Top 10 BIM terms explained

1. What is BIM?

BIM or Building Information Modelling is a process for creating and managing information on a construction project across the project lifecycle. One of the key outputs of this process is the Building Information Model, the digital description of every aspect of the built asset. This model draws on information assembled collaboratively and updated at key stages of a project. Creating a digital Building Information Model enables those who interact with the building to optimise their actions, resulting in a greater whole life value for the asset.

2. What is Digital Built Britain?

Digital Built Britain is the next stage of the UK's digital construction revolution and will see the principles and practices required for BIM Level 3 solidify. The strategy will deliver reductions in whole-life costs and carbon emissions, while improving productivity and capacity by using intelligent building information models, sensing technology and secure data and information infrastructure.

Read more about Digital Built Britain

3. What is the BIM Execution Plan (BEP)?

The success of your BIM project is down, in no small part, to developing an effective BIM Execution Plan. The development of such a plan, for facilitating the management of information a BIM project, is set out in PAS 1192-2:2013 where it is defined as a "plan prepared by the suppliers to explain how the information modelling aspects of a project will be carried out".

4. What is the Common Data Environment (CDE)?

The common data environment (CDE) is a central repository where construction project information is housed. The contents of the CDEare not limited to assets created in a ‘BIM environment’ and it will therefore include documentation, graphical model and non-graphical assets. In using a single source of information collaboration between project members should be enhanced, mistakes reduced and duplication avoided.

5. What is COBie?

Construction Operations Building Information Exchange (COBie) is a non-proprietary data format for the publication of a subset of building information models (BIM) focused on delivering asset data as distinct from geometric information.

6. What does soft landings (or Government Soft Landings (GSL)) mean?

Soft landings help ensure a smooth ride for all concerned as buildings move from construction to occupation and use. The term soft landings refers to a strategy designed to make an easy transition from the construction to occupation phases of a project with the overriding aim of realising optimal operational performance. It's all about narrowing the performance gap between design intent and operational outcomes that can emerge at any stage in a construction project.

7. What is clash detection?

In design terms a clash occurs when components that make up a built asset are not spatially co-ordinated and conflict. In a BIM process these clashes can be spotted more easily during the design phase of a project ahead of work starting on site.

8. What 'information' is in the model?

PAS 1192-2 defines the Project Information Model (PIM) and Asset Information Model (AIM) as the combination of graphical data, non-graphical data and documents related to a building or construction project, all stored and managed in a Common Data Environment (CDE). PAS1192-2 also defines the Level of Model Definition (LoMD), as being a combination of Level of graphical Detail (LOD), and Level of non-graphical data or Information (LOI), required at different stages of the project.

9. What are BIM deliverables?

BIM deliverables are the outputs that you can expect from your BIM process. BIM Level 2 deliverables that spring from a raft of standards and supporting documentation and include compliance with Employers Information Requirements (EIR), setting up of a BIM Execution Plan (BEP) and Common Data Environment (CDE) and a range of intelligent 3D libraries and models.

10. What is the Periodic Table of BIM?

Our Periodic Table of BIM is your at-a-glance guide to the steps you need to take to ensure a successful BIM implementation. Taking its inspiration from the periodic table of elements, our table presents all the main elements of BIM in an easy-to-follow, visual reference – ideal for printing or sharing.