Re-Imagining Building Information Management Use Case Definitions for the US National BIM Standard

Establishing a shared vocabulary and definitions to communicate Building Information Management (BIM) Uses is crucial for planning the effective implementation of BIM on projects. The National BIM Standard-United States (NBIMS-US) is a consensus-based BIM standard focused on supporting BIM adoption in the US. This study delves into the evolution of BIM Uses, tracing their conceptualization from the BIM Project Execution Planning Guide (2009) through the NBIMS-US V2 (2012). In the NBIMS-US V3 (2015), a new ontology for BIM Uses was developed, marking a significant advancement in the consistency of terminology for BIM Uses. Building on this progress, NBIMS-US V4 witnessed a collaborative effort within a workgroup aimed at reassessing the definition and application of BIM Uses and BIM Use Cases. This paper presents the outcomes of the workgroup's efforts, showcasing a novel structure to define BIM Use Cases. The research and development process behind this re-envisioned structure is detailed, offering insights into how BIM Uses (general definitions) and BIM Use Cases (specific implementation on a project or within an organization) can be titled, defined, and effectively used in the planning and implementation of BIM activities within a project. The resulting structure provides a comprehensive and standardized method for defining BIM Uses and BIM Use Cases, incorporating common terminology and delineating the method and outcome of a project-specific BIM Use Case. This approach seeks to enhance clarity, consistency, and efficiency in implementing BIM in the AECO industry.