BIM is essentially a computer-generated model containing graphical and tabular information about the design, construction and operation of a project, which is accessible by all the partners involved in its delivery − from the architects, engineers and contractors to manufacturers and suppliers.

The University has been awarded a consultancy contract with the Scottish Futures Trust (SFT) ahead of a one-year target for Scotland’s construction industry to become familiar with BIM.

The Cabinet Office announced the government’s new Construction Strategy in 2011, which requires collaborative Level 2 BIM on all of its projects by 2016, with the Scottish Construction Procurement Group aiming for adoption of Level 2 BIM in Scotland by April 2017.

GCU’s experts are, in partnership with industry clients and standard-setting organisations, developing knowledge and delivering consultancy and training to industry on the implementation of BIM.

GCU will help the SFT understand the benefits and barriers to the wider adoption of BIM and support the development of future industry guidance.

Colin Murchison, associate dean (business development), GCU’s School of Engineering and Built Environment, said: “The government strategy has generated a lot of interest in BIM within the construction industry. However, a large section of industry still appears to be struggling to find its feet as to what it needs to have in place before BIM-based projects become a mainstream reality.

“There are various prerequisites that need to be in place, mostly in relation to process protocols and standards, before the UK government’s ambitions for achieving the productivity and other improvements through BIM can be achieved.

“One of the key factors to achieving successful supply-chain integration in the construction sector is the accuracy, effective flow and intelligent use of information, which BIM will encourage.”

Colin added: “The SFT project will allow us to capture the lessons learned from nominated projects and puts GCU at the heart of the implementation of this exciting new development in the construction industry.”