BIM - the magic word for the digitalization of the construction industry

Building Information Modeling, or BIM for short, is the current buzzword when people talk about digitization in the construction industry. The digital solution for optimizing the planning, execution and management of buildings with the help of software is one of the most frequently mentioned digital innovations of recent years. BIM models are so exciting because they allow all relevant data of a building to be digitally captured, combined and modeled. In a computer model, the structure can also be visualized geometrically and a so-called "digital twin" can be created.

A trend-setting transformation, such as digitalization in the construction industry undoubtedly represents, is always associated with hurdles. However, it is equally clear that the industry will have to face up to the developments sooner or later. The potential of digital solutions, such as BIM, is too great. One of the many advantages of BIM models is that they can be used throughout all phases of a building's life cycle. This is why BIM is now used in all areas of construction planning and execution, such as architecture, engineering, civil engineering, urban construction, railroad construction, etc. application. The openness of the models also makes BIM very useful in the operation and maintenance of buildings.

BIM in Switzerland

Due to its proven efficiency, BIM technology became the central trend in the construction industry. From a niche option, it has become the main construction standard. In many countries, therefore, the popularity of BIM has grown exponentially in the wake of general digitization coupled with legal support.

In Switzerland, the use of BIM is not yet as advanced as in other European countries. Although BIM has been used in this country since 2015, only 20 percent of Swiss construction companies regularly use the method in their projects. This was the result of a country comparison conducted by digitalization expert PlanRadar. This puts Switzerland below the European average. The low usage rate is surprising, because 70 percent of construction companies in Switzerland are convinced that BIM will play an even more important role in the future. However, three quarters of the companies are also of the opinion that most companies are not yet ready for a more comprehensive use of the technology.

The reasons for the slow development are manifold. One major hurdle is the culturally determined fragmentation of Switzerland. For example, there are many different approaches to the planning, construction and operation of buildings, which makes it difficult to enforce uniform working methods. In order to further promote the use of BIM, the Federal Administration's "Digital Switzerland" action plan stipulates that from 2021, both the federal government and all federally affiliated companies will be required to use the BIM method for real estate; from 2025, this will also apply to infrastructure facilities.

BIM pioneer Great Britain

In the international view of the application of BIM, there are major differences between the European countries. The UK, for example, has been considered a pioneer in BIM technology for around four decades. One of the first BIM projects was the conversion of Heathrow Airport in the 1980s. In other countries, such as Russia, the first BIM projects were not carried out until 2014. However, their implementation is now being strongly promoted there.

Government intervention and investment play an important role in the development of BIM. In the UK, BIM use is mandatory for government projects - at the second highest level of four BIM maturity levels. The British also introduced the corresponding industry standard in 2007, which later formed the basis for today's ISO 19650 series of standards. Unsurprisingly, in the country comparison conducted by PlanRadar, the United Kingdom leads the ranking of BIM use: A full 80 percent of British companies use BIM in their projects. This is followed by Germany (70 percent) and France (60 percent).

So the differences in BIM use depend on government support for the technology on the one hand, but also on factors such as population sizes, construction ecosystems and budgets generally available for investment in technology. The most advanced companies in each country probably have more in common than with companies in their own country that are not yet as advanced in BIM use.

Efficiency over the entire building life cycle

If BIM is used intensively and at the highest level of maturity, it offers enormous potential that goes far beyond three-dimensional modeling in CAD programs. BIM technology enables a whole range of interaction and collaboration between different specialists - all in a digital format. In current use, BIM is most often used to simplify the realization of projects by clearly depicting different scenarios on a virtual model. In the process, errors can be avoided, costs optimized and the construction process accelerated.

At the end of a construction process, the data obtained is an important source of information for the post-project phase. This greatly improves collaboration with the operators of a new building and extends the building's service life. BIM thus represents the greatest benefit when it is used by all parties involved across all stages of a construction project - from planning to management and deconstruction.

This technical article appeared in the printed issue of SicherheitsForum 2-2022 and in the trade journal "Intelligent Bauen" (issue 2021/10). 

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