The fundamental concept of Building Information Modeling (BIM) revolves around three-dimensional geometric models combined with building data that adhere to open standards. Specialized software is used to enhance efficiency and management throughout the entire construction process, as well as during the operation and maintenance phases. This approach facilitates information sharing and cost optimization across the entire project lifecycle.
Building Safety International, a U.S.-based organization, defines BIM in three distinct ways:
1. Building Information Model
Building Information Modeling represents a digital depiction of a facility’s physical and functional characteristics. It serves as a shared information resource accessible to all project stakeholders, providing dependable data to support decisions throughout the lifecycle of the project.
2. Building Information Modeling Application
This refers to the process of designing, constructing, and operating a project by establishing and utilizing project data throughout its lifecycle. It enables all participants to access the same information by ensuring data interoperability across various technological platforms.
3. Building Information Management
Building Information Management involves organizing and controlling business processes using digital prototype information to promote information sharing throughout the project lifecycle. Benefits include centralized and visual communication, earlier evaluation of multiple solutions, more efficient design, integrated collaboration across multiple disciplines, construction site oversight, and preservation of completion data.
Although Building Information Modeling, its applications, and Building Information Management are distinct concepts, they are closely interconnected. In China, the first engineering construction standard for BIM application—the Unified Standard for Building Information Modeling Application—was issued by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development in December 2016. This standard provides a clear BIM definition and establishes fundamental requirements for its application. According to this standard, BIM is defined as “the shared digital expression of the physical characteristics, functional features, and management elements of a full lifecycle engineering project or its components.”
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