Understanding BIM – 3D To 7D

Most people in the industry now know that BIM (Building Information Modelling) is the use of 3D models that carry embedded data. We are all now on the cusp of a rapid evolution of how these 3D models are used. 4D BIM is the addition of ‘Time,’ 5D is the incorporation of ‘Cost,’ 6D will add ‘Sustainability.’ 7D BIM encompasses the ‘management’ of the structure for the duration of the structure’s life, beginning with initial design right through to the end of life.  7D enables asset managers to extract information from individual elements within the model and manipulate them to manage, track and forecast all aspects of maintenance. The changes and benefits this will bring will be similar to the big leap when accountants moved from using pen and books to accounting software.

The AEC industry is quickly shifting. Firms that could provide only 2D drawings for construction and ‘as built’ purposes are being caught napping as government and industry are beginning to mandate 3D BIM models that can generate 2D detail drawings. It has become the new standard. But as government leads this shift in the industry, they themselves are still discovering the many benefits and diverse uses this new digital world brings. This has brought forth the new world of digital twins, and it’s here to stay, so the advent of digital management of assets brings rise to the issue of how significant existing pre-BIM structures are to be brought into one integrated digital asset management system. This new aspect of the industry we call ‘Retro BIM.’ A world that Latter Rain is well advanced in.