A reference model for BIM capability assessments

Abstract

Various BIM capability and maturity models have been developed to assist architecture, engineering, construction and facilities management (AEC/FM) organizations in measuring the performance of their BIM utilizations. Due to differences in applicability and focus of these models, they are able to meet the demands of different BIM users. In this study, eight BIM capability and maturity models identified in the literature are compared based on several different criteria. The results show that there is no holistic model that includes process definitions that cover the facility life-cycle and contains measures for assessing all of these AEC/FM processes. A reference model for assessing BIM capability of AEC/FM processes was developed. It was grounded on the meta-model of ISO/IEC 330xx family of standards and developed iteratively via expert reviews and an exploratory case study. It includes AEC/FM processes which were evaluated using the BIM capability levels, their associated BIM attributes, and a four-point rating scale. BIM-CAREM was evaluated by conducting four explanatory case studies. The results showed that BIM-CAREM was capable of identifying BIM capabilities of different AEC/FM processes.