The Implementation of Building Information Modelling in the United Kingdom by the Transport Industry

Abstract

This paper evaluates the implications and repercussions in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry of the implementation of the “Building Information Modelling” (BIM) technique, focusing in the design, building and management of transport infrastructure projects in the United Kingdom. It also aims to investigate the current tendencies of professionals, consultancies, contractors and government institutions towards this approach. It is essential to this research to determine the potential behind this technique in order to mitigate or eliminate common problems and inconsistent practices present when developing transport infrastructure projects, making use of the conventional computer-aided design (CAD) approach. On May 2011, identifying a window of opportunity, the UK Government established the Construction Strategy requiring “collaborative 3D BIM on its projects by 2016.” Therefore, this research contemplates to determine how this new working approach contributes in terms of cost savings and environmental impacts, assesses challenges, limitations, advantages and drawbacks of its implementation in the industry, making an attempt to evaluate if the current tendencies are expected to meet the objectives set by the Government.The proposed research was undertaken by distributing a survey to a number of professionals who have been involved in transport projects making use of Building Information Modelling in the UK. Professional associations involved in design and construction of transport infrastructure were approached online and personally to take part in the research. Additionally, phone interviews were performed in order to confirm the results previously obtained and to increment the sample size.