Interview: Overcoming BIM Barriers and Advancing Construction Standards in Canada

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is revolutionizing the construction industry globally, yet Canada faces unique challenges in adopting this technology more broadly. As the country aims to integrate BIM into its construction practices, it must overcome significant barriers, including inconsistent demand, skills gaps, and workflow compatibility.

In this context, we explore the insights of Dwayne Torrey, Director of Construction & Infrastructure Standards at CSA Group. Dwayne offers a detailed overview of BIM’s current state in Canada and contrasts it with practices in the UK and the US. He also addresses the proposed framework for BIM adoption and the adaptation of international standards to fit the Canadian context. To effectively leverage BIM, Canada must navigate both local and global standards while considering the potential of emerging technologies.

What are the main challenges for BIM adoption in Canada, and how do they compare to those in the UK or the US?

There are three main challenges when it comes to BIM adoption in Canada:

Lack of consistent demand: Adoption of BIM across Canada is relatively fragmented. This is partly due to varying regulatory support, leading to inconsistent demand. As a result, there is little incentive to use BIM. The lack of consistent demand also leads to the lack of standardized processes which leads to inefficiencies and rework for those that are using BIM. In contrast, the UK government mandates BIM for public sector projects, creating uniform demand, while in the US, initiatives like the National BIM Standard (NBIMS) help drive broader adoption.

Skills Gaps: In Canada, BIM education and training can vary across different regions and institutions, with many professionals needing upskilling. Training is not just needed by designers, architects and engineers, but all parties involved within the lifecycle of a building project. The UK has taken a more structured approach to addressing the skills gap, while the US offers a wide range of training and certification programs, supported by industry and educational institutions, providing clearer pathways to BIM expertise.

Workflow Compatibility: In Canada, the industry faces compatibility issues between different BIM systems and workflows leading to inefficiencies and adoption barriers. In contrast, the UK has established clearer BIM standards and workflows, such as the ISO 19650 series, which helps ensure compatibility and integration across projects.

Your report, Digital Transformation in the Canadian Built Asset Industry, emphasizes the need for a coherent operational framework for BIM adoption in Canada. What are the key components of the proposed BIM framework for Canada, and how will it address current issues?

The key to addressing the current issues with BIM adoption in Canada lies in setting up national standards and guidelines. By creating clear rules for BIM processes, data exchange, and interoperability, we can ensure that everyone involved—from project owners to contractors—follows consistent practices.

Other recommendations include:

• Introducing regulations that mandate BIM for public sector projects, together with government incentives and policies.
• Developing guidelines and best practices for BIM implementation.
• Creating standardized training and certification programs to equip professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge.
• Establishing clear protocols for data exchange for effective information sharing among different systems and interested parties.

You mention that global standards like the ISO 19650 series might need some tweaks to fit the Canadian context. What kinds of changes do you think are necessary, and what policies should the Canadian government put in place to promote wider BIM adoption?

Work is currently underway by the technical committee to review the ISO 19650 series and determine if any deviations are necessary for its adoption in Canada. This series is anticipated to be fully adopted into Canada towards the end of the 2024 calendar year.

There are several actions the Canadian government can take to facilitate a more widespread and consistent adoption of BIM. These include:

• Mandating BIM for all public sector projects above a certain size or complexity.
• Developing and/or adopting national standards for BIM processes, data formats, and interoperability.
• Expanding certification programs for BIM professionals and organizations.
• Supporting training and education through programs and partnerships with educational institutions.
• Implementing a phased-in approach of these policies to allow interested parties to adapt gradually, reducing resistance and facilitating smoother transitions.
• Engaging with industry to gather input and build support to ensure policies address real-world needs.

Your research shows that BIM benefits aren’t evenly distributed—some stakeholders gain more than others. What can be done to make sure that the advantages of BIM are spread more equally across the entire value chain?

To tackle this issue and ensure a more equitable distribution of BIM’s advantages across the entire value chain, we should focus on developing universal BIM standards and protocols. This approach will guarantee consistency and interoperability, making collaboration easier for everyone and especially benefiting small and medium-sized enterprises. Additionally, by supporting these smaller businesses with access to essential software, hardware, and initial training, we can help them adopt BIM more effectively and ensure they also reap its benefits.

What role can advanced digital technologies like Digital Twin play in addressing Canada’s current housing crisis?

Digital Twins can enhance cost management and overall efficiency across design, construction, and operational stages. They provide a real-time, dynamic representation of physical assets, enabling informed decision-making. They enhance design efficiency by allowing architects and engineers to test and refine building designs in a virtual environment.

Digital Twins can also provide real-time monitoring of construction sites, tracking progress and identifying issues early to reduce delays and cost overruns. Additionally, they optimize energy use and HVAC systems through real-time analysis, improving energy efficiency and reducing operating costs. Finally, they support predictive maintenance, helping to prevent costly repairs and extending the lifespan of building systems.

Looking ahead, how do you see the proposed operational framework and the prioritized knowledge resources impacting the Canadian construction industry’s ability to address broader economic, social, and environmental challenges?

With more consistent demand, skills, and workflow compatibility, there is an opportunity for more consistent and integrated operability. This can benefit not only large firms but also the small-to-medium enterprises that could benefit greatly from BIM. CSA Group is currently working with interested parties in Canada, the US and the UK to understand what key practices and processes can be leveraged to accelerate the consistent use of BIM in the construction space.