Construction sector professionals are being invited to take part in a new survey assessing the use of building information modelling (BIM).
Carried out by NBS, which specialises in providing technical information for construction industry professionals, the National BIM Survey will be the last before Level 2 BIM becomes mandatory on all government projects in 2016.
The series of surveys has charted the increasing use and awareness of BIM, as well as highlighting the challenges involved in moving to this approach.
The 2014 survey found 70 per cent of those using BIM, including architects, engineers and surveyors, believed it had given them a competitive advantage and that awareness of BIM among respondents stood at 95 per cent. Adoption rates were also found to be accelerating, with 54 per cent of respondents using it in 2014, up by 15 per cent on 2013 levels.
A total of 93 per cent predicted they would adopt BIM by the 2016 government deadline so the findings of the 2015 survey – due to be published in the spring – will provide a useful indicator of how much further there is to go. The survey, which was launched in December, can be found here.
Benefits of BIM – which embeds key data about a project into 3D computer models that can be used throughout the lifecycle of a construction project – include being able to identify and address potential problems, resulting in potentially substantial savings for contractors by improving their ability to keep projects on budget and on time.
As BIM continues to evolve and becomes increasingly embedded in the construction sector, Palmers Solicitors can advise and assist with related issues, including commercial agreements and contracts incorporating BIM. For more information, please contact Adam Davis.