Introducing oneself to the world of Building Information Modeling (BIM) is embracing a revolutionary approach to the design, planning, and execution of construction projects. However, for this methodology to reach its full potential, it is essential to understand and correctly implement the BIM Execution Plan (BEP). This document is the backbone that guides collaboration and project management in BIM, outlining responsibilities, processes, and requirements for all involved parties. In this tutorial, we will explore step by step how to create an adequate BEP, ensuring effective BIM implementation and project success.

What is the BEP?

According to ISO 19650, the Building Information Modeling (BIM) Execution Plan (BEP) is a document that defines how the BIM project will be carried out, managed, and delivered throughout its lifecycle. It establishes policies, processes, procedures, and specific project requirements related to BIM use. The BEP is developed collaboratively by key project stakeholders and should be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure it remains aligned with project objectives and stakeholder needs.

What are the key pieces of information to include in a BEP?

1. Objectives and Scope: It should clearly define the BIM project objectives, including what will be achieved with BIM implementation and the scope of BIM activities to be performed.

A suggestion from the blog to prioritize the objectives to be developed in the BEP is to separate the objectives and goals according to the BIM Phases, as we recently discussed in one of our blog posts. Below is an example of the description of objectives and goals contained in a BEP:

Goals for the Design Phases:

1. Prevent and detect conflicts and collisions, conducting more efficient coordination;

2. Ensure the project has coordinated and quality documentation;

Goals for the Construction Phase:

1. Use models to define construction phases more accurately;

2. Use the construction sequencing process to increase productivity and reduce waste;

3. Use the model to extract specifications and quantities for material procurement;

2. Responsibilities and Roles: It should establish the responsibilities of each project team member, including the specific roles of each stakeholder in the BIM process.

This is a fundamental step that should be included in the BEP. Here is where we find the BIM Project Responsibility Matrix. A suggestion I offer is to list the matrix according to the BIM Uses that will be applied to that specific project. Below is an example of a Responsibility Matrix:

Item	BIM Use	Role	Responsible Company	Responsible Employee	Contact
1	Clash Detection	BIM Coordinator	BIM Trends	Ronaldo	99999-9999
2	4D Planning of the Project	BIM Coordinator	BIM Trends	Ronaldo	99999-9999
3	Architecture Model	Architecture Manager	Modeling Company	Lucas	88888-8888

3. Standards and Protocols: It should define the BIM standards and protocols to be followed during the project, including file formats, object classifications, naming conventions, and modeling guidelines.

This is also a very important part for project development, as file naming conventions, versions, and delivery formats are essential to maintain the quality of generated information.

Additionally, another piece of information that makes a big difference, and mainly facilitates the modeling stages, is to explicitly state the project coordinates. This way, the different modeling disciplines will be using the same coordinate base, and coordination will occur in a simpler manner.

Below, we also provide an example of standardization for file naming conventions of models and software to be used in the Project.

The delivered files followed identifications with abbreviations of the Project Name, Discipline, File Number (3 characters), File Content (3 characters), and File Revision Number, all separated by hyphens.

Discipline	Project Name (5 Characters)	Discipline (3 Characters)	Number of Review (3 Characters)
Architecture	BTRND	ARC	R00
Structure	BTRND	STR	R00
Hydraulics	BTRND	HYD	R00

In this way, the General Architecture Model, for example, would have the following naming convention: BTRND-ARC-001-GER-R00.

Discipline	Use	Software	Version
3D Coordination	Clash Detection	Autodesk Navisworks	2023
Planning	4D Planning of the Project	Bentley Synchro	2023
Architecture	Architecture Model	Autodesk Revit	2023

4. Schedule and Methodology: It should include a detailed schedule of BIM activities throughout the project lifecycle, along with the methodology to be followed for BIM implementation.

5. Integration and Collaboration: It should address issues related to integration and collaboration among project team members, including BIM model sharing, review and approval processes, and communication tools.

This is a very important topic contained in the BEP. In this stage, the Common Data Environment (CDE) to be adopted for the Project will be described, as well as how information and files will be shared, and how communication and collaboration will flow on this platform. Below is an example of standardization regarding the deliveries to be inserted into the CDE:

File Type	Native Format	Exchange Format (CDE)	Delivery Phase
BEP	.docx	.pdf	Conception and Planning
Architecture Model	.rvt	.ifc	Design
5D Quantification and Budgeting	.liu	.xls	Construction

6. Information Management: It should describe how information will be managed throughout the project, including the collection, storage, organization, analysis, and distribution of BIM data.

In this topic, a definition that sometimes seems irrelevant makes all the difference: the definition of Project measurement units. It is very important to define which units will be used, as well as the decimal places that will be considered. Additionally, it is also fundamental to define what will be the Project Coordinate System, as well as what will be the Origin Point.

Below is an example table with the measurement units to be included in this BEP topic:

Item	Metric Unit	Format	Example
Lenght	Meter (m)	0,00	4,56 m
Area	Square Meters (m²)	0,00	4.567,89 m²
Volume	Cubic Meters (m³)	0,00	4.567,89 m³

7. Quality and Control: It should include plans to ensure the quality of BIM models and associated information, as well as quality control and review processes.

In this stage, how model clash detections will occur is defined, as well as the meetings that will take place throughout the Project, who will participate in them, and where they will occur. Below is an example table that defines the meetings that will take place throughout the Project.

Meeting Type	Phase	Frequency	Place
Compatibility of BIM Projects	Design	Weekly	Projects Office
Construction Monitoring	Construction	Fortnightly	Construction Site
Project Coordination	All Phases	Weekly	On-line – Through Zoom

8. Training and Development: It should address the need for training and development of the project team regarding the use of BIM, including training programs and available resources.

In this topic, the necessary training sessions are defined, identified by the BIM Manager and BIM Coordinator, so that the Team involved in the Project can fully utilize the BIM software that will comprise the Project development throughout its Lifecycle. Below is also an example table that can be inserted describing which trainings will be conducted and who will participate.

Training	Estimated Time	Participants	Place
CDE Using	4 hours	All people involved with the Project	On-line – Through Zoom
4D Model Using	4 hours	Responsibles for the Planning and Execution of the Construction	On-line – Through Zoom
Compatibility of BIM Models	4 hours	Design Teams and BIM Coordinator	On-line – Through Zoom

9. Documentation and Deliverables: It should specify the BIM documents and deliverables that will be produced throughout the project, including BIM models, reports, checklists, and technical documentation.

Unveiling the BEP: Towards Success with BIM

In summary, developing an adequate BIM Execution Plan (BEP) is a crucial step for the success of any BIM-based construction project. By following the outlined steps and carefully considering the various elements that compose a comprehensive BEP, teams can ensure an efficient and effective implementation of the BIM methodology.

From clearly defining project objectives to assigning responsibilities and ensuring interoperability among different stakeholders, a well-developed BEP serves as an indispensable guide to steer the modeling and collaboration process.

Investing time and effort in creating a robust BEP from the project’s outset not only facilitates coordination and communication among involved parties but also significantly contributes to delivering a high-quality final product aligned with client expectations and requirements.