Introduction:
Building Information Modelling (BIM) describes the operation of developing a digitalized model of a building. BS EN ISO 19650 specifies the requirements for achieving building information modelling level 2.
PAS 1192-2:2013 proposes the creation of a BIM Execution Plan (BIM delivery plan or Digital Execution Plan) for managing the delivery of the project.
- A Pre-contract BEP is prepared by prospective suppliers, setting out their proposed approach, capability, capacity and competence to meet the Employer’s Information Requirements (EIR).
- The successful supplier then submits a further BIM Execution Plan confirming the supply chain’s capabilities and providing a Master Information Delivery Plan(MIDP). The MIDP is the primary plan setting out when project information is to be prepared, by whom, using what protocols and procedures, it is based on a series of individual Task Information Delivery Plan setting out responsibility for specific information tasks.
Pre-Contract BIM Execution Plan:
The pre-contract BIM Execution Plan is a direct response to the Employer’s Information Requirements (EIR). The EIR is a crucial document that sets out the information required by the employer aligned to key decision points or project stages. It may be considered to sit alongside the project brief. Whilst the project brief defines the nature of the built asset that the employer wishes to procure, the Employer’s Information Requirements defines information about the built asset that the employer wishes to procure to ensure that the design is developed in accordance with their needs and that they are able to operate the completed development effectively and efficiently.
The pre-contract BIM Execution Plan may include:
- A project implementation plan (PIP) setting out the capability, competence and experience of potential suppliers bidding for a project, along with quality documentation.
- Goals for collaboration and information modelling.
- Project milestones in line with the project programme.
- Deliverable strategy.
Post-contract BIM Execution Plan:
BIM Execution Plan sets out how the information required in the Employer’s Information Requirements will be provided:
Management:
- Roles, responsibilities and authorities.
- Project milestones in line with the project programme.
- Deliverable strategy.
- Survey strategy.
- Existing legacy data use.
- Approval of information.
- Authorisation process.
Planning and documentation:
- Revised project implementation plan (PIP) confirming the capability of the supply chain.
- Agreed processes for collaboration and modelling.
- Agreed matrix of responsibilities.
- Task Information Delivery Plan (TIDP) setting out responsibility for delivery of each supplier’s information.
- Master Information Delivery Plan (MIDP) setting out when project information is to be prepared, by whom and using what protocols and procedures.
Standard method and procedure:
- Volume strategy.
- Origin and orientation.
- File naming convention.
- Layer naming convention.
- Construction tolerances.
- Drawing sheet templates.
- Annotation, dimensions, abbreviations and symbols.
- Attribute data.
IT solutions:
- Software versions.
- Exchange formats.
- Process and data management systems.
Template pre-contract and post-contract BIM Execution Plans can be found on the CPIC website (Construction Project Information Committee).
NB: Where more than one supplier has been appointed, there may be one overarching BIM execution plan, with responsibility for its preparation set out in appointment documents. Subsequent BIM execution plans prepared by later appointments should be compatible with the overarching BIM execution plan.
The RIBA Plan of Work 2020 suggests that the Digital Execution Plan (DEP): ‘…represents an evolution of the BIM execution plan (BEP) promoted by UK BIM level 2.’
Digital Execution Plan:
The RIBA Plan of Work 2020 defines the Digital Execution Plan (DEP) as: ‘A document (also commonly called the BIM execution plan) that sets out how the design team will deliver the Information Requirements for the project, considering the tools to be used at each stage. The construction team might prepare a separate DEP to confirm how the Asset Information and Verified Construction Information will be produced.’
It suggests that the DEP ‘…represents an evolution of the BIM execution plan (BEP) promoted by UK BIM level 2. The DEP is the core document for setting out how the design team will use digital tools on a project. A BEP has two focal points: first, it allows the design team to demonstrate that they have the relevant experience, skills, software and hardware to produce the Information Requirements; and second, it sets out how they will use these tools to undertake the project, including details on collaborative workflow and file naming… The DEP begins to consider issues beyond the modelling strategies, looking at the connectivity of all of the software used on projects, including that employed in Engineering Analysis. The ultimate goal for the lead designer is to reach the point where Engineering Analysis, or other software used by the design team, is integrated seamlessly into the federated model, giving real-time feedback on proposals as they are developed.’
The next article will elaborate more about every term like PIP, MIDP, TIDP, CPIC etc..,