From April this year, the sector will be expected to embrace digital technology as a matter of course, with Building Information Modelling (BIM) regarded as a major tool.
BIM is a computer-generated model containing graphical and tabular information about the design, construction and operation of a project, which is accessible by all the partners involved in its delivery − from the architects, engineers and contractors to manufacturers and suppliers.
The UK Cabinet Office announced the Government’s new Construction Strategy in 2011, with the Scottish Construction Procurement Group aiming for adoption of Level 2 BIM by April 2017.
GCU’s experts are, in partnership with industry clients and standard-setting organisations, developing knowledge and delivering consultancy and training to industry on the implementation of BIM.
Colin Murchison, Associate Dean (Business Development), GCU’s School of Engineering and Built Environment, said: “The Government strategy has generated a lot of interest in BIM within the construction industry. However, a large section of industry still appears to be struggling to find its feet as to what it needs to have in place before BIM-based projects become a mainstream reality.
“There are various prerequisites that need to be in place, mostly in relation to process protocols and standards, before the UK Government’s ambitions for achieving the productivity and other improvements through BIM can be achieved.
“One of the key factors to achieving successful supply-chain integration in the construction sector is the accuracy, effective flow and intelligent use of information, which BIM will encourage.”
GCU’s Professor Bimal Kumar, of the School of Engineering and Built Environment, will outline the issues and timescales associated with BIM at the BIM Scotland conference, which takes place in Glasgow on Tuesday, January 17, at the University of Strathclyde’s Technology & Innovation Centre.
Links
BIM Scotland 2017