This Is Why We Need Standards
Date Posted: November 13, 2018
Posted In: Ideas,
From Constructible: Standards shape the world we live in. Shoes come in recognized sizes, foods need to adhere to certain safety standards, electrical outlets come in certain types, and so on. By agreeing on how things should be, standards facilitate our day to day life. In construction, it’s no different.
Standards allow users in the construction industry to work together. ISO defines them as “documents that provide requirements, specifications, guidelines or characteristics that can be used consistently to ensure that materials, products, processes, and services are fit for their purpose.” When exchanging files, standards ensure that all parties understand the data the same way. They ensure that when information is passed on, the next party can work with it as well. They ensure a consistent performance, build confidence and enhance the productivity in collaboration processes.
“They project success through structured guidelines. They let your client know that you have a depth of knowledge about your development and delivery beyond others. They make your work go smoother. They make you more productive. They allow you to collaborate with others.” -Mark Kiker about standards in AugiWorld magazine
Building Information Modelling (BIM)
Since they enable successful collaboration, it’s no wonder that standards have received a great deal of attention with BIM on the rise. In BIM projects, there needs to be a common understanding of naming conventions and properties that elements should have. By making sure BIM objects in 3D models are up to standard, files can be interpreted quickly and clearly by all parties, and everyone knows what they can expect from each other.
However, levels of BIM adoption vary across the world, which has led to different public and private standardization initiatives. Initiatives that aim to get construction firms on the same page when managing digital building information processes. Well-known initiatives aiming to provide international standards include ETIM and COBie, but there’s also a wide range of national level norms out there, such as the German VDI 3805 and the Italian UNI 11337.