BIM is the future

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is expected to be the future of the construction industry, as momentum is said to be growing with its implementation, according to Timetric’s Construction Intelligence Centre (CIC).

The business information service, which surveyed over 100 participants in the global construction industry, said BIM was currently being used, or piloted, by 49% of respondents, and was planned to be employed by a further 10% in the next 12 months.

However, it added that the implementation of BIM was still in a developmental phase, with 9% of respondents stating there was no demand, and an additional 16% saying the demand was limited.

It said there was also a high degree of uncertainty over the implementation of BIM, with 27% of respondents claiming that the industry had still yet to get a clear idea of the technology and how to manage it.

The BIM Level 2 industry standard is expected to be used by 27% of construction companies in the next two years, with BIM Level 3 being used by 37% in the next three to five years, which Timetric said would be driven by an increase in competition or legislation.

Neil Martin, manager at Timetric’s CIC, said, “BIM will grow in usage as the client and those offering BIM services recognise its value.

“Cost savings and improving operational efficiency are important drivers for its uptake by practitioners and its perceived effect on return on investment; which is largely the reduced cycle time for project activities and delivery as well as lower project cost.”

Martin added that although cost savings targets were relatively low at less than 5%, these would increase once more companies adopt BIM, providing an impetus for implementation.