BIM - the Key UK Documents
- Daniel Goodhand
- Oct 12, 2022
- 1 min read
Updated: May 26, 2023
Introduction
This blog focuses on the timeline of how the UK has adopted BIM to meet challenges in the construction industry. This blog is a quick reference guide in an expandable list.
This is by no means a complete list of reports/documents. They are a selection of the key documents that either established the need for BIM or are for the purpose of supporting the strategic objectives of BIM. In the interests of keeping summaries short, paraphrasing is used liberally throughout.
Key
To help identify the type of document, the following colour coding has been used:
Government policy or strategy
Industry Reports - often influencing government policy
Standards - including PAS, TD, BS, ISO, drafts and other codified standards
Guidance, best practice, frameworks - to support government policy or standards
Other - these could be projects or initiatives or other relevant information not necessarily in a report format.
The Documents
1944 The Simon Report
The Simon Report - The Placing and Management of Building Contracts was maybe the first in a list of reports to criticise the UK contraction industry. At the time most projects followed the traditional procurement path where design and construction were separate. The main criticism was the lack of pre-qualification processes which drove a focus to selecting the cheapest price. Recommendations were made for collaboration and training in the industry. The report had little impact due to the need for rapid construction in post-war Britain.
A second Simon report was published in 1948 focussing on the supply side.
1950 The Phillips Report on Building
The Phillips Report was written in the immediate aftermath of the war and describes the impact on construction - particularly lower productivity. The report deals with:
labour productivity and operations,
materials and methods
contracts
the professions and management
public procurement and planning regulations
research
finance
The report proposed more collaboration, co-ordination and flexibility.
1961 The Emmerson Report
The Emmerson Report - Survey of Problems Before the Construction Industry. Emmerson describes his work as a 'quick survey' and without formal terms of reference. Emmerson made a number of recommendations which included:
Further work to improve co-ordination between architects, surveyors, engineers and contractors and subcontractors.
The system of the placing and management of contracts should be reviewed.
More research into building economics and practical problems of interest to the architect, the contractor and the operative.
To establish a technical information service by architects, surveyors and builders.
1964 The Banwell Report
The Barnwell report -The Placing and Management of Contracts for Building and Civil Engineering Work, again focussed on collaboration, contracts and documentation. The report also considered the separation between design and construction. The report recommended a common form of contract.
1990 BS 1192-5:1990
Construction drawing practice -
Part 5: Guide for structuring of computer graphical information.
BS 1192 started out life as the 5th part to a series of standards dealing with guidance on the production of graphical information in the construction industry. Part 5 specifically dealt with computer graphic information such as Computer Aided Design (CAD) systems. The standard advocated a standard approach to organising data within CAD systems to be able to exchange data and retain for building management and future alteration.
This standard was withdrawn and replaced by BS 1192-5:1998.
The Lathan report is critical that previous reports on the construction industry have not been implemented properly. Communication requires improvement. Construction projects should be client led with better communication and teamwork. A number of check lists are proposed and other wide ranging recommendations. A 30% real cost reduction is recommended by 2000. The report identifies the need for further debate and urges further work..
1998 BS 1192-5:1998
Construction drawing practice -
Part 5: Guide for structuring and exchange of CAD data
BS 1192-5 was revised due to the increased use of reference files and CAD data management and exchange. It recommends the use of simpler layer naming to minimise the number of different layers and complexity when data is exchanged between parties.
This standard was withdrawn and replaced by BS 1192:2007
The Egan report looked to build on the Latham report. Egan criticises the construction industry for under achieving with low profitability and little investment into research, development and training, Five areas are identified:
- committed leadership
- a focus on the customer
- integrated processes and teams
- a quality driven agenda,
- a commitment to people.
A target of 10% reduction in construction costs and time and reduction in defects by 20% per year is proposed. To achieve these target, four key elements are identified:
- product development
- project implementation
- partnering the supply chain
- production of components.
The focus is on client led initiatives.
In Egan's second report, praise is given to work done by the industry since his first report. The report presents evidence of progress towards the recommendations given in Rethinking Construction.
A focus of the report is on integrating teams, emphasis on training, a culture of continuous improvement and investment into research and development.
It is recommended by the end of 2004, 20% of construction projects by value should be undertaken by integrated teams and supply chains; and 20% of client activity should embrace the Clients' Charter. Both these targets raising to 50% by the end of 2007. Strategic targets are also set for training and education
2002-2006 The Avanti Project
Avanti ICT-enabled collaborative working was a project funded by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in 2002. It aimed to improve project and business performance using ICT to support collaborative working. It did this by providing processes and tools to enable and support collaboration.
Avanti achieved its objectives by providing:
experts in the Avanti approach,
information standards and procedures
cross-project assessment and measurement
The approach required that all CAD information would be consistently named within Avanti's convention to allow everyone on the project to easily find the information they need. Avanti was a precursor to the BIM British Standard BS 1192:2007.
Production Information
A code of procedure for the construction industry
This was published by the Construction Project Information Committee (CPIC) in 2003 to provide best practice guidance, particularly for the preparation of production drawings, specifications and schedules of work. The code focussed on the use of computer systems commonly in use rather than emerging technology.
The code included chapters on CAD, planning drawings, production specifications, larger projects, smaller projects, office organisation and resources and schedules of work.
Along with the Avanti Project, BS 1192:2007 relied on this publication.
2007-2016 BS 1192:2007 + A2:2016
Collaborative production of architectural, engineering and construction information -
Code of Practice
BS 1192:2007 replaced BS 1192-5:1998. The standard was then further amended in 2015 and 2016. This incarnation of standard drew heavily from the Avanti Project and CPIC Production Information. The scope extended to the developers of CAD systems.
This standard defined the Common Data Environment (CDE) approach as repository to assist the sharing of information between the whole project team. A file container classification was defined showing how to manage information. The standard defines four categories of data: Work in Progress (WIP), Shared, Published, and Archived.
The standard also defined naming conventions defining project, originator, system, locations, type, role, classification, presentation, number, description, suitability and revision codes.
However, even with the formalisation of standardised methods and procedures, this was not widely adopted at the time in the construction industry.
The standard was withdrawn and replaced by BS EN ISO 19650-1:2018.
2008/2010 UK BIM Maturity Model
In 2008/10 Mark Bew, chairman of the HM Government BIM Working Group and Mervyn Richards OBE, member of the the buildingSMART UK managing board developed the UK BIM maturity model diagram ('Wedge' model). Whilst the diagram was developed for the UK, it had influenced other policymakers internationally.
The model include 4 levels of BIM maturity starting at Level 0, which represents no aspect of BIM being implemented, through to Level 3, which represents fully integrated data.
This has now been replaced in BS EN ISO 19650-1:2018 BIM Stages (Stage 1 to 3), where Stage 2 is identified as BIM according to ISO 19650 series and is roughly equivalent to the BIM Level 2.
Never Waste a Good Crisis
A Review of Progress since Rethinking Construction and Thoughts for Our Future
A report published by Construction Excellence reviewing progress since 'Rethinking Construction' in 1998. The report analyses blockers and identifies strategies to tackle them.
The report summarises a survey undertaken across the profession. A strong theme identified was that lips service was paid to the Egan agenda but a failure to engage properly. Whilst clients say they want the best value they still pursue the lowest tender price and end up paying a lot more in the long run. The three most important areas identified through the survey responses were: committed leadership, focus on the customer, and commitment to people.
The report identified 4 key blockers to progress:
Business and Economic Models - these determine the pace of change
Capability - we need to attract, retain and develop more of the right people to improve industry capability.
Delivery Model - a lack of integration in the delivery process impedes continuous improvement.
Industry Structure - the diverse and fragmented structure of the industry creates competing agendas.
Eight big themes for future action were identified:
Understand the built environment
Focus much more on the environment
Find a cohesive voice for our industry
Adopt new business models that promote change
Develop a new generation of leaders
Integrate education and training
Procure for values
Suppliers to take the lead
Along with these themes several 'quick wins' were identified aimed at industry leaders the government and clients.
2009/14 Soft Landings Framework
the Soft Landing Framework
for better briefing, design, handover and building performance in use
The soft landings framework was published in 2009 by the Usable Building Trust and the Building Services Research and Information Association (BSRIA) with revisions made in 2014. The framework is based on the soft landings methodology developed in 2003/04 by Mark Way.
Soft landings is about making an easy transition during handover of an asset after design and construction. Soft landings starts during briefing and feasibility stage to set realistic targets and assigning responsibilities. Through design and construction the process then reviews performance expectations as the client's vision becomes more certain. In the runup to handover, the team plans for commissioning, handover and aftercare and involves the occupier much more closely in decision that affect operation and management. Just before handover, the building is prepared to a better state of operational readiness.
The handover is not seen as the end of the job but as an event in the middle of a more extended completion stage. After occupants move in and during the operational phase, there will be aftercare to explain design intent, answer questions and to undertake troubleshooting and fine-tuning. Contact is maintained for the first three years of occupancy to monitor performance, deal with problems and queries, undertake post-occupancy surveys and to discuss act upon and learn from the outcomes. Throughout the project, the emphasis is on a collaborative approach.
2010/16/17 BS EN ISO 29481-1:2017
Building information modelling —
Information delivery manual —
Part 1: Methodology and format
This standard defines the Information Delivery Manual (IDM) and has been developed by buildingSMART. IDM's are important because they are the first step towards the data model development and implementation.
The IDM identifies the series of processes and data requirements during an asset's lifecycle and the information that is required for these processes. An IDM includes:
- Header information (title, naming rules, unique identifier, change log)
-User requirements/use cases
-interaction/transaction maps
- process maps
- exchange requirements
IDM 's improve the reliability of information exchanges. ISO 29481 is intended to facilitate interoperability between software applications used in the construction process and provide a bases for accurate, reliable, repeatable and high-quality information exchange.
Originally published in 2010, the 2016 version has been revised to bring it up to date.
A report for the Government Construction Client Group
Building Information Modelling (BIM) Working Party Strategy Paper
The working group recommended a "Push-Pull" strategy, where the "Push" came from the supply side of the industry and the "Pull" came from the client side. It recommended the "Push" to enable everyone to reach a minimum performance in the area of BIM. There were specific strategical recommendations to support the overarching strategy. Next steps (paraphrased below) included setting up a Task Group to:
Identify current capabilities
Consider information needs at key stages
Finding a suitable project on which BIM practice can be demonstrated
Inform the client industry group on mobilisation
The client/industry group was to develop a funded mobilisation plan to:
Create with BSI an appropriate deliverables framework
Tailor COBie for government requirements
Create metrics to monitor outcome
Consider contractual requirements
The appendices to the paper provided a lot of supporting information covering a variety of topics. The papers explained BIM, including expanding upon the UK BIM Maturity Model and explaining the Construction Operations Building information exchange schema (COBie).
The UK Government-funded BIM Task Group was created in 2011 and chaired by Mark Bew and superseded by the Centre for Digital Built Britain in 2017.
The government published it's Construction Strategy in May 2011. The strategy was a framework with the aim of reducing the cost of government construction projects by 15-20% by the end of the parliament.
One of the strategic objectives required fully collaborative 3D BIM (with all project and asset information, documentation and data being electronic) as a minimum by 2016. Although BIM maturity levels were not directly mentioned in the strategy, this is referred to as the BIM Level 2 requirement for all public sector construction projects by 2016. This is also commonly called the BIM Mandate.
2012 COBie-UK-2012
In 2012, the BIM Task group developed documents to support the adoption of COBie. The COBie-UK-2012 document was the first of the UK edition of the schema for Construction Operations Building Information Exchange. The document provided guidance on naming of asset object required by the COBIe conventions. This was referenced in PAS 1192-2:2013 and eventually superseded by BS 1192-4:2014 COBie Code of Practice.
2012 PD ISO/TS 12911:2012
Framework for building information modelling (BIM) guidance.
This Technical Specification establishes a framework for providing specifications for the commissioning of BIM. The framework allows international-, national- and project-specific guidance documents to be collated. The broad objectives are:
- Create a common framework giving guidance for the application of BIM
- Make BIM guidance documents manageable
- Make BIM guidance able to be tested.
The Technical Specification contains guidance under the following chapter headings:
Intentions
Formal aspects of BIM information exchange
The framework for the BIM guidance document
Relationships with other International Standards.
The document is currently under review to be replaced by BS ISO 12911 (currently at approval stage).
2012/16 BS EN ISO 29481-2:2016
Building information models. Information delivery manual -
Part 2: Interaction framework
(ISO 29481-2:2012)
The development of this part of ISO 29481 has been driven by the need for reliability in information exchange. It is mainly based on the Dutch VISI standard developed in 2003.
The document sets out a methodology and format for describing coordination ('coordination acts') between actors on a construction project. It specifies:
- a methodology that describes an interaction framework
- an appropriate way to map responsibilities and interactions that provides a process context for information flow
- a format in which the interaction framework should be specified
The processes are intended to facilitate interoperability between software applications, to promote digital collaboration and to provide a basis for accurate, reliable, repeatable, and high-quality information exchanges.
It also gives a format to support ICT solutions. ICT providers implementing the guidance means that different process management systems can join together. In doing so, users can be confident that the information they are sending or receiving is compatible with their own systems.
2013/18 ISO 16739-1:2018
Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) for data sharing in the construction and facility management industries -
Part 1: Data schema
Adopted in February 2020 as a British Standard (BS EN ISO 167939-1:2020), this document is the international standard of the Industry Foundation Class (IFC) model specification. IFC is a CAD data exchange schema, which is a universal schema not specific to any platform. IFC began in 1994 developed by a consortium led by Autodesk. The aim was to develop a set of C++ classes that could support integrated application development. The IFC specification is now developed and maintained by buildingSMART.
The IFC is to building modelling software similar to what PDF is to word processors. IFC is an archive state or a refenced copy of a building model that is not intended to be edited in any significant way. The purpose of IFC in BIM is to bring together the various models produced by different specialisms into a single federated model for the resolution of problems and other tasks such as sequencing.
A subset of the data schema and referenced data is referred to as a Model View Definition (MVD). A particular MVD is defined to support one or many recognised workflows in the construction and facility management industry sector.
2013 PAS 1192-2:2013
Specification for information management for the capital/delivery phase of construction projects using building information modelling
The PAS 1192 series of documents were sponsored by the Construction Industry Council (CIC) on behalf of the BIM Task Group. PAS stands for Public Availably Specification and is not regarded as a British Standard. The process allows for a quick development of specifications to meet an urgent need.
Part 2 (part 1 being BS 1192:2007) deals with information management for the capital/delivery phase of construction projects using BIM and has commonly been referenced in the construction industry. The major development was to move from producing specified models to producing specified information. For example, through responsibility matrix and information particulars. PAS 1192-2 applies to all information and not just models.
The document has now withdrawn and replaced by BS EN ISO 19650-2:2018.
2013 CIC BIM Protocol
Building Information Model (BIM) Protocol
CIC/BIM Pro, first edition 2013
Standard Protocol for use in project using Building Information Models
In response to the UK Government BIM Strategy, the Construction Industry Council (CIC) commissioned the "BIM Protocol" for use on all construction contracts and supports BIM working at Level 2.
The primary objective was to enable the production of and exchange of BIM at defined stages of a project to align with the Government BIM strategy. A further objective was to support the adoption of effective collaborative working practices in project teams and to encourage the adoption of common standards and working methods specified by PAS 1192-2:2013. The protocol puts specific obligations, liabilities and limitations on the use of models.
The Government Soft Landings policy (GSL) was developed by the Government Property Unit and approved by the Government Construction Board in September 2012. The policy applies to all new Central Government projects working towards a mandate in BIM alignment.
The fundamental concept is collaborative working across the supply chain and key stakeholder engagement at all stages. The GSL is about maintaining the 'golden thread' of a buildings purpose from design and construction to delivery and operation. The term 'soft landing' refers to a smooth transition from the design and construction of a built asset to the operational phase. The policy is based on a body of work called Soft Landings published by the Usable Building Trust and the Building Services Research and Information Association (BSRIA).
2013 Construction 2025
Construction 2025
Industrial strategy: government and industry in partnership
Construction 2025 is the government and industry strategy for the construction sector. It sets out a vision for 2025. The strategic priorities include:
- Smart construction and digital design
- Low carbon and sustainable construction
- Improved trade performance
The following drivers of change were identified:
- Improved image of the industry
- Increased capability in the workforce
- A clear view of future work opportunities
- Improvement in client capability and procurement
- A strong and resilient supply chain
- Effective research and innovation
2014 PAS 1192-3:2014
Specification for information management for the operational phase of assets using building information modelling
Like part 2, PAS 1192 part 3 was sponsored by the CIC on behalf of the BIM Task Group.
Part 3 focusses on the operational phase of assets. This is deemed to commence at handover. However, this part is also applicable to assets acquired through transfer of ownership or already existing in an asset portfolio.
Key concepts such as Organizational Information Requirements (OIR) and Asset Information Requirements (AIR) are defined and their relationship between the different elements of information management. The focus of the PAS is the Asset Information Model (AIM) and the management process.
This PAS was superseded by BS EN ISO 19650-3:2020.
2014 BS 1192-4:2014
Collaborative production of information -
Part 4: Fulfilling employer’s information exchange requirements using COBie -
Code of practice
BS 1192-4:2014 defined the UK usage of COBie. The standard defines expectations for the exchange of information throughout the lifecycle of a a facility. The standard defines the methodology for the transfer of structured information including buildings and infrastructure. Annex A provides example COBie entries and Annex B provides a unified modelling language (UML) diagram of the COBie schema.
BS 1192-4:2014 has now been superseded by BS EN ISO 19650-4:2022.
2015 PAS 1192-5:2015
Specification for security-minded building information modelling, digital built environments and smart asset management
PAS 1192-5 encompasses security-minded approaches to both digital environments and the management of new and existing built assets, The document outlines security threats to information and explains the need and application of trustworthiness and security controls,
The document describes:
- built asset security strategy (BASS)
- built asset security management plan (BASMP)
- security breach/incident management plan (SB/IMP)
- built asset security information requirements (BASIR)
PAS 1192-5 was superseded by BS EN ISO 19650-5:2020.
2015/16/22 BS 8536:2022
Design, manufacture and construction for operability. Code of practice.
Originally published in 2010, the 2015 revision was divided into 2 parts: facilities management (buildings infrastructure) and asset management (linear and geographical infrastructure). In the 2015 revision, the standard incorporated the principles of the Government Soft Landings and embedded building performance evaluation and information managements using BIM.
The standards formed an integral part of the UK BIM Framework. In 2022, the two parts were consolidated into a single standard again and aligns it with BS EN ISO 19650 series. The 2022 revision includes further application of the principle of the Soft Landings Framework and Government Soft Landing in the context of the project.
The 2016 construction strategy follows on from 2011 Government Construction Strategy. With regards BIM, the report states:
"The majority of departments have already met the requirements for BIM Level 2 and the remaining departments are on target to meet the 2016 mandate. The task now is to consolidate and embed BIM Level 2 throughout departmental processes."
The aspirations in the report was to gradually move to BIM Level 3 (fully integrated models and information) and the Government made commitments to develop the next generation of digital standards to enable BIM Level 3 adoption.
2016/19 BIM and JCT contracts
In 2016 JCT published a practice note on the use of BIM with the JCT Design and Build Contract.
In 2019, a new practice note was published that integrates specific BIM provisions into the 2016 Edition of JCT Contracts. The new practice note took into account the new terminology in BS EN ISO 19650 part 1 and part 2. This means that the obligations and liabilities in relation to the BIM protocol can be made clear in projects using JCT construction contracts and JCT claimed to be the first contract authoring body to incorporate BIM.
The Farmer Review of the UK Construction Labour Model
Modernise or Die
Time to decide the industry's future
The Farmer review examines the current labour model of the UK construction industry. The report highlights deep seated problems that have existed in the industry for many years and compares the industry with a sick and dying patient. The following critical symptoms of failure and poor performance were identified:
- Low productivity
- Low predictability
- Structural fragmentation
- Leadership fragmentation
- Low margins, adversarial pricing models & financial fragility
- A dysfunctional training funding and delivery model
- Workforce size & demographics
- Lack of collaboration & improvement culture
- Lack of R&D & investment in innovation
- Poor industry image
Ten recommendations were made which included a comprehensive review and reform of the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), a focus on investment in R&D and innovation and highlighted ways for the government to intervene.
2018 PAS 1192-6:2018
Specification for collaborative sharing
and use of structured Health and Safety information using BIM
PAS 1192-6:2018 was sponsored by Costain and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
The PAS provide guidance on how H&S information is produced, flows and can be used throughout the project and asset lifecycle. The PAS sets a framework for the application of H&S information through BIM. The PAS puts health and safety in the context of BIM. It defines the Risk Information cycle - identify, share, use and generalise - and how these components should be represented through the BIM framework.
At the time of writing this PAS was still current but is expected to be replaced by ISO 19650-6 which is currently under development.
The Winfield Rock Report
Overcoming the legal and contractual barriers of BIM
The WInfield Rock report was published by the UK BIM Alliance. May Winfield and Sarah Rock, the authors of the report, are both leading lawyer that undertook a broad review of the present understanding of BIM and contractual issues among the legal community and their clients,
The report provides the results of an online survey (158 participants) as well as drawing from one-to-one interviews with key industry player (44 participants - a mix of clients, contractors, consultants, academics and lawyers). The report provides an overview of the perceptions of BIM through the eyes of professionals and sets out the legal and contractual issues in practice.
On 17 October 2017, the World Economic Forum hosted a roundtable discussion on "Accelerating BIM Adoption" in London. There was 35 participant from design, engineering and construction firms, asset operators, industry associations, governments and academia. The discussions and action plan were summarised in this report.
The report noted the benefits of BIM and urges accelerated adoption to improve productivity, Twenty-seven specific actions are identified involving companies, industry groups and governments. The actions are categorised under the themes of motivation, collaboration and enablement.
Building Information Modelling (BIM) Protocol
Second Edition
Standard Protocol for use in projects using Building Information Models
The second edition of the protocol more closely aligned it with PAS 1192-2. Some terminology was changed as well as including the Responsibility Matrix and Information Particulars.
Changes were also made in the following areas:
- a change was made to what the permitted purpose refer to
- the protocol now only takes precedence to agreements for certain conflicts
- a new process was included for co-ordination
- the CDE process is now to be shared and published
- clauses concerning programme, interoperability and copyright were also amended
- clauses on security were added to align with PAS 1192-5:2015.
The protocol was published just before the PAS 1192 series was replaced by BIM according to ISO 19650. The protocol is not compatible with ISO 19650.
Building a Safer Future
Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety
The report was written in the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower disaster and focusses on fire safety in high-rise buildings classified as higher risk residential buildings (HRRBs). The report identified that the system of building regulations and fire safety are not fit for purpose and proposes a new regulatory framework.
In Chapter 8: 'Golden thread of building information', The report identifies that the creation, maintenance and handover of building and fire safety information is currently ineffective - often incomplete or held in paper form and not accessible to the people that need to see it. A 'golden thread' of information is required so the original design intent is preserved and up-to-date information is available when carrying out fire risk assessments. The report is influenced by the BIM4Housing Steering group and recommends the wider adoption of BIM and a digital standard of record keeping for all new HRRBs throughout the whole life cycle of the buildings. Digital records should be in an open format with security controls. The chapter also outlines accountabilities for the information.
Organization and digitization of information about buildings and civil engineering works, including building information modelling (BIM). Information management using building information modelling
Part 1 - Concepts and Principles
Adopted at the end of January 2019, this standard replaced BS 1192:2007+A2:2016 and is the first part in what is known as BIM according to ISO 19650.
BIM is set within the context of information management within the built environment. Information management sits within asset and project management, which in turn sits within organisational management.
The hierarchy of information requirements are defined (OIR, AIR, PIR, EIR) along with the project information model (PIM) and the asset information model (AIM). The information delivery cycle is defined which is about delivering the right level of information at the correct information exchange points.
The common data environment (CDE) and workflow is described including the different states of the information container (files) within the CDE.
BIM maturity levels are replaced by BIM stages.
2018/21 BS EN ISO 19650-2:2018
Organization and digitization of information about buildings and civil engineering works, including building information modelling (BIM) – Information management using building information modelling
Part 2: Delivery phase of the assets
This part was adopted in January 2019 and the national annex was updated in February 2021.
The standard describes the information management process through the delivery phase of assets, broken down into the following stages:
Assessment and need
Invitation to tender
Tender response
Appointment
Mobilisation
Collaborative production of information
Information model delivery
Project close-out
Attached to the standard is the National Annex for the classifications used for information containers in the CDE.
Information management according to BS EN ISO 19650
- Guidance Part 1: Concepts
- Guidance Part 2: Parties, teams and processes for the delivery phase of the assets
- Guidance Part 3: Operational phase of the asset life-cycle
With the release of parts 1 and 2 of ISO 19650, the UK BIM Alliance, the Centre for Digital Built Britain and BSI jointly published guidance documents to help individuals and organisations in the UK to understand BIM according to ISO 19650. Part 1 and 2 were published in 2019. In October 2019, the three organisations launched the UK BIM Framework. With the UK BIM Framework brand they continued to publish guidance. In 2020, Part 3 of the guidance to accompany BS EN ISO 19650-3:2020 (which deals with the operational phase of an asset). Parts 4 and 5 (to accompany BS EN ISO 19650 part 4 and 5) are not yet published but are identified as 'to be confirmed'. The pdf copies of the guidance are no longer maintained and the most resent editions are published online.
The BIM Interoperability Expert Group was launched by the Construction Innovation Hub, which is funded by BRE, Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) and the Centre for Digital Built Britain (CDBB). With oversight from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and Infrastructure Projects Authority (IPA) and support from the UK Business alliance, they undertook evidence gathering to produce recommendation to enable the UK Government to develop the existing BIM Mandate (introduced in 2011).
The main outcomes of the survey was the importance of standardisation to open interoperability (providing a means of information transfer between different technologies while preserving the integrity of the information transferred), leadership, education, and IFC and COBie schema. The report recommends the BIM Mandate is developed to deliver open interoperable data and that a new steering group is formed. The government used the recommendations on interoperability in Transforming Infrastructure Performance: Roadmap to 2030.
Organization and digitization of information about buildings and civil engineering works, including building information modelling (BIM). Information management using building information modelling
Part 5: Security-minded approach to information modelling
Published in July 2020, this standard replaces PAS 1192-5:2015. The standard deals with security aspect of information management and advocates a 'security-minded approach'. The following processes are set out in the standard:
Establish the need for a security-minded approach
Initiate a security-minded approach
Develop a security strategy
Develop a security management plan
Work with appointed parties to embed the security-minded approach
Monitor, audit, and review
Organization and digitization of information about buildings and civil engineering works, including building information modelling (BIM) — Information management using building information modelling
Part 3: Operational phase of the assets
Adopted in August 2020, this standard mirrors part 2 but for the operational phase of assets and replaces PAS 1192-3. The processes are very similar, except the scope is much wider reflecting the long term interest in the asset by the owner. The information management flow chart during the operational phase also has several different paths that initiated through trigger events - these can be foreseeable or unforeseen. Trigger events could be, for example, acquisition of an asset, disposal of an asset, maintenance or renewal.
Essentially the delivery phase flow chart described in part 2 could be one of the paths through the operational phase information management flow chart.
Information management according to BS EN ISO 19650
- Guidance Part A: The information management function and resources
- Guidance Part B: Open data, buildingSMART and COBie
- Guidance Part C: Facilitating the common data environment (workflow and technical solutions)
- Guidance Part D: Developing information requirements
- Guidance Part E: Tendering and appointments
From 2020, the UK BIM Alliance, Centre for Digital Built Britain and BSI continued to publish and maintain additional guidance under the UK BIM Framework brand. Parts A to E of the guidance was published to support the entire ISO 19650 series and Government Soft Landings. The following diagram on the UK BIM Framework website shows the relationship between the guidance documents. It should be noted that the guidance framework is now published and maintained online only.
2020 BS EN 17412-1:2020
Building Information Modelling — Level of Information Need
Part 1: Concepts and principles
This standard provides guidance on the level of information needed for deliverables at various stages of information exchange.
The standard provides a framework to specify the level of the information required considering the purpose, the delivery milestone, the actors, and the objects within a breakdown structure (that is the scope broken down into smaller components). Definitions of level of information are provided for graphical and non graphical information. The document also provides guidance on verification and validation when an information deliverable has been provided.
In Annex A, a diagram is provided showing how BS EN 17412 fits in with the conceptual framework of BS EN ISO 19650-1.
2020-22 Construction playbook
The Construction Playbook is a government guidance document about sourcing and contracting public works projects and was launched by Cabinet Office in December 2020. The latest version was published in September 2022.
The playbook details best practices and sector reforms outlining the government's expectations for contracting authorities, suppliers, and the supply chain and how they should collaborate. There are 14 policies stretching across the lifespan of a project. The playbook encourages and expects the UK BIM Framework (ISO 19650) and Government Soft Landings to be applied to projects.
Published in 2021, the TIP: Roadmap to 2030 is an update to the earlier TIP published in 2017.
The document describes a vision for the future and the use of modern digital technologies and improved delivery models for designing, constructing and operating a more resilient, adaptive and sustainable built environment.
Annex B of the document sets out the Information Management Mandate, which is applicable for the duration of the TIP 10 year plan. The mandate requires the client to:
Ensure all procurement and contractual processes are compliant with the UK BIM Framework
Follow the sensitivity assessment process set out in clause 4 of ISO 19650-5. If a security-minded approach is required follow the requirements set out in clauses 5 to 9
Fulfil the information management function of ISO 19650-1
Define the information requirements set out in ISO 19650 parts 2 and 3 and produce:
Organisational Information Requirement (OIR)
Project Information Requirements (PIR)
Asset Information Requirements (AIR)
Security Information Requirements (SIR)
Exchange Information Requirements (EIR)
have a digital mechanism for defining its information requirements and then procuring, receiving, assuring, and immutably storing, via a system of record, the information that it procures
fully and properly specify its information requirements, and their satisfactory delivery, within contractual documentation
apply the same level of governance and rigour to the maintenance of its information, to ensure that it provides ongoing value and benefits to the client organisation. This will include the ability to share and exploit information, and also make information available for regulatory purposes.
The Information Management Mandate will be periodically reviewed.
2022 prEN 17549-1:2022
Building information modelling - Information structure based on EN ISO 16739 1 to exchange data templates and data sheets for construction objects -
Part 1. Data templates and configured construction objects
The exchange of construction objects data needs a clear and common understanding of the format to express the structure and the data. The data can be transported in several ways, e.g. via direct database connection, or via webservices or file transfer. In all cases, the sender and the receiver of the digital data need a standard to implement the import and export of data.
This standard defines the format for the exchange of construction objects data, based on the BS EN ISO 16739-1:2018 (concerning IFC). Part 1 defines formats for the exchange of data templates, catalogues of configured construction objects and construction data. Part 1 includes basic structures, that are reusable also by Part 2 (shared elements).
This is currently a draft document.
2021 prEN 17549-2:2021
Building information modelling - Information structure based on EN ISO 16739 1 to exchange data templates and data sheets for construction objects -
Part 2: Configurable construction objects and requirements
This document provides a technical Model View Definition (MVD). This is the schema that represents the cross section (or view) of the dataset. The document defines how a request can be formulated with ISO 16739, and includes the structures to:
- link the objects and properties to their semantic definitions through data dictionaries - express requirements and describe configurable construction objects using declarative expressions - organise the data exchanged during business workflows
This is currently a draft document.
Built environment. UK BIM framework. Method of specifying
BSI Flex is a method of specifying to be developed rapidly and iteratively. A BSI Flex may be considered for further development as a PAS or British Standard. BSI Flex 1965 has been sponsored by the Centre for Digital Build Britain (CDBB). The document supports the UK BIM Framework, Information Management Mandate (detailed in the Transforming Infrastructure Performance: Roadmap to 2030) and BS EN ISO 19650 series.
The document is a method of specifying by detailing the material product, process or system to be used and in this case is is the adoption of the UK BIM Framework. In other words it is intended to replace the use of the blanket phrase such as "deliver project x using BIM". BSI Flex 1965 covers the adoption of the standards listed on the UK BIM Framework website, and includes the BS EN ISO 19650 series as well as PAS/BS 1192 documents that have not yet been replicated in the BS EN ISO 19650 series. Additionally, BS 8536 is listed.
2022 ISO 29481-3:2022
Building information models. Information delivery manual -
Part 3: Data schema and code
The purpose of the document is to improve interoperability of IDM specifications. Historically IDMs have been developed as either a static document or as a data file in a propriety format. As result, IDMs cannot be efficiently exchanged, shared and reused. A data schema for authoring, exchanging and sharing an IDM specification is proposed using extensible markup language (XML). This standardised approach will allow electronic storage in a way that can be searched, shared, exchange and reused. Ultimately, the goal is to speed up the development and sharing of IDM specifications
This ISO is expected to by adopted as a British Standard in December 2022.
Organization and digitization of information about buildings and civil engineering works, including building information modelling (BIM) — Information management using building information modelling
Part 4: Information exchange
This part of ISO 19650 was published in September 2022 and replaces BS 1192-4:2014.
Unlike , it does not define in detail COBie or any other schema and data formats. An overview of COBie and other schema is in Annex A with references made in the bibliography. Instead, the standard focusses on the decision point when executing an information exchange defined by ISO 19650, i.e. from work-in-progress to shared state to published state. At each of those decision points it could be returned to work in progress with corrective actions, which are discussed. Criteria is also given for reviewing an information exchange.
The ISO 19650 Guidance part 5, titled "Security-Minded Approach to Digital Engineering," was produced by the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI) and published on the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) website on 10 February 2023. This guidance provides an overview of the importance of adopting a security-minded approach when implementing digital engineering practices in construction projects.
The guidance emphasizes the need for organizations to identify and assess potential security risks and threats associated with digital engineering practices, including Building Information Modelling (BIM).
The guidance provides practical recommendations on how to implement a security-minded approach to digital engineering, including guidance on roles and responsibilities, governance, risk management, and security awareness.
The guidance also references a suite of downloadable PDF guidance documents, including an Security Triage Process that can be filled out. This can be used by organisations to identify and record the benefits of applying a security minded approach.
This guidance is in place of the UK BIM Framework guidance that was planned, and it provides a comprehensive and practical approach to managing security risks associated with digital engineering practices in construction projects.
The "ISO 19650 Guidance 4: Information Exchange" was published by the UK BIM Framework and provides a brief overview of BS EN ISO 19650-4. It describes the benefits of effective information exchange between parties involved in construction projects, as well as guidance on what each party should do to ensure successful exchange. The guidance also highlights the six key information criteria that should be considered when exchanging information: accuracy, completeness, consistency, compatibility, availability, and fitness for purpose..
Published in March 2023, this online guidance is relatively short but provides valuable information and looking for an overview of information exchange practices.
202? ISO/CD 19650-6
ISO/CD 19650 is currently at committee at the draft stage. When published it is expected to be adopted by BSI as BS EN ISO 19650-6 and replace PAS 1192-6:2018.
Have I got anything wrong? Have I missed something out? Leave a comment or contact me: daniel@goodhandacoustics.co.uk
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