BIM life cycle

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a very broad term that describes the process of creating and managing digital information about a built asset such as building, 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. It is not just about creating a 3D model. This use of BIM for information management should go beyond the planning and design phases to extend through the entire life cycle of the project, including occupancy, and end-of-life.

Typically, the building information model is referred to as a project information model (PIM) during design and construction, and is then developed into an asset information model (AIM) during operation (a stage sometimes referred to as 'In Use'). The asset information model compiles all the data and information related to, or required for the operation and maintenance of the completed asset.

PAS 1192-3 Specification for information management for the operational phase of construction projects using building information modelling, describes the information management procedures for the operational phase of built assets. PAS 1192-3 suggests that an asset information manager should establish an asset information management process (IMP) setting out detailed procedures for creating, receiving and exchanging information and maintaining the asset information model.

The asset information model may include information such as:

• Original design intent.
• 3D models.
• Post occupancy evaluations.
• Operational performance information.
• In-use costs.
• Remote monitoring information.
• Maintenance records.
• Work that has been carried out.
• Replacement dates.
• Ownership.
• Rights and restrictions.
• Surveys
• Condition information.

There may be two-way connections between the model and enterprise systems such as:

• Purchasing systems.
• Performance reporting systems.
• Work scheduling systems.

Changes to the model may be triggered by activities such as:

• Planned or reactive maintenance.
• Repairs.
• Refurbishments or upgrades.
• Replacement.
• Decommissioning.
• Risk assessments.
• Performance evaluations.
• Changes in regulations.
• Changes in the party responsible for maintaining or operating the asset.
• Changes in ownership.

Where contractors or in-house teams are appointed to carry out works to the asset, asset information requirements (AIR) should be developed defining the information that is required for the asset information model and how it should be prepared.

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