Survey of Building Information Modeling for Infrastructure (BIM4I)

The purpose of this research is to provide Caltrans with a set of recommendations for the implementation of Building Information Modeling for Infrastructure (BIM4I) by surveying lessons learned and best practices from international, national, and local infrastructure agencies and stakeholders that have implemented BIM in one of several stages of infrastructure projects delivery. The survey aims to capture topics such as asset life-cycle data standards, interoperable technology standards, lessons learned, organizational structure, development methodologies, use of consultants, methodologies, schedules, costs, and tools used in BIM4I implementation. Implementing BIM4I impacts infrastructure project representations, the processes involved, and the collaboration structures within the project lifecycle. Furthermore, BIM implementation faces compatibility issues at the technical and organizational levels.

To understand BIM4I's most current implementation practices by other agencies and, based on that, extract lessons learned that can be applied to Caltrans’ BIM4I development, the survey will target Department of Transportations (DOTs) across the US and Canadian Provinces, leading countries in BIM implementation, and local agencies. In this survey, the digital questionnaire or questionnaires used will incorporate questions related to data standards, interoperability, methodologies, consultants' use, communication with environmental agencies and the construction industry, Information Technology (IT) infrastructure, technology partners' use, implemented schedules, costs, and additional tools used, among other aspects.

USDOT Priorities:

This project supports the USDOT and RD&T strategic priorities and strategic goals of Transformation and Organizational Excellence by providing insights to better implement BIM in developing all the stages of infrastructure projects. BIM4I implementation will make infrastructure project delivery more effective and support the development of connected intelligent infrastructure that provides people-centered mobility.