Building Information Modeling in Canada: A Multidisciplinary Practical Analysis

Abstract

Building information modeling (BIM) provides promising opportunities to architecture, engineering, construction, and facility management (AEC/FM) disciplines in Canada and around the world. Although used in practice primarily for design, BIM has improved coordination and enhanced productivity of field workflows for contractors too. This paper investigates the state of BIM in Canada from a multidisciplinary perspective. It is then followed by a case study to explore the potential uses of BIM in the field. Governments around the world have introduced or plan to initiate national/local digital programs to incentivize or mandate the use of BIM in public projects. In Canada, however, there is no such national initiative in place. This study demonstrates the current state of BIM adoption in Canada and provides insights into the viewpoint of those in architecture, engineering, construction, and BIM specialized disciplines with regard to the effect of BIM on working practices and its benefits and barriers. To this aim, Building Innovation Research Centre at University of Toronto, in collaboration with national and local industry organizations, conducted three nationwide surveys over the past years. These results were analyzed and presented in this paper. The case study examines the feasibility of BIM implementation on a construction site through interviews with key site individuals, as well as active attendance at site coordination meetings. The outcome of this study can serve as a benchmark for evaluating and tracking the state of BIM adoption in Canada from the perspective of disciplines.