BIM Level 3 is a laudible aim, but how do we progress there from BIM Level 2? Man and Machine outline how this should happen
It is an increasingly common claim by many customers, clients and suppliers, that they are working to BIM Level 3 or even in a few circumstances, the claim has been BIM Level 3 compliance. Sadly, this is very misleading. That said, it is the case that many Employer Information Requirements (EIRs) are looking to implement advanced BIM Level 3 use cases. These would include, for example, project scheduling, visualisation and advanced coordination activities.
The simple truth is that BIM Level 2 is now being implemented on a large number of projects, but the requirements for BIM Level 2 are on paper, relatively simple. They focus mainly on intelligent libraries and objects, file-based coordination using a Common Data Environment (CDE), 3D modelling and developing the Level of Detail (LoD) and the Level of Information (LoI) progressively through the different stages of the project to an agreed standard.
BIM Level 3
BIM Level 3 is a different animal. According to Phil Read, Managing Director of BIM specialist Man and Machine, “BIM Level 3 is a laudable attempt to progress the cultural shift required in the construction industry to really address a fully collaborative environment and improve productivity. But for this to become a reality and meet the aspirations of Digital Built Britain, there is much work to do.”
The first advancement that needs to happen is that we will need to see increasing standardisation and interoperability between technology vendors, to allow the extension of a digital built environment into the whole lifecycle of an asset.
BIM Level 3 projects incorporate the use of data from the operational, delivery and performance management phases of a project, with full atomic asset detail for facilities management, through to the use of extensive data definitions and processes. Also included are Model Views which will allow interoperable sharing of information at key stages to be extended across market sectors, enabling the cross-asset view of a Smart City or Smart Grid.
Information developed through the delivery, operational and performance phases contained in data stores, will be selectively published through data.gov and other secure gateways as Open data for further market use.
Notwithstanding these technical and interoperability issues, BIM Level 3 will also require a raft of new contract forms that will allow full collaboration to be managed more effectively than is possible with the contract forms available today.
Phil Read went on to explain, “Our new BIM Manager course dives into all these areas to help demystify the core principles behind Level 2 and BIM Level 3 and aims to equip students with the capability to implement BIM projects and strategy to a very high quality, based on the correct information and understanding.”
If only more companies could offer such courses, we would have a much more consistent and enlightened approach to BIM projects.
Ellie Read
Man and Machine
ellie.read@manandmachine.co.uk
Please note: this is a commercial profile
