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50 Essential BIM terms you need to know

BIM Glossary
50 Essential BIM terms
you need to know
02

50 Essential BIM terms you need to know

A.
Asset Information Model (AIM) - An “Information Model relating to the Operational Phase” ISO
19650-1 (3.3.9). The Asset Information Model (AIM) supports the maintenance, management, and
operation of an Asset throughout its Asset Life Cycle. AIM can act (i) as a repository for all Asset
Information; (ii) as a means to access/link to enterprise systems (e.g., CMMS and BMS); and (iii) as a
means to receive and centralise information from other Project Participants throughout Project Lifecycle
Phases.

Asset Management - BIM-enabled Asset Management is characterised by linking virtual objects and
spaces within a model to an external database for the purpose of operating and maintaining a facility or
a portfolio of facilities.

As-Built Model - The 3D model representing the actual appearance, condition, structure or function
of a constructed facility or fabricated product. This model serves as a precise, digital twin of the actual
constructed asset, capturing its exact size, shape, location, and specifications after the construction
phase is completed.

B.
BIM - Building Information Modelling - is a set of technologies, processes, and policies enabling
multiple stakeholders to collaboratively design, construct and operate a Facility in virtual space. In
ISO 19650 part 1, BIM refers to the “use of a shared digital representation of a built Asset to facilitate
design, construction, and operation processes to form a reliable basis for decisions” ISO 19650-1
(3.3.14). The term BIM continues to evolve over the years and is thus best understood as an ‘expression
of digital innovation’ across the construction industry and the overall Built Environment.

BIM Capability - Represents the minimum abilities of an organisation or team to deliver measurable BIM
outcomes. BIM Capability is the second phase of BIM Implementation and covers many technology,
process, and policy topics. BIM Capability is achieved/measured through well-defined revolutionary BIM
Stages separated by numerous evolutionary BIM Steps.

BIM Collaboration Format (BCF) - An open file format that allows the addition of textual comments,
screenshots, and more to BIM models, facilitating effective communication and issue tracking among
stakeholders.

BIM Coordination - This term refers to the collaborative process of using BIM models from different
disciplines to ensure that all aspects of a project are properly integrated, allowing for early detection
and resolution of potential conflicts or design issues, typically through regular coordination meetings
and the use of clash detection software.

BIM Execution Plan (BEP) - The “plan that explains how the Information Management aspects of
the Appointment will be carried out by the Delivery Team” ISO 19650-2 (3.1.3.1). The term Plan in BIM
Execution Plan (BEP) refers to a response to the Exchange Information Requirements and is delivered
either as online input or as a compiled Document to the Appointing Party. There are two complementary
versions of BEPs: ‘pre-appointment’ BEP proposed by each prospective Delivery Team during the tender
process; and ‘post-appointment’ BEP delivered by the selected Delivery Team.

BIM Governance - The structured system of policies, processes, standards, and technologies that
oversee and ensure effective management and implementation of Building Information Modelling (BIM)
within an organisation or a project. It establishes the framework for decision-making, accountability,
and control of BIM practices and data, ensuring that the objectives of using BIM are aligned with the
strategic goals of the organisation or project.
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50 Essential BIM terms you need to know

BIM Implementation - Refers to the set of activities undertaken by an organisational unit to prepare
for, deploy, or improve its BIM deliverables (products) and their related workflows (processes). BIM
implementation is made of three phases: BIM Readiness, BIM Capability, and BIM Maturity.

BIM Manager - A person responsible for leading the BIM Implementation process within an
organisation and supporting it in developing/delivering new BIM services and model-based efficiencies.

BIM Mandate - Refers to the requirement from a client, organization, or jurisdiction for the use of
BIM on a project or a set of projects. BIM mandates are becoming more common globally, with several
countries requiring the use of BIM for public infrastructure projects to improve efficiency, reduce costs,
and enhance the quality of the built environment.

BIM Maturity - The gradual and continual improvement in Quality, repeatability, and predictability
within available BIM Capability. BIM Maturity is the third phase of BIM Implementation and is expressed
as BIM Maturity Levels (or performance improvement milestones) that organisations, teams, and whole
markets aspire to.

BIM Protocol - Formal and documented methods of BIM communication, exchange, maintenance, or
delivery (e.g., BIM Management Plan). Note: UK users need to review the CIC BIM Protocol entry.

BIM Readiness - The first phase of BIM Implementation preceding the Point of Adoption. BIM
Readiness represents the preparedness of an organisation or organisational unit to adopt BIM tools,
workflows, and protocols.

BIM Standards (e.g., ISO 19650) - Formalised guidelines that provide a framework for the effective
implementation and management of Building Information Modelling (BIM) processes. These standards
define the methods, procedures, and protocols to be followed by stakeholders involved in construction
projects to ensure consistency, interoperability, and high-quality outcomes through the use of BIM.

BIM Use Case - A detailed description of a BIM-related task or process, outlining the objectives,
involved stakeholders, data requirements, and expected outcomes, guiding how BIM can be applied to
address specific project needs or objectives.

C.
Change Management - The process of tracking and managing changes in a BIM project, ensuring
that all modifications are documented, communicated, and implemented effectively across the project
lifecycle.

Clash Detection - A Model Use representing the use of 3D Models to coordinate different disciplines
(e.g., structural and mechanical) and to identify/resolve possible clashes between virtual elements prior
to actual construction or fabrication.

Construction Operations Building Information Exchange (COBie) - A specification for the capture
and delivery of design/ construction information to Facility Managers. COBie Specifications can be
collated using a spreadsheet template or a COBie-enabled software solution.

Construction Scheduling - The use of ‘time’ as a parameter to simulate the construction sequence.
Model elements (or groups of elements) are driven by activities/tasks identified within a construction
schedule and linked to resources and their costs. Construction scheduling may be based on the Activity
based Scheduling (e.g. Critical Path Method) or Location Based Scheduling.

Common Data Environment (CDE) - An “agreed source of Information for any given project or Asset,
for collecting, managing, and disseminating each Information Container through a managed process”
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50 Essential BIM terms you need to know

ISO 19650-1 (3.3.15). A Common Data Environment (CDE) includes a ‘CDE solution’ and a ‘CDE workflow.’
This CDE Workflow organises the flow and management of information across the whole Life Cycle of
an Asset across four Information Container States. The ‘CDE solution’ is a server-based or cloud-based
technology with database management, transmittal, issue tracking, and related capabilities that support
the CDE workflow.

Critical Path Method (CPM) - A Project Management method used to plan/schedule a project by
listing all activities required to complete it (using Work Breakdown Structure), calculating the duration
of each and identifying the dependencies between them. A ‘critical’ activity is the one which has the
longest duration and ‘a critical path’ is the sequence of these ‘critical’ activities adding up to reveal the
longest overall project duration.

D.
Data Drop - An Information Exchange milestone, where data extracted from the BIModel is delivered
to the client/employer at predefined intervals. Data Drops are typically aligned with the 6 or 7 project
stages and reflect the project’s overall Level of Development. For UK Government projects, at Level 2 BIM
Data Drops need to be made using a COBie spreadsheet.

Data Environment - The overarching infrastructure, policies, anad procedures that govern data
acquisition, storage, management, and sharing within the BIM context, ensuring data consistency,
accessibility, and security.

Digital Twin - A set of digital assets – models, documents and data sets - that mirror a physical Asset
for part/whole of the Asset Life Cycle. In the Construction Industry, a Digital Twin typically refers to a
data-rich 3D model – of a building for example - that represents, reacts to, and can cause changes in the
Physical Twin, the actual building. Through Asset Coupling, the connection between the two twins can
be either (i) one-way or (ii) two-way, (a) synchronous or (b) asynchronous, depending on their Coupling
Level. Higher coupling – through two-way connectedness of BIModels with live sensors, cameras,
scanners and Building Management Systems - allows a twin to adjust itself according to the information
received from the other. As a simple example, opening a door in one, will open the door in the other.
More useful examples include (1) the ability to utilise the Digital Twin to monitor and control the
mechanical and environmental performance of its Physical Twin; and (2) the real-time synchronisation of
digital assets to match any changes in corresponding physical assets.

F.
Federated Model - A BIModel which links (does not merge) several Mono-Discipline Models together. As
opposed to Integrated Models, Federated Models do not merge the properties of individual models into
a single database.

I.
Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) - An open and standardised data model intended to describe
architectural, building, and construction industry data. It is a universal language for the building industry
to facilitate communication and data exchange between software applications used in the various
stages of design, construction, and maintenance of buildings and infrastructure.

Information Management - The collection, classification, storage and redistribution of information in


digital, audio-visual or paper form. Information Management also refers to the ability of an organisation
to harvest and make-use of information to drive its decision-making process.
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50 Essential BIM terms you need to know

Information Model - A “set of structured and unstructured Information Containers” ISO 19650-1 (3.3.8).
An Information Model includes all Models, Documents, Data sets delivered by the Task Teams working on
a project or delivering an Asset.

Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) - A project delivery method that integrates people, systems,
business structures, and practices into a process that collaboratively harnesses the talents and insights
of all participants to optimise project results, increase value to the owner, reduce waste, and maximise
efficiency through all phases of design, fabrication, and construction. IPD is particularly synergistic
with BIM, as it relies on a collaborative approach and the sharing of information, which BIM facilitates
effectively.

Interoperability - The ability of diverse systems (and organisations) to work together seamlessly
without Data loss and without a special effort. Interoperability may refer to systems, processes, file
formats, etc. Interoperability is not synonymous with openness. For example, interoperable file formats
can be proprietary-closed (e.g. RVT), proprietary-open (e.g. DWF) and non-proprietary (e.g.IFC).

K.
Knowledge Management Strategy - A documented approach to collect, store, and share knowledge
among staff or between organisations.

L.
Level of Development (LOD) - Unlike the Level of Detail, which refers to the visual aspects of a model,
the Level of Development denotes the degree of completeness and reliability of model elements at
various stages. It provides insights into how the detail and information of an element will evolve over the
project lifecycle.

Level of Information (LOI) - A description of non-graphical content of Model Components at different


project phases/stages. The Level of Information (LOI) term is used interchangeably with Level of
Information Detail.

Level of Information Detail - A description of non-graphical content of models at each of the stages
defined for example in the CIC Scope of Services (refer to PAS 1192-2). Level of Information Detail is one
part of the Level of Model Definition and is used interchangeably with Level of Information (LOI).

M.
Model-Based Estimating - The process of using BIM models to automatically generate detailed
quantity take-offs and cost estimates, enhancing accuracy and efficiency in cost management.

Model Federation - The process of combining various BIM models from different disciplines or
stakeholders into a single, comprehensive project model. Model federation allows for a holistic view and
analysis of the project, ensuring consistency and collaboration across all disciplines.

Model Viewer (MVR) - A software application allowing users to inspect and navigate Modelling Project
Information according to ad-hoc or standard Model View Definitions. As opposed to Model Servers,
models accessed by a Model Viewer (MV) are read-only and cannot be modified. Autodesk Navisworks
and Solibri Model Checker are examples of Model Viewers (MVR)…Also refer to BIM Software Tool.
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50 Essential BIM terms you need to know

Multi-Discipline Model - A BIModel which aggregates several Mono-Discipline Models. A Multi-


Discipline Model may either be a Federated Model or an Integrated Model.

O.
Open BIM - The term generically refers to the process of exchanging non-proprietary BIModels and
other data. As a trademark, Open BIM is a “universal approach to the collaborative design, realisation
and operation of buildings based on open standards and workflows. Open BIM is an initiative of
buildingSMART and several leading software vendors using the open buildingSMART Data Model”.

P.
Parametric Model - A term referring to 3D models where objects/elements can be manipulated (by the
end-user) using explicit parameters, rules or constraints. As opposed to Generative Models, BIModels
and their Model Components are parametric and follow rules of ‘inheritance’ (Types and Instances) and
‘encapsulation’ (objects within objects - e.g. Curtain Wall with panels, mullions). Parametric Models also
store lots of information within the data-objects similar to cost, model, fire rating, etc.

Point Cloud - A set of data points in 3D which are typically created by 3D Laser Scanners to capture an
object, space or a whole building. Point Clouds can be transformed into meshes, surfaces and even 3D
objects using specialised tools. Point Cloud files can be typically imported into most BIM Software Tools
to generate As-Built Models or model parts

Project BIM Manager - A BIM Role played by an individual or an organisation on behalf of the whole
Project Team. The Project BIM Manager has many responsibilities (typically defined with the BIM
Management Plan) which include: BIM Facilitation, coordinating data-exchange activities, fulfilling pre-
defined Design Specifications and Delivery Specifications, and overall Model Quality control.

Project Information Model (PIM) - An “Information Model relating to the Delivery Phase” ISO 19650-
1 (3.3.10) of an Asset Life Cycle. The Project Information Model (PIM) includes Information Containers
covering the design and construction of new assets, and the re-use and renovation of existing assets.
PIM contributes to the Asset Information Model (AIM) throughout the different phases of an asset life
cycle.

S.
Scan-to-BIM - The process of capturing a physical space using laser scanning or photogrammetry and
then using that data to create a precise 3D BIM model, typically used in renovation or refurbishment
projects to reflect the as-is condition of a structure.

Spatial Analysis - A Model Use representing the utilisation of 3D models to coordinate the placement
of objects and account for their spatial requirements (e.g. access panels and keep-clear areas) within a
3D space.

Structural Analysis - A Model Use representing how 3D models are used to analyse the behaviour of
the structural system. Structural analysis typically includes the study of the effects of static/dynamic
loads on buildings and how building design can be subsequently optimised.
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50 Essential BIM terms you need to know

#.
4D BIM (Time Management) - A model or a modelling workflow is considered to be 4D when the time
is added to model objects to allow Construction Scheduling.

5D BIM (Cost Management) - efers to the integration of financial data and cost management
processes into the Building Information Modelling (BIM) workflow. Through 5D BIM, cost estimations are
automatically updated as the design evolves, providing a dynamic and comprehensive understanding of
the project’s budgetary implications.

6D BIM (Sustainability) - It integrates environmental data and sustainability goals into the BIM
process, enabling stakeholders to analyse and evaluate the environmental impacts of their building
designs and operations. Through 6D BIM, aspects such as energy consumption, carbon footprint, and
resource utilisation are monitored and assessed over the building’s lifecycle, from initial design through
to demolition.

7D BIM (Facilities Management) - It integrated detailed asset information, maintenance schedules,


manufacturer details, and operational data into the BIM model. provides facility managers with a
comprehensive digital tool for efficient asset management, space planning, and predictive maintenance.
This enriched information model enables stakeholders to access and analyse critical data throughout
the building’s lifecycle, optimising operations, reducing costs, and improving the overall performance
and longevity of the facility.

V.
Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) - A methodology that employs digital tools and processes
to simulate the design, planning, construction, and operation of a project in a virtual environment.
VDC integrates multidisciplinary performance models of design-construction projects, including the
Product (building or infrastructure), Work Processes (the sequence and methods of construction),
and Organization of the design-construction-operation team to support explicit and public business
objectives.

Visual Programming Language (VPL) - As opposed to a textual scripting language (e.g. Python or
C#), a Visual Programming Language allows users to encode and manipulate (design) rules using a
series of graphical elements representing entities and their relations. These rules, upon being processed
within applications similar to Dynamo®, Grasshopper® and Generative Components®, will generate or
modify a Generative Model, a Parametric Model or their Model Components

W.
Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) - A tree-structure breakdown of a project into its smaller
components intended to organise and define the total scope of a project. WBS (within the construction
industry) specifies the activities and tasks necessary to design and/or build a project.
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