ISO/TC 59/SC 13/WG 8 - Building information models - Information delivery manual

This document is the technical addition to the methodology set out in ISO 29481-1. It defines a specification to store, exchange and read information delivery manual (IDM) specifications in a standardized and machine-readable way.

This document provides the opportunity to add information about the contents of a container by further specializing the generic types of links specified in ISO 21597-1. The defined link types have been chosen to enhance the use of the container by allowing the addition of semantic relationships that are human interpretable to provide greater clarity about those links.

This document defines an open and stable container format to exchange files of a heterogeneous nature to deliver, store and archive documents that describe an asset throughout its entire lifecycle. It is suitable for all parties dealing with information concerning the built environment, where there is a need to exchange multiple documents and their interrelationships, either as part of the process or as contracted deliverables. The format is intended to use resources either included in the container (such as documents) or referenced remotely (such as web resources). A key feature is that the container can include information about the relationships between the documents. Relevant use-cases reflect the need for information exchange during the entire life cycle of any built asset and can include, but are not limited to, the handover of - a published bidding package, - required project deliverables at a specific project stage (e.g. when proposing different design scenarios), - shared information as background or for further development, - published approval packages, or - information about versions between partners to provide a means to reference particular states of the information and track changes.

ISO 29481-1:2016 specifies - a methodology that links the business processes undertaken during the construction of built facilities with the specification of information that is required by these processes, and - a way to map and describe the information processes across the life cycle of construction works. ISO 29481-1:2016 is intended to facilitate interoperability between software applications used during all stages of the life cycle of construction works, including briefing, design, documentation, construction, operation and maintenance, and demolition. It promotes digital collaboration between actors in the construction process and provides a basis for accurate, reliable, repeatable and high-quality information exchange.