Why Contractors are Crucial to the Adoption of BIM in the Transport Sector

Whilst BIM has its roots in architecture, the principles can be applied to anything that’s designed and built. From roads to railways, BIM transforms the ways of working and ultimately, the output.

As with any BIM building project, it’s essential that the entire supply chain is involved from the initial design stages. But there is an emphasis on the construction industry being the biggest enabler to this change.

REBIM®’s recent handover project with TfGM demonstrated how crucial the correct project phase data from the contractors is for a smooth, successful handover to asset management.

Integrated Design and Construction

A successful handover starts with design and construction.

The problem that TfGM had was that they had not specified their requirements in the Employer’s Information Requirements document so the data they received from the project phase was not validated.

With REBIM®’s experience, they were able to go back and prepare the data so that it could be used in the asset management stage. This involved applying additional information such as asset codes to the 3D models and transferring these to IFC files as the handover format.

This initial project has equipped TfGM with the understanding and ability to engage with the supply chain much earlier on in future projects.

It also shows how the successful implementation of BIM cannot come down to the efforts of just one party.

BIM to Win Government Contracts

As this handover project demonstrates, it’s important for everyone in the supply chain to be on the same page when it comes to BIM.

But as construction is described as being “at the heart of the economy because it is an enabler” by Peter Hansford, chief construction adviser to the government, it’s crucial that contractors are fully on board for the effects to be felt throughout the rest of the supply chain.

The government’s 2016 mandate which specifies that all public sector building projects worth more than £5 million must be BIM Level 2 compliant reflects this push.

Contractors must recognise that if they fail to get up to speed, they will lose out on contracts as they will be awarded to those who can show BIM compliance.

Click here to find out more about REBIM® for engineers and contractors. 

BIM in the Transport Sector

Although the take up of BIM has been a little bit slower than we have seen with the architecture and building industry, civil engineers, public sector transportation and infrastructure officials are quickly realising the benefits.

The biggest challenges of the transport infrastructure sector at the moment are combating congestion and improving safety and sustainability.

With BIM it is possible to ensure that every new project contributes towards these goals whilst also delivering projects faster and under-budget.

Over the next few years we look forward to seeing how not only TfGM develops with BIM, but the wider transport sector too.