BIM standards from BSI

Two new international standards on building information modelling (BIM) have been published by BSI in the UK.

They are the first in the 19650 series and supersede BS 1192 (principles) and PAS 1192-2 (capital/delivery phase). BS EN ISO 19650-1 & BS EN ISO 19650-2 provide recommendations for the organisation of information about construction works using BIM.

BSI said, “Part 1 deals with the concepts and principles applicable to the whole life-cycle of a built asset from strategic planning and design, through maintenance and repair to end-of-life.” Then, according to BSI, “Part 2 specifies requirements for information management, in the form of a management process, within the context of the delivery phase of the assets and the exchanges of information within it, when using BIM.”

The new standards are relevant for people involved in the procurement, design, construction and-or commissioning of built assets; and those involved in delivering asset management activities, including operations and maintenance, BSI said.

Ant Burd, BSI head of built environment, commented, “The UK has led the way in developing information management process standards in support of Building Information Modelling and these new international standards form part of our approach to share our experience and knowledge globally.

“If we are to assist with the digital transformation of the global built environment sector then we need to develop internationally agreed best practice approaches. The BS EN ISO 19650 series is in effect the start of this journey and will assist the sector in improving its information management and collaboration on projects - both national and international - ultimately culminating in better quality assets that are delivered more cost effectively.”

Anne Kemp, chair of the UK BIM Alliance, and Atkins technical director, part of SNC Lavalin Group said, “It has been a major achievement to reach consensus in publishing the first two parts of ISO 19650, and I would like to thank all those involved who have made this possible. We have had to take into account thousands of comments (possibly unprecedented) over the past four years so it is a huge relief to have reached this milestone. But this is only the start of the journey. Developing and publishing the standard would be a pretty pointless exercise if it wasn’t then adopted and implemented comprehensively across the industry. In reality this is where our work begins - and where the UK BIM Alliance comes in.

“The Alliance has been set up to help the whole of the industry embrace BIM Level 2 as the first fundamental step on the journey to wider digital transformation. BSI, the UK BIM Alliance and CDBB are working together to develop a single guidance framework to assist the industry in doing this - ensuring common understanding and a clear way forward. The Alliance is open to all - if you would like to be involved, you will be welcomed with open arms. And if you need help, just let us know.”

In organisations where BS 1192 and PAS 1192-2 have already been implemented, BSI has also published PD 19650-0: 2019 Transition Guidance to BS EN ISO 19650, which will help to understand any changes between the UK’s existing standards and the ISO standards replacing them. This will be available free with BS EN ISO 19650 parts 1 and 2.

Parts 3 and 5 are expected to publish in early 2020. They will replace PAS 1192-3 and PAS 1192-5. Part 3 covers information management in the operational phase of projects and Part 5 is a specification for security, digital built environments and smart asset management.