BIM activities around the world 2020
Building Information Modeling (BIM) is not a trendy new technology. It has gone through some highlights in 2019. There is a positive sign that the industry has come and worked together around BIM to resolve some challenges. This also provides optimistic thinking about BIM prospects in 2020 worldwide. Several countries have also used BIM as the standard design framework for the industry. In the article, we will help to keep up to date with BIM activities in some countries in the world and understand more about the future of BIM technology.
1. BIM introduction
BIM was first introduced in the architectural research of Chuck Eastman in the 1970s. In 2002, Autodesk popularized the term to a wide audience in a white paper to define their strategy for their products.
Generally speaking, BIM is known as an advanced technology used in the Architecture, Engineering, Construction (AEC) industry to increase collaboration amongst stakeholders involved in the project. BIM includes two things – functional characteristics in structural 3D models and a “database-first” approach to these models.
The approach lets AEC firms collaborate to design and analyze building systems quickly and efficiently. They can access and edit building information to the graphical files of a single dataset. Any changes made are automatically updated throughout all of the documentation. This helps to improve collaboration, reduce cost, increase quality control, and plan better. Besides, building owners and facility managers can use 3D models to manage and collect data on buildings and structures as well.
2. Understand BIM levels
BIM levels refer to levels of BIM maturity which range from Level 0 to Level 3 and beyond.
BIM Level 0 refers to the use of computer-aided designs (CADs) in the design process. There is no collaboration being done within the level. So according to the new UK regulations, the 2D CADs are now considered “BIM Level 0”.
BIM Level 1 is the most common level at which organizations are operating. It usually includes the use of 3D CAD for conceptual design, 2D for documentation. Despite the appearance of 3D modeling, the software was still limited by the “graphics-first” approach. So this is known as “BIM Level 1”.
BIM Level 2 is a new step that allows a team to use their own 3D CAD model. At the level, all CAD software must have the ability to export one of the common file formats such as Industry Foundation Class (IFC) or Construction Operations Building Information Exchange (COBie). It’s required to create a Common Data Environment (CDE) which is effectively a shared data change place.
BIM Level 3 covers the true definition of BIM – “database-first”. With level 3, each party may access and edit a single and shared project model. Also, the level reduces the risk of conflicting information amongst all parties involved and disciplines.
BIM maturity model Bew-Richards
Multiple countries apply these BIM levels to their regulations based on project type. For example, countries can mandate that all public projects use BIM Level 2. To understand better how some countries are using BIM standards, take a look at the list of countries below.
Bonus: BIM capability assessment – what you should know
3. BIM requirements in some countries 2020
BIM in the United Kingdom: Growth of BIM awareness
According to the prediction, the construction industry in the United Kingdom will grow by up to 70% by 2025. The United Kingdom is known as a leader in BIM implementation. The UK government mandated the use of BIM Level 2 for all construction projects funded by the government since early 2016. According to a survey of the National Building Specification (NBS) 2019, around 70% of respondents were aware of BIM. The figure was higher than that of 2011 with more than 10%.
The UK’s construction strategy declared that it would save 20% on procurement costs thanks to BIM adoption across the entire country. Multiple companies had to quickly find out the process to comply with the standards. The UK will be more likely to become a leader in BIM over the next few years. However, there will still be roadblocks to adoption they need to resolve in the next time.
BIM in the United States: new BIM standard version coming soon
BIM is more and more becoming a widespread requirement for construction projects in the United States. Due to the different requirements of each state, BIM implementation here varies on each project. Although there are several BIM guidelines in the United States, the industry lacks government BIM standards.
Currently, the National BIM Standard (NBIM-US) do their utmost to integrate different industry guidelines to create a unified set of procedures. It is supported by professional groups such as BuildSMART. They plan to release a new version late this year. NBIMS-US 4.0 will be a module so it can be expanded more easily and continually in the future.
Dodge Data & Analytics conducted an industry study on general contractors, construction managers, and specialty trades in 2019. The result showed that 89% of respondents use BIM on at least some of their projects. Several US states are now adopting BIM for projects of a certain scale. Wisconsin, for instance, requires the BIM on all new construction projects with the value of US $2.5 million or more.
BIM in Germany: Mandate in 2020
In Germany, the government is boosting the adoption of BIM across the country. It’s predicted that Germany can mandate BIM for all infrastructure projects by the end of 2020. To aid BIM implementation, a group of industry experts, large companies, and non-governmental organizations have teamed up to establish a German BIM Steering Group.
BIM in France: 2020 is witnessing a surge
The French government mandated the adoption of the BIM process for infrastructure projects in 2017. Currently, France is still on the roadmap to digitize its construction sector. The national government also launched the Digital Transition Plan. This aims at helping AEC firms optimize costs and improve sustainability. It is expected that BIM in France will continue to add value to the construction projects and improve the economy.
BIM in Australia: Expected BIM growth will be $6.5 billion by 2020
The adoption of the BIM process in Australia is still fragmented since there is no unified approach to it. There are 75% of construction projects using BIM. More than 60% of project experts are regular BIM users. A national not-for-profit organization (NATSPEC), owned by Government and Industry launched its BIM National Guide in September 2011. It is expected that BIM growth in Australia will be $6.5 billion by 2020.
BIM in Japan
A survey conducted by the Statista Research Department in 2019 showed that more than 17% of architecture companies in Japan were using BIM for their projects. BIM implementation in Japan is developing but not strategically unified. In general, Japanese firms are not keen on implementing BIM since their client does not recognize the benefits of BIM. BIM is still on the way to help stakeholders to reduce risk and uncertainty.
BIM in Singapore
The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) in Singapore implemented the BIM Roadmap in 2010. The government also aimed at 80% of the construction industry would use BIM in 2015. They had the policy to lead the BIM implementation, whereas clients in the private sector would evaluate the value and cost of BIM. It’s required for architects and engineers to use BIM for the design process.
Although this list is not exhaustive for every country, the information will help you get a great idea about the global BIM standards. If you have more information about your country, comment below and let us know!
Bonus: Spotlight on the Vietnamese BIM capability
The future of BIM technology
The benefits of BIM for the construction industry are inevitable. There are still challenges and overhead costs will be barriers for BIM implementation. However, if the AEC firms do not embrace the changes, they will lose the competitive edge and eventually go out of business.
The future of BIM is still a single source of a dataset that allows all parties to access and edit on the same data pool. The next step is to combine this 3D modeling with reality capture technology to deliver detailed models. It’s time to get started!
If you’re thinking about BIM implementation and need a hand-on help, feel free to let us know. Our BIM consultant is happy to help you answer any questions you may have.
