The use of BIM in Italy is regulated by the so-called BIM decree (Ministerial Decree 560 of 1 December 2017), which establishes the time and modalities for the progressive introduction of BIM in Italy and electronic building modelling tools.
The BIM decree is also called the Baratono decree, from the name of Engineer Pietro Baratono, President of the commission responsible for preparing the text.
The objective of the introduction of BIM in the construction industry is to streamline the designing and testing activities, making at the same time, processes that affect the mode and timing of participation to tenders; for this reason, the innovation of BIM for the Public Administration represents an opportunity for the growth of the sector in terms of productivity, containment of the costs of design, construction and management of the work in its entire life cycle.
BIM DECREE - BARATONO DECREE
The BIM decree sets the dates for the introduction of the BIM in contracts. The first obligation set concerns works with an amount equal to or greater than EUR 100 million and requires the use of electronic modelling methods and instruments starting from 1 January 2019; progressively, then, sets the obligations gradually for smaller amounts after 2019.
BIM as a regulatory obligation, time limits defined in the BIM decree:
- from 2019: BIM is mandatory for works of an amount equal to or greater than 100 million Euro;
- from 2020: BIM is mandatory for works with amounts exceeding 50 million Euro;
- by 2021: BIM will be mandatory for works with amounts greater than 15 million Euro;
- by 2022: BIM will be mandatory for work with amounts greater than 5.2 million Euro;
- by 2023: BIM will be mandatory for all work greater than 1 million Euro;
- by 2025: BIM will be mandatory for all new work.
The BIM decree also provides for the use by contracting stations of interoperable platforms through open non-proprietary formats, and defines the use of data and information produced and shared between all participants in the design, construction and management of the intervention. The transparency guaranteed by the BIM decree for professionals and contracting stations, therefore, will have a positive impact also in terms of the containment of corruption, as stated by Engineer Baratono.
BIM abroad…
The dissemination of BIM is also observed abroad, faster in some countries (e.g. the United Kingdom and Scandinavian countries) and more gradual in others.
Building Information Modelling allows companies to collaborate in the design and analysis of building systems quickly and efficiently, reducing costs and adding value to their projects. The continuing diffusion of BIM is essential, therefore, to ensure smooth cooperation in international construction projects.
