BIM initiatives critical to the construction sector

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The New Zealand Institute of Surveyors (NZIS) is pleased with recent Building Information Modelling (BIM) offshore initiatives gaining creditable traction, but want to see similar developments urgently pushed forward in New Zealand.

BIM is a tool that improves quality, reduces risk and delivers significant costs savings in the construction and ongoing management of buildings by better managing information relating to the construction process.

This information can include aspects such as structural elements, cladding, electrical wiring, plumbing, computer cabling and air conditioning shafts.

The ability to visualise all aspects of a building in a three dimensional model pre- and post-construction is a valuable part of the BIM process, enabling better engagement with all stakeholders.

“BIM is an incredibly powerful tool for any profession involved in land development, construction and asset management,” NZIS president Mark Allan says.

“Not only does it provide a visual context for construction, but it also allows access to common spatially correct data for all stakeholders in construction projects,” he says.

“This includes design professionals, architects and engineers, developers, construction contractors and land surveyors, who are responsible for the setting out of the various construction elements of the project, surveying and measuring the as-built elements to update the BIM model, and working with all of the design and construction team to ensure that the benefits of BIM are fully realised.

“We are already falling well behind countries like the UK that are leading the way with this technology, and New Zealand needs to get on board urgently,” Mr Allan says.

The UK Government already requires that all publicly-funded construction work must be undertaken using BIM Level 2.

“NZIS membership includes land surveyors and spatial (location) specialists who already generate BIM data and are responsible for the standard and accuracy of the information collected.

“The next critical challenge is to ensure the data is accessible online and available to all parties involved in construction projects.

“New Zealand needs to move forward or risk being left behind. There are important economic savings to be had by quickly implementing these systems, and the Government needs to provide stronger leadership to ensure early adoption of BIM technology and the realisation of a digital built environment in New Zealand,” Mr Allan says.

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