Building Information Modelling (BIM)

Calcinotto has long been conversant in the use of some of the market leading 3D software, making our first investment in this software in 2009. This relatively early progression into the world of 3D modelling information gave Calcinotto a head start in the new world of BIM before most of its competitors. In the intervening period, we have made every effort to continue to be ahead of industry requirements and expectations. The use of these systems and the associated modelling software has been at the forefront of our company ethos and, we feel, has set our service apart from other consultants. In some cases, we have aided other companies in the development of their systems and making the next steps in their BIM processes. Calcinotto is now working with clients that are trailblazing the use of BIM by pushing the boundaries of systems available on the market, with the aim of actively encouraging the industry to embrace the idea of open sharing of information and joint responsibilities of collaborative models.

We truly believe that the open sharing of information and collaborative working between all project team members from day one of a project can contribute towards the delivery of a cost effective and time efficient development.

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is not simply about producing a 3D model for its own sake nor is it an add-on process to existing systems. BIM provides the fundamentals of how a project should be set-up, run and executed and describes the process of creating and managing all digital information about a project.

This form of information management, or BIM, can be described in “maturity levels”, which range from Level 0 through to Level 4, as described below:

Level 0

This entry level can be described as “BIM without the management” – using unmanaged computer aided design (CAD) 2D drawings and text exchanged in paper based or electronic formats, without the use of common standards and processes.

Level 1

This is the first level that introduces the use of standardised systems and formats plus management of the CAD process – information produced may include 2D and 3D information, which may include visualisations or concept development models. At level 1, the electronic models are not shared between the project team members.

Level 2

This is the level that the construction industry typically, at present, recognises as BIM – separate discipline-based models are created by the project design team, which are usually created using a managed 3D environment with data attached. The separate models are then linked to form a central “federated” model without each of the models losing their own identity or integrity. The additional data may include information relating to construction sequencing and/or cost information.

Level 3

This takes BIM to the next stage in terms of collaboration and building information with the use of a single online collaborative model which is worked on and developed simultaneously by the design team across all disciplines. The collaborative model will include dimensions beyond just 2D and 3D and include construction sequencing (4D), cost (5D) and project life cycle information (6D). This can also be known as “integrated BIM” and is intended to deliver improved business outcomes throughout the life of the development. This is the current goal for the industry and is the target for the development of software and systems including common file formats and open sharing between software houses, requiring an open-minded common goal across the industry including clients, contractors, consultants, software houses and suppliers.

Level 4

This final level is the ultimate goal for BIM, with the introduction of concepts for improved social outcomes and wellbeing.

In the United Kingdom, the “Government Construction Strategy” published in May 2011 stated that the ‘…..The government will require fully collaborative 3D BIM (with all project and asset information, documentation and data being electronic) as a minimum by 2016’. This meant that on centrally procured public sector projects, there is a minimum requirement for Level 2 BIM. Since the release of this requirement, more and more of the construction industry have begun to embrace the use of BIM on projects with more and more public and private clients requiring a minimum of level 2 BIM on their projects. Calcinotto currently works at BIM Level 2 as standard, with the capability to raise this to Level 3 if required.

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