BIM Level 2 Explained

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a collaborative process

that seeks to add value throughout the life-cycle of an asset.

A BIM process sees the creation, collation and exchange of shared 3D models - and a range of
intelligent, structured data - with the aim being to improve productivity and reduce waste.

Defined Information Collaborative Data exchange and Security Minded Better outcomes &
requirements working practices validation digital working end user value

What
Collaborative BIM
BIM Level 2 is best thought of as ‘collaborative’ BIM as Including both 3D geometrical and non-graphical data,
it sees structured, information rich models prepared, are ‘federated’ together at defined points as information is
progressed and exchanged throughout the project life- exchanged within a Common Data Environment (CDE). In
cycle, according to a defined framework. other words, a BIM Level 2 process allows participants to
Domain specific models, (focussed, perhaps, on define, share and validate outputs via digital transactions
architectural, structural, services and landscape aspects), through a range of assets that are delivered in a structured
and reusable form.
Reproduced with kind permission of Arcadis

This approach
is underpinned
by a range of
documentation.
The fundamental principle
BIM DELIVERABLES - It’s all about the data
being that the client should have
Three key Level 2 requirements are:
a specific idea upfront of the information
required from the supply chain and when this must be delivered.
The demands a client makes will dictate the level of BIM maturity that participants PDF
should adopt with the ‘maturity wedge’ diagram visually representing the kind of
increasing demands that might be made. 2D reviewable PDF Individual 3D COBie data
Level 2 BIM is focused on the end deliverables (and who is required to deliver what and design deliverables domain models in
cut from the models native file formats
when) with specific requirements set out in the contracts used to engage participants.

Why
BIM Level 2 works for everyone
BIM is about collaborative teamwork. Project participants rehearsals of all stages of a project (through design and
are able to easily see what’s being constructed in 3D and build and into operation) are possible.
the instant effects of decisions being made given that

The information contained within the models facilitates well-informed decision making and that means greater clarity,
better communications, and, ultimately, better efficiency. Cost savings of around 33% across CAPEX and OPEX are possible
by following a Level 2 BIM process. As the cost of operating and maintaining buildings and facilities can represent up to
85% of the whole-life cost, savings can pay back any upfront premium in construction expenses in just a few years.

Client Designers
Designers, Specifiers
Lower costs & Cost consultants

Faster delivery Improved coordination

Lower emissions Visualisation
Better customer services Better cost estimating
Risk management Competitive export & growth

Constructors Operators
Contractor/Subcontractor,
Facilities Manager
Fabricator & Supplier/Manufacturer
& Occupier
Sequencing Asset knowledge
Clash detection
Additional benefits: Better information
Reduced abortive work Soft landings
Off site manufacture High levels of collaboration
Competitive export & growth
Consistent and coordinated designs
Health & Safety
Highly constructible design solutions

How
Supported at every level
Adopting a BIM process will inevitably require some degree must adopt shared standards. These describe how
of organisational change as you’ll need to consider how data is exchanged between team members, facilitating
you engage with your supply chain and clients, and the collaboration. Standards also promote common file
tools and behaviours you need to nurture to succeed. formats allowing information to easily be shared, used and
Sharing structured data is at the heart of BIM and validated regardless of which software has been used to
this means that participants across the supply chain create assets.

Thankfully, the BIM Task Group, a joint UK Government – industry working group have provided ENABLING TOOLS
the necessary standards, guides, case studies and training to support and enable you to work at The BIM documentation references a range of key
BIM Level 2. Key areas covered include: concepts that drive an effective implementation. Some
terms worth noting:

Asset Information Requirements - AIR

These define the information that is required for an asset
information model. An example of an AIR is a planned
preventative maintenance schedule.

BIM Execution Plan - BEP

A document that is prepared by designer and contractor
members of the project team. It describes the processes
Collaborative Better outcomes Detailed information Data exchange Security minded
and standards that the team will adopt and details
working practices and end user value requirements and validation digital working
the information deliverables. The BEP is produced in
response to the EIR.

htp:/shop.bsigroup.cm/for sPAS/B-19207/
Common Data Environment - CDE.
BS 1192:2007 BS 8536-1 & 2 PAS 1192-2 & 3 BS 1192-4:2014 PAS 1192:5:2015 The CDE is the combination of software and workflow
that is used to ensure effective and accurate exchange of
information within the project team.
BS 1192:2007+A2:2016

Employers Information Requirements - EIR

BRITISH STANDARD

Collaborative production
of architectural,

A document produced by the employer in advance of

engineering and
construction
information -
Code of practice

the appointment of members of the project team which

defines information requirements, uses of information
and standards to be used. Suppliers prepare their BEP in
response to the EIR. The EIR is a fundamental subsection
of the Employers Requirements (ER).
These are all available, for free, at: www.bim-level2.org Master Information Delivery Plan - MIDP
This document is used to manage the delivery of
information during a project. The MIDP is an example of
an Information Delivery Plan which is part of the BEP.
Enabling tools are responsible for bringing your BIM deliverables to life. They’ll help build up a
range of graphical, non-graphical and associated project documentation throughout the lifespan Organizational Information Requirements - OIR
of your project in sufficient detail that they can be used and queried throughout. These tools These describe what information is required by an
address the following key areas: organization for asset management systems and other
organizational functions. An example of an OIR may be
a requirement for occupation data from a portfolio of
buildings.
Plain Language Questions - PLQs
defines a broad information requirement against which
a supplier will respond with data taken from models
and other sources.

Legal Insurance and What’s required Common Information Standards, Methods and Procedures - SMP
Liability and when Language Management The SMP is a project-specific set of
modelling, drawing, naming and
classification criteria that is
adopted by a Project Team.
BIM Best Practice Digital Classification Outline Scope of Ideally an SMP should
Protocols for professional Plan of Work in the form of Service for the be based on industry
indemnity Uniclass 2015 role of IM standards such as
Insurance BS 1192 (2007).

When
Efficient, cumulative and informative
Information is created at the very start of a project and continues There are several Plans of Work available (Each with their own
to evolve throughout the life of the built asset through a number focus) and PAS 1192-2 provides a baseline example of work
of distinct stages. This digital information will flow across the stages that enables BIM Level 2 information to be adaptable
project time line as information is exchanged at key points – to, and beneficial across, all capital delivery plans of work,
from briefing and design, through to construction and beyond throughout the project life-cycle.
into facilities management.

• Subdivides the delivery of asset into a number of common decision-making stages

• Provides a consistent set of predefined activities and outputs
• Stops decisions and wrong decisions being made that are expensive to change
• Contractual commitments are made and fulfilled and appropriate risk transfer takes place

The project information model is progressively Capturing and developing information effectively on the information included in the existing Asset
developed and delivered to the employer through a from the start will ensure that design, regulatory, Information Model (AIM) which would provide an
series of information exchanges at key stages. The construction and supply teams are able to collabo- articulation of what a stage gate is for and how this
stages map to the employer’s decision-making pro- rate efficiently, making use of well-structured and is then enabled by BIM Level 2. This provides the
cesses as defined by the EIR and the CIC BIM Proto- integrated information. context for your discussion on which project stage
col. These exchanges are codified in documents like The starting point for your BIM implementation model to use.
the CIC Scope of Services. process, the assessment and need analysis, draws

How
Efficiency at every project stage
A BIM Level 2 work-flow is efficient, cumulative and By understanding what a ‘best practice’ work-flow looks
informative. As a project progresses the level of like and how information can be universally structured,

Much information will gradually increase (or, in some cases,

decrease). The rate of growth must be driven by the
amount of information needed to answer each Plain
Language Question: anymore and we are incurring waste,
any less and we cannot effectively answer the questions.
you need to understand requirements across the project
life-cycle and, in turn, how to ensure efficiency at each
project stage. PAS 1192-2 provides a logical framework for
the production of pertinent information at discrete stages
of the whole building life-cycle.

TIP: Information is described by the term ‘Level of TIP: For effective collaboration, a Responsibility
Definition’. Essentially this is a collective term for Level of Matrix is an important tool for setting out who will
Detail (Graphical Information) and Level of Information be responsible for issuing data on various aspects
(Non graphical Information). The free-to-use of the project at different stages. It ensures
NBS BIM Toolkit includes a free-to-use that the effort involved in producing the
digital plan of work tool that enables above deliverables is apportioned
the definition of who is doing appropriately across the
what and when throughout a project life-cycle.
construction project.

Tip: Focus on the

minimum amount
of data you really
need. Not all you
could have.
This drives
up cost and
waste.

Digital
Plan of Work

For more information please visit www.bim-level2.org