BIM & ISO 19650 | BIM Design Hub

BIM & ISO 19650 INFORMATION MANAGEMENT

Building Information Modeling, BIM is transforming the construction industry and is changing the AEC workflows, methods, processes, and tools. BIM implementation is supported by the international standard ISO 19650 which provides the means to enable digital construction to maximize the efficiency of information processes, facilitate better collaboration and increase productivity.

DEFINING BIM

According to ISO 19650, BIM is the use of a shared digital representation of a built asset to facilitate design, construction and operation processes to form a reliable basis for decisions.

According to the Handbook of the EU BIM Task Group, the BIM process components relate to four main sectors: process, people, technology, and policy. The process sector relates to standards, methods and procedures, integrated project delivery, and information management through international and national standards (such as BIM Level 2 standards and the ISO 19650 series).

The people sector includes leadership, collaboration, owner's involvement, and appropriate skills development. The technology sector refers to BIM modeling, simulation, and interoperability between various software solutions. Finally, the policy area is all about integrating and developing local directives and standards, conventions, and the legal aspect of the BIM process.

PEOPLE

Leadership, collaboration, owners engagement, skills and responsibilties

PROCESS

Standards, processes, lean design management, information management

TECHNOLOGY

BIM modelling, simulation, interoperability,

integration

POLICY

Standards, project guidelines, legal and contractual, procurement,

4 PILLARS OF BIM

ISO 19650 SERIES OF STANDARDS

ISO 19650 is a series of standards guiding the organization and management of information in the construction industry, specifically for Building Information Modeling (BIM). It ensures global consistency and interoperability in BIM processes and data exchange. Developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO 19650 builds on UK BIM Level 2 principles, which were initially established through British standards like BS 1192 and PAS 1192.

The ISO 19650 series includes five published documents, covering various aspects of information management throughout the asset lifecycle, from project delivery (ISO 19650-2) to asset operation (ISO 19650-3), information exchange (ISO 19650-4), and information security (ISO 19650-5). A sixth document, addressing health and safety (ISO 19650-6), is under development. The standards are linked to other ISO guidelines like ISO 55000 for asset management and ISO 9001 for organizational management, ensuring comprehensive information flow throughout a project’s lifecycle.

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BIM ACCORDING TO ISO 19650

The implementation of BIM according to the ISO is equivalent to BIM Maturity Stage 2. The BIM stage 2 requirements are:

Common data environment
Structured and unstructured information
The use of the Information Models (PIM, AIM)
The implementation of the standards ISO 19650 - 1, ISO 19650 -2

According to the UK BIM Framework, a successful outcome of the adoption of BIM processes according to the ISO 19650 series will have the following characteristics:

The clear definition of the information required by the project client or asset owner for the procedures and deadlines for the production and review of information.
The quantity and quality of information are sufficient to meet the information requirements.
Efficient transfer of information between parties.
Informed and timely decision-making.

WHY AN INTERNATIONAL STANDARD FOR BIM

BIM implementation has been open to interpretation among the different regions in the world with a great number of BIM guides being issued by various countries, organizations, institutions and universities internationally. As a result, BIM adoption is increasing all over the world but BIM implementation is not equally defined. An international standard helps the industry agree on a common definition and a single process to increase the efficiency and quality of the implementation process.

ISO 19650 is currently implemented in many markets, such as Australia, China and USA, while in Europe, the interest of adopting the standard is increasing constantly. ISO 19650 supports global collaboration, creating a common ground for implementing BIM in different construction markets. This is especially important today where construction projects and teams are increasingly geographically dispersed, highlighting the need to adopt digital processes and establish a common language for digital collaboration.

ISO 19650 is more than just a set of guidelines; it represents a significant shift in the way the construction industry operates. By prioritizing standardized information management, interoperability, information security, and health and safety, ISO 19650 is introducing in a new era of efficiency, collaboration, and sustainability. As design and construction practices continue to evolve in the digital age, ISO 19650 stands as a testament to the industry's commitment to progress and excellence.

ISO 19650 standards may consist of a few pages and hundreds of words. Still, the real opportunity lies in the fact that our industry’s nature, with the traditional workflows, the cultural gaps and the interoperability issues changes. The new path for the construction sector is not led only by technological innovation but also standardisation.