A Global Analysis of BIM Standards across the Globe: A Critical Review

Abstract

Building Information Modelling (BIM) represents a paradigm shift in the Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry as companies reposition themselves from a people, technology and process perspective to improve efficiency and quality. Different countries worldwide have made considerable effort to produce different standards in isolation for successfully delivering projects using BIM. This has highlighted the lack of and the need for a review of these efforts for BIM implantation and adoption. Thus, aim of this paper is to identify and compare BIM standards, guidelines and templates from around
the globe in order to provide an indicative central resource for BIM documentation and gaps in BIM standards. To achieve this aim, a qualitative research methodological approach was utilised, underpinned by document analysis of BIM standards developed in different countries across six continents. These findings are presented in tabular format along with illustrations to highlight documentation gaps, which form the basis of discussion. This research evaluates 13 countries’ BIM standards, guidelines and templates; the correlation of which presents relationships and synergy, including recommendations for the development of standards based on the gaps presented. Research findings provide a pivotal appreciation of the different levels of maturity – the discourse of which can act as a signpost for each countries reflection, viz: government, industry bodies or academic institution to help develop BIM standards to fill the gaps in contract, Employers Information Requirement (EIR), BIM Execution Plan (BEP) and design documentation.