Getting the most out of BIM means using it to its full potential across every phase of the project lifecycle, from cradle to grave.
We have previously explored the strategic advantages BIM can unleash during design and tendering and how it can unlock long-term savings in facilities management. These benefits of BIM don’t materialise automatically. They depend on how well the framework is developed, implemented and maintained through every stage. BIM is a living system – and it needs ongoing care to remain a high-quality source of truth.
For BIM, the construction phase is a particularly risky time, when the quality and accuracy of the BIM model are truly tested and when models can fall behind the reality of what is happening on site.
For a developer, there are significant benefits to be gained from careful management of BIM through the construction phase – not only the potential to save time and money through fewer RFIs and less rework and delay, but also the likelihood of a smoother transition from construction to operation.
There are two key aspects to safeguarding the BIM model throughout the construction phase: first, developing and applying a rigorous construction-phase BIM execution plan, and then conducting regular reviews of the health of the BIM model during construction.
Evolving the BIM execution plan
It’s important to recognise that there are two types of BIM execution plans (BEPs): the design-phase BEP, which supports coordination and tendering, and the construction-phase BEP, which is essential for on-site delivery. While the design-phase BEP outlines modelling standards and collaboration protocols, it lacks the specificity needed for construction.
A construction-phase BEP defines the detailed requirements for monitoring, verification tolerances, and information deliverables. It should be set up before contract signing and agreed before construction starts.
A crucial component of the plan is the development of an information requirements framework that focuses on leveraging the model for use-cases beyond design – such as improving procurement, reducing RFIs, digitally linking as-builts to the model, and assisting with the lifecycle management of the facility post-construction. This framework will set out the level of detail or definition (LOD), level of information need(LOIN), and the tolerances required for verifying the as-builts.
The construction-phase BEP also needs to define the scope of the organisational information requirements (OIR), project information requirements(PIR), asset information requirements (AIR) and exchange information requirements(EIR), including the data to be integrated, proposed workflows and ideal digital platforms. This documentation will clearly set out the data standards, file-naming conventions, software interoperability, and quality control procedures that will be crucial to keep the model healthy and accessible.
Investing the time and effort to clearly define and document all requirements and protocols upfront will pay dividends as the project progresses through construction, helping to avoid confusion, delays and rework. It is also important to bring together the head contractor and subcontractors to review, communicate and formalise their modelling obligations – ensuring everyone is clear about what the head contractor is accountable for delivering at project completion.
Reviewing BIM health throughout construction
To ensure the final BIM model is handed over seamlessly and remains as valuable for facilities management procurement as it was during construction tendering, there’s no substitute for rigorous model checking processes during construction.
The more concise and reliable the BIM data trail, the less need there should be for RFIs and variations during construction. Connecting reviews to progress payments will help ensure contractors’ models remain on track continuously, rather than encountering unwelcome surprises during the final 3–6 month crush when everyone is under time and cost pressure to finish the build.
Structured, periodic milestone reviews throughout construction will confirm that the model is in good condition and up to date with actual progress on site, supporting post-occupancy use.
Engaging a trusted, independent and impartial BIM advisor to perform and record these BIM health checks will help alleviate any concerns of favouritism or bias and provide a greater level of integration and continuity when the model moves through different hands and stages.
Ultimately, better information and models breed better decisions and outcomes. The benefits of BIM are too good to waste. But these benefits can only be realised through disciplined execution and continuous review, conducted with a clear focus that extends across the full life and value of both the built asset and its digital representation.
