Tech Brief

THE DIMENSIONS OF BIM

FOR INFRASTRUCTURE

BACKGROUND

BIM
Building Information Modeling DIMENSIONS OF
(BIM) brings together enabling

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technology and process
transformation to improve
the quality and speed of O pe
& Main rations
infrastructure project delivery.
Developing and deploying a
6 D tenanc
e
Sust
national BIM strategy requires ainab
ility
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more than simple changes
in technology. BIM involves
investment from different
a ting
stakeholders to change Dat 2 D
process and policy when 4 D
applicable. This Tech Brief
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breaks down the components
of technology, people, process, GI etry
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and policy that enable the Ge
successful deployment of BIM
on infrastructure projects. Base image by Deva Darshan from Pexels free stockc photos

The intersection of mobile devices, cloud computing, and business intelligence

has solidified the need for infrastructure projects to embrace Building
Information Modeling (BIM). BIM brings together enabling technology and
process transformation to improve the quality and speed of project delivery.
In addition, BIM provides a structured data handover to the operations phase.
Case studies have shown the value of adopting BIM for Infrastructure, with
benefits expressed in both human- and machine-readable formats. From
photo-realistic animations of the driving experience during design to asset
data handover into operations and maintenance, BIM benefits a multitude of
stakeholders across the infrastructure life cycle.
At its core, BIM is a collaborative work method for structuring, managing, and
using data and information about transportation assets throughout their life
cycles. The following sections will break down the role of technology, people,
process, and policy.

TECHNOLOGY
The technology tools involved in BIM adoption will vary by the use case. The
use cases and supporting technologies are typically documented in a project
BIM Execution Plan (BEP) prior to adoption. The technology components of the
BEP include software, hardware, network, and reality capture.
Software
3D modeling programs with parametric capabilities and data attribution are
the backbone of BIM workflows. Not all project delivery stakeholders will use
advanced BIM authoring and coordination software. However, BIM enables
each stakeholder across the project delivery supply chain to benefit from the
information it represents, both graphically and semantically.
2 The Dimensions of BIM for Infrastructure

Hardware
Individuals with BIM authoring or coordination responsibilities should be equipped with the appropriate
hardware to perform their work effectively. BIM applications place a higher demand on a computer’s
random-access memory (RAM) and graphics processing unit (GPU). Although BIM and reality
capture specific computers can be double or triple the cost of standard-issue laptops, these costs
are likely to be offset by savings from improvements in labor efficiency and turnaround time.
Network Infrastructure
BIM is a collaborative process that provides design, construction, and operations personnel access
to a single source of data and information that is maintained up-to-date. That accessibility in the
field, however, depends on the availability of Internet-connected devices. While one project BEP
may include jobsite Wi-Fi connectivity, another may use tablets with a BIM and drawing viewer with
an off-line sync capability.
Reality Capture
In addition to storing reliable asset data for operations and maintenance, BIM should also be an
accurate and precise replica of the as-built structure. This is achieved by producing a 3D point cloud
from a reality capture solution (drone videogrammetry, 360 photogrammetry, laser scanning, robotic
total station, etc.) and aligning its origin, scale, and orientation with the design BIM. This “scan to
BIM” comparison serves both to provide early detection of potential construction defects and to
deliver a more reliable geometric handover for use by operations and maintenance professionals.

PEOPLE
BIM deployment starts with the right technology. However, that technology is rendered useless
without the support of BIM champions. These champions advise on use case selection and support
as a training resource.
BIM Champion(s)
BIM implementation at both the organizational and project levels begins by identifying at least one
BIM champion. These individuals are knowledgeable in both the new process of BIM and traditional
coordination and quality management processes. Champions should be passionate advocates for
BIM adoption. They are most successful when recognized publicly by management as an invaluable
asset to the team.
Training Resources
The benefits of BIM increase as more stakeholders can access and consume the wealth of information
it contains. BIM competency levels will vary by role, each with a balance of strategic education and
technical training. Education across the organization or project team allows for consistent messaging
and clearer understanding of the change in mindset and strategy required. Training focuses on role-
specific needs that should be timed appropriately. As a general rule, education sessions should be
held in person with a diverse set of roles. Conversely, technical training can be recorded internally or
curated externally from online resources.

PROCESS
BIM enables process transformation across the design, construction, operation, and retirement of
an infrastructure asset. The following seven dimensions of BIM break down the importance of BIM,
from maintaining accurate data to the advanced applications that rely upon it.
 The Dimensions of BIM for Infrastructure 3

1D: Data

21 D
At its core, BIM is comprised of data—zeros and ones. If those data are not reliable and up-to-date,

211 DD
trust erodes and the value of BIM diminishes. As data are generated and shared, they should be

2 exchanged in machine-readable formats that align with established interoperability standards such
as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the National BIM Standard (NBIMS).
These are voluntary, industry consensus standards and do not reflect Federal requirements.
2D: Vector Drawings
2 D
2 D In many scenarios, a simple 2D representation in plan or elevation view is preferred to a more
2 D complex 3D isometric view. These 2D vector drawings are exported directly from the 3D single
source of truth.
3D: Virtual Coordination
3 D
3 DD
3D coordination and constructibility review is a cornerstone aspect of implementing BIM. When
3 project teams can build the project virtually before reality, it allows for major design flaws to be
identified and resolved without significant cost and schedule delays. The challenge with capturing the
value of virtual coordination is time. For a project to streamline construction with BIM coordination,
teams have found it helpful to increase their investment of time and resources during the design
and planning phases.
4D: Schedule Simulation
4 D
4 DD
The term “4D BIM” refers to the integration of 3D building elements with their schedule duration and
4 construction sequence information. By analyzing multiple scenarios through animated sequences,
seasoned builders and inspectors can quickly identify and resolve schedule flaws that may otherwise
affect the reliability of construction delivery dates if not identified. To identify and communicate
sequence issues effectively, the information stored in BIM and the project schedule can be organized
and aligned through a common work breakdown structure (WBS).

522 D 5D: Productivity Analysis

52 DD
5 If 4D BIM looks to plan for the future, 5D BIM looks to analyze what was planned versus what
actually happened. By comparing forecast production rates with actual labor and material reports,
any differences between the two can trigger an issue and root cause analysis. By categorizing and
trending similar deviations, future projects have the opportunity to look for the anticipated challenges
and resolve them before they occur. A full 5D BIM production plan and historical analysis involve the
integration of WBS data between asset, schedule, resource, and cost information.

6 D 6D: Lifecycle Sustainability

6 D
6 D Access to more project data with greater certainty allows stakeholders to plan and make decisions
with greater confidence. Extending access to reliable BIM data from design through construction
into operations and maintenance phase maximizes the potential return on investment. This has the
potential to lead to more sustainable decisions that look holistically at the total cost of ownership.
7D: Predictive Operations
7 D
7 DD
The seventh BIM dimension looks at performance data across a large set of projects to analyze
7 for predictive trends. Machine learning, artificial intelligence, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices
combine with BIM to produce leading indicators of project health.
SEPTEMBER 2020 POLICY
FHWA-HIF-20-056 Many projects bring together new stakeholders at a new location with unique
policy requirements and contract specifications from local jurisdictions. This can
This tech brief was developed under Federal make it difficult to establish a common logic and consistent BIM process. The
Highway Administration (FHWA) contract
DTFH61-13-D-00009. following topics should be addressed in the project BEP.
TASK MANAGER Model Element Breakdown/Level of Development Specification
Connie Yew, Team Leader
Federal Highway Administration A BIM is comprised of hundreds or thousands of parametric elements, each
1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E.
with metadata fields. The amount of data and information contained in each BIM
Washington, DC 20590
(202) 366-1078, [email protected] element varies. Effective BIM collaboration begins with a standard WBS logic for
each model element to be associated with. The amount of data and geometric
AUTHOR
Nathan C. Wood, Founder & CEO accuracy that each BIM element should have on a project is documented on
SpectrumAEC, LLC a Model Progression Specification (MPS). The MPS table breaks down each
3267 Stuart Street
Denver, CO 80212
BIM element on the project, including the Level of Development (LOD) and
(650) 454-5334 metadata fields, by phase and stakeholder responsible for providing it at each
[email protected] submittal stage. Developing BEPs collaboratively through an MPS provides
DISTRIBUTION AND AVAILABILITY clearer communication between the stakeholders who rely upon the information
This tech brief can be found at https://www. from BIM.
fhwa.dot.gov/construction/bim/.
Post-Construction BIM Handover
KEY WORDS
BIM deployment benefits, BIM deployment If data from BIM will be used during the operations and maintenance phase,
requirements, BIM dimensions, BIM
stakeholder investment, building information a BIM as-built handover section should be included in the project BEP. The
modeling, infrastructure project delivery, deliverable standard should indicate the specific element data fields, naming
national strategic roadmap
conventions, and exchange format requirements. A BIM exchange format can
NOTICE include a database or a standard file export specification such as the Industry
This tech brief is disseminated under the
Foundation Classes (IFC).
sponsorship of the U.S. Department of
Transportation (USDOT) in the interest
of information exchange. The U.S.
Government assumes no liability for the CONCLUSION
use of the information contained in this BIM offers new potential for operational efficiency through the integration and
document. The U.S. Government does
not endorse products or manufacturers. analysis of data across the Planning and Programming, Design, Construction,
Trademarks or manufacturers’ names Operations and Maintenance, and Retirement/Decommissioning supply chain.
appear in this report only because they
are considered essential to the objective
Without structured and streamlined data modeling and exchange practices, BIM
of the document. They are included for cannot be freely exchanged and work processes cannot be automated. Success
informational purposes only and are not begins when all project stakeholders come together during early planning stages
intended to reflect a preference, approval, or
endorsement of any one product or entity. to identify and address the needs of technology, people, process, and policy.
NON-BINDING CONTENTS
Except for the statutes and regulations
cited, if any, the contents of this document
do not have the force and effect of law
and are not meant to bind the public in
any way. The document is intended only
to provide clarity to the public regarding
existing requirements under the law or
agency policies. It is not legally binding in
its own right and will not be relied upon
by the Department as a separate basis
for affirmative enforcement action or other
administrative penalty.

QUALITY ASSURANCE STATEMENT

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
provides high-quality information to serve
Government, industry, and the public in a
manner that promotes public understanding.
Standards and policies are used to ensure
and maximize the quality, objectivity, utility,
and integrity of its information. FHWA
periodically reviews quality issues and
adjusts its programs and processes to
ensure continuous quality improvement.