Build Magazine September 2015

Build Magazine 32 t should be remembered that BIM is not a proprietary software product but rather a design approach which utilises 3D technology. buildingSMART defines BIM as “a digital representation of physical and functional characteristics of a building. As such it serves as a shared knowledge resource for infor- mation about a building forming a reliable basis for decisions during a life-cycle from inception onward”. There are four levels running from Level 0 (unman- aged CAD with 2D formats) to Level 3. At BIM Level 2, each consultant prepares and maintains separate 3D designs and these are submitted into and overlaid over each other by a common computer model to produce the entire project design which is then shared between the design team. Advanced fully integrated versions of the BIM Level 2 model then allow for 4D (time/programme) and 5D (cost) elements to be assessed. BIM level 3 makes use of an integrated, web-based system and allows each member of the construction team the opportunity to review costs, programming and lifecycle facility management information. International adoption In the UK, the Government continues to encourage BIM uptake with the introduction in February 2015 of “Digital Built Britain” focussing on the adoption of BIM Level 3. Impressive cost saving figures have been publicised for BIM Level 2, and one of the key messages in the government’s latest publication is the risks inherent in not fully embracing the oppor- tunities offered. Digital Built Britain makes it clear that the UK Government is to continue with its pre- viously adopted approach of encouraging the further uptake of BIM by demonstrat- ing its value through use on government projects rather than by imposing it on the industry by way of legislation. Internationally, other governments are also keen to encourage digital adoption into their respective construction industries to bolster productivity in a lucrative sector. Australia is not far behind the UK, with a number of significant developments being introduced – in June 2012 a co-funded report was released for the Common- wealth Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education entitled the National Building Information Modelling Initiative for the ‘focussed adop- tion of building information modelling and related digital technologies and processes for the built environment sector’ (building- SMART Australasia 2012). Furthermore, the release in early December last year of the Australian Construction Industry Forum and Australasian Procure- ment and Construction Council’s document A Framework for the Adoption of Project Team Integration & BIM has now been ac- companied by the release of a companion document entitled Building and Construc- tion Procurement Guide: Project Team Inte- gration and Building Information Modelling. This aims to assist industry stakeholders in their adoption and implementation of BIM through comprehensive instructions and guiding principles for procurement models, how to tender and select the right BIM team and how to manage the project using BIM at the outset. BIM And The Legal Implications Arising From Using It By Russell Banfi andWill Cooper at law firm, Clyde & Co Ever since the UK Government first announced its intention, in March 2011, to use Building Information Modelling (BIM) Level 2 on all publicly procured projects by 2016 there has been much discussion around BIM and its capacity to transform the construction industry. On one level, it has been likened to the transition from drawing on paper to the use of Computer Aided Design (CAD). I