Standardization in the Construction Industry

Adopting standards, regardless of the industry, creates frameworks and predictability for various processes. As a result, this reduces the need for different organizations to invent their own solutions to common problems. By implementing Lean thinking, we eliminate waste. Moreover, standards that support BIM delivery play a crucial role in achieving success across all projects. Therefore, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the most important standards relevant to working with BIM.

Here are the key standards every BIM professional should know (starting with those we consider the most important):

🔹 ISO 19650 – BIM as Information Management

This international standard outlines best practices for managing information on construction projects throughout their lifecycle. It supports effective information delivery, enabling collaboration with other project team members. Additionally, it provides clear guidelines on defining and responding to information requirements and outlines processes that ensure effective collection, exchange, and storage of construction information. It ensures access to up-to-date and consistent data, which is the foundation of effective collaboration in BIM projects.

🔹 ISO 7817 – Required Level of Information

This standard helps clients specify the minimum information detail requirements. Moreover, it facilitates defining the purpose of the required information, delivery time, task team (including information predecessors and successors), and the characteristics of work results. Additionally, this standard can be used alongside other specifications such as the UK’s Level of Detail (LOD) or the US’s Level of Development (LOD). This approach helps avoid “information overload” by delivering only what is necessary and useful.

🔹 ISO 22014 – BIM Libraries

This international standard defines the structures and principles for creating and managing BIM object libraries. Specifically, it regulates the organization of data and elements within BIM libraries, which standardizes their structures and makes them easier to use across various projects.

🔹 ISO 29481 – IDM – Information Delivery Manual

This standard deals with creating and managing information in BIM processes. ISO 29481-1 offers guidelines that support information creation and management in BIM processes. Moreover, IDM specifies the information required at each project stage and how to effectively communicate it between teams. As a result, this standard enhances collaboration, data accuracy, and compliance with project requirements.

🔹 ISO 16739 – IFC 4×3 (Industry Foundation Classes)

This standard facilitates data exchange between different BIM systems. With it, data can be transferred between different BIM tools without losing quality. Interoperability, the ability of various BIM programs and systems to work together within a single project, is a key element of this standard. IFC 4×3 introduces improvements in handling geometry, attributes, and relationships, enhancing data exchange quality.

🔹 COBie V3.0 (Construction Operations Building Information Exchange)

This data format facilitates the handover of building information from the project team to the facility management team. Moreover, COBie V3.0 defines how to organize the data necessary for effective facility management after construction is complete. The information in COBie includes data on equipment, materials, maintenance schedules, and other critical operational aspects.

Why is it important to know these standards?

A solid understanding and implementation of these key BIM standards are foundational not only for the success of individual projects but also for the long-term growth of the entire construction industry. These standards enable the creation of an integrated and efficient working environment. Therefore, it’s worth investing time in thoroughly understanding these guidelines, as they shape the future of our industry!

P.S. The standards ISO 19650, ISO 7817, and ISO 29481 are interconnected, linking information requirements, the level of information need, and work outcomes. If you know which of these standards includes a diagram of these interdependencies, raise your hand 🖐️😀.

If you have any questions or want to learn more about how to implement these standards in your work, contact us and check out our implementation services, training, and other BIM services!