BIM (Building Information Modeling) has been categorised into various levels and the movement from one level to another is referred to as 'BIM Maturity'.
Level 0: This level relates to unmanaged CAD in 2D, with paper or electronic data exchange. Thus, this is not BIM and uses 2D CAD files for design and production information. 25% increased cost through waste and rework
Level 1: This level represents the first step towards True BIM and the use of 3D data to present design. At this level, the designer is usually operating in isolation, and thus this level of BIM is colloquially known as 'Lonely BIM'. At this level, it may be that there are a number of designers, each of whom is dealing with his or her own designs in isolation from the others. Designers at tool providing a common data environment and normally comply with BS 1192:2007 (BSI, 2007), which is the code of practice for the collaborative production of architectural, engineering and construction information in the UK. Normally, some standard data structures and formats are used, and there may also be commercial data management provided by separate stand-alone finance and cost management packages which are not integrated into the general BIM model. Waste reduction by 50%
Level 2: This level is a managed 3D format held in separate BIM discipline software tools with data attached. A significant BIM Level 2 characteristics are the use of an 'as-built data drop' for the employer under a construction contract, the current method of which is presently called COBie UK 2012 (Construction Operations Building Information Exchange) (BIM Task Force, 2012). The formalisation of this information exchange necessitates the creation of information protocols. BIM Execution Plan and BIM Agreements are different; I'll write about this in detail in my next post. This level of BIM may introduce the first step to utilising other digital add-ons, such as 4D for construction sequencing data and/or 5D for cost information. Reduce waste by 50%
Level 3: This level will be a fully integrated and collaborative real-time project model that is likely to be facilitated by web or cloud services, particularly given the demand on information technology, and which will need to be compliant with industry foundation classes/building SMART. Obviously, hurdles to software interoperability will have to be overcome, as will potential infrastructure difficulties and possible legal obstacles. This level of BIM will utilise 4D construction sequencing, 5D cost information, 6D Project life cycle information and other dimensions (sometimes referred to as 'XD') management information, and will also be driven by the development standard libraries of object data, which will include manufacturers information. Increase profit by 2% through a collaborative process
Currently, the majority of BIM usage is at Level 0 or Level 1 and bridge between Level 1 and 3 is getting wider. We need to step up and upgrade ourselves at least to Level 2 to see the significant advantage of using BIM Process and get out of 'Lonely BIM'
Note: This article has been taken from the book "BIM in Principle and Practice" by Peter Barnes and Nigel Davies and published by ICE (Institute of Civil Engineers) publishing.
