It is 2023, and with hundreds of advancements in different sectors every month, one can stay abreast only of the best ones. Everyone is familiar with Building Information Modeling (BIM) and agrees it is a must-have for the AECO Industry. BIM, a digital representation of physical and functional characteristics, is typically used to design, construct, and operate buildings. BIM implementation for any project/organization requires well-defined processes and standards.?

What are BIM Standards? 

BIM standard refers to the guidelines, protocols, and best practices used to ensure that BIM models are created and used consistently and effectively. Various organizations have developed several BIM standards, some of which are not necessarily mandated by governments. However, those standards can still be widely adopted and used as a benchmark for quality and best practices in the construction industry. With standards in place, a more comprehensive digital infrastructure is envisioned, which in effect, is helping stakeholders position their construction projects more efficiently.?

What are some of the BIM Standards?

The ISO 19650, a series of international standards, has helped organizations establish a unified approach across each of their regions and offices, creating immediate efficiencies and increasing the mobility of their internal resources.’ National BIM Standard – This is a set of guidelines for using BIM in the United States. It is maintained by the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS). BuildingSMART International?– A global not-for-profit community that focuses on solving industry problems by developing open and international digital data-sharing solutions. Singapore BIM guide – It is used as a reference guide for BIM standards for construction projects and includes a guide for BIM Execution Plan, which is an agreement between the Employer and project members. CIC BIM Protocol – Commissioned by Construction Industry Council, this legal agreement establishes the obligations and liabilities of using BIM.

Why are BIM Standards necessary?

1. BIM Standards can ease the integration of models for team members from various parts of the world. Despite being in different geographic locations, it is efficient to integrate information when all team members utilize the same BIM standards and data structures. This can facilitate team member collaboration and coordination and streamline the design and construction process.

2. BIM standards provide guidelines and best practices for creating and using BIM models. Still, they do not necessarily dictate how the models should be made or used in various situations. It leaves some room for individual interpretation and creativity within the limits of the standards. However, it is essential to follow the core principles and requirements of the standards to ensure that the models are consistent, interoperable, and of sufficient quality to support the design, construction, and operation of buildings. ?

3. To ensure that an organization uses BIM consistently and effectively, it may seek BIM certification. Certification can be awarded to teams for compliance with BIM standards and as part of the competency evaluation. This helps demonstrate the team’s proficiency in using BIM and helps to build confidence in the team’s abilities among clients and stakeholders. Certification can also improve the overall quality of the project, as it ensures that the team follows best practices in using BIM.

4. Integration with various tools can be easier with BIM standards as the standards help to ensure that BIM models are created and used consistently. This will eventually reduce the time and trial and error required for solving real-time problems at work, helping companies and stakeholders improve BIM management and de-risk their projects.?

5. BIM standards differ by country and region, and construction companies must know the specific standards that apply to their projects. In some cases, a construction company may be required to comply with local and global standards, depending on the project’s specific requirements. For example, a construction company may be working on a project in a country that has adopted its BIM standards. Still, the project may also have global funding or stakeholders, which could require the company to comply with additional international BIM standards. In such cases, the company needs to ensure that they are complying with all applicable standards.

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