UK BIM Framework: All that you need to know

What is the UK BIM Framework?

The UK BIM Framework develops standards, guidance and resources to support individuals and organizations in the UK to understand the fundamental principles of information management using building information modelling to guide and support you in implementation. Guidance Part 1 and Guidance Parts A-F support the implementation of the overall published ISO 19650 series. 

The Framework helps individuals and organizations in the UK to better understand the migration from BIM Level 2 to the UK BIM Framework based on international standards ISO 19650. This shift towards international standards will take time for clients to adapt their information requirements and appoint documentation to align with ISO 19650, and the framework will support their journey plans. As global construction projects proliferate and UK firms are invited to collaborate, the ISO will help these teams to adopt a simplified and common approach to managing information.‍

All about BIM Process ‍

Building Information Modeling (BIM) has transformed the construction industry, providing advantages that affect every stage of a design project. From design to construction, BIM offers significant benefits that includes streamlining processes, saving costs, and promoting collaboration among project stakeholders.‍

Key stages in the BIM process

Design - Deploy digital techniques to design better performing buildings, homes and infrastructure. Use good practice, secure, information management to get data right from the start.

Build - Exploit new and emerging digital construction and manufacturing technologies, processes and techniques. Secure, shared information, enabling clients, design teams, construction teams and the supply chain to work more closely together to improve safety, quality and productivity during construction.

Operate - Use real-time information to transform the performance of the built environment and its social and economic infrastructure. Smart asset management to predict and avoid disruption of services. Digitization of existing assets and infrastructure.

Integrate - Understand how spaces and services can improve  quality of life. Feed that information in to the design and build social infrastructure and the operation and integration of services they deliver.‍

BIM process and its role in UK BIM Framework

‍The UK BIM Framework is a systematic strategy to incorporate Building information modeling into building projects throughout the United Kingdom. It gives guidelines and standards for properly using BIM at all phases of a project's lifetime. The framework is intended to increase production, minimize inefficiencies, and promote collaboration in the construction sector.

The UK-specific BIM Framework comprises:

1. Standards

The framework encourages the adoption of internationally recognized BIM standards, such as ISO 19650, which specifies how information is handled throughout the lifespan of a constructed asset using Building information modeling. The guidelines also address information organization, risk management, and data interchange to ensure that all parties work together seamlessly.       

2. Tools and Resources

• This framework provides many tools and resources to help companies implement BIM, including software and checklists. These tools assist businesses of all sizes in adopting BIM procedures and complying with best practices.‍

3. Collaboration and Communication:

• It focuses on collaboration and communication through proper guidelines. Using a common digital 3D model. This framework allows for consistent and effective communication among all project stakeholders.

‍4. BIM Maturity Levels:

• The UK provides four BIM maturity levels (0-3) to help enterprises transition to digital transformation. Level 2 BIM promotes collaborative working with digital models while still utilizing a mix of 2D and 3D representations.

‍Importance of the UK BIM Framework in Construction

Government BIM mandates‍

Creating a more sustainable, efficient, and productive building process is good for more than just the construction industry. The shift to BIM framework reinforces societal benefits, such as a built environment that can last longer to support an increasing global population.‍

Improved Collaboration and Efficiency:‍

When design teams coordinate information and workflows, it results in a more efficient, connected process. Working from common information allows teams to focus more on the important outcomes of the project, like its carbon impact. etc.‍

Building design within BIM frameworks.‍

As we all know, Revit is a powerful BIM software that plays a crucial role in the AEC industry. It helps architects, engineers, and contractors to manage their workflow, models, and integration throughout the building lifecycle. Revit's use within a BIM framework provides several benefits that improve the design, documentation, and construction processes.

‍UK BIM Framework vs. Global BIM Standards

‍The UK BIM Framework and Global BIM standards have a shared purpose of improving collaboration and efficiency through digital information. They are different in structure, scope, and application. The following are the significant distinctions between the these two, with a focus on the well-recognized ISO 19650 series, which is the Global Standard for Building information modeling.‍

Origin

UK BIM Framework was originally developed to guide the implementation of BIM at a national level. It has been driven by government mandates (especially for public sector projects) and aims to improve construction productivity, quality, and efficiency across the

UK Global BIM standard or ISO 19650 is a set of international standards for Building information modeling which was developed by  International Organization for Standardization (ISO). It is designed to provide a global framework for managing the information and processes in BIM which applies to projects worldwide.‍

BIM Maturity Levels‍

The UK BIM Framework applies BIM Level 2 maturity level as the standard for managing and sharing project information using digital models. BIM Level 2 focuses on collaboration, 3D models and exchange of information through standardized formats like COBie (Construction Operations Building Information Exchange).

ISO 19650 provides a flexible approach to information management, applicable to various stages of BIM maturity worldwide.

‍Focus on Government Projects:

The UK BIM Framework is more focused on Government projects and Public sectors. The framework gives best practices and requirements for government contracts, with the help of  BIM Level 2 maturity level.

Global BIM standards can be used for public sector projects as they are not specifically tailored to government projects only.

How to Implement the UK BIM Framework?‍

Implementing this Framework requires a well-planned step-by-step way to integrate BIM into a project. This process requires following guidelines and standards within the UK BIM framework which ensures compliance with with government mandates and digital collaboration across all stages of project lifecycle.

Steps involved to Implement framework

1. Understand the framework

2. Establish BIM Objectives

3. Create a BIM Strategy

4. Develop BIM Execution Plan (BEP)

5. Align with UK standards and guidelines

6. Data handover and facility management 

‍Conclusion‍

Implementing the UK BIM Framework is a planned and organized process that requires careful planning, clear communication, and collaboration among all stakeholders of the project. It requires adopting standardized practices, aligning with UK government guidelines, and ensuring the proper training and support for teams. Following these steps will help ensure that Building information modeling is successfully integrated into projects, leading to improved efficiency, better decision-making, and better collaboration for construction projects.