In the 1970s, the United States was the first to introduce the preliminary concept of Building Information Modeling (BIM). The idea quickly gained popularity across Western countries, attracting increasing attention from scholars who contributed many innovative concepts. BIM technology continued to evolve, and in 2006, the U.S. government implemented various laws and regulations to standardize BIM specifications and performance metrics. This move helped establish BIM as a critical tool for solving challenges in the construction industry and other sectors.
Building on 3D BIM models, researchers developed BIM ND models by incorporating factors such as scheduling and time management. These advancements made BIM adaptable to a wide range of scenarios, greatly enhancing its problem-solving capabilities and turning it into a comprehensive platform capable of holding all construction-related information.
China’s engagement with BIM technology began relatively late. Despite this, China has steadily advanced in this field by learning from international experiences. Over recent years, especially with the rise of the information age, BIM technology has experienced significant growth in China’s scientific and construction sectors.
The development of BIM in China can be divided into three main stages: first, the introduction of the concept; second, the promotion and pilot applications; and finally, the full-scale implementation and exploration of BIM theory and technology within Chinese construction enterprises. Although efforts to develop BIM began between 2002 and 2005, the technology did not gain widespread adoption during those early years.
After 2006, China recognized the benefits of BIM but lacked a clear understanding of its practical applications and limitations. Consequently, the technology was promoted on a small scale to explore suitable methods for its broader adoption.
In 2011, China issued its first official document supporting BIM: the “2011-2015 Outline for the Development of Informationization in China’s Construction Industry,” which identified BIM as a key technology for industry advancement. With strong governmental support, BIM began to take root in China.
By 2013, research and development in BIM technology grew rapidly as the construction industry increasingly viewed BIM as an integral part of information technology, closely linked to the internet. The publication of China’s first BIM standard in 2018 marked a significant milestone, signaling the normalization of BIM technology nationwide.
In recent years, BIM technology in China has matured and made breakthroughs, leading industry development in several areas. Furthermore, BIM is increasingly being integrated with other software systems, opening new avenues for its future growth and application.
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