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Building information modelling (BIM) is far from a fad—its prevalence within the North American design/construction community suggests the technique is a paradigm shift on the calibre of CAD.

A new report suggests virtually half the country's design/construction industry is now employing building information modelling (BIM).

"The Business Value of BIM," produced by Autodesk and McGraw-Hill Construction, found 48 per cent of Canadian survey respondents have adopted BIM tools. On a continent-wide level, the statistic rises slightly to 49 per cent—a number representing a 75 per cent increase over the adoption rate measured by similar research in 2007.

The survey also reports BIM users expect to double their application of such 4-D modelling over the next two years and that experienced practitioners cite their familiarity with the process as a means to secure work. To view the report in its entirety, visit www.bim.construction.com.