Introduction to BIM Applications Abroad: Singapore
Singapore has embraced the concept of AI-assisted plan checking since 1982. In 1995, the Construction and Real Estate Network (CORENET) was established to transform the construction industry by streamlining fragmented workflows and improving project timelines, quality, and efficiency.
BIM Technology
Singapore has promoted Building Information Modeling (BIM) as a foundation for seamless management, delivery, and integration of project information across different platforms. Since 2004, the construction industry has been encouraged to adopt BIM and utilize CORENET’s e-planCheck System for reviewing project drawings.
By 2010, public works projects in Singapore were designed and constructed using BIM. It was mandated that by 2015, all commercial buildings must be submitted and constructed using BIM. This initiative addresses challenges related to project documentation throughout the building lifecycle, including urban design review, architectural and structural design reviews, temporary construction permits, fire safety, statutory completion certificates, and regular structural inspections.
The construction industry has evolved from traditional 2D designs to digital graphic modeling with BIM, making project information more accessible and creating a portable database. Over time, the properties of building information models have been enriched throughout the entire building lifecycle, enabling seamless integration of BIM applications from design through demolition for effective engineering management and information integration.
The Singapore government has also developed an e-Submission System along with an electronic project approval system. The e-Submission System serves as a government portal for businesses, providing all building-related information services and resolving various issues in one place. The electronic project approval system redesigns and enhances the previously fragmented construction workflow, improving turnaround times, quality, and productivity.
The benefits resulting from Singapore’s BIM initiatives include:
- Online submissions: Reduces printing costs and the exchange of information between agencies.
- 24/7 submission availability: Saves time and extends the submission window.
- Digital signatures and encryption: Ensures responsibility, fairness, and security.
- Multiple stakeholder participation: Enables simultaneous problem-solving and convenience.
- CAD drawing standards: Enhances information exchange and automation.
- E-government integration: Supports multi-department electronic submissions, 24/7 online data queries, and comprehensive plan verification aligned with IAI standards.
- E-commerce platform: CORENET’s government procurement system, based mainly on BIM, provides an electronic procurement environment for the construction industry. It fosters partnerships between departments, supports cooperative project management, interoperable electronic procurement, industry IT standards, and best practices.
Additionally, surveys on participating units have highlighted the effectiveness of these systems:
- Cost savings: 72% reduction in printing costs, 81% in transportation costs, 65% time savings, 54% in file storage costs, and 44% labor savings.
- Users find the CORENET electronic submission system highly adaptable and user-friendly.
- Many prefer to avoid submitting physical photocopies altogether.
This concludes our overview of BIM applications in Singapore. In the next issue, we will explore various BIM applications in other countries and regions. Stay tuned for more insights.
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