Chapter 2 expands the scope of BIM beyond its misleading name. While "Building" appears in the acronym, the methodology applies to virtually any type of constructed asset. The authors explore how BIM is used for infrastructure projects such as roads, railways, tunnels, bridges, dams, ports, and utility networks.
These projects present unique challenges compared to buildings: they are often linear rather than vertical, span vast geographical areas, must integrate with existing terrain, and involve complex underground utilities that cannot be seen once covered. The chapter introduces linear BIM or align-based modeling, where assets are defined along a centerline rather than by floor levels.
Case studies include a highway project where BIM was used to coordinate bridge pier placements with underground gas lines, and a rail project where digital modeling prevented conflicts between signalling equipment and overhead electrification.
The chapter also covers campus and district-scale BIM, where multiple buildings are modeled within their site context including roads, landscaping, drainage, and external lighting. For infrastructure owners, BIM enables better asset management over decades or centuries.
A buried water pipe, for example, can be modeled with its depth, material, installation date, and inspection history, allowing maintenance crews to locate it without destructive digging. The authors argue that the term "Built Environment Information Modeling" might be more accurate, but "BIM" is now too established to change. The key takeaway is that any organization that builds or manages physical assets—whether a hospital, a runway, or a sewer network—can benefit from BIM.
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