Using Building Information Modelling (BIM) Level 2 on centrally-procured public sector projects was mandated from April 2016. The introduction of BIM Level 2, which is a process lasting through the entire lifecycle of an asset, underpinned by the creation, collation and exchange of 3D models and the intelligent, structured data which is attached to them, will reportedly have a hugely positive impact on the construction industry supply chain, according to the BRE. Ease of communication between different design and construction partners is said to have improved enormously since it first came to the industry.
However, BRE says current BIM software providers use different standards, without offering a complete range of building elements from which the user can draw from and are often non-compliant with the British Standard BS8541. Responding to industry demand, the BRE says it is developing the free-to-list and free-to-use DataBook Product Library, which allows registered users to link their BIM objects and associate data to a fixed manufacturers’ data source. The BRE says DataBook will provide plug-in functions for authoring tools with options to not only link, but also attach data based upon project stage and appropriate project roles. This will remove the liability and risk for designers and constructors from using editable BIM Library objects, whilst providing them with the appropriate manufacturer data that they need to respond to the project requirements throughout the project lifecycle.
BRE says it has created a new Templater tool that holds the standard for exchanging data, including product data. It says this will remove the confusion and lack of interoperability that has surrounded sharing standardised product information from BIM and associates’ technologies. BRE Templater (with code by activeplan) will provide core building element definitions (like doors, windows, plaster board, roof tiles etc.) and is built on international standards such as IFC. Leading on from that is DataBook, a solution currently in beta testing and set to launch in early 2018.
Paul Oakley, BIM director at BRE, commented: “The new DataBook will provide a much-needed process to manage information flow during the design and build process, without the complex geometry that exists currently. This will help make BIM work for everyone, as currently too much manual object changing is required as projects are transferred between manufacturers, architects and contractors. Given the substantial savings in time and money, DataBook will quickly become the go-to development source in the building industry.”
DataBook will have a premium, paid-for element. Services will include BRE independent assessment of the validity of the data available to each BIM object. BRE says it will check whether the information source is correct and co-ordinated, and content requirements, including manufacturer and contractor-specific contents, will also be verified. BRE says it is currently in talks with manufacturers including Tata Steel and Wienerberger regarding the listing of products in DataBook, which is set to launch in early 2018.
To register your interest in DataBook click here.
