ISO 29481-2-2012 PDF

Full title and description

St ISO 29481-2-2012 — Building information models — Information delivery manual — Part 2: Interaction framework. This part defines a methodology and a formal format for describing coordination acts and interaction frameworks between actors involved in building and asset lifecycle processes to support interoperable information exchange and digital collaboration.

Abstract

ISO 29481-2:2012 specifies a methodology and a format for describing "coordination acts" between actors in a building construction project during all life cycle stages. It defines how to map responsibilities and interactions to provide a process context for information flow and a structured format in which the interaction framework is specified, with the aim of facilitating interoperability between software applications and promoting reliable, repeatable, high-quality information exchange.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn / superseded.
• Publication date: December 2012 (2012-12).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 35.240.67; 91.010.01.
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2012).
• Number of pages: 74.

Scope

This part of ISO 29481 specifies a methodology and a machine-readable format for describing, mapping and managing interactions — including responsibilities, transactions, messages and data elements — between actors in any stage of a building or asset life cycle. The scope covers defining an interaction framework to support information delivery requirements (IDM) so that exchanges between BIM and other software tools are accurate, repeatable and interoperable.

Key topics and requirements

• Formal definition of an interaction framework to describe coordination acts and transactions between actors.
• Methodology for mapping roles, responsibilities and information flow within processes.
• Specification of templates and a schema for representing interaction frameworks in a consistent, machine-actionable format.
• Support for producing Information Delivery Manuals (IDMs) that enable repeatable and interoperable data exchanges across software applications.
• Guidance and normative annexes that include schema definitions, template structures and example interaction maps.

Typical use and users

Used by BIM managers, information managers, project leads, software vendors, standards authors and organizations implementing digital workflows for design, construction and asset management. Typical uses include developing and publishing IDMs, defining handover and exchange processes, configuring software integrations, and supporting contractual or procedural definitions for information exchange on projects.

Related standards

ISO 29481-1 (Information delivery manual — Part 1: Methodology and format) is the companion part addressing overall IDM methodology. EN ISO 29481-2:2016 is a regional/adopted edition of the 2012 text. The 2012 edition has been revised and replaced by a later edition ISO 29481-2:2025.

Keywords

BIM; Building information modelling; Information Delivery Manual (IDM); Interaction framework; Coordination acts; Interoperability; Information exchange; IDM schema; Information delivery requirements.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 29481-2:2012 is Part 2 of the Information Delivery Manual series; it defines an interaction framework and a format for describing coordination acts and information exchanges among actors in building and asset lifecycle processes.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the methodology and machine-readable format for mapping responsibilities, transactions, messages and data elements — enabling the creation of IDMs that support interoperable exchanges between software applications.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: BIM and information managers, project teams, software vendors, standards bodies and anyone defining or implementing digital information exchanges for construction and asset management projects.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2012 edition has been withdrawn/superseded; a newer edition (ISO 29481-2:2025) has been published to replace it. Users should reference the 2025 edition for the current normative text.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 2 of the ISO 29481 series (Information Delivery Manual). Part 1 addresses methodology and format; other related documents exist within the IDM/BIM standards family.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: BIM, information delivery manual (IDM), interaction framework, coordination acts, interoperability, information exchange, IDM schema.