BIM for Design Coordination

Chapter 2Setting Up the Project for Success

2.0 Executive Summary

This chapter describes the role the owner has in setting up a project for successful building information modeling (BIM)-based design coordination. Sample contract language stating owner requirements related to BIM execution will be provided. This chapter also covers BIM project execution plans (PxPs) and recommended team composition and skills.

2.1 Introduction

In setting up a project for successful BIM-based design coordination, owners have the key role of laying the ground rules in terms of project requirements for general contractors (GCs) and designers, which will then trickle down to subcontractors. Owner requirements should be clearly stated in contract language with the GC and reflected in the BIM PxP. Ensuring the development of a detailed BIM PxP will also set up a framework for the project team in terms of expectations of BIM use in the project, including modeling requirements, file-sharing protocols, and team composition. Sample contractual language and templates for BIM PxPs will also be provided in this chapter.

2.2 Owner's Role

In many talks on BIM or integrated project delivery, speakers include a graph similar to the one shown in Figure 2.1. It is based on a figure in Paulson (1976), which describes the level of influence that design has on project cost. It became more widely known after ...