Building information modelling: the UK legal context

McAdam, B (2010) Building information modelling: the UK legal context. International Journal of Law in the Built Environment, 2(3), pp. 246-259. ISSN 1756-1450

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify some of the legal problems posed by full adoption of building information modelling (BIM) for construction design, and to propose a potential procurement solution for implementation in the UK. Design/methodology/approach – Legal problems associated with BIM implementation are identified from a literature review, which is then drawn on to outline a potential best practice model for BIM procurement. Two US BIM procurement initiatives – American Institute of Architects (AIA) Document E202 and ConsensusDOCS 301 – are then analysed in relation to their fit with the model for BIM procurement in the UK market. Findings – Drawing on lessons learned from the AIA and ConsensusDOCS initiatives, the paper concludes that collaborative procurement, perhaps by way of partnering, appears to be an appropriate model for BIM procurement in the UK. However, it notes that empirical research is required in order to identify precisely the best legal approach. Research limitations/implications – The paper is a scoping work, identifying the ground which needs to be explored before firm conclusions can be drawn. Originality/value – The legal aspects of BIM procurement remain a relatively unexplored field, and this analysis instructively draws together many of the key threads.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: construction industry; law; procurement; UK
Index terms: implementation, construction industry, best practice, architect, partnering, building information modelling, lessons learned, methodology, drawing, literature review
Subjects: profession, business, technical documentation, data analysis and analytics, contractual arrangements, research methods, professional development, partnership management, industry analysis, information systems
Topics: Digital Applications, Design Practice, Business Strategy, Information Management, Research Practice, Roles and Professions, Stakeholder Management, Procurement
Descriptive scope: 4 PCTA

N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here