Last edited 21 Dec 2021

Virtual construction model

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a very broad term that describes the process of creating and managing digital information about a building or other facility such as a bridge, highway, tunnel, and so on. Fundamentally, the purpose of BIM is to ensure that appropriate information is created in a suitable format at the right time so that better decisions can be made throughout the design, construction and operation of built assets.

In the early stages of a project, the building information model (sometimes referred to as a project information model (PIM)) might simply include existing information such as site surveys, condition surveys, information about existing utilities, and so on. This information might be generated from an existing asset information model (AIM) used to operate and maintain a built asset.

During the design stages of a project, a design intent model is developed. This becomes more detailed as the project progresses, and ultimately, as contractors take over development of the model from designers, it may become a virtual construction model (VCM), containing information allowing all objects in the model to be manufactured, installed or constructed.

The virtual construction model provides information describing the detailed design, and may also include:

The virtual construction model may be used for activities such as:

Where changes are made, or new information is acquired, the virtual construction model must be updated quickly so that the impact on subsequent works can be properly considered.

Once the building information model has been verified against what has actually been constructed, it should be handed over to the employer as an as-constructed asset information model (AIM). A point cloud or LiDAR survey may be carried out to confirm the completeness of the as-constructed model.

The asset information model is the model that compiles the data and information necessary to support asset management, that is, it provides all the data and information related to, or required for the operation and maintenance of the completed development.

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