The use of BIM methodology in the implementation of construction projects, whether required by the government or undertaken on the initiative of companies in the sector, is gradually increasing in our country.
For this reason, it is necessary to have an in-depth understanding of everything related to the application of Building Information Modeling in a project, from conception through the bidding process and on to construction, maintenance, and even operation.
In this regard, we will focus on the specific differences and requirements involved in a bid using the BIM methodology compared to the traditional method, since when we talk about BIM, we usually focus on the modeling aspect of the project and tend to overlook the Documents required to bid on the project.
Requirements for a BIM-Based Bid
Below, we’ll provide a general overview of the factors to consider when conducting a BIM-based bidding process:
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General Characteristics of a BIM Bid
The use of BIM methodology involves the creation of an information model with the necessary elements for the proper execution of the project. Therefore, it will be essential to establish the data ownership rights generated.
Furthermore, the specifications must specify both which parties are responsible for the creation, review, and validation of BIM models, as well as the various standards, information structures, and formats that will be used.
Both in the technical specifications As with the administrative clauses, it will be necessary to add provisions due to the introduction of BIM on the construction site. In the former, the following will be included: Required BIM requirements, while the second will cover topics related to the technical solvency and the evaluation of bids.
Finally, the use of BIM methodology in the construction industry is an aspect that must be evaluated in order to configure the base bid price, although at present, given that this method has not been widely adopted in the sector, no report has been prepared to evaluate its implementation.
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Requirements for BIM Bids
Internationally, a project's BIM requirements are included in the Employer Information Requirements (EIR), whereas in Spain it is included in the Technical Specifications. These specifications set forth technical, management, and commercial requirements, the most important of which are as follows:
- BIM Implementation Plan (BIP)
It is one of the most important documents in the execution of a construction project using the BIM methodology, since it contains the data necessary for carrying out the project using this approach.
Its content must be included in the Bidding Documents, specifically defining the work method to be used and establishing the project's BIM maturity level.
- Deliverables and Levels of Information
Deliverables must be specified in the contract, and a distinction must be made between traditional deliverables and those associated with the BIM methodology. Some of the deliverables included in the latter category are the Energy Performance Certificate (PEB), models, quality records, 4D BIM construction planning, etc.
As for information levels, the following is generally used: Level of Development (LOD). These are based on international standards and define the level of information detail assigned to an element within the model. Levels ranging from LOD 100 to LOD 500 are typically used.
- Data Exchange Formats and Information Structuring
The specifications must set forth the information exchange formats accepted during execution, and will be opened whenever possible. We recommend using IFC formats, because it is a recognized European standard.
Structuring is essential when carrying out a construction project using BIM, since it generates a large amount of data. For this reason, it is essential to conduct a classification of information and the establishment of parameters for each category of objects, which must be included in the specifications.
One of the main advantages of the BIM methodology is the ability to work collaboratively among all the parties involved on the same platform.
This is known as a collaborative environment (Common Data Environment) and has two aspects. On the one hand, the processes, where the following must be defined: workflows, and on the other hand, the technical aspect, serving as a single repository of information throughout the project's entire life cycle.
- Roles and Responsibilities
It will be necessary to include clauses in the bid documents that outline the roles and responsibilities of the Project Team, such as the BIM Manager, the BIM Coordinator, or the Modeler.
In conclusion, professionals in the sector should acquire the necessary knowledge to be able to handle all the changes involved in implementing BIM methodology, both during the bidding phase and throughout the construction and maintenance periods. To that end, we offer you some courses that will help you through this adjustment process.
