The use of 3D design and its use in programming, construction and even managing the building-in-use, are all elements of building information modelling (BIM).
BIM has received an increasing amount of attention, in the trade press and beyond, since the Government Construction Strategy announced the intention to mandate the use of BIM on all central government projects by 2016. But the potential barriers to wider adoption have received less attention.
NFB Training has successfully secured funding from ConstructionSkills to support the launch of this survey which forms the initial step of an exciting new project to pilot a BIM early adoption scheme for SME builders and contractors.
Four diverse exemplar projects over a 12 month period will explore the development of BIM processes and behaviours within SME contractors and subcontractors, and the benefits of, and barriers, to BIM adoption for these firms. The aim is to develop a blueprint for wider packages of training and support which can meet the needs of the SME sector as they look ahead to what BIM might mean for them.
Prior to this, NFB Training will be holding three roadshows for those interested in exploring what BIM might mean for their business. Those interested in attending these roadshows should contact the NFB Training team on 0845 057 0041/2.
Commenting on the survey and the pilot programme, Julia Evans, NFB chief executive said: “The construction sector has had to face up to some major challenges in recent years. Not least among these is the modernisation of our industry, brought on by the development of new technologies and innovative working practices. BIM is clearly central to this modernisation but the challenges and benefits it offers the SME sector will be different and varied. We are very pleased to be helping our members explore this new territory and potentially providing a blueprint for the broader adoption of BIM across the industry.”
Those wishing to take part in the survey can do so by visiting https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NFB_BIM_March12
