In our April blog we gave you an insight into the differing levels of BIM. Of Level 3 we said that it “uses a single, shared project view for data integration, which all parties can access and modify as allowed through process and security controls”. BIM Level 3 is the goal for the construction industry. Its main point is the attainment of full integration of project information in a cloud-based environment.

One of the first steps here is to use BIM to manage time in the same way that level 2 BIM manages project data. This has become known as 4 Dimensional BIM. This allows planners to develop an accurate project programme. “The accumulation of data linked to a visual representation of components makes it easy to understand and query project information, as well as demonstrating to clients how construction will develop over time” says Glyn Shawcross of Boultings Ltd. The visual timeline can also be presented to clients, using immersive technologies, helping to explain plans and ensure expectations are communicated and managed in a clear concise manner.

Beyond that is 5 dimensional BIM. This builds upon the visual time representation. By combining materials and when they are to be onsite with cost-related information, 5D BIM presents the client with a visualisation of the cost of a project over time enabling management of the cash flow throughout a project. The final iteration of BIM, only usable at Level 3, is 6 dimensional BIM. This fully utilises the cloud-based functions, allowing it to incorporate whole of site life facilities management, including maintenance, component life cycles, and end of life management. The cloud-based system means those working on different aspects of the building can each access the system throughout the facility’s life cycle.

The government’s “Level 3 Building Information Modelling -Strategic Plan” published in 2015 concludes that; “We want to make fully computerized construction the norm and ensure that the benefits of these technologies are felt across the UK and support the export of these technologies and the services based on them. We want to sell our expertise and our cutting-edge technologies across the world and seize a share of the $15trillion global construction market forecast by 2025.”

Achieving this cloud-based functionality needs to become the norm in the industry and the Driving Vision process is a key part of that progress. By facilitating the information exchange required at Level 3 and working with project participants to define the infrastructure required for BIM implementation Driving Vision bring their expertise in cloud storage and IT coordination to assist you in being ready for the challenges of Level 3 BIM in the 2020s. Get in touch for a demonstration of our process.

Implementing BIM can be daunting, but Driving Vision is here to help you at the pace you are comfortable with. Get started by getting in touch now