Building information management (BIM) is not just about ‘building’… the true potential will be realised by applying BIM principles to the whole asset life.” Mention BIM (building information management) to people in the water sector and you are likely to receive a variety of responses, ranging from those who are passionate about it to others who believe it may be an abbreviation of Bimbo.
The most common view of BIM is that it is a software tool to enable three-dimensional modelling. And BIM is often used to produce 3D virtual models of the yet-to-be-built environment. The accuracy, realism and functionality of 3D modelling is truly impressive, as are its benefits.
It is little wonder, then, that even those who understand the potential of BIM are tempted to show 3D modelling as an impressive and immediately recognisable example of what BIM can do. However, ask anyone who really understands BIM and they will say it has far more to offer.
Thames Water’s eight2O, for example, is using a different acronym for this technology and is suggesting that it should be adopted by the wider industry. ALIM (asset life information modelling) reflects its view that BIM principles should be applied throughout asset life, informing decisions about operation, maintenance and replacement.
Many companies have been using BIM for some time, developing systems that extend its reach and increase its benefits. In many instances, water companies have been led by the large, often multi-national, multi-discipline engineering companies they work with that have first-hand experience of using BIM in other sectors and in other countries.
It is not surprising that the supply chain has led the drive to have BIM adopted in the water sector.
BIM4Water has been established, a group that includes representation from all areas of the sector and is looking at various aspects of BIM, its adoption and its benefits.
Four task groups have been established under BIM4Water, including one looking at common libraries. It is yet to be seen whether this can be extended to include the holy grail of a single common platform. If this can be achieved, it would be a big step forward for the supply chain, requiring suppliers to provide information once in a single format rather in several ways to satisfy the different systems used by different customers.
Paul Mullord, UK Director, British Water