Hanoi proactively applies BIM to construction investment projects

According to the roadmap for applying Building Information Modeling (BIM) approved by the Prime Minister, Hanoi has entered the initial phase with a focus on training and workshops to resolve numerous obstacles for management units and investors. The goal is to enable stakeholders to proactively apply BIM in the implementation of construction investment projects.

Resolving issues in construction management

According to Mr. Do Chi Hung, Head of the Construction Management Department, Hanoi Department of Construction, BIM (Building Information Modeling) uses technology to digitize construction information, represented through three-dimensional (3D) models, to support the design, construction, and operational management processes.

In Vietnam, BIM has been implemented, with its application roadmap in construction activities approved by the Prime Minister in Decision No. 258/QD-TTg on March 17, 2023, with mandatory requirements.

Accordingly, 2023, for Grade I and special projects, and 2025, for Grade II and above projects of new construction investment projects using public investment capital, state capital outside public investment, and investment under the public-private partnership method, it is mandatory to apply BIM in the project preparation work.

Hanoi proactively applies BIM to construction investment projects

The BIM file is a component of the construction design dossier and the project completion dossier. Investors are responsible for providing this file along with other required documents when appraising feasibility study reports, appraising construction designs after the basic design, applying for construction permits, and conducting acceptance testing.

“In Hanoi, the City has approved the application of Building Information Modeling for 8 projects, including 4 projects for renovation, upgrading, or constructing new hospitals such as Dong Da General Hospital, Traditional Medicine Hospital, Eye Hospital, and Kidney Hospital Branch 2; upgrading Hanoi Forensic Center; building the Youth Cultural and Sports Palace, Le Hong Phong Training School for Officials, and constructing the interchange between Ring Road 3.5 and Thang Long Boulevard,” emphasized Mr. Do Chi Hung.

In fact, the application of BIM is not unfamiliar in the construction industry as it is an advanced process widely used in the sector. BIM models are much more advanced than simple 2D or 3D drawings, as they are created intelligent models with a lot of necessary information.

It is known that during the consultation process for the draft Circular amending and supplementing Circular No. 12/2021/TT-BXD on issuing construction norms, the Ministry of Construction is also researching and supplementing the costs of applying BIM when preparing feasibility study reports, technical-economic reports, etc. The proposed cost should not exceed 15 - 20% of the construction drawing design cost of the project.

Hanoi leads in applying Building Information Modeling (BIM)

Although BIM is an advanced model applied in many ries around the world, its application in Vietnam faces many difficulties, primarily due to a lack of new knowledge among practitioners. Additionally, challenges arise cost factors and the reluctance to change among management units and investors. To address these issues and fulfill the tasks according to the roadmap for applying Building Information Modeling approved by the Prime Minister, the Hanoi People's Committee issued Decision No. 2029/QD-UBND (dated April 17, 2024) for the 2024-2025 period, focusing on training to enhance the ability to apply BIM for agencies, organizations, and construction businesses.

Participants at a BIM event organized by the Hanoi Department of Construction

After training sessions in several districts such as Dong Anh, Me Linh, Long Bien, Son Tay, Thanh Oai, Ung Hoa, Thuong Tin, and My Duc, Dr. Nguyen Van Chinh, a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Construction at the University of Transport, shared that all units unanimously agree that BIM training is a mandatory task.

Some investors have proposed additional costs for applying BIM to both implement the knowledge and conduct extensive training on actual projects. Specifically, Long Bien district has added BIM application to two ongoing projects, considering it a practice step towards 2025 when the district will no longer face difficulties in applying BIM on a larger scale.

Dr. Nguyen Van Chinh noted that according to statistics the National Bidding Network, the total number of public investment projects applying BIM May 2023 to May 2024 nationwide is 26 projects, with Hanoi leading with 6 notable projects, including 4 projects managed by the city's project management boards and 2 road construction projects in Thach That district and Son Tay town.

To effectively implement BIM, Dr. Nguyen Van Chinh suggested that the Hanoi Department of Construction should advise the city to continue improving mechanisms and policies, supplementing guidelines and standards related to BIM application; encouraging management units and investors to apply digital technologies, and approving additional costs.

Agreeing with these opinions, many construction industry experts also pointed out that there are still several issues in applying BIM, such as lack of BIM expertise, incomplete and inadequate guidelines and standards, lack of core software in the ry, additional costs, and reluctance to change.

Therefore, to resolve these issues, in the near future, Hanoi needs to promote training efforts, initially implementing training according to Decision 2029/QD-UBND of the Hanoi People's Committee. At the same time, Hanoi needs to continue improving mechanisms and policies, and completing and supplementing guidelines and standards related to BIM application. Encouraging the application of digital technologies, approving additional costs, and focusing on communication efforts to raise awareness about BIM application.

Based on the practical coordination of successfully implementing many BIM projects in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Binh Duong, Mr. Luong Thanh Hung, Deputy General Director of CIC Technology and Consulting Joint Stock Company (formerly the IT Center of the Ministry of Construction) affirmed that with relatively complete legal systems and clear implementation mechanisms, units, departments, sectors, management boards, investors, and consulting units in Hanoi need to quickly implement BIM so that stakeholders do not hesitate to adopt it.

It is known that in the third quarter of 2024, the Hanoi Department of Construction plans to organize two training classes on basic knowledge of Building Information Modeling to help construction sector officials recognize basic terms, viewing methods, necessary contents to view, and store BIM data files.

Source: Nguoidothi.net