Building Information Model (BIM) - Construction

The Building Information Model (BIM) is a new tool used by the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry.

"Building Information Modeling" (BIM) was coined by Autodesk to describe 3D, object-oriented, AEC-specific CAD as a common naming for the capabilities offered by several technology providers such as Autodesk, Bentley Systems, Graphisoft and others– a digital representation of the building process to facilitate exchange and interoperability of information in digital format.

BIM covers geometry, spatial relationships, geographic information, quantities and properties of building components. BIM can be used to demonstrate an entire building lifecycle including processes of construction and facility operation. Quantities and shared properties of materials can easily be extracted. Scopes of work can be isolated and defined. Systems, assemblies, and sequences are able to be shown in a relative scale with an entire facility or group of facilities. Interoperability requirements of construction documents include drawings, procurement details, environmental conditions, submittal processes and other specifications for building quality.

Contractors
The Associated General Contractors and contracting firms also have developed a variety of working definition of BIM which describe it generally as an object-oriented building development tool.

BIM is often associated with IFCs (Industry Foundation Classes) and aecXML, which are data structures for representing information used in BIM. IFCs were developed by the International Alliance for Interoperability. There are other data structures which are proprietary, and many have been developed by CAD firms now incorporating BIM in their software. One of the earliest examples of a nationally approved BIM standard is the AISC (American Institute of Steel Construction)-approved CIS/2 standard, a non proprietary standard with roots in the UK.

Although the concept of BIM and relevant processes are being explored by contractors, architects and developers alike, the term itself is under debate, and it is yet to be seen whether it can win over alternatives:

Virtual Building Environment (VBE)
Virtual Building
BuildingSMART
Integrated Practice
Virtual Design and Construction (VDC)