Can BIM reduce the railway funding gap?

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is the process for creating, managing and sharing information throughout the life cycle of a built asset. This data enhances the ability of asset managers, owners and investors to generate profits and, by extension, the efficacy of available fund sources.

The benefits of BIM implementation during the planning, design and construction phases of a project have been well documented. Improved visualisation, multidisciplinary collaboration, design quality and early clash detections are some examples. Digital models enable operators to maintain a complete and dynamic asset inventory that includes an up-to-date integrity, maintenance and reliability history of the asset’s components. This results in reduced downtimes and maintenance costs and improves overall asset performance.

To fully realise the benefits for upfront investments and life cycle costs, the infrastructure community needs to embrace the universal and coordinated adoption of BIM. The most effective use of BIM will require the various departments within owners and government organisations to become well versed in the use and capabilities of digital technologies. Some governments and owners already mandate the use of BIM on all their projects, and we anticipate this trend will continue.

BIM software developers and consultants are aware of the long-term value of BIM. They can work with owner and government organisations to diagnose their digital needs and gaps, implement the right systems and procedures, and most importantly, help drive the organisational transformation to fully leverage the life cycle benefits of BIM implementation.