentation and Production Information. CAD standards are managed to BS 1192:2007, and electronic sharing of data is carried out from a common data environment (CDE), often managed by the contractor. Models are not shared between project team members (by using platforms like\u00a0Buzzsaw, 4Projects, A-Site)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n LEVEL 2<\/strong><\/td>\n This is distinguished by collaborative working \u2013 all parties use their own 3D CAD models, but not necessarily working on a single, shared model. The collaboration comes in the form of how the information is exchanged between different parties \u2013 and is the crucial aspect of this level. Design information is shared through a common file format, which enables any organisation to be able to combine that data with their own in order to make a federated BIM model, and to carry out interrogative checks on it. Hence any CAD software that each party used must be capable of exporting to one of the common file formats such as IFC (Industry Foundation Class)<\/a> or COBie (Construction Operations Building Information Exchange)<\/a>. This is the method of working that had been set as a minimum target by the UK government for all work on public-sector work, by 2016.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n LEVEL 3<\/strong><\/td>\n Currently seen as the holy grail, this represents full collaboration between all disciplines by means of using a single, shared project model which is held in a centralized repository. All parties can access and modify that same model, and the benefit is that it removes the final layer of risk for conflicting information. This is known as \u2018Open BIM\u2019. Current nervousness in the industry around issues such as copyright and liability are intended to be resolved \u2013 the former by means of robust appointment documents and software originator\/read\/write permissions, and the latter by shared-risk procurement routes such as partnering. The CIC BIM Protocol makes provision for these.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n READ MORE<\/h5>\n