BIM GLOSSARY

Our BIM Glossary contains key terms and information about Building Information Modelling. There are a number of acronyms associated with BIM which can get very confusing. If you are interested in BIM Certification for your company in line with BIM Level 2 or our two-day BIM Training course for individuals then this glossary page will be a useful reference point.

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BIM

Building Information Modelling is a process whereby a built asset is planned, constructed and operated using an integrated, single system of data. BIM Level 2 is currently mandated on all public sector construction projects by the UK Government.

BIM

BIM is also the acronym used for Building Information Model. This is the physical representation of a built asset and its facilities using a digital software render. It is the most recognisable output of Building Information Modelling.

BIM Task Group

A UK Government initiative with the objective of supporting the Government’s construction strategy. They are tasked with improving the BIM capability of the public sector to ensure compliance with BIM Level 2 which was mandated in April 2016.

BEP

A BIM Execution Plan manages the delivery of a BIM project. It is defined by PAS 1192-2:2013 and outlines how the supply team aims to achieve the requirements of the EIR.

CDE

The Common Data Environment is the single store of data vital to BIM compliance. It allows all participants connected to a built asset to collaborate, share and exchange information. It enables a sole point of truth about a project instead of disparate, unconnected data.

COBie

This refers to the Construction Operations Building information exchange. It is a way of formatting data allowing a Building Information Model to be created. The system allows information about new and existing buildings to be properly organised.

EIR

Employer’s Information Requirements are part of the standard tender documentation for BIM projects. It covers technical details, management processes and commercial information concerning the project at each stage.

IE

Information Exchange is the transfer of information between different team members. This could be the main contractor, building owner or a member of the supply chain.

IFC

Industry Foundation Classes is an open data format which allows different BIM software packages to exchange information. IFC is integral to the move towards Open BIM which requires all BIM software to be interoperable.

Interoperability

This is the process by which data from different software vendors can be shared between separate programs. It allows BIM data to be accessed using different software vendors.

LOD

Level of Model Detail describes the graphical content of models at each of the stages within the Building Information Model (such as the CIC Scope of Services).

MIDP

A Master Information Delivery Plan is produced at the outset of a BIM project to define how the project information will be prepared. It outlines relevant deliverables and task owners – ensuring the correct information is available to progress tasks.

Open BIM

This is the final target for Building Information Modelling in the construction industry. Open BIM represents full collaboration on BIM projects where data is shared and contributed to using a single store. All software vendors would use a common data format. Open BIM was defined by BuildingSmart.

PAS 1192-2:2013

This is the specification for information management on construction projects using Building Information Modelling. This PAS outlines the required documents and specification for information management to enable compliance to BIM Level 2. It focuses particularly on the project delivery phase.

RIBA Plan of Work

This is the definitive UK model for the building design and construction process. It defines the process from preparation, to design, through construction and finally to handover. It was last revised in 2013.