Joint Contracts Tribunal releases BIM practice note

The Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT) has released the practice note “Building Information Modelling (BIM), Collaborative and Integrated Team Working”.

The practice note is intended as a guide to assist practitioners in gaining a greater understanding of BIM and provides information on the integration of BIM and collaborative working within the contract process.

The practice note includes an overview of BIM – highlighting standard definitions, an explanation of the different BIM levels, and a summary of mechanisms and industry standards (in particular the concepts and acronyms associated with BIM in the PAS 1192-2 document).

The note also includes an overview of BIM protocols and how a BIM protocol can support the main contract document in respect of achieving BIM level 2.

A bibliography and references to various sources provides a comprehensive reference tool for those adopting BIM on their projects.

The BIM practice note was produced by JCT’s BIM Working Group, which has been set up to inform JCT’s drafting process in respect of the incorporation of BIM in future JCT editions, and to investigate and develop resources for JCT contract users with the increasing adoption of BIM on construction projects.

Chair of JCT’s BIM Working Group, Nicholas Deeming, said: “2016 is here and in the public sector this triggers a BIM Level 2 requirement on all project appointments and contracts. Increasingly the topic is gaining traction in the Private Sector too where the use of BIM is equally beneficial.

“I hope that the JCT BIM Practice Note will not only serve as an introduction to the topic but also help demystify rhetoric of BIM to those in our industry fearful of BIM.”

JCT Chair, Richard Saxon, said: “BIM has the potential to improve both client satisfaction and industry profitability. Yet it’s an effort for clients and their suppliers to pick up the new tools. The JCT BIM Practice Note should help both.”

The BIM practice note will be available as a free download from JCT’s website, at www.jctltd.co.uk/bim.aspx.

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