BIM for Infrastructure: A vehicle for business transformation

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is widely recognized as a mature design methodology in the building industry, with high adoption rates by architects, engineers, and contractors. The application of BIM for Infrastructure is rapidly accelerating as owners and engineering service providers increasingly recognize the benefits of 3D modeling using intelligent objects. BIM is an information-rich, model-centric process with the power to transform project delivery and add value across the lifecycle of infrastructure assets. Infrastructure firms that implement BIM as just a more powerful version of traditional CAD—that is, firms that use BIM only for design-specific workflows—will fail to realize the full value and transformative power of this model-centric process. This paper will discuss BIM for Infrastructure as a vehicle for business process transformation that can: • Increase clarity of project intent for all stakeholders—better informing decision making and reducing risk • Ensure data fidelity and continuity across the lifecycle of a project— improving quality and productivity • Provide the critical foundation for business agility—utilizing technology enablers to maximize profit and growth opportunities