First, let’s recap on what building information modelling (BIM) is.
BIM expert Michael King defines it as “a technique where intelligent models based on actual construction dimensional data are developed and linked with actual construction engineering data to allow a process of performance engineering and centralised co-ordination between architecture, structure, services/systems, etc... thus providing a pre-construction simulation of the proposed project, the development of different construction and engineering scenarios for review/approval and ultimately if desired a realistic virtual model of the finished project which may be used for facility management.”
Sound confusing?
In simple terms, it’s an intelligent database of a building where objects are presented in a three dimensional digital form.
The problem is it’s not that simplistic, and so a new guide published by NATSPEC is one that all in the industry should be looking out for to provide some clarity.
Natalie Saunders: What was the reasoning behind creating the Guide?
Richard Choy: NATSPEC has been involved with BIM for around 10 years but has continued to be concerned about the limited practical resources, both nationally and internationally, to assist architects and engineers to use BIM appropriately.
BIM has the opportunity to vastly improve the productivity of the design, construction and facilities management of many buildings. Unfortunately, like many aspects of our industry, there is a lot of ‘smoke and mirrors’. One key limitation to the widespread adoption of BIM has been the absence of clear, practical and consistent terminology and protocols. It’s almost like starting from scratch for each project with incompatible software, protocols and expectations. NATSPEC, because it is a not-for-profit organisation, was approached by industry to clarify the many mixed messages that they were receiving.
When a client asks for BIM, the most important questions are ‘which BIM?’ and ‘what are your expectations?’ The NATSPEC National BIM Guide (the Guide) was developed to provide a consistent means of answering these questions.
The client, with its consultants, is required to complete the project BIM brief (the Brief) to clearly document the required BIM outcomes for the project. This may be as simple as requiring clash detection and resolution before construction, or as complex as a database of as-built information for long-term facilities management. Please note that the facilities manager does not just want to be dumped with everything in digital form but desires filtered information covering their desired aspects in an agreed format. The use of the Guide with the Brief makes it necessary for all parties to address key issues at the start of the project rather than inefficiently, and expensively, throughout the project. There is no magical BIM button that can automatically provide everything from a single building information model.
The National BIM Guide, freely available from www.natspec.com.au, with its associated documents provides a clear framework for the use of BIM on a building project.
NS: There was industry wide collaboration, who are you talking about?
RC: NATSPEC is owned by 21 government public works departments and industry professional organisations. Each was given the opportunity to review the drafts along with other groups including the Built Environment Innovation Council and buildingSmart. NATSPEC started being involved with BIM projects through the International Construction Information Society, comprising 16 countries, and amassed an Australian BIM Team comprising around 300 individuals. All, plus many other industry organisations had the opportunity to provide feedback during the development. In this way the document is industry-wide and not limited to any particular discipline such as architects. One important aspect of the Guide is that it was not developed from scratch but used the best of Australian and international information available.
NS: What do you hope to achieve through this guide?
RC: The Guide has been developed to provide a roadmap for BIM to be used on projects. It is for first-time users as well as the seasoned BIM professional. In conjunction with the Brief, it is an efficient and effective tool to clarify outcomes, responsibilities, systems and expectations. We hope that the Guide will be used as a standard for all BIM projects.
NS: How flexible is the guide in relation to changing work environments?
RC: The Guide has been designed to satisfy all project types, procurement methods and project needs. Whilst BIM has been with us for many years it is still a developing technology with new advancements and improvements every year. The Guide needs to be used in conjunction with its supporting documents and has been designed to allow for changing work environments as well as learn from new BIM projects and emerging information.
A key element to success is the need for a BIM Management Plan (BMP). The BMP is used to describe in a much more detailed way how the project will be executed, monitored and controlled with regard to BIM in order to satisfy the requirements recorded in the Brief. NATSPEC will be releasing a BMP Template in a couple of months.