ABSTRACT
This chapter provides some general descriptions of building information modelling (BIM), including its related theories, key technological developments, information format, and BIM standards in various economies. It aims to demystify the concept of BIM, often plugged as a cure-all for the construction industry's woes. According to its main purposes, BIM tools and platforms divide into four categories: sustainability, ‘mechanical; electrical; and plumbing’ design, construction, and facilities management. The semantics of BIM help to interpret detailed aspects of BIM implementation, especially the aspects not visually discernible through a 3D computer presentation. Revit, ArchiCAD, and other prevailing BIM software programs mainly cover the spatial relationships of BIM, such as joining, grouping, and containing. Level of Development is an important factor related to BIM model development in terms of the information that they should contain. Increasingly seamless collaboration amongst partners via integrated project delivery, and perhaps the integration of BIM functionalities, suggests a probable rise in BIM application.
