BIMwash

The term BIMwash is derived from Whitewash, “a cheap white paint or coating of chalked lime used to quickly give a uniform clean appearance to a wide variety of surfaces”Metaphorically, to whitewash means to “gloss over or cover up vices, crimes or scandals or to exonerate by means of […] biased presentation of data” (Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2003).

In essence, BIMwash is the attempt to­­ hide imperfections (BIM Incompetency), while at the same time, promoting an inaccurate view of one’s BIM capability or credentials. Using a more measureable definition, BIMwash is when:

BIM Claim[1] > BIM Competency[2]

That is, BIMwash exists when an individual, organization or project team’s BIM Claim is significantly higher than its actual BIM Competency to deliver on these claims[3]. This formula signifies that, in order to accurately measure BIMwash, BIM Competency must first be understood and measured.

[1] BIM Claim is what an individual, organization or project team choses to publically identify as their extent of BIM competency.

[2] BIM Competency is a term that combines BIM capability and maturity. BIM Competency can be applied to individuals, organizations and project teams. This will be further explained later on.

[3] If BIM Claim < BIM Competency, then there is a missed marketing opportunity!


SOURCE: BIM ThinkSpace, 2011. Episode 16: Understanding BIM Wash [WWW Document]. (accessed 4.17.21).

Cross-sectional view of a residential building’s fire core, showing protected stairwells, lift shafts, fire-rated partitions, and service risers enclosed within fire-resistant construction, designed to maintain vertical compartmentation and safe evacuation routes during a fire.
How To
Jarek Wityk

Secondary Supply – diverse cable route

This guidance covers the routing of secondary supply cables from a life safety generator to the ATS (Automatic Transfer Switch), and the final equipment with reference to:

BS 7671:2018+A2:2022, specifically Section 560: Safety Services

BS 8519:2020, with emphasis on Clause 7 (Cable Routing) and Clause 11 (Cable Selection)

The goal: clarify requirements for the diverse cable routing and maintain circuit integrity under fire conditions for systems that support life safety and fire-fighting applications, such as sprinkler pumps, fire-fighting lifts, and smoke control systems.

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