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Construction Modelling in Australia
The Building Information Model (BIM) is a tool
used in construction to create 3D models of building projects.
The BIM works by having designers and architects insert
blueprints, floor plans and other design drawings into a database,
which generates a 3D model of the project.
The more blueprints and design drawings that are inserted into
the BIM, the more detail the project’s 3D model will
become.
The level of detail in a BIM model is separated into different
Levels of Development (LODs), as the higher the LOD, the more
detail the BIM model.
The BIM in NSW
Although, the usage of BIM is not mandatory for construction in
Australia, states like New South Wales have been pushing for a more
consistent adoption of BIM for both private and public
infrastructure projects.
In 2019, NSW introduced the Digital Engineering Standards
(DE Standards) to encourage consistent application
of LODs used in construction projects.
Reliance on the BIM
A common dispute that arises from BIM usage is the parties’
different expectations of the BIM requirements in the project. For
example, a contract may adopt DE Standards, which suggests that the
project is only required to provide a BIM up to LOD 300. A BIM at
LOD 300 is intended to only be used as a project’s starting
point as it allows the contractor to input additional building
parameters and sequencing estimates into the model.
Conflict often arises when the principal may expect the BIM to
include details shown on the approved construction drawings
(AFC) because the designer’s scope of services
includes AFC documentation. At the same time, the designer, who is
only required to provide a LOD 300 BIM, may believe that some
details in the AFC drawings would not appear on the model and would
be supplemented by other design documents (for which it has not
been contracted to perform or paid).
When using BIM, parties must carefully consider the BIM’s
LOD and the level of detail of the design documentation to be
provided. Parties must ensure that the BIM purpose and requirements
are clearly understood by the parties and set out in the
contract.
If design information that appears in the construction
documentation is not in the provided BIM, then the contract should
clarify that the principal cannot rely on the BIM Model for such
design details. The parties should also consider whether the LOD is
sufficient for the purpose of the contract.
Key takeaway
Caution must be taken when considering the role of the BIM in
contracts as the BIM should be considered together with other
design documents. The parties should clearly outline the BIM’s
LOD and specify how much the BIM is to be considered amongst other
AFC drawings in the project.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general
guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought
about your specific circumstances.
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