Road Map For Digital Design and Construction
Road Map For Digital Design and Construction
Road Map For Digital Design and Construction
Construction
Introduction of modern, IT-based processes and technologies for the design,
construction and operation of assets in the built environment
Foreword
In order to leverage this potential in Germany, we need a
new digital design and construction culture. Here, Building
Information Modelling (BIM) is an essential component.
BIM creates a virtual image of the whole life cycle of a
construction project: from planning and designing an asset
to its construction and operation up to its demolition. With
this innovation, all participants obtain access to virtual
plans, control of processes, comprehensive databases
and 3D to 5D asset models. Architects, clients, designers,
engineers, operators and building services suppliers work
hand in hand.
2 General information.................................................................................................................................... 4
2.1 Definition of Building Information Modelling (BIM)...................................................................................... 4
2.2 Conditions for digital design, construction and operation............................................................................ 4
2.3 Structure of the Road Map.................................................................................................................................... 5
2 Table of contents
1 Introduction
Design and construction are internationally recognized The Road Map initiated by the Reform Commission
core competencies of Germany. Every year, the German defines a common understanding of the BIM method
design and construction industries demonstrate and lays down the requirements the Federal Ministry of
thousands of times that they are capable of building Transport and Digital Infrastructure will set for digital
efficiently and with high-quality results. Nevertheless, in models and the collaborative work in BIM. Thus, the
a number of major projects, there have been delays and Road Map brings clarity for all participants regarding the
cost overruns. Therefore, the former Federal Ministry of future requirements they should prepare for. It also gives
Transport, Building and Urban Development convened the everybody sufficient time to make the necessary changes
Construction of Major Projects Reform Commission to take by setting the timetable for the gradual introduction of
action to prevent undesirable developments. In its final BIM and specifying the next steps to be taken to achieve
report, the Reform Commission highlighted, in addition Performance Level 1. The Road Map is mainly targeted
to making numerous further recommendations, that at public sector clients in the field of infrastructure
digital methods such as Building Information Modelling construction, as they will have to demand Performance
(BIM) offer great advantages and should therefore be Level 1 when procuring new projects, and at members of
applied more widely. Specific advantages are, for instance, the supply chain, as they will have to acquire the necessary
enhanced visualization of design options, significantly skills if they do not already have them. But also other
fewer design errors due to early and - thanks to clash public and private sector procurers can benefit from the
detection - largely consistent design as well as a smooth Road Map as the basis for the introduction of BIM.
construction process on the basis of computer-aided
simulations. In order to achieve the desired outcomes across the
industry, the public sector is to become a role model and
The future of design, construction and operation largely catalyst for digital construction. The many small and
depends on digital change. The creation of digital, virtual medium-sized enterprises are to receive help in mastering
asset models that subsequently become a reality on the the transition. For this purpose, the Federal Ministry of
construction site and then serve as a basis for the operating Transport and Digital Infrastructure will make available
phase will be the norm in the construction sector in a few millions of euros, for instance to fund pilot projects
years and will also play a decisive role in the transport to identify, in each case, the optimum approach to the
infrastructure sector. This is reflected in the developments application of BIM and to promote the standardization of
abroad: in particular in the United States, Eastern Asia, asset descriptions. The existing interface issues with the
the Scandinavian countries, the United Kingdom and exchange of data are to be resolved to allow for an efficient
the Netherlands, the use of BIM is being systematically application of BIM.
promoted.
The present Road Map has been developed by the “planen-
However, the introduction of BIM in Germany cannot be bauen 4.0 Gesellschaft zur Digitalisierung des Planens,
achieved in one fell swoop. Working with digital models Bauens und Betreibens mbH” (planen-bauen 4.0) on
requires a high degree of coordination and collaboration behalf of the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital
and a bespoke project organization. What is more, new Infrastructure. A more detailed document will be available
IT skills have to be acquired and the associated hard- and from planen-bauen 4.0. The company was established
software purchased. by the major associations of the design and construction
industries in order to advance the digitalization of design
All this leads to uncertainty on the part of the clients and construction in Germany. Representatives of all
and the members of the supply chain. In particular for industries involved in design and construction as well
small and medium-sized enterprises, the dynamics of as of public and private sector clients participated in the
digitalization lead to uncertainty regarding the speed of development of the Road Map.
adjustment.
Introduction 3
2 General information
2.1 Definition of Building Information Modelling 2.2 Conditions for digital design, construction
(BIM) and operation
A basic condition for a wider application of BIM is a clear For the BIM method to generate added value, several basic
and common understanding of what BIM means. conditions need to be fulfilled:
The core element of the BIM method is the creation of Working with BIM requires clear contractual arrangements,
digital, three-dimensional asset models. These models close collaboration and a team-oriented approach to the
contain pre-defined components and spaces. The design process. This is because the individual discipline
geometric design information is successively developed models of all participants – e.g. architect, construction
and linked with further relevant information in a expert, structural engineer or building services supplier –
collaborative design process with all parties involved. This that are derived from the coordinated model have to
additional non-geometric information may, for instance, be developed in close collaboration and checked for
describe the material, service life, environmental and consistency regularly.
other characteristics, such as acoustic transmissivity and
fire safety properties. Spaces are described separately on The step towards all parties involved in the design and
the basis of the structural components bounding them. construction processes working in a collaborative and
They can be assigned properties such as volume or possible partnering way can be regarded as a “cultural change”
uses. The entirety of all these data serves as a basis of and requires new roles and functions to organize smooth
information during design, construction, operation and collaboration. The roles and responsibilities must be
maintenance of the asset. In this way, BIM makes it much defined before design in BIM starts.
easier to assess and analyse the entire asset life cycle. If
time and costs are examined in addition to the geometric For the collaborative work with BIM, the data exchanged
dimensions, the results are referred to as four- or five- between the participants have to be compatible. Therefore,
dimensional models. Special computer programmes use it is indispensable for making full use of BIM that all
the data to visualize the geometry but also other desired software manufacturers use the same standardized
aspects of the asset or of the design and construction and non-proprietary exchange formats and structural
processes. component descriptions. A non-proprietary, open
exchange standard is available in the form of what is
In conclusion, BIM can be defined as follows: referred to as the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC). For
building construction, this standard is already highly
developed. It is an international standard that is used in
“Building Information Modelling means a
large parts of the world. In the construction of federal
collaborative work method that creates and uses
trunk roads, the national “Catalogue of Objects for Roads
digital models of an asset as a basis for the consistent
and Traffic” (OKSTRA) is currently used for the exchange
generation and management of information and
of data.1 In order to ensure the full usability of the
data relevant to the asset’s life cycle as well as for the
international standard IFC also in the infrastructure sector,
sharing or passing on of such information and data
the Catalogue of Objects is presently being expanded with
between the participants for further processing by way
funding from the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital
of transparent communication.”
Infrastructure.
1
There are also other open exchange standards than IFC and
OKSTRA which are, however, not discussed here, since they are less
important in the overall context.
4 General information
Another condition for the use of BIM is sufficient expertise Government's main investor in the construction sector,
in the application of the digital methods on the part of the will lead by example in the implementation of the Road
designers and construction companies as well as on the Map.
client side. Clients have to be capable of defining their BIM
requirements when tendering design and construction The introduction of BIM will be effected through a gradual
works. To this end, the public sector clients have to acquire application over time of Performance Level 1, as defined in
the necessary know-how in good time. The same applies to chapter 4, to specific projects. Moreover, the preparatory
the supply chain. measures required for its implementation are described
for all parties involved, and it is specified as of when and to
As regards the legal framework, there is no imperative need what extent it is to be applied. All parties involved are given
for adjustments in order to implement the Performance sufficient time to prepare for the new method. This means:
Level 1 presented herein. Even today, projects can be
carried out with BIM – without legislative changes. From mid-2017 onwards, a systematically increasing
However, the legal framework should be examined so number of transport infrastructure projects will be
as to determine whether changes would be helpful to carried out within the framework of an extended pilot
facilitate the application of BIM. Moreover, toolkits should phase, applying the BIM requirements of Performance
be developed for the parties concerned that explain what Level 1.
should be paid attention to when drawing up contracts or
calling for BIM tenders. Once the basic conditions have been established,
Performance Level 1 is to be applied on a regular basis
In conclusion, for BIM to be applied more widely, all to new projects in the entire transport infrastructure
participants will first have to complete numerous tasks. construction sector from the end of 2020 onwards.
In addition, financial resources are needed to acquire the
necessary skills and establish the prerequisite technical Thus, the first phase covers the period from today to
conditions. Moreover, the new design and construction 2017 and constitutes the preparatory phase. This phase
processes have to be tested in pilot projects and the is dedicated, for instance, to carrying out pilot projects
findings shared. and standardization measures, conducting initial and
continuing training, resolving potential legal issues
2.3 Structure of the Road Map and preparing BIM guidelines on effective approaches
(processes) to design, construction and operation in BIM.
The Road Map is a model that offers a transparent In 2017, the second phase will start with the systematic
description of the path towards the application of digital scaling up of the application of Performance Level 1 in
design, construction and operation, which it invites clients a larger number of pilot projects. From the end of 2020
and members of the supply chain to follow. The aim of onwards, the broad implementation of Performance
the Road Map is the gradual introduction of BIM in the Level 1 will begin.
area of responsibility of the Federal Ministry of Transport
and Digital Infrastructure. It therefore applies primarily A more advanced level of BIM is outlined in chapter 6; it
to infrastructure construction and infrastructure-related takes the form of a look ahead to the future, since making
building construction but can also be used as a model in specific determinations is not realistic at this time.
other areas. The Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital In conclusion, the following picture emerges for the Road
Infrastructure, which has the lead responsibility for Map:
digitalization in the Federal Government and is the Federal
General information 5
In the Federal Government’s buildings projects, too, the
method has already been applied on a pilot basis. The plan
is to put the BIM method to the test in further suitable pilot
projects in cooperation with the respective clients.
6 General information
3 Potentials and objectives
Digital construction is the future – model-based, than in conventional design thanks to model-based, precise
collaborative and efficient across all phases of a project. determinations of quantities and costs. Errors resulting
Design errors, unidentified risks, unexpected cost increases, from complicated changes can be prevented through clash
disrupted construction processes and unnecessarily high detection.
costs of operation – all this will reduce significantly, leading
to substantial economic gains that should be generated Thanks to the simulation of the construction processes
as soon as possible. That is the main objective of the Road with the help of the BIM model, interface risks can
Map. If it is achieved, the German design and construction be reduced. This also improves the planning of the
industries will remain internationally competitive in the construction processes. The construction processes can be
future. In concrete terms, BIM offers three key advantages implemented on the construction site in accordance with
that are to be exploited with the help of the Road Map: the optimized planning. All relevant data are available to all
participants in real time.
3.1 Increasing design accuracy and cost certainty
In conclusion, the following can be said: BIM facilitates
BIM allows for the visualization of design options right more accurate planning, specifications of services, cost
from the start of the design work, thus offering significant estimates and construction scheduling. Many risks, such
advantages. Asset simulations facilitate better decision as planning risks, technical risks, planning approval
making and choosing the option that is best for the client risks, interface risks, etc., can be reduced with BIM while
or user. Cost certainty will improve, since change orders transparency as well as acceptance, for instance in the
due to changes in requirements are among the main case of public participation, can be improved. Risks are
reasons for cost increases in public sector construction. manageable to such an extent that the insurance of project
With regard to public participation, which plays an cost risks for large-scale projects is to be examined in a
important role particularly in infrastructure projects, number of initial pilot projects.
visualizations reduce existing uncertainties and help make
the public feel better informed, thus improving project 3.2 Optimization of life cycle costs
acceptance and reducing the risk of public protests as well
as project delays that these may entail. In the conventional approach, project planning and
construction are often modified without giving sufficient
Team-oriented, collaborative problem-solving mechanisms consideration to the costs arising during the operating
result in significant efficiency and productivity gains. phase. Since these operating costs (OPEX) are usually much
Design errors or gaps can be largely avoided due to the higher than the capital expenditure (CAPEX), there is great
close collaboration of the designers and IT-based clash potential for reducing the life cycle costs. The model-based
detection as well as rule-based quality checks. Moreover, simulation of the design and construction costs together
the design work can be automatically and thus more with the costs of future maintenance and replacement
efficiently checked for compliance with various building measures as well as the costs of operation allows for cost
regulations. Both of these advantages are significant, since optimization.
they help to prevent change orders and cost increases.
A further advantage is that the information relevant to The client and/or operator receives the digital model as a
the individual parties involved is available at all times. basis for the operation of the asset. This prevents the loss
Important decisions can thus be taken on the basis of of knowledge that usually occurs during the transition
transparent, robust and comprehensive data. from construction to operation. The model contains,
in particular, information on every single structural
BIM simplifies the measurement of work and construction component – e.g. material, manufacturer, costs, location in
invoicing significantly. If there are design changes, for the structure, service life, maintenance cycles – and thus
example due to change requests by the client, the resulting enables, among other things, the combined optimization
costs for the overall project can be calculated more quickly of investment in maintenance and replacement. Moreover,
Performance Level 1 9
contractually delegate this task to a service provider. For the successful generation of digital models and
The BEP specifies how frequently and when design construction with BIM, clearly defined collaborative
meetings and clash-detection runs of the combined processes are essential. The Major Projects Reform
model are to take place, which parts of the design work Commission has also established the importance of such
have to be delivered by when and in how much detail, processes for projects carried out in a traditional manner
as well as when and to what extent visualizations, if they are to be delivered to time and cost. Process
determinations of quantities, simulations of technical descriptions, as provided in the BEP, such as the definition
facilities, life cycle assessments, etc. have to be of the roles and tasks of the parties involved, do not require
carried out. Thus, the BEP is the backbone for every additional effort, since the necessary information must be
BIM project as regards the creation, sharing and created in any case.
management of data.
Even if the implementation of processes might vary
A “common data environment” (CDE) that all depending on the individual project, it is possible to
participants can access has to be established for the define a generic “reference process” which describes the
organized storage and exchange of all data created work phases of a project, including the use of BIM and
in the design and construction process. The CDE the preparation of the BEP. This reference process defines
forms the basis for the processes outlined in the BEP. a rough structure on which the BEP builds to define the
Common standards and rules for the efficient use of project-specific processes. The BIM reference process
BIM within this data environment are currently being outlined below (see Figure 2) is based on traditional, mature
developed in the form of an ISO standard (ISO 19650). and proven construction project management activities.
On the basis of this standard, a CEN standard is to be The consistent application of this process makes it possible
developed subsequently, from which a corresponding to exploit the envisaged benefits of this method, such as
DIN standard will then be derived. The national the improvement of planning certainty, transparency and
implementation is being developed within the efficiency, in a cost-effective and low-risk manner.
framework of the VDI 2552 guidelines.
The creation and provision of information during the
In order to ensure an efficient approach that minimizes design and construction phases (light and dark blue
costs and to thereby satisfy the principle of lean project portions, work phases 1 - 8) follows the process described in
execution, an excessive generation or processing of the common data environment standard, which is outlined
information and data should be avoided. For this in detail in the BEP and takes place in conformity with the
purpose, the generation of data should be geared Employer’s Information Requirements. The BEP appears
towards the requirements of the later operating phase twice in the reference process: once before design starts, i.e.
and not towards the available technical possibilities. before work phase 1, and once before construction starts,
i.e. before work phase 8. The reference process therefore
In order to promote a collaborative and partnering- applies to all procurement strategies and contract types.
oriented behaviour, the client and the members of the
supply chain should agree a project charter which lays The following illustration of the BIM reference process
down the rules for fair and open collaboration on equal shows the principle of information provision as well as the
terms, taking into account the German Construction corresponding project management. Red dots indicate the
Industry Vision and Values. transfer of data to the client. The times of the data transfers
can vary depending on the individual project.
In addition, the client should establish rules for internal
dispute resolution procedures and, where appropriate, The EIRs at the beginning of the project (green portion) can
also agree external dispute resolution procedures so as already be partially based on the application of BIM, since
to simplify cooperation within the framework of the visualizations may help the client to choose their preferred
application of BIM. option.
10 Performance Level 1
Figure 2: Schematic illustration of the BIM reference process (planen-bauen 4.0 GmbH)
Performance Level 1 11
5 Activity areas and measures
From mid-2017 onwards, the BIM minimum requirements is to be applied in the first project of the “new generation”
of Performance Level 1 are to be applied in an increasing – the A 10 / A 24 in Brandenburg – on a road section that
number of projects. From the end of 2020 onwards, is still to be determined. For this purpose, the Federal
Performance Level 1 is to be used, on a regular basis, in Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure and
Federal Government transport infrastructure projects DEGES, acting as the procurement agency on behalf of the
that are to be newly planned. The purpose of the first State of Brandenburg to which administrative powers have
phase, which is currently underway, is to prepare for the been delegated by the Federal Government, are working in
application of BIM by creating the necessary conditions close collaboration.
and providing targeted support to clients and members of
the supply chain alike. For the rail sector, the Federal Ministry of Transport
and Digital Infrastructure will – in addition to the pilot
The first phase also aims to help convince the market projects already underway – assist the German railway
participants of the significant advantages BIM offers. At the infrastructure provider DB Netz AG in carrying out further
same time, it is being examined for which types of projects BIM pilot projects in the years 2016 to 2018 by making
BIM makes sense and in which way it should be applied. available eight-figure sums. DB Netz AG is aiming for a
In addition, it is important that the market participants rapid introduction of BIM and implementation of the
themselves gain concrete experience with BIM. For this Road Map in the infrastructure sector. DB Station & Service
purpose, simple projects are a good way to start. At the AG has progressed the implementation of BIM to such an
beginning, it may also make sense to plan and carry out extent that it is looking to design and construct all stations
projects in the traditional way and in BIM in parallel. This in BIM from 2017 onwards.
means additional effort but also reduces risks, especially
in the initial period when BIM skills are still limited, and For the waterways, too, pilot projects for the systematic
permits a direct comparison of alternative approaches. application of BIM are to be launched. A concrete project
proposal from the Federal Waterways and Shipping
The tasks to be tackled in the coming years involve Administration already exists.
financial effort that will be shared among the public sector
and other clients, associations and chambers but also the 5.1 Data
companies of the design and construction industries.
5.1.1 Employer’s Information Requirements (EIRs)
The Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital
Infrastructure is already providing funding totalling € 3.8 The initial impulse for a wide take-up of BIM is to come
million for four BIM pilot projects including accompanying from the client side through the EIRs. Clients have to learn
research in the road and rail sectors. The research findings to use BIM and need to be enabled to formulate project-
will be available in 2017. specific requirements for digital construction.
At the same time, information acquired during the The efficient structuring of this feedback loop will be at
operating phases of different assets can be re-used in the core of a post-2020 performance target and should be
the life cycle assessment of projects that are to be newly fleshed out further in the coming years.
planned. Measurements of sensors, facilities and mobile
Looking ahead 15
Publication data
Published by
Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure
Invalidenstr. 44
D-10115 Berlin
on the basis of a research project
Consultant
planen-bauen 4.0 - Gesellschaft zur Digitalisierung des Planens, Bauens und Betreibens mbH
Budapester Str. 31
D-10787 Berlin
Project management
Dipl.-Ing. Helmut Bramann, Dr. Ilka May
As at
December 2015
Layout | Print
Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure
Division Z 32
Picture credits
DEGES Deutsche Einheit Fernstraßenplanungs- und -bau GmbH
Federal Government/Kugler
Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure
planen-bauen 4.0 GmbH