BIM Definition

The definition of BIM is often misinterpreted and misunderstood by people (Aubin 2012, p44). It is often understood as a 3D model but it is more than that. The “information” part of the word has more importance. It is more of data or information sharing whether it is presented in a graphical model or not. So it is important to understand the concept of BIM and its definition. There are different interpretations of BIM. Some of the definitions are as follows:

BIM is a rich information model, consisting of potentially multiple data sources, elements of which can be shared across all stakeholders and be maintained across the life of a building from inception to recycling. (NBS, 2012)

Eastman, Teicholz, Sacks & Liston (2008, p.1) explains that:

“BIM accommodates many of the functions needed to model the lifecycle of a building, providing the basis for new construction capabilities and changes in the roles and relationships among a project team. BIM facilitates a more integrated design and construction process that results in better quality buildings at lower cost and reduced project duration.”

“BIM is a paradigm shift in the architectural, engineering and construction industries which transforms processes to achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness” (Wong, Wong and Nadeem, 2011).

The aim of BIM is to improve the overall project process following the slogan “Better! Faster! Cheaper!” (Saxon, 2013).

While the BIM model is an important component of BIM, BIM is viewed as more of a process change than a new technology. The model may serve as a knowledge resource for all project participants, but BIM is a process that enhances collaboration resulting in improved information management and an overall leaner process (Computer Integrated Construction Research Program (CICRP), 2013). So BIM has become a widely accepted tool used to overcome the many hurdles that currently face the Architecture, Engineering and construction industries (Morlhon, Pellerin & Bourgault, 2014).

From the different perspectives of definition of BIM seen above, BIM can be summarised as a “digital model”, “new collaborative business process” and an “information management and control tool”.

References:

Aubin, P. (2012). Revit Architecture 2012. Clifton Park, N.Y.: Delmar.

NBS (2012). BIM: mapping out the legal issues. Retrieved August 2017 from https://www.thenbs.com/knowledge/bim-mapping-out-the-legal-issues

Eastman, C., Sacks, R., Teicholz, P., & Liston, K. (2008). BIM handbook. Hoboken, N.J.: Wiley.

Wong, A. K., Wong, F. K., & Nadeem, A. (2011). Government roles in implementing building information modelling systems: Comparison between Hong Kong and the United States. Construction innovation, 11(1), 61-76.

Saxon, R. (2013) Growth Through BIM. Construction Industry Council, London. Retrieved July 2017 from http://cic.org.uk/download.php?f=growth-through-bim-final-1.pdf

Computer Integrated Construction Research Program (CICRP). (2013). “BIM Planning Guide for Facility Owners”. Version 2.0, June, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA. Retrieved July 2017 from http://bim.psu.edu.

Morlhon, R., Pellerin, R., & Bourgault, M. (2014). Building Information Modelling Implementation through Maturity Evaluation and Critical Success Factors Management. Procedia Technology, 16, 1126-1134.