Implementing Building Information Management (BIM) In Estonian Transport Administration

Abstract

Digitalisation is the key to efficiency in the road construction Industry. Building Information Management (BIM), being the main developments in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) Industry, offers a technology as well as processes to bring traditional design and construction practices to the digital era. Estonian Road Administration started the process of BIM implementation to the Estonian road Industry in 2017, when the first planning of pilot projects began. Today, the utilisation of BIM is set as a strategic goal for Estonian Transport Administration (formerly Estonian Road Administration) and a structured approach has been developed in order to overcome such a complex shift in the ways, how road information is being managed in the whole life cycle of a road. Development of principles of data movement, setting technical guidelines and requirements, managing legal issues and communication within the organisation, as well as outside, training of personnel are all aspects that need to be taken into consideration. Successful adaption also needs good communication with the Industry, which is mainly done with Estonian Digital Construction Cluster – a collaboration which brings together the main stakeholders in the sector. In a few years time most of the main sections of the road life cycle will hopefully utilise BIM successfully in Estonia, but the key lies within a well developed and excecuted implementation. The paper describes the development of such a implementation plan and also brings out the main issues and success factors, that are relevant for a successful shift towards digitalisation in the road construction industry.