At its heart, Building Information Modelling is all about data. It provides a structured way to integrate multi-disciplinary data, sharing this information across the entire lifecycle of a to enhance safety, improve efficiency and increase sustainability. So, as collaboration becomes more prevalent thanks to legislation and digital technology, isn’t it time you took another look at BIM? Here we explore the far-reaching benefits of BIM compliance in the construction industry.
What is BIM?
The UK BIM Framework is the overarching approach to implementing BIM in the UK, with ISO 19650 providing an international standard for managing information over the whole life cycle of a built asset using building information modelling (BIM).
Collecting all relevant data about a building and making that information easy to store and share is the key focus of BIM, such that digital data can be disseminated across all areas of your business and shared with other relevant partners working on a project.
In many cases, it is possible to collate this information in the form of an accurate 3D model, however, BIM data comes in many forms. Planning applications, product specifications, and even maintenance and repair documents are all part of BIM compliance, which covers the entire asset lifecycle, from project brief to construction management, and even property and equipment upkeep.
Crucially, this means that BIM is far more than just a series of building models. It is in fact a way of working, designed to increase safety, but also to save time and boost efficiency. By ensuring that anyone involved in a project can access data from any stage (including construction, operation, or maintenance), BIM helps all parties to increase both safety and productivity.
How BIM increases safety
The terrible Grenfell Tower fire in 2017 prompted a new era in building safety. Following an enquiry, the UK Government released an independent review of building regulations and fire safety entitled ‘Building a Safer Future’. This report, which lays down recommendations for all sectors, highlights the fundamental importance of information sharing.
According to the report, there should be a ‘golden thread of information, running through the lifecycle of high-risk residential buildings – from design all the way through to demolition.’ Although the recommendations were initially made in relation to residential premises, they apply to any large construction project and have now been embedded in the Building Safety Act 2022.
In essence, these recommendations ensure the right people have access to the right information at the right time. If we think back to Grenfell Tower, for example, BIM compliant construction could have eliminated errors regarding cladding specifications, altered fire safety advice around remaining in the building and even, after the event, simplified the investigation process.
With access to centralised, digital record keeping, ISO19650 looks to create that ‘golden thread of information’ through BIM practices, improving compliance, reducing fire risks, and increasing safety for years to come.
How BIM increases productivity
Clearly, the most important reason to adopt BIM methodology is for the safety of building users, however working to the ISO 19650 standard has several additional benefits. Providing access to BIM data can also save time and increase profitability by making the commissioning, construction and building management process more efficient.
In a BIM-enabled project, the ‘golden thread’ of data offers clear benefits to the way your team operates, helping you track amendments, assess changes, and ensure any revisions are thoroughly documented. With a single location for all data, project information is not siloed.
Not only does this facilitate swift and reliable handovers, but it also simplifies the process of searching for data. This means information can more easily be re-used at any point in the project, and with digital management of data, repetitive tasks can be automated for increased efficiency and accuracy.
Thus, BIM compliance can:
- ensure all project information is current and up to date
- ensure all project data is searchable
- deliver cost and resource savings through timely data access
- improve project-wide communication, co-ordination, and collaboration
- increase opportunities for prefabrication and modular construction
- achieve greater efficiency and shorter project lifecycles
- ensure a full compliance and audit trail
Building Information Modelling has become an invaluable tool in the construction industry and in many cases, projects already stipulate BIM compliance. With so many benefits, however, it’s easy to see why companies are currently reassessing their BIM capabilities.
With the power to change how you work and improve quality in construction, digitisation and central data storage ensures your business is future-proof. That means projects utilizing BIM processes have a greater chance of success at every stage of the project lifecycle and beyond.
EIDA’s hands-on, tailored software, is designed specifically to support BIM compliance. Our team will get your project up and running swiftly, guiding all stakeholders through the process by phasing in implementation and training contractors as they join the project.
Speak to one of our senior consultants today to find out how EIDA’s custom platform can improve the structure and flow of your projects, reducing risk and improving quality, build after build.