Proposed Changes Could Streamline How Industry Uses BIM

Following an 86-day open ballot submission period, the National Institute of Building Sciences buildingSMART alliance has closed the submission period to develop Version 2 of its building information modeling (BIM) standard, the National BIM Standard-United Statesâ„¢ (NBIMS-US). The Alliance received 45 submissions, which cover a range of topics that could have a significant impact on the way architectural, engineering and construction professionals use BIM.

The ballots were separated into categories relating to: reference standards; information exchanges, including model view definitions (MVDs) and information delivery manuals (IDMs); best practices; and overview and guidelines, including updates to the NBIMS Version 1, Part 1. Of the ballot submissions, 36 were complete entries and nine were “blue sky submissions,” or ideas that will need more input before becoming a ballot or going for a vote to be included in the standard.

Several of the ballot submissions, if approved by the voting membership, will significantly expand the current standard. For example:

> A number of ballots identified tables from OmniClass to be used as referenced standards, including: Table 13 — Spaces by Function; Table 21 – Elements (Uniformat); Table 22 – Work Results (Masterformat), Table 23 — Products; Table 32 – Services; and Table 36 – Information Content. Much of the open BIM coordination in the industry is based on these tables and their coding structure.
> Ballots proposed the addition of several information exchanges into the NBIMS. One of primary interest is the Construction Operations Building information exchange (COBie), which, if approved, would become an official standard through this consensus process.
> One ballot would add the BIM Project Execution Planning Guide, Version 2.1, updated in May 2011, to the NBIMS. This guide has been used by numerous organizations across the industry to coordinate BIM implementation.

The ballot item comment period begins Aug. 3 and ends Sept. 1. All members of the industry, including architects and engineers using the software; contractors interpreting the data being provided through the BIM; and software vendors developing BIM tools, may submit comments during the comment period upon becoming a member of the Project Committee. Comments will be shared with the Project Committee; eligible members will begin voting on the ballots September 21. View a list of all ballots. Download a Project Committee application form.

About the buildingSMART alliance
The buildingSMART allianceâ„¢, a council of the National Institute of Building Sciences, works to streamline the way buildings are designed and operated. The Alliance is tackling the complete building life-cycle process, from planning and construction to operation, occupancy and disposal. It develops both the United States National CAD Standard and the National Building Information Modeling Standard – United Statesâ„¢.

About the National Institute of Building Sciences
The National Institute of Building Sciences, authorized by public law 93-383 in 1974, is a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization that brings together representatives of government, the professions, industry, labor and consumer interests to identify and resolve building process and facility performance problems. The Institute serves as an authoritative source of advice for both the private and public sectors with respect to the use of building science and technology. For more information, please visit www.nibs.org.