BIM as a Risk Management Platform Enabling Integrated Practice and Delivery

While building information information modeling (BIM), sometimes more accurately described as virtual design and construction (VDC), is rapidly gaining traction in the architecture, engineering and construction industry (AEC). The industry is far from capturing the full value of BIM/VDC and the innovative practices emanating from BIM that will stimulate a much discussed industry transformation. Still lacking is:
The integration of multiple domains and project stakeholders
Early access to information in support of the decision making process
The ability to manage and mitigate project risks.

The broader value of BIM will require collaboration among all project stakeholders, early and continuous management of project risks and value planning, and engineering. This article describes value planning, coupled with an ongoing Risk Management Program at The Lower Manhattan Construction Command Center (LMCCC). It involves the use and implementation of BIM/VDC to facilitate risk modeling and management on the reconstruction at the World Trade Center (WTC) site, and is an example of the extension of BIM into a truly integrated practice. It is a revealing case of the potential applications of BIM that will collectively result in broad industry change.