BIM in brief 03.12.24: government must take a data-driven approach

The Construction Industry Council (CIC) has called on the government to adopt a data-driven strategy. In its response to the Department for Business and Trade’s consultation on the government’s industrial strategy, the CIC said: “A long-term, data-driven commitment to the construction industry would bring cross-government benefits, which include saving the NHS money by improving poor-quality homes, and reducing the £22bn a year expense to the taxpayer to maintain government’s property portfolio.”

The CIC stressed the need to embrace a data-driven approach and agree milestones for progress. “A coherent strategy and measurable objectives would help develop the skills and capacity to deliver major infrastructure and drive best practice through improved reporting and analysis of post-occupancy performance data,” it said.

“Government and industry would need to work together to move data reporting further
away from a box-ticking exercise and more in line with the spirit of the golden thread requirements being brought in through the Building Safety Act to foster a longer-term, more collaborative approach.”

PlanRadar’s 360-degree reality capture technology, SiteView, is now available to customers after a preview earlier this year.

Via a hard-hat-mounted camera, SiteView produces 360° imagery of a project while walking the site. The images are automatically mapped onto a 2D plan, creating a detailed visual record of activity across every stage of the build on the PlanRadar platform.

Bluebeam Revu and Bluebeam Cloud users can synchronise files through Graitec File Sync, meaning users can access the most current versions of project files, reducing time-consuming manual file management and allowing teams to stay aligned on project goals across platforms.

“Our File Sync technology provides a robust, reliable way for users to seamlessly connect data across essential platforms, ensuring that teams work with up-to-date information and avoid tedious tasks,” said Gary Edwards, senior solution line director for data connect at Graitec.

Northumbria University has installed a 3D construction printer from Luyten 3D with involvement from Changemaker 3D. Northumbria’s assistant professor of structural engineering, Dr Mohammadali Rezazadeh, said: “Our team is leading research in 3D concrete printing technology to develop sustainable infrastructure. We are developing eco-friendly concrete mixes, reinforcing them with corrosion-resistant composite materials, and optimising their designs to reduce material usage, shaping a more sustainable future in construction.”

Don’t miss out on BIM and digital construction news: sign up to receive the BIMplus newsletter.