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Study confirms level 2 BIM maturity is ‘realistic goal’ for HS2

A study has found that Level 2 BIM maturity as a minimum standard is a realistic and achievable goal for HS2 and its future supply chain, HS2 Ltd announced today.

HS2 Ltd has published the results of a comprehensive study to test whether the supply chain is ready to work to Level 2 Building Information Modelling (BIM), examine the industry’s ability to match HS2’s aspirations and recommend ways of closing any existing skills gap.

The study found that 94% of the supply chain already uses BIM and 60% have a BIM strategy with defined goals. It also found that 71% make financial provision for BIM and 60% work to a BIM standard as part of their QA process.

Over 50% of the supply-chain has some degree of experience within Level 2 BIM maturity, although further research found this applies to major projects as opposed to an overall organisational position. Tier 1 organisations were the most evolved whereas Tiers 2 and 3, with the exception of a few early adopters, were constrained within levels 0-1. 

While the results are encouraging in order to achieve its goals it is essential that HS2 drives upskilling to meet its programme and projected capacity, especially with regards to Tier 2 and 3 organisations who may not reach Level 2 without the support of HS2 Ltd and the Tier 1 community.

HS2 Ltd head of management systems Jon Kerbey said: “In order to maximise efficiency and ensure that HS2 is delivered on time and on budget, HS2 Ltd has made a serious commitment to use BIM to an unprecedented scale. The results and recommendations from this study will help to ensure that the supply chain’s capabilities match the requirements for the project.

“BIM offers a unique opportunity for our whole supply chain to work collaboratively to find the best solutions for HS2 as a whole and to share crucial information on design data, stakeholder interactions and asset information before, during and after construction.

“In order to unlock these and other benefits it is essential that HS2 Ltd creates the right environment to put Level 2 BIM into practice and help the supply chain upskill where required.  We will also meet the need to upskill our own staff.

“This process will help the UK industry as a whole in its continued journey towards digital leadership in the built environment.”

RTM interviewed Jon Kerbey on BIM earlier this year. That article explains more about what the various Levels of BIM adoption mean in practice.

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