Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract (CSI-based)

In CSI’s project delivery and documentation discussions, BIM is consistently defined as “Building Information Modeling.”

CSI describes BIM as:

A digital representation of the physical and functional characteristics of a facility.

A shared knowledge resource for information about a facility, forming a reliable basis for decisions during its life cycle.

A tool that supports coordination, clash detection, documentation, quantity takeoff, and communication between design and construction team members.

BIM models are used alongside, and coordinated with, drawings, specifications, and other contract documents, and they support communication and decision-making throughout design, construction, and sometimes operation.

The other options are not recognized industry meanings of BIM:

B. Business Information Manual – not a standard construction-industry term.

C. Building Interior Maintenance – does not match CSI or industry definitions of BIM.

D. Building Inspection Manual – again, not the accepted meaning of BIM in the AEC context.

Therefore, in the construction context, BIM stands for “Building Information Modeling” (Option A).

Key CSI References (titles only):

CSI Project Delivery Practice Guide – chapters addressing BIM and information management.

CSI Construction Specifications Practice Guide – discussions of model-based delivery and coordination with specifications.

CSI CDT Body of Knowledge – terminology and emerging practices including BIM.