BIM 4 Infrastructure (UK)

BIM for Infrastructure (UK) was formed in November 2012 following the merger of the AGI i-BIM SIG (formed June 2011) and BIM4RailUK. The group remains a Special Interest Group (SIG) within the AGI, but has a closer relationship with the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), the Government BIM Task Group and the Construction Project Information (CPI) Committee. Our Terms of Reference can be found here.

The group provides a forum for organisations and industry professionals to share their journey putting ‘BIM into practice’ with other organisations and industry professionals - a simple idea, but one we hope will be of great value to its members.

The group’s goals are also simple and realistic:

  • Share knowledge and learning between its members
  • Provide outreach to appropriate industry bodies and institutions
  • Promote infrastructure related case studies, which demonstrate best practice and the integrated management of information across all stages of the asset lifecycle
  • Provide leadership in establishing how buildings and infrastructure can be integrated; and how BIM and Geospatial can interface and converge

What is BIM?

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is the process of generating and managing building data during its life cycle.

At one level, the process produces the Building Information Model - encompassing building geometry, spatial relationships, geographic information, and quantities and properties of building components.

However, whilst BIM is quite often seen simply as a move to 3D modelling of buildings, in reality it goes far beyond this. Firstly, it requires changes to the definition of traditional architectural phases and more data sharing than most architects and engineers are used to (i.e. challenging fundamental design process / ways of working). Secondly, it goes well beyond 3D design aspects with potential for integration of time (phasing/sequencing) aspects of a project (4D), cost (estimating) aspects of a project (5D), and ultimately even life cycle management (owner/FM) aspects (6D).

BIM is therefore the process of generating and managing project information throughout the whole life cycle of the infrastructure – not just that for a building – from planning and design, through construction, to operation, maintenance and de-commissioning. BIM describes an activity, not an object, and is therefore much more than a single technology or tool (e.g. REVIT) ~ it’s a quantum change in design and delivery practice, processes and behaviours – and because it is addressing infrastructure, sound information management and GIS is critical to its delivery.

Many of the principles that the industry is wrestling with in delivering BIM are common to those faced by the GIS community – hence the real opportunities for AGI for information, involvement and influence.

BIM4IUK Membership

The current list of BIM4IUK committee members can be found here.

Member organisations are grouped into four categories:

  • Infrastructure Clients
  • Supply Chain
  • Technology Vendors
  • Academia and Professional Bodies

Client members have committed to hosting one event at their location, and conditions of membership can be found here. A list of current members can be found here.

BIM4IUK Events

Members Events:

28/01/2013 - Transport for London, Rail & Underground: Meeting Summary, Slides, Delegate List

04/04/2013 - CH2MHill / Halcrow, Our BIM Journey: Meeting Summary, Slides

Industry Events:

27/01/2013 - AGI Showcase, Glasgow

24/06/2013 - AGI Showcase, London containing an all day BIM4IUK Stream entitled: Making Infrastructure work - BIM meets Geospatial

Useful Links / Resources: