Since the concept of Building Information Modeling (BIM) was introduced to China in 2002, the Chinese government has consistently prioritized policy support and research in this field.
(1) Policy Support:
The Chinese government places great emphasis on BIM development, providing substantial policy and financial backing. In August 2007, the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development released guidelines under the “Eleventh Five Year Plan” National Science and Technology Support Program. This included a key project titled “Research and Application of Key Technologies in Construction Industry Informatization,” which offered policy support and funding of 30 million yuan for BIM research.
Later, in July 2015, the Ministry issued the “Guiding Opinions on Promoting the Application of Building Information Modeling,” setting clear short-term goals for BIM development. Following that, on August 23, 2016, the Ministry published the “2016-2020 Outline for the Development of Informationization in the Construction Industry” to further support the industry’s digital transformation.
(2) Engineering Practice:
BIM has been actively applied in several national key projects, serving as valuable examples for its wider adoption. Notable projects utilizing BIM in design, construction, and operation include the Bird’s Nest Stadium, Water Cube, World Expo venues, Shanghai Center Building, Tianjin Railway Station, and the Phoenix Satellite TV Media Center.
In the field of water conservancy engineering, BIM application has primarily focused on the design phase. Leading design institutes such as the East China Institute, Kunming Institute, Chengdu Surveying and Mapping Institute, and Beijing Institute have successfully integrated BIM technology into their design work. For instance, BIM was effectively used in large-scale projects like the Ahai Hydropower Station and the South-to-North Water Diversion Project, demonstrating clear benefits.
(3) Talent Development:
As BIM technology has gained traction, several prestigious Chinese universities—including Tsinghua University, Tongji University, Southeast University, Chongqing University, and Huazhong University of Science and Technology—have engaged in BIM research. They have established BIM centers and introduced courses related to project informatization, helping to cultivate a new generation of BIM professionals.
In summary, since its introduction in 2002, BIM technology has rapidly advanced in China, supported by national policies, industry applications, and educational initiatives. By analyzing aspects such as technology, economy, policy, engineering practice, and talent development—alongside the specific characteristics of earth and rock dam projects—the feasibility of applying BIM to construction progress management in such projects has been thoroughly evaluated.
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