An Analytical Appraisal of Building Information Modelling (BIM) Guidelines to Identify Variations in the Procedures

Abstract

The usage of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in building projects has enabled improvement in project planning, implementation and collaboration process amongst various stakeholders within architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry. However, variations exist in the current practices of BIM implementation and coordination process in the industry. These variations result in inconsistent degree of BIM use across the construction industry. This inconsistency gives rise to several managerial and technological challenges such as data interoperability issues and purposeful integration and exchange of information within the BIM components. In order to tackle the issue, it is essential to analyse the different BIM approaches employed by the industry practitioners. BIM guidelines serve as a critical link between the BIM model, and its subsequent execution. They therefore provide the best reflection of BIM application and processes. This research paper aims to address the variations existing in BIM practices across the construction industry. It includes an extensive study of 21 existing, publicly available BIM-based guidelines in order to establish an understanding of the present state of practice and deduce issues and concerns related to them. All guidelines analysed in this paper are first categorised based on authorship and the release date for efficient comparison. The points of similarity and difference between them are thereby realized and outlined. In addition, the transition of project implementation process from traditional methods to BIM technology is also explained. The existence of inconsistencies in the BIM guidelines reviewed in this paper reflects the need of a BIM ‘Code Compliance Check’. The Code Compliance Check will serve as a regulatory project guideline that will further improve the potential of BIM by incorporating a consistent BIM modelling methodology for the entire construction industry.