National BIM Report 2017 National BIM Report 2017

Introduction 03 We would like to thank Introduction Richard Waterhouse the following organisations CEO, NBS for supporting this report:

Digital Built Britain – building the future 04 Mark Bew MBE Chair of the HM Government – Digital Built Britain This fits with the benefits of BIM This is not just existing designers to those routinely using it; better adopting new, better, ways of working. Standards supporting UK innovation 06 collaboration and information Those who have grown up online Kieran Parkinson co-ordination that bring cost will expect to design within a Market Development Manager, BSI efficiencies. These cost efficiencies collaborative digital working are already apparent to the design environment. The young digital BIM survey: summary of findings 10 team; the next challenge is to educate natives will mould the working Adrian Malleson more clients about them. The report practices of the digital visitors. Head of Research, Analysis and Forecasting, NBS shows there is still work to do here, but the work is well underway. The move to BIM Level 2 is just a Richard Waterhouse step on the way, though. As the UK Working toward a unified approach 28 CEO, NBS Part of this work is demonstrating to BIM in Europe BIM mandate becomes embedded, that BIM is (of course!) not just for thoughts are naturally turning to what Dr Ilka May the public sector. Each year the UK CEO, LocLab Consulting GmbH next. The report hints at some future Government publishes details of the technologies that will be significant: Adam Matthews MBA This is the first NBS National BIM construction cost reductions it has robotics, 3D printing, future cities International Director for the UK Government’s Report since the introduction of made. Seeing these savings makes BIM Task Group and Chair of the EU BIM Task Group and machine learning, for example. the UK Government’s BIM mandate. it clear why the UK Government has Richard Lane It is significant, therefore, that BIM backed BIM, and why other countries These form a part of a general trend. CLO, KnowledgePoint and Programme Manager, EU BIM Task Group adoption has reached a high point are looking to the UK to inform their Information is getting physical, and this year. The UK BIM mandate has BIM journey. As the UK public sector the physical is getting information. We Scotland’s journey to the digitisation 32 added an impetus to BIM adoption shows the real benefits BIM brings, are moving from gathering information of construction in the UK. BIM Level 2 looks to be the private sector is also showing to improve the design stages, to Paul Dodd well established; the normal way for itself quick to implement, as are information being continuously added Associate Director, Scottish Futures Trust most practices to carry out design other countries. to and evaluated by buildings, as they work. Over 60% now use BIM, and are used. It is not all good news and the report BIM on a live project 36 95% expect to within three years. To change a relatively static industry shows there is still work to do. Whilst The easier design iterations that BIM Dr Stephen Hamil confidence in BIM skills is improving Level 2 has brought us will lead to Director of Research and Innovation, NBS like construction in such a short period is nothing short of astonishing and among the design team, it could be iterative building production, as in use is best in class at a global level. better. Many still need information, data refines buildings design. Value CPD and training. Fortunately, there will be held less in the built asset itself, The design community is broadly are many resources to help here. and increasingly in the information supportive of the UK Government Whilst some clients lead the way about that asset. mandate. Most feel the Government on BIM, many others need further is on the right track with BIM, and support and careful explanation of Through social media and web use, we that it supports at least two of the the process and its benefits. The UK are starting to get used to ‘collaborative four core strategic aims of the has a comprehensive suite of BIM consumerism’. As we come to give Government for construction, standards and protocols, yet they more and more information about namely; remain underused and are sometimes ourselves in the future through our seen as too complex. Additionally, use of tomorrow’s buildings and cities, • BIM will help bring a reduction in BIM adoption is lower among smaller will we see ‘collaborative living’? the initial and whole life costs of practices, although even here, it is That’s for the future, a future that is built assets. getting close to a majority. This work now assured to come through BIM. is underway and year on year, on all • BIM will help bring time efficiencies, We’ve come a long way since our first these issues, the picture is improving. RIBA Enterprises Ltd © 2017 All rights reserved. No part of this report may be reducing time from inception BIM report and our journey continues. reproduced or shared in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, to completion. We can look forward to future including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage or retrieval What next for BIM in the UK? We can system, without permission in writing from the copyright holder. expect adoption and use to increase developments, with the UK at the forefront of design innovation. The content of articles contributed by external authors and published in this steadily over the coming years. report are the views of those authors and do not represent the position of RIBA Enterprises Ltd, NBS or its affiliated companies.

2 3 National BIM Report 2017

Digital Built Britain – building the future

The volume of information generated Level 2 BIM journey UKAS BIM certification scheme The Digital Built Britain programme The UK has made in today’s digital world will not have Announced in September 2016, the comprises the following work areas: escaped anyone. It is safe to say that The Level 2 BIM journey began in 2011 a significant step United Kingdom Accreditation Service • Level 2 legacy activity, to continue we have now firmly entered the and continued until the Government’s (UKAS) is considering extending its to drive Level 2 uptake and realise in creating a world- ‘big data’ age, where large pools of mandate was reached in April 2016. accreditation activity into a new area: further savings. data and information are captured, All central government departments class position in are fundamentally procuring Level 2 that of accredited Building Information communicated, aggregated, stored • Level 2 (Convergence) is the BIM data. I am often asked ‘How are Modelling (BIM) certification, and delivering capability, and analysed as part of sectors such programme of activity that will the departments getting on?’ and in doing so will help support the as retailing, publishing, travel and provide the first end-to-end asset standards and this survey begs a similar response. Construction Strategy published financial services. life cycle data management process. Mark Bew MBE My response must be that they are all by the UK Government in May 2011. capacity in the sector The fusing of BIM, Sensors and City Chair of the on a journey like the rest of the sector. It is evident that there are a number With the construction industry Services in a single set of Level 2 to reduce cost and Some have travelled further than others, of certification schemes (e.g. ‘process’ HM Government – being one of the last major sectors standards will provide a key first step but all are significantly better than they certification, ‘person’ certification) for increase value. Digital Built Britain to commence its digital journey, for both construction and city services were four years ago. Construction is BIM Level 2 available to the market the successful delivery of the UK providers to work much closer in the largest industrial sector in the UK: now; however, UKAS wishes to Government Construction Strategy the delivery of assets and services. (GCS) Level 2 BIM programme now we employ over two and a half million promote a common approach to sees the UK take on a global leadership people and they all move at different accredited BIM Level 2 certification • Level 3 is a programme which is a fully role and represents an internationally speeds. However, one thing is for sure: and service levels. developed version of Level 2 (c) and unparalleled achievement on the they have all moved, and so has the rest will provide the basis for a fully journey towards the digitisation of of the world, with nearly half of the Digital Built Britain functioning secure digital economy our built environment. world’s rail and metros now being for the built environment. The continuing success of the Level 2 delivered using Level 2-based standards, • The final orkw stream is a research Building on the success of the Level 2 programme, underlined by the results including those in Kuala Lumpur and stream investigating trends and BIM programme, Digital Built Britain was of this survey, has provided the platform New York. developments just over the horizon launched last year and will enable the to move to the next stage. The move which will have significant impacts interconnected digital design of different Now we have passed the 2016 to Level 3 and the commencement on the sector. elements in a built environment, and milestone, the work starts. We need of the Digital Built Britain programme will extend BIM into the operation of to move Level 2 BIM to ‘business as heralds a new generation of SMART The results of the NBS survey once assets over their lifetimes – where the usual’. This is where industry needs to Infrastructure and Construction. again show a welcome trend of lion’s share of cost arises. It will support lead the transition to BIM Level 2 and development: proof, if it were needed, The UK has made a significant step the accelerated delivery of smart spread it across the market, not just that the UK continues to be an in creating a world-class position in cities, services and grids. Owners and centrally-procured public sector projects innovative developer and adopter delivering capability, standards and operators will be able to better manage but local authorities and the private of technology. In light of the demand capacity in the sector to reduce cost assets and services as they track sector. To do this we are working with which will be made of us all in the new and increase value. The coming their real-time efficiency, maximising several parties, including the UK BIM trading future outside of the EU, this together of the BIM and Smart City utilisation and minimising energy use. Alliance. The Alliance was launched in should give us encouragement and programme into Digital Built Britain October 2016 and is a cross-industry push us on to even better things. Digital Built Britain will enable the alliance formed to lead BIM Level 2 will continue this commitment to digitisation of our built environment and the digital transformation of the providing jobs, homes, services and For more information and will help meet the Government construction sector. Its focus will be growth to the UK economy. visit www.digital-built-britain.com Industrial Strategy (2025) targets of the implementation of BIM Level 2 33% lower costs, 50% faster delivery, across the wider industry over the 50% lower emissions and 50% next four years until 2020, which will improvements in exports. As the results establish the essential foundations for of the survey confirm, BIM and data BIM Level 3 and digital transformation will continue to play a large part in as we move towards 2025. sector transformation and the achievement of these goals.

4 5 National BIM Report 2017

Standards supporting UK innovation

Kieran Parkinson Market Development Manager, BSI

In today’s global construction 2016. This wasn’t a legal requirement, Internationalising UK standards industry, the drive for faster, more but a condition of contract to work As the UK National Standards Body, BSI, in collaboration with global These projects were out for public efficient delivery of infrastructure with the largest client in the market. BSI manages over 1,200 committees, partners in international technical consultation until 16th April, and are or building projects has never been The focus on BIM was further refined comprising over 11,000 committee committee ISO/TC 59/SC13, put expected to be published in early 2018. more challenging. Efforts to improve in the Construction 2025 Strategy, members. With the help of these forward PAS 1192-2 to be used Comments on these (or any other efficiency are difficult in a market setting out a requirement for BIM committees, BSI is responsible for as the basis for two international standards) can be made via BSI’s that is often defined by low margins, Level 2 (as defined by the BIM Maturity maintaining over 39,000 standards, BIM standards: free-to-use standards development aggressive procurement, skills Model) on government projects, most of them originating from Europe portal (see references overleaf). shortages, uncertain work pipelines irrespective of project size. • ISO 19650-1 Organisation of (CEN/CENELEC) and internationally and complex supply chains. information about construction In Europe, BSI is working with partners BSI started developing BIM standards (ISO/IEC), and covering most UK works - Information management in CEN/TC 442 to adopt ISO standards In a global economy of rapidly in 2007, working with industry bodies, industry sectors. BSI can and has using building information as European (EN) standards, and evolving markets and technologies, researchers, UK Government and used this breadth of sector coverage modelling - Part 1: Concepts where appropriate develop regional rules and frameworks are often business organisations to develop and global reach through ISO and and principles. European standards that complement needed to help organisations adapt the overarching principles, rules and CEN to take UK best practice globally, the ISO work programme. and innovate successfully. Standards guidance necessary to implement thereby positioning the UK industry • ISO 19650-2 Organisation of as thought leaders. Again, BIM is information about construction can help establish those rules and BIM. In 2016, BSI (in partnership with Further information about ongoing an example of this. works - Information management frameworks, and BIM standardisation government) developed a website standards development projects using building information is an example of this. providing the standards, tools and can be found on BSI’s standard modelling - Part 2: Delivery guidance necessary for implementing development portal (see references Digitising the process of the phase of assets. BIM Level 2. All are available to overleaf). design, build and operation of built download at www.BIM-Level2.org assets wasn’t a new concept, but the financial, technical and behavioural The BSI BIM standards have implications were difficult to overcome. helped remove much of the risk However, in the last decade significant and uncertainty associated with advancements in technology have sharing information in a virtual brought the concept much closer to construction environment. The reality. In 2011, the UK Government security, interoperability and shared The BSI BIM standards have helped remove Construction Strategy announced that language established by the standards Building Information Modelling (BIM) have helped to create market much of the risk and uncertainty associated would be a requirement for all centrally conditions that have attracted with sharing information in a virtual procured government projects from investment and driven innovation. construction environment.

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NBS BIM tools and content support your BIM workflow – individually effective and The future of BIM standardisation powerfully connected The implementation of BIM Level 2 PAS 1192-7 is intended to be a technical in the UK is far from complete, and to specification providing a consistent You can use our BIM tools individually. But use them collectively and help embed BIM Level 2 best practice methodology for the definition, harness their full power and potential to deliver informed decisions, more there are currently four UK BIM creation, management and sharing efficient processes and reduced risk across your Level 2 BIM projects. standards projects underway: of product information through the life cycle of an asset, based on the • two projects aligning existing purpose of that information, and standards (PAS 1192-2 and who the information is to be used by. PAS 1192-3); • two new standards (PAS 1192-6 Looking towards BIM Level 3, the BIM Management Standardised and PAS 1192-7). vision described in Digital Built Britain is a completely integrated approach & Classification BIM Objects The projects aligning PAS 1192-2 to the management of asset- and NBS BIM Toolkit provides NBS National BIM Library and PAS 1192-3 are intended to be project-related data, where information step-by-step guidance to define, is the UK’s fastest growing manage and validate responsibility resource of BIM objects and small in scope, focusing on aspects will be seamlessly available to those for information development home to the NBS BIM such as terminology, and are who need it in a format that allows and delivery at each state Object Standard.

expected to be published in the different stakeholders to reuse it for of the asset lifecycle. nationalBIMlibrary.com summer of 2017. different purposes. BIM Level 3 will theNBS.com/toolkit start to make links with other digital The new standards project for PAS innovations and concepts such as 1192-6 ‘Specification for collaborative building management systems, smart sharing and use of structured hazard BIM Specification BIM Co-ordination cities and the Internet of Things (IoT); & Guidance with Geometry Model and risk information for Health and see references. Safety’ has just completed public NBS Create is the leading UK NBS Plug-ins co-ordinate consultation and is expected to be standard specification tool, built your specification and BSI will continue to work with for BIM and linked to guidance CAD models, improving the published in Summer 2017, and will government and industry to from the Construction synchronisation of your be available on www.BIM-level2.org coordinate the development of Information Service. project information. appropriate standards, in the first theNBS.com/Create theNBS.com/plugins The other new standard project PAS instance linking together our existing 1192-7 ‘Specification for defining and standards work programmes on sharing structured digital construction smart cities and IoT. product information’ will be based on BIM Standards the Product Data Definition document Knowledge & Regulations currently available at www.BIM-level2. Our NBS subject specialists The Construction Information org (under Guidance). author a wide range of articles Service provides expert and offer expert insight and knowledge and instant access analysis on BIM. to current regulations,

theNBS.com/BIM standards and technical advice. theNBS.com/CIS

References:

ISO/TC 59/SC 13 Technical Committee website: https://www.iso.org/committee/49180.html

BSI Standards Development portal: https://standardsdevelopment.bsigroup.com/

Comments on ISO 19650-1 and -2: https://standardsdevelopment.bsigroup.com/committees/50248634

Digital Built Britain: http://digital-built-britain.com/

Smart cities: https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/smart-cities/ Internet of Things: http://www.hypercat.io/ Find out more about our suite of tools to support you CEN/TC 442 Technical Committee website: https://standards.cen.eu throughout the BIM workflow at theNBS.com/BIMworkflow

8 9 National BIM Report 2017

BIM survey: summary of findings

Welcome to our seventh annual NBS National BIM Report. In the twelve The UK Government and BIM Sixty percent months since our last report, we have seen the introduction of the UK BIM “ The Government stated that all public funded projects needed to be BIM; this mandate. Collaborative working practice and BIM Level 2 data delivery is now see that BIM will has played a big part in getting the majority of the sector to take note. I have a contractual requirement for work on central government-funded projects. to admit that a government can sometimes do good”. help bring time The NBS National BIM Survey gives As ever, our sincere thanks to the efficiencies, a snapshot of the change the design more than 1,000 people who took part The Government’s construction strategy reducing time community is both creating and going in the research. By taking part, you The UK’s BIM mandate is strategic; Very few think that BIM will stand in through. In this report, we examine have helped ensure that the UK has a it derives from the Government’s the way of our meeting these targets. from inception Adrian Malleson some of the key themes the survey reliable resource with which to assess construction strategy. Within the Seventy percent see that BIM will to completion. brings to light, and we point to some BIM in the UK. Head of Research, strategy are four ambitious targets. help bring cost reduction in the design of the future changes to come. The role of BIM, in part, is to support build and maintain life cycle. Sixty Analysis and Those who responded to the survey This year, we also spend a little our reaching them. The targets are percent see that BIM will help bring Forecasting, NBS came from a range of professions time looking at the community’s for lower cost, more rapid delivery, time efficiencies, reducing time and practice types, and from all the assessment of the approach the fewer greenhouse emissions, and a from inception to completion. Less nations and regions of the UK. Government has taken to inject better trade balance for construction pronounced is BIM’s ability to reduce BIM into UK design practice. products. The graph below shows greenhouse gas emissions (44% the design community’s assessment agree that it will help), or improve the of BIM’s ability to help meet those trade gap in construction products targets. (32% agree).

Please tell us the role you think BIM will have in our achieving the following...

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

33% reduction in initial cost of 70% 26% 4% construction and the whole life cost of built assets

50% reduction in the overall time, 60% 31% 9% from inception to completion, for new build and refurbished assets

50% reduction in greenhouse gas 44% 54% 2 emissions in the built environment

50% reduction in the trade gap 32% 65% 4% between total exports and total imports for construction products and materials

Will help Won’t make a difference BIM will hinder

In this report, we examine some of the key themes the survey brings to light, and we point to some of the future changes to come.

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The vision of Agreement with statements BIM usage and awareness the UK being the 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% “ I believe at least 50% of the construction industry has embraced it BIM usage and awareness – that’s quite a good result!”. world leader in The Government now requires 59% 28% 13% collaborative 3D BIM on its projects

BIM has yet to be I think the Government is on the 51% 28% 21% Current use realised, according right track with BIM BIM awareness is near-universal. year-on-year increase. Over the The Government is not enforcing 51% 40% 9% BIM adoption is up. Those who six years we have been running to the design the Government’s 2016 BIM mandate have not adopted BIM intend to. the report, BIM adoption has community. I’m still not clear what I have to do 37% 27% 36% The UK is well placed to have BIM increased over 8% each year, to comply with the Government’s on average. However, it was in 2016 BIM mandate as the most common project design environment within the the early years that the rate of The UK is the world leader in BIM 26% 43% 31% next five years. growth was most rapid. That rate slowed somewhat between 2014 The construction industry is now 19% 31% 50% Awareness is near-universal, with and 2016: a normal adoption delivering on the Government’s 2016 BIM mandate 97% telling us they are aware of curve in action. BIM (we solicit and receive responses Agree Neither agree nor disagree Disagree from a wide range of design practices, The twelve months preceding not just the BIM community). this report have seen the most rapid BIM growth since 2014, Aware and currently using BIM 62%

Sixty-two percent of practices now suggesting that the UK Just aware of BIM 35% The Government’s role in BIM strategy World leadership use BIM on some of their projects, Government’s BIM mandate Neither aware nor using 3% Given the introduction of the BIM Over a third are not clear on what ‘ This whole sector approach to BIM up from 54% last year: an 8% is having the intended effect. mandate, we took the opportunity they have to do to comply with the will see the UK as the world leader in to ask for a broader assessment of BIM mandate. a new digitally built era, offering new ways of working, as well as massive the Government’s role in BIM strategy BIM adoption over time and implementation. ‘ Everyone has their own version of growth potential both at home what it means to meet the mandate’. and abroad’. 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% ‘ The industry has mobilised to meet One issue came up repeatedly: Francis Maude, Government this mandate’. 2017 62% 35% 3 clients are not sufficiently educated Construction Summit A majority (51%) think that the to allow the BIM mandate to flourish The vision of the UK being the world 2016 54% 42% 4% Government is on the right track with fully. This is not just among clients leader in BIM has yet to be realised, BIM. Fifty-nine percent agree that the commissioning smaller works; it is according to the design community. 2015 48% 48% 5% Government requires collaborative among government departments too. Only 19% agree that we are the world 3D BIM on its projects. ‘ The majority of government leader. Perhaps the Government set 2014 54% 41% 5% However, not everything is positive. departments are still working out the bar a little high? The UK is certainly A majority think that the Government what BIM is and often have poor, one of a handful of countries that 2013 39% 54% 6% is failing to enforce the BIM mandate. uncoordinated documentation’. is leading BIM development and implementation. Other countries are 2012 31% 48% 21% ‘ A lot of government agencies looking to the UK to learn what we and bodies have used loopholes in are planning, doing, and have done, 2011 13% 45% 43% contract form to get out of mandated to inform their own BIM strategy.

BIM requirements’. So if not the leader, the UK is Aware and currently using Just aware Neither aware nor using certainly a leader.

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One third who Adoption and practice size Frequency of BIM use Approximately what percentage of projects have you Future use We sometimes hear that BIM is Of course, adopting BIM does not used BIM for in the last 12 months? We ask those who are aware of are using BIM do ‘only for large practices’. This is necessarily mean using it for every BIM about their intended BIM use, so on a minority aligned to the view that BIM is useful project. For the first time, we explored 50% and whether they will adopt BIM in for larger, more complex projects the percentage of projects that were the coming years. We find that of projects, and but not for less complex ones like designed using BIM. We asked those 40% the intention among the design domestic work (though many who had adopted BIM ‘Approximately community is for near-universal two thirds use BIM 29% smaller practices create highly what percentage of projects have you 30% BIM adoption, and soon. on a majority. complex designs). used BIM for in the last 12 months?’ 21% 19% 20% 18% There are a couple of things to When looking at BIM adoption by The graph to the right shows the 14% note here. If people’s intentions are

practice size, we found that small response to this. It shows us that 10% realised, 90% will be using BIM by practices (with 15 or fewer staff) were 18%, nearly one in five, use BIM on next year, and within three years

less likely to have adopted BIM than every project they work on, and 29% 0% almost all practices (95%) will. larger ones, though 48% had. For use BIM not on every project, but on 100% up to 100% up to 75% up to 50% up to 25% Intentions are not always realised medium (16 to 50 staff) and larger more than 75% of their projects. To though, and over the last few years practices (50+ staff), almost three describe the findings another way, one % Cumulative we have seen an emerging pattern quarters had adopted BIM. third who are using BIM do so on a of actual BIM adoption falling short minority of projects, and two thirds of what is anticipated. So, clearly, BIM is not just for larger use BIM on a majority. Once BIM is How would you describe your organisation’s future use of BIM? practices – but small practices are adopted, it is usually the design So where does this leave us? 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% less likely to have adopted BIM. methodology of choice. The first thing to note is that the possibility of BIM adoption is not We currently use BIM 63% being dismissed. People intend to Within your organisation, have you adopted BIM for projects you’ve been adopt BIM but, for whatever reason, In one year’s time we will 90% involved with? use BIM are not at present (and we will look at this later). Secondly, as we have seen, 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% In three years’ time we will 95% use BIM BIM adoption is steadily rising. If it’s taken six years for 60% to adopt BIM, Small practice 48% 52% In five years’ time we will 96% use BIM then reaching 95% in another five

Medium practice 74% 26% years begins to look realistic (more realistic, perhaps, than 90% by next

Large practice 74% 26% year). We will see.

Yes No

We find that the intention among the design community is for near-universal BIM adoption, and soon.

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BIM maturity How confident are you in your knowledge and skills in BIM? BIM levels Those describing BIM adoption is progressive, and often ‘ The government will develop the In order for BIM to be implemented 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% described as a ‘journey’. The milestones next digital standard for the themselves as effectively, at both a national and 24% 31% 22% 15% 8% on that journey are the BIM Levels. construction sector – Building practice level, it is essential that being at Level 3 Not all Levels are clearly described yet: Information Modelling 3 – to save designers have the skills they need BIM Level 3 and beyond are works in owners of built assets billions of are perhaps to work effectively with BIM. Year Very confident Quite confident In between Not very confident Not at all confident progress. But by describing different pounds a year in unnecessary on year, we have been monitoring best seen as BIM Levels, and mandating Level 2, costs, and maintain the UK’s global confidence levels of people’s the Government mapped out a clear leadership in digital construction’. those pushing knowledge and skills in BIM. Looking direction of travel for the industry. at the graph on the right, we can How likely are you to turn to the following sources of information about BIM? Budget 2016 Policy Paper. collaborative see that, for the first time, a majority In 2012, not everyone had seen that Seven percent tell us that they are BIM to its fullest describe themselves as confident in map. Only 51% were aware of the 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% at BIM Level 3; so full collaboration BIM. Fifty-five percent are confident different Levels of BIM. Since then, current potential. between all disciplines by means of and 23% are not. My colleagues 75% awareness has grown significantly: using a single, shared project model. 85% are now aware of the different Back in 2012, only 35% described It is fair to say that the full definition NBS 68% BIM Levels. themselves as confident in BIM, of what constitutes BIM Level 3 has and 40% were not confident. It is yet to be worked out and standardised. The BIM Task Group 65% We asked which Levels of BIM people taking time, but gradually the skills saw themselves as having reached. Those describing themselves as being and expertise needed to make a at Level 3 are perhaps best seen as Other professional(s) I know 62% Twenty-two percent told us that they success of BIM are becoming outside my organisation had reached Level 1; Level 1 is where those pushing collaborative BIM to more widespread. its fullest current potential. BSI (British Standards 52% designers typically create 3D models, Institution) and share information through a Where are these increasing levels In any case, more than three quarters common data environment. Seventy of skills coming from? Fittingly, RIBA 46% of organisations who have adopted per cent told us that they had reached as a collaborative process, people BIM are at or beyond the Level required Level 2; this is the mandated level in learn skills in BIM through other A BIM Consultant 45% by the BIM mandate. which 3D models are created and professionals. Three quarters turn collaborated on through, for example, to colleagues within their organisation The UK BIM Alliance 44% a federated BIM model. for information about BIM and 62% turn to other professionals outside BuildingSMART 39% their organisation. The information that professional bodies and expert A CAD Vendor 35% What level would you say is the highest level of BIM your organisation has organisations make available (often reached on a project? A CAD Reseller 27% at no cost) is important too. NBS, 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% the BIM Task Group, BSI and the RIBA, among others, are significant here. Other professional 24% 7% Institutes As we have seen before, people 70% 22% turn less often to CAD vendors

and re-sellers. Level 1 Level 2 Level 3

16 17 National BIM Report 2017

The self-descriptions of the levels Thinking about the projects you were involved in over the last 12 months, Use of standards attained are mirrored in working did you ever…. BIM is collaborative. Standards Then again, there is some resistance Like other design and construction practice: working collaboratively 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% describe the shared process, structures to the growing list of BIM standards information, information about, on design is standard practice. and definitions that allow collaboration. ‘ We just need to cool it on all the and from, standards will need to 3D models are routine, produced Work collaboratively 82% For collaboration to be successful, standards’. be embedded within a BIM. on design by 71% of respondents. Sharing collaborating parties need to adhere models is common within and Produce 2D digital drawings 78% to agreed standards. There are standards about BIM, Eighty-four percent see automatic outside organisations, with 59% and there are standards about buildings compliance checking as a future and 63% doing so respectively. Produce 3D digital models 71% The graph below shows the standards and the products that make them need, and 79% see the need for a Within the design stages, we and publications that people are up. For the latter, these standards link between standards and BIMs. can see that the BIM practice of Share models with design 63% using to inform their BIM processes. are an integral part of construction team members outside your collaboration and model sharing organisation It is striking that whilst a majority information. They are a part of the ‘I’ is now commonplace. have adopted BIM, no one standard in BIM, just like geometric information, Share models inside your 59% organisation, across is used by a majority. specifications or product information. We can also see the challenge of disciplines future work to be done. Much of BS 1192:2007+A2:2016, which Use a model from the very 45% the potential value of BIM lies in its start to the very end of a describes the collaborative production application to later stages, to testing project of architectural, engineering and

the practical efficacy of a design. Federate a model that didn’t 34% construction information, is the By using a BIM to gather and evaluate rely on one piece of most commonly used (by 39%). software Which of the following standards/publications does your organisation use? the performance of a design through PAS 1192-2, which specifies construction and use, later designs Pass on the model to those 26% requirements for BIM Level 2, is who are responsible for the 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% can be refined and improved in light continued management the next most commonly used of the building of the information gathered. (38%). Over a third of organisations BS 1192:2007+A2:2016 39% use the unified work stages, such This data-driven, real-world testing as the RIBA Plan of Work. PAS 1192-2:2013 38% and refinement cycle is commonplace Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? in other industries, but we see it It looks like there is work to do to The new unified plan of 36% work stages (for example less in construction. Only 45% use 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% bring about wider adoption and use the RIBA Plan of Work 2013) a model from the start to the end of these standards and publications. of a project, and only 26% pass on We will need to be able to 84% 12% 4% That work is already underway: PAS 1192-3:2014 29% automatically check the compliance a model for building management. of a BIM with standards the RIBA Plan of Work, with an The value of the information accompanying toolbox, is freely BS 1192-4:2014 28% Guidance provided in standards 79% 16% 4% embodied in BIM is yet to be will need to link to Building available at ribaplanofwork.com. fully realised. Information Models The core standards are freely available Uniclass 2015 28% at bim-level2.org/standards Agree Neither agree nor disagree Disagree PAS 1192-5:2015 27%

CIC BIM Protocol 25%

The NBS Level of Detail 21% definitions within the BIM Toolkit

The NBS Level of Information 19% definitions within the BIM Toolkit

The NBS BIM Object 16% Standard Much of the potential value of BIM lies in The BS 8541 series 13%

its application to later stages, to testing the The BS 8536 series 11% practical efficacy of a design. (previously ‘Soft Landings’)

18 19 National BIM Report 2017

The design BIM resources COBie Do you generate COBie How useful did you find COBie for Whilst a majority now use the IFC output for projects you’ve been delivering information about the Whilst at its core BIM is a structure Specifications contain a level of community needs file format, fewer (42%) use COBie involved with? management of the facility? within which people can work design information not held in a CAD (Construction Operations Building manufacturers to collaboratively, that structure has package, so will increasingly be linked information exchange). Like IFC, many component parts. Among them dynamically to the BIM. provide BIM objects. COBie is a non-proprietary data are: BIM objects, modelling software, Contracts need to increasingly format. It is there to help deliver It also needs standard workflows, contractual reflect the collaborative BIM reality, the asset information held within a arrangements, specifications, and well-structured particularly as we move to Level 3. BIM, so that a building can be better generic objects. the regulatory and standards managed through its life. A majority environment. We explored these ‘ Contracts need to be (re)written of those who do generate COBie The NBS National themes a little. with BIM in mind. Design and Build output find it useful for delivering procurement especially works BIM Library provides For BIM objects, the message is information about the management against BIM workflows’. of the facility. So why aren’t more clear: the design community needs both of these. people generating COBie output? manufacturers to provide BIM objects. Similarly, as we to move to Level 3, It also needs well-structured generic frictionless movement of BIMs ‘ We haven’t yet had a client request objects. The NBS National BIM Library between software packages is for this information’. provides both of these. essential, and IFCs are the way to

do this. Currently 71% use IFC on We asked, and the most common Yes 42% Useful 60% Standards need to be placed within their projects, a level of adoption response by far was lack of client No 58% Not useful 40% the BIM environment, ideally that provides a firm base for greater demand. Many clients don’t accessible via BIM software tools. future use and functionality. know what a COBie output is, and wouldn’t know what to do with it if they got it. This may When producing drawings or models, which of the following tools do you Agreement with statements evolve as BIM is pushed beyond the design stages. mainly use? 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% That said, a number of respondents We need access to well-structured 84% 12% 3 raised the issue of COBie generation Autodesk Revit 41% generic digital objects, not just (Architecture/Structure/MEP) manufacturers’ objects requiring time and expertise from those creating the BIM. This needs Graphisoft ArchiCAD 15% We need regulations and standards 73% 20% 7% information to be included within to be paid for. BIM software tools Autodesk AutoCAD 14% We need manufacturers to 71% 19% 9% ‘ Additional time and resource required provide us with BIM objects to compile COBie makes it un-feasible Autodesk AutoCAD LT 12% Our current contracts will not be 64% 22% 14% unless specifically requested and compatible with Level 3 BIM included within the agreed fee’. Nemetscheck 9% Vectorworks The use of IFC will be essential 63% 29% 8% to achieving Level 3 BIM Other 5% Unless specifications are linked 40% 29% 31% to the digital model, it’s not BIM Bentley Microstation 2% Information models only work in 23% 29% 48% the software they were made on Trimble Sketchup 2% (formerly Google Sketchup) Agree Neither agree nor disagree Disagree

Bentley AECOsim 1% Building Designer

Nemetscheck Allplan 0%

20 21 National BIM Report 2017

Thirty-five percent Software Use When producing drawings or models, BIM objects Out-of-date As part of our BIM Survey, we which of the following tools do you As more practices and projects are Any sourcing of objects that relies on now manage their have consistently asked which mainly use? created using BIM, so the need re-use brings with it a degree of risk. information in a specification software tools people use. In 2014, grows for an ever broader range of Out-of-date information in a design design threatens we saw Autodesk Revit overtake objects with which to populate the threatens its realisation. Thorough references digitally Autodesk AutoCAD, as designers models. Indeed, as models come checking of the information within its realisation. using a free plug-in increasingly created information- to contain greater detail, the need objects to make sure that it is still rich models, rather than simply for standardised, information-rich accurate mitigates this risk. Even from NBS. geometric representations. Now BIM objects increases. better is taking objects from an 41% of those who took part in up-to-date, central, free-to-use the survey use Autodesk Revit, The most popular ways of getting BIM library of information-rich BIM well above AutoCAD. objects is to create them as needed objects. Forty-five percent use (66%), and to create them in-house, such a library: the NBS National Autodesk dominates the UK and then re-use them (66%). Other BIM Library. This is more than all market, with 66% using an popular sources are objects provided other libraries combined. Autodesk product. Revit is not by manufacturers, and maintaining the only option though: other an in-house library of BIM objects vendors such as Graphisoft, (presumably from multiple sources). Nemetschek and Bentley have a significant user base. Autodesk 66%

Graphisoft 15% Where do you get the BIM objects your organisation uses? Whilst modelling tools become increasingly sophisticated, sound Nemetscheck 9% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

design will continue to rely on Other 5% They are created as needed 66% well-written specifications. for a project Increasingly, these need to Bentley 3% They are created in-house 66% co-ordinate with the drawings Trimble 2% and then re-used and models to ensure consistency Manufacturers provide 58% of design information. More than them for us to use two thirds of respondents are We maintain our own in-house 58% co-ordinating specifications and library of BIM objects models/drawings on the majority, They are included in our 46% or all, of projects. A majority CAD package still manually add specification We use the NBS National 45% references when modelling. BIM Library However, 35% now manage their specification references digitally We use generic BIM objects 45% using a free plug-in from NBS. We use another BIM Library 27%

We buy them from specialists 9% Within the projects you are involved in, do you coordinate project outside our organisation specifications with drawings/models...

10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

29% 38% 22% 11%

For all projects For the majority of projects For a minority of projects Never

22 23 National BIM Report 2017

BIM has the BIM experience Do you agree or disagree with the following statements? As in previous years, we looked at the views of those who have adopted capacity to bring The future of the design process For the benefits of BIM to be more 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% BIM and compared them with those is BIM. Seventy-eight percent see it widely felt, there is a need for greater who have yet to start using it. This real benefit beyond as the future of project information. client education. Central Government Adopting BIM requires 93% changes in our workflow, 87% allows us to compare expectation the design stages. In the years we have monitored its is leading the way here, not least by practices and procedures with experience: experience is better adoption, we have seen BIM become outlining the cost savings that BIM BIM increases coordination 76% than the expectation. the norm for design practice. has brought. These efficiencies of construction documents 69% need to become apparent, and to be Adopting BIM is not easy. Over The chart below outlines the next demonstrated, to a wider range of Clients will increasingly 69% 90% of BIM users agree that it has insist on us adopting BIM 37% challenge. BIM has the capacity to clients. The move to BIM Level 3, in required changes in their workflow, bring real benefit beyond the design whatever form that ultimately takes, Contractors will increasingly 64% practices and procedures, yet only insist on us adopting BIM stages; 65% see that using BIM results must help here. 35% 4% wished that they hadn’t adopted in operational and maintenance Adopting BIM brings 54% BIM (compared to a quarter of savings, but 72% of clients don’t cost efficiencies 39% non-users who would ‘rather not’). understand the benefits of BIM. BIM increases speed 49% We can understand why so few of delivery 35% regret adopting BIM when a majority see that BIM brings cost efficiencies, Agreement with statements Adopting BIM increases 41% our profitability 26% and that clients and contractors will 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% increasingly insist on it. Adopting BIM enables our 33% working in new sectors and 44% We asked those who have yet to BIM is the future of project 78% 13% 8% types of project information adopt BIM what the barriers to Adopting BIM makes it 32% adoption are. These barriers fall into Clients don’t understand the 72% 17% 11% easier to work internationally 32% benefits of BIM two types: internal, such as a lack of Adopting BIM makes 14% Using BIM results in operation 65% 27% 8% training, expertise, time or available traditional specifications 25% and maintenance savings redundant funds to meet the cost of investment;

I trust what I hear about BIM 33% 43% 24% I’d rather not/wish we 4% and external, specifically a lack of client hadn’t adopted BIM 25% demand and projects being

BIM is just for larger organisations 25% 15% 61% too small to require BIM. Agree user Agree non user Not using BIM may be sustainable in Agree Neither agree nor disagree Disagree the short-term by restricting design work to those clients, contractors What are the main barriers to using BIM? and projects where BIM is either not

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% required or not appropriate. But that work may increasingly become Lack of in-house expertise 73% a niche area.

No client demand 65%

Lack of training 59%

Cost 55%

No time to get up to speed 49% We can understand why so few regret The projects we work 46% adopting BIM when a majority see that BIM on are too small brings cost efficiencies, and that clients and contractors will increasingly insist on it.

24 25 National BIM Report 2017

Powerfully connected specification software. Part of the NBS solution for BIM projects.

End note • Produce outline, performance and full specifications BIM adoption in the UK is growing in In technology, we see the rapid, In such times of rapid change, new • Pre-written clauses for over 1,000 systems and 20,000 products both extent (more people are using at times astonishing, growth and ways of working often flourish, and • Seamless co-ordination between model and specification BIM) and in depth (people are moving development of data capture, go on to displace old methods of up the BIM Levels). The introduction exchange, aggregation and production. We are seeing this with • Access to expert guidance and the latest regulations and standards of the Government’s BIM mandate has interrogation. Distinctions between BIM, but BIM is likely just to be the gone hand in hand with this. The BIM consumers and producers of data start. The graph below suggests theNBS.com/nbs_create mandate has broadly been a success. are blurring rapidly. This is bringing some of the developments that the There are areas for attention though, new ways of working, and of design community anticipates next. particularly in the education of clients working together. and the enforcement of the mandate. It is likely that these things will Information is also changing how In the longer term, there is a need for work together in ways that we don’t products are produced, whether BIM to more fully move out of the foresee, but it’s a safe bet that they are apps, cars or jet engines. design stages and into the information-rich companies will Real-time data capture and maintenance of buildings. flourish best. performance evaluation allows Perhaps the significant changes of continuous design evolution. The these last twelve months have been value of a product is decreasingly as important as the introduction of held within the product itself, and the BIM mandate. increasingly in the data held about it. Unlike physical products, data can be In politics and economics, we are reproduced and distributed at virtually seeing era-defining change, through no cost. This allows rapid collaborative Brexit and the uncertainty that it improvements in design through brings across the design and the as-needed formation of construction sector. disparate teams.

In terms of the future of the construction industry, how likely are the following technologies to have a significant influence?

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Machines learning for themselves 58% 25% 17%

Robotics 71% 19% 9%

Future cities 73% 21% 6%

3D printing 75% 16% 9%

Big data 81% 15% 4%

The Cloud 89% 8% 3

Likely Neither likely nor unlikely Unlikely

NBS, The Old Post Office, St. Nicholas Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 1RH T 0345 456 9594 E [email protected] W theNBS.com @theNBS

26 27 National BIM Report 2017

Working toward a unified approach to BIM in Europe

How is the EU BIM Task Group getting on? Questions concerning the member Understanding the drivers and states’ current or planned activities expectations of the member states A year ago, Adam Matthews, Chair This task group includes a mix of public have revealed that an increasing forms an essential foundation for a of the EU BIM Task Group, reported sector representatives and nominated number of European governments harmonised European framework, here that Europe’s public procurers, industry advisers from 22 European and public sector organisations addressing the risk of divergence policymakers and public estate nations, comprising public estate have introduced programmes to across different European markets. owners are beginning to recognise owners, infrastructure operators, encourage the wider adoption of BIM Divergence in definitions and the positive and transformative effect policy officers and procurers. The at a national, regional or public estate practices for BIM would likely create that digitalisation brings to both public European Commission awarded the level. The number of national public new barriers for working in different works and the construction sector. EU BIM Task Group funding for a sector-led BIM programmes has markets and add cost of compliance Dr Ilka May Adam Matthews MBA European nations are introducing two-year programme (2016–2017) to increased significantly since 2011 to to the construction sector. CEO, LocLab national programmes to encourage deliver ‘a common European network approximately 11 active programmes. International Consulting GmbH Building Information Modelling (BIM) aimed at aligning the use of Building The handbook, which aims to Director for the UK with the common aim of improving Information Modelling in public works’. The benefits the member states provide guidance and support to Government’s BIM value for public money, quality of This framework will be produced as a expect from a wider adoption of the member states, provides two Task Group and the public estate and the sustainable handbook describing common practice BIM on public sector projects and central frameworks for the common Chair of the EU BIM competitiveness of markets. To address and definitions to support Europe’s by private industry include: introduction of BIM to Europe’s public Task Group this opportunity in a common approach public sector stakeholders who estate and public works: • Fewer errors; for Europe, the EU BIM Task Group are considering a harmonised • A strategic framework for public was formed in 2016. introduction of BIM. • Less waste; sector-led BIM programmes; • Greater certainty of delivery • A common performance definition timescales; of BIM. Why and how are the European Nations approaching BIM? • Improved coordination and collaboration within the supply These two frameworks complement As their first activity after its official and practices of the member chain and with the client; each other to provide public stakeholders launch in February 2016, the task states regarding BIM implementation with a holistic methodology for the group carried out a survey amongst programs. This survey was a step • Better outcomes for the public introduction of BIM as a national, its member states. The purpose of towards the development of the client, and users and operators of regional or public estate initiative, the survey was to establish a better handbook. It was designed to collect the facility or infrastructure asset. and an implementation level definition understanding of the current status information in these four areas: of BIM to provide consistency at the The survey identifies that these project level. benefits for the public sector can be categorised as: • Determine state of public BIM programmes across Europe • Economic cost benefits in the capital Current phase or whole life of the asset; Status • Value benefits such as environmental or social, i.e. growths, sustainability, • Identity the drivers for public stakeholders to develop programs to encourage BIM protection of small and medium Drivers enterprises etc.

• Discover common practice of BIM definitions

Definition

• Identity common public stakeholder actions for introducing BIM

Actions

28 29 National BIM Report 2017

• Responsibilities • Legal and contractual Strategic Framework Grow industry Capacity • Skills • Procurement for Public Sector • Early wins, pilot projects, training • increasing use of strategic lever to grow capacity • Capacity • Specified data requirements BIM programs • Measure and monitor, case studies, embed change • Incentives • Delivery plan People Policy

Communicative Vision Build a Common and Foster Communities Collaborative Framework • Engage industry stakeholders • Legal and regulatory framework • Create regional and focus networks • Data and process standards • Events, media, web, social media • Skills, tools, guidance Richard Lane Process Technical CLO, KnowledgePoint • Data exchange • Security Foundation of Public Leadership and Programme • Compelling drivers, vision and goals • Collaborative working • Technical information and coordination Manager, EU BIM • Aligned value proposition and strategy • Validation ©2016 MATTHEWS • Sponsor, funded programme, stewardship team • Information management • Use Task Group

A common strategic framework for BIM implementation A common performance definition of BIM Conclusion BIM programmes are change The framework identifies four strategic When BIM is introduced or specified Experience from the EU BIM Task The European Commission has management initiatives that areas of action that are important at a project, organisational or national Group recommends that a clear announced its continued support require goals, resources, people, when developing robust and effective level, there is often a lack of clarity and specific definition of minimum for the Task Group and its aim for a developments, momentum, BIM initiatives: and common understanding of what activities and characteristics, harmonised and aligned European successes and time. In order to BIM actually is. Despite more or less combined with the phased approach to digitisation of the 1. Establishing public leadership; coordinate and align these various common definitions, we often implementation of the strategic construction sector. Industry elements in order to deliver robust 2. Communicating vision and foster observe that BIM means many things framework in a realistic timeframe, engagement with the handbook BIM programmes, a strategic communities; to different people. There is no single seems to be the most promising has already begun, with events framework is required. Based on international standard or definition of approach for a successful and briefings at European and 3. Developing a collaborative the analysis of a range of public the activities that should be procured transformation of the national levels – and provides useful framework; sector-led BIM programmes, the and performed on a project for it construction sector. input and support for its aim. handbook describes a common 4. Growing client and industry to be considered ‘a BIM project’. strategic framework to provide capability and capacity. BIM is inconsistently understood as The characteristics cover four core a common approach for the software, a 3D model or a system. definition areas, as shown above. Each of these four high level areas introduction of BIM by Europe’s This inconsistency causes confusion contains specific actions for the public The minimum characteristics public sector. and divergence for public procurers stakeholder to consider. The framework described in the handbook will and private sector suppliers, leading to provides a route map for those enable the change from a strategic barriers for successful implementation. stakeholders starting the journey level to the operational use of the Over-production and processing of and offers a cross-check to those BIM methodology at a project level. data and information is a frequently who have already begun. The common EU BIM performance observed result of the technical level provides a signpost to existing capability with a lacking ability to This framework recommends that and developing standards. It will identify, specify and procure only public sector-led programmes are be most effective when the four the required amount and quality of most effective and robust when these definition areas are well defined information at a given point in time. four strategic areas are well-defined and equally developed. and equally developed. The handbook contains detailed descriptions of the The handbook will be published recommended actions for a successful in summer 2017. The European implementation. Commission has already confirmed further support for a harmonised and aligned European approach to digitisation in the construction sector.

30 31 National BIM Report 2017

Scotland’s journey to the digitisation of construction

The innovative BIM guidance website will support public sector procurers who adopt BIM on new construction projects.

Paul Dodd Associate Director, Scottish Futures Trust

As Scotland’s construction sector In response to the Review’s Ahead of April 2017, the Scottish Why should I adopt BIM? The approach is one of proportionality. continues to move towards digitisation, recommendations, the Scottish Government reconfirmed their The BIM programme for Scotland There is an awareness that procurers, the management of digital data and Futures Trust (SFT) established the commitment to BIM by embedding has developed a unique return-on- as well as industry, need to get the information within the public estate is BIM Delivery Group for Scotland in it within procurement policy through investment tool that assesses the basics right and develop a robust seen as a key mechanism to drive August 2015, and a Scottish BIM a policy note issued in March 2017. cost and qualitative benefits of information management platform efficiencies during the construction Implementation Plan was published In addition, the BIM Delivery Group adopting BIM Level 2. This is a new to allow the industry to progress on and operational stages. in October 2015. Since then, SFT for Scotland launched their new online tool that allows public sector its digital journey. Therefore, it may has been working in partnership innovative BIM Guidance website. bodies to provide project-specific be better to implement BIM Level 1 The Scottish Government with public sector bodies, academia The website will support public sector data and assess the likely benefits. in lieu of BIM Level 2 to meet the recognised this, and accepted the and industry to deliver the challenging procurers who adopt BIM on new The tool generates a summary needs of the project and embed recommendations of the Review of April 2017 BIM objective. construction projects. dashboard to support business better data management and sharing. Scottish Public Sector Procurement cases and investment. This will in Construction which stated that The Scottish BIM Implementation The new guidance website seeks assist in clarifying why BIM should be All these new tools and guidance ‘Building Information Modelling Plan set out a roadmap to deliver the to answer three questions for the adopted by identifying the marginal are contained within the new BIM (BIM) should be introduced in Scottish Government’s objective and procurer: When should BIM be gains on a cost and qualitative basis. Guidance Portal that is available to all: central government with a view to focused on several enabling actions, adopted, and to what level? Why https://bimportal.scottishfuturestrust. encouraging adoption across the including guidance creation, pathfinder should BIM be implemented through Finally, how should I adopt BIM as a org.uk public sector. The objective should projects and training for the public a likely-return-on-investment tool? client? The new BIM Guidance Portal be that, where appropriate, projects sector, which have all been delivered. And thirdly, how do I implement for Scotland provides a new BIM across the public sector adopt BIM BIM on projects? Navigator that quickly directs users Level 2 by April 2017’. In forming the BIM Delivery Group for to organisation-specific guidance to Scotland, SFT appointed David Philp, When should I adopt BIM as a client? support their BIM adoption. Key to the Global BIM Consultancy Director for In Scotland, as of April 2017, the guidance is to support public sector AECOM, as chair. Paul Dodd, Associate new Scottish government policy clients in developing considered and Director from SFT, noted that: will require relevant public sector well-defined information requirements ‘David’s experience, expertise and procurers to assess each new project to set the conditions for success. support has been of great value to for BIM via a new ‘BIM Grading Tool’. The BIM Guidance Portal includes the BIM programme within Scotland’. The online tool seeks project-specific templates, guidance and best practice information and states which BIM all aligned to the British Standards Level the project should adopt. and for BIM Levels 1 and 2.

32 33 National BIM Report 2017

In delivering its objectives, the Scotland’s BIM programme has ‘ The BIM programme for Scotland BIM Delivery Group for Scotland has attracted interest both nationally set ambitious and bold objectives focused on collaborative working and and internationally. This has enabled which will be delivered this year. created key working groups to support collaborative working with other Through embedding BIM requirements Scotland’s BIM journey. A BIM supplier national BIM programmes, including within Scottish Government policy, group was formed in partnership with Germany, Ireland, Singapore and the new innovative guidance portal Construction Scotland Innovation New Zealand. and collaborative working across Centre to align the approach of the industry, Scotland is well placed to public sector to the needs and ‘ The Scottish Government’s BIM adopt digital working to support capacity of industry. A new parallel programme has delivered innovative better outcomes within the built BIM programme for industry has been tools to ensure that an appropriate environment’, said Paul Dodd. developed in partnership between journey towards digitisation for the Construction Scotland Innovation the Scottish public sector can be From April 2017, the BIM Delivery Centre, BIM Regions and the SFT BIM determined and built upon. From Group for Scotland will continue Providing the tools and content to support Supplier Group. This will encompass my global perspective the Scottish to engage and collaborate with the raising of awareness, training and BIM programme is attracting a lot public sector and industry. The BIM you throughout the BIM workflow seminars for industry over the next of positive interest and is a true Guidance Portal will offer a platform three years. partnership between government to share best practice and engage Our integrated suite of BIM tools and content support you through and industry seeking new ways to with industry as BIM is implemented the BIM workflow, enabling you to make the right decisions and The BIM Delivery Group also better our construction industry’, beyond April 2017. recognised how digital working can said David Philp. deliver outstanding projects in an informed, collaborative and support the skills shortage within the The launch of the Scottish efficient way. construction sector. A BIM academia The construction sector has seen Government’s BIM policy in April working group was created to consider gradual adoption of digital working, 2017 has marked a significant the approach to skills, training and and there are many recent examples milestone for Scotland’s own BIM using digital working to attract new of infrastructure projects within journey. With billions of pounds Stage 00 Strategy Stage 02 Concept Stage 03 Definition spent by Scotland’s public sector entrants to the construction industry. Scotland where greater digital working to Stage 01 Brief Develop your concept to Stage 04 Design on vital infrastructure each year, Furthermore, the BIM Delivery Group has been adopted. The new BIM Use the free NBS BIM design using BIM objects Use NBS Create to the implementation of BIM will delivered training workshops across requirements will be a further step Toolkit to ease collaboration from NBS National specify the performance support improved project delivery Scotland attended by 350 public sector in Scotland’s journey towards digital on your Level 2 BIM project, BIM Library – the UK’s of systems and then and maintenance, and lead to delegates. Finally, a BIM Buyers group working within the built environment. by defining who is doing fastest-growing BIM develop your full improved efficiencies and savings has been created, to bring public what and when to ensure library and the only source specification, including for the public sector. sector bodies together to share the the client’s requirements of objects guaranteed easy access to the latest development of guidance and lessons The BIM Delivery Group for Scotland are met. to meet the NBS BIM regulations and standards in how BIM is implemented within will seek to continue this digital Object Standard. in the Construction public sector organisations. journey as we have to date: through Information Service. an approach of proportionality, Stage 04 Design collaboration and ambition. Synchronise your CAD Stage 05 Build and model and specification Commission to Stage 06 Stage 06 Handover and with the NBS Plug-in Handover and Closeout Closeout to Stage 07 for Autodesk Revit. Where product decisions Operation and End of Life are left to the contractor, Hand the model over to they have the latest those maintaining the built manufacturer content at asset who will benefit from their fingertips using BIM the populated facilities The implementation of BIM will support objects that are linked to management properties improved project delivery and maintenance, NBS Plus specifications contained within the standardised NBS and lead to improved efficiencies and savings BIM objects for the public sector. theNBS.com/BIMworkflow 34 35 National BIM Report 2017

BIM on a live project

2. Well-structured specifications All of the main disciplines used NBS Create for their project specifications. Having a consistent specification structure and format across all of the disciplines created consistency for the team, and also for the Contractor who then uses these specifications. Dr Stephen Hamil Director of Research The specifications were a mixture of and Innovation, NBS performance and full specifications. For the architecture, an example of a performance specification was the cycle shelter, where the Contractor had the responsibility of submitting suitable proposals based on a Figure 1.1 – Use of generic BIM objects within the design Figure 1.2 – Use of manufacturer BIM objects within the design durability requirement of 20 years and appropriate inclusive design This case study looks at how Manchester City Council’s supply chain is considerations. An example of a full specification was the modular ceiling utilising BIM on their schools’ programme. It looks at one of these schools, the system, where each product specified St Margaret’s refurbishment project, through the design and specification phases. was from a specific manufacturer’s The project team included: product range. These products were ISG (main contractor), Lovelock Mitchell (architect), BCM (engineering services) added to the specification using the and Scott Hughes (structural engineering). NBS Plus functionality where the latest manufacturer information can be inserted into the specification 1. Designing with objects from the cloud.

Following the agreement of objects such as the wall-mounted A final method of specification used responsibilities and deliverables in axial fan were used for the ventilation on the project is illustrated in Figure the plan of work, the team began system, as shown in Figure 1.1. 2.1. In this example, the concrete work on the design and specification Where manufacturers were selected foundation system was fully specified, process. With respect to the design, by the design team, manufacturer but the manufacturer selection for the all members of the team modelled objects were used. Examples of this individual products was left to the the project in 3D. Both generic and include ceilings, door sets, cubicles Contractor, provided that these manufacturer objects from the NBS Figure 2.1 – A full specification for a concrete foundation system and floor coverings. Figure 1.2 shows selections met the criteria specified. National BIM Library were used on an example of a manufacturer BIM the project. Examples of where object that formed part of the ceiling generic objects were used included system in the architectural design. engineering services components where the overall system was being Having standardised BIM objects specified by performance. For example, in terms of naming convention, for the ventilation system, the overall classification and the property sets system performance was tightly within the objects were considered Having standardised BIM objects in terms of specified – but just the type of product essential to the project team and the that should serve these systems was client. These rules were agreed in the naming convention, classification and the specified. As the product selection BIM Execution Plan when the project property sets within the objects were considered was left to the Contractor, generic team was first assembled. essential to the project team and the client.

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3. Coordinating model 5. Future developments with specification Going forward, it will not just be the As expected on BIM projects, the design team that benefit from the design models were coordinated coordination between model and at regular intervals to avoid clashes specification. Emerging technologies between the architecture and the such as the cloud and modern web engineering. In addition to this, the browsers allow complex information models and the specifications were to be visualised without installing also coordinated. any software.

Figure 3.1 shows the free NBS Within the NBS BIM Toolkit, this Plug-in being used to link the model capability is now being tested. Within and specification. In this example, each project, users may upload their the floor covering to the school gym models and specifications to allow is selected in the design, and the other members of the project team specification for this item is being (such as the client, the cost consultant viewed in the context of the model. or the Contractor) to query and Figure 3.1 – Linked design and specification in the architectural model Figure 5.1 – Viewing the specification and the model through the web browser understand this information in ways not possible through traditional paper methods of working.

4. Published output Key benefits of the NBS BIM ecosystem Within the BIM Level 2 process, Having project teams utilise the NBS Jane Shaw, Design Manager for ISG, Key benefits included: PDF is still the contractual output BIM ecosystem has benefits for the commented: ‘As a contractor we need • A standardised approach to format. Each of the specifications designers, but it also has benefits for consistent information from each objects within the design models. was published to PDF format and the client and wider project team. member of the team. By utilising NBS presented with the brand of the we can have a standardised approach • Better coordination between organisation who had responsibility Alistair Burns, Design Manager with on our BIM projects. Objects within the drawings generated from the for each specification. the Capital Programmes and Property the model are consistently structured. models and the specification. Team for the Council commented: The specifications from each discipline • A consistent set of specification Figure 4.1 shows the three ‘As a client running a number of have the same structure and it is clear documentation from each specifications for architecture, construction projects it is essential where design responsibility lies and discipline for the Contractor engineering services and structural that our various supply chain where as a contractor choices and to take advantage of. engineer in PDF format. partners have a consistent process proposals are required’. for developing information through Find out more about NBS each project. With this current for BIM Projects at: secondary school programme we’ve www.theNBS.com/bimworkflow been able to look at the BIM Level 2 Figure 4.1 shows the three specifications for architecture, engineering services and structural engineer process and implement an approach in PDF format. that we are very happy with’.

By utilising NBS we can have a standardised In partnership with the project team members from: approach on our BIM projects. Objects within the model are consistently structured.

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Notes Specification Report 2017

Read the results of our November 2016 survey into how “ BIM is rapidly becoming the industry standard for the industry is changing the way it writes specifications developing, delivering and maintaining project documentation. as we continue to adopt digital ways of working. As construction professionals continue to adopt these new digital ways of working, we need to understand how people Key findings include the fact that: are producing specifications and selecting products, how they do it and what tools or resources they use.” • 4 out of 5 specifiers tell us they are very or quite confident in their specification writing knowledge NBS Chief Executive Richard Waterhouse and skills • 6 out of 10 rush the specification writing process, but do respondents consider them a chore? • Specification difficulties are increasing – 94% have experienced difficulties when producing Download today from or using specifications www.theNBS.com/specificationreport2017

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