There is a Chinese proverb: “Without rules, there can be no harmony.” This saying perfectly applies to the development of Building Information Modeling (BIM) today. Experts have noted that the issue of standards is not only a constraint on BIM development in China but also a global challenge.
Currently, countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Singapore are actively developing their own BIM standards. Among these, the United States and the United Kingdom have had a significant influence worldwide. The US BIM standards have been studied extensively and are now in their second edition. The first edition provided a general framework, while the second introduced valuable guiding principles, though practical application is still evolving. In contrast, the UK’s BIM standards are known for their detailed and highly operable nature, and the industry widely regards them as practical and effective.
Regarding China’s BIM standards development, experts highlight several key milestones. The release of the “2011-2015 Outline for the Development of Information Technology in the Construction Industry” marked 2011 as the first year of BIM in China. Following this, in early 2012, the Standards and Quotas Department of the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development launched four BIM standard development projects. The Standards Institute was responsible for two standards: the “Delivery Standard for Building Engineering Design Information Model” and the “Classification and Coding Standard for Building Engineering Design Information Model.” Meanwhile, the China Academy of Building Research (the Academy) managed the other two standards: the “Unified Standard for Application of Building Engineering Information Model” and the “Storage Standard for Building Engineering Information Model.” The two standards developed by the Standards Institute are specifically designed to guide the design of future construction projects and target daily use by operators. As such, these standards will become essential tools for designers in their everyday work.
The “Delivery Standard for Building Engineering Design Information Model” primarily defines unified rules for transmitting BIM model information during engineering design. This information typically undergoes three stages: input, transmission, and reading, forming a continuous cycle. The delivery standard establishes consistent rules for information input and transmission, ensuring clarity and efficiency. The “Classification and Coding Standard for Building Engineering Design Information Model” offers a digital coding system covering nearly all components, products, materials, and activities involved in architectural engineering design. Much like a unique ID system, this classification enables orderly retrieval, management, and communication. By creating a unified language, it allows data to flow clearly between upstream and downstream sectors in construction, ensuring accurate transmission of information from one party to another.
As illustrated in the BIM standards framework, national standards serve as the highest-level guidelines, providing a general direction for development. Beneath these, regional standards, industry standards, and enterprise standards are formulated based on the national framework to ensure consistent progress across the country.
Moreover, China’s national BIM standards differ from some Western counterparts by carrying a certain degree of mandatory authority. This means that certain white papers issued by the government serve as normative guidance with binding effects across the entire construction industry.
In summary, BIM standards play a vital role in ensuring the orderly and efficient development of BIM across the construction sector.
Must log in before commenting!
Sign Up