BIM software environment for projects in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The term Building Information Modelling, or BIM, is not alien to Sri Lanka anymore; yet BIM has not become a reality in its construction industry. Being a BIM infant industry, Sri Lanka may wait a long time to adopt BIM by its own initiative. But the scenario will be different if a client demands for BIM. This creates the need that industry is aware of the best strategies suite them to effectively implement a project based on BIM. One of the key questions being asked is; what software should we use? In absence of empirical local knowledge, the only option is to device a solution from published knowledge. In order to achieve this, this paper presents a literature synthesis aimed to identify a suitable BIM software environment for Sri Lanka. By reviewing various aspects such as capabilities of applications, accuracy and sharing of data, information documenting, popularity of software and affordability against the technological aspects, a Plural Software Environment based on IFC data exchange was found to be the preferred solution for Sri Lankan context.