Examining the current status of the BIM market in China, it is clear that some recent changes have caused concern among professionals. They generally agree there are three main reasons behind these challenges:
First, the complexity of construction modeling presents a significant obstacle. Due to the inherent structural characteristics of the construction industry, transmitting and sharing BIM models is quite difficult. Additionally, China lacks mature BIM design software, and foreign software solutions do not fully align with domestic needs, particularly because of differences in design standards and regulations. This mismatch creates a dilemma: domestic designs, which are primarily based on two-dimensional drawings, cannot be directly converted into BIM models. As a result, separate modeling based on 2D construction drawings is required, leading to increased costs associated with BIM implementation.
Second, there is a shortage of suitable platforms and tools that can integrate construction information throughout the entire process, from design transmission to the construction phase. This gap makes it challenging to develop a comprehensive information model that supports effective construction management.
The third difficulty lies in the integrated application of BIM. Unidirectional use of BIM fails to capture its full potential in engineering and construction projects. Nevertheless, with strong policy support, the industry continues to actively explore BIM applications during the construction phase. From the “Tenth Five-Year Plan” to the “Eleventh Five-Year Plan,” and including the “863 Program,” China has consistently promoted BIM research. Many of these initiatives focus on construction and construction management stages.
As a result of this research, standards, data integration platforms, modeling systems, and BIM-based management systems have been developed. These achievements have received high praise and recognition from industry experts. However, it is widely acknowledged that these efforts are still insufficient. To truly localize BIM in China, ongoing research and development remain essential.
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