BIM | BSI

Building Information Modelling (BIM)

Providing efficiencies and decision-making support through formalized information management

BIM has been selected as a domain within the Built Environment sector in Outcome 1 of the UK-China Business Environment Programme Standards Strand: improvement in the adoption and use of International Standards in China.

The main objective of this activity is to support China in achieving the benefits associated with BIM, including buildings and civil engineering works that are better designed, with more sustainable construction, and more sustainably operated. The adoption and implementation of relevant BIM standards will be considered as a pilot to demonstrate the benefits of using International Standards.

A significant benefit is expected to be an increase in trade in Construction services; BIM services; and creating markets for UK expertise; a market for modelling services; a market for the production; verification and validation of structured information by UK firms using BIM as part of their service delivery (e.g. construction firms). Opportunities for investment in Chinese construction projects by UK investors will be opened up by widescale adoption and application of internationally aligned BIM standards.

BIM standards in the Chinese context

Both local and national governments in China have recognized the value of BIM standardization to promote BIM adoption. Supporting BIM standard development on a national scale, the China Academy of Building Research
(CABR) and several other organizations established the China BIM Union in 2012, with goals of developing BIM standards, promoting BIM implementation, and conducting research for the benefit of the national industry. With the support of many organizations, the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development of the People’s Republic of China (MOHURD) has led the development of several national standards.

Implementation growth: the percentage of organizations that are at a high BIM implementation level (meaning at least 30% of their projects involve BIM) is projected to double in the next two years (89% growth for architects and 108% growth for contractors). This is a sure signal of China’s significant commitment to BIM.

The specific work items are the sort of topic that will cover issues of inclusivity in international standards and will provide a healthy environment of engagement. BSI has a connection to Women in BIM, a global network designed for encouraging women into the digital side of construction.

Step 1 – Adoption of standards

Adoption and use of BIM International Standards in China will lead to improved buildings and construction, a reduced environmental impact and improving quality of life
BIM business opportunities will increase if International Standards are adopted in China

Step 2 – Piloting of standards

BSI and SAC have proposed to pilot the implementation of suitable standards for Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the construction sector in China

The theme of the pilot project is piloting the use of International Standards for BIM processes (such as the suitable parts of ISO 19650) in selected implementations in China. The programme will provide:

1. Introduction to information management processes described within ISO 19650-2 as well as standards which can be used in conjunction with ISO 19650-2
2. Guidance and support to team members in gaining the competencies to conform to the identified standards
3. Review of project info prior to and after the adoption of the standards to determine the project benefits realized