The International Organization for Standardization has published the first global building information modeling standards, according to www.constructiondive.com.
The new standards are "Part 1: Concepts and principles," and "Part 2: Delivery phase of the assets" of ISO 19650—"Organization and digitization of information about buildings and civil engineering works, including building information modeling (BIM)." The ISO says the standards will provide the necessary framework to help designers and contractors from different countries collaborate more efficiently on all phases of construction projects and will encourage BIM's wider use.
ISO 19650 is based on British standard BS 1192 and public standard PAS 1192-1, which the ISO says has helped reduce user construction costs by 22 percent. It plans to develop and release additional standards, including a Part 3 on managing the operational phase of assets and a Part 5 handling BIM security, digital built environments and asset management.
The ISO points to a PricewaterhouseCoopers report that projects construction industry output will increase 85 percent to $15.5 trillion by 2030, so increased efficiency is important if construction companies are going to handle the growth.
Some authorities already have mandated some level of BIM use; architects in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, must use BIM for all major projects.
In addition, the United Kingdom introduced a Level 2 BIM mandate in 2016, requiring all construction stakeholders—architects, engineers, material vendors—to communicate via common file formats such as Construction Operations Building Information Exchange or Industry Foundation Class. Although this does not involve the modeling often associated with BIM, it creates a foundation for future expansion of the requirements.
Because there is no single agency that handles public work in the U.S., the establishment of one federal BIM standard is unlikely. However, some public entities have adopted its use.
For example, in early 2018, the Los Angeles Community College District established a BIM mandate for its $9.5 billion construction and modernization program. To be considered for new construction and renovation work, design-build teams must identify an individual to serve as BIM lead; that person coordinates the BIM workflow, works with shared data servers, tracks projects on the LACCD's BIM website and ensures the district has a BIM model to use in its maintenance operations after construction is complete. Construction teams also must create a "virtual theater" in which all stakeholders can view 3D BIM models.
