Introduction
Keeping building information intact is no longer a best practice – it’s now the law. The building safety act of 2022 introduced by the UK government brought in the golden thread of information for every building. It’s designed to manage building safety risks by capturing every detail from design to the end of life of the building. The focus is on the building and its continuous documentation to prevent fire spread or structural collapse in high risk buildings.
Core Requirements of the Golden Thread Act
The Building Safety Act mandates that every element of a building’s data must be recorded as a digital record and kept as the golden thread of information.
Key requirements include:
- Digital Record Keeping and Management:
All building information must be kept in an accurate up-to-date digital format. This information stored is the building’s single source and the record responsible persons use to manage building safety risks. A robust version control and change control process is essential to track every change from design phase to construction phase and beyond to ensure every update is captured for building control approval and completion certificate application. - Building Information Modeling (BIM) Integration:
BIM is essential to create detailed digital models of structural engineer designs. BIM supports information modelling by capturing every dimension and detail required by building regulations. Interoperability with multiple software is key; hence, adherence to global BIM standards – AISC, British Standards, ISO Standards – is a must. - Common Data Environment (CDE):
A CDE is the central hub where the golden thread information is stored and managed. This must ensure secure access so only accountable persons and project teams can view or update data. The CDE provides consistency across all construction phases by being a single source where every piece of information is documented. - Data Security and Accessibility:
The Act demands robust security measures to protect sensitive data. Security protocols such as SSL encryption, secure Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) networks and GDPR compliance ensure building information is only accessible to designated users – building residents and building safety regulator. This layer of security protects against cyber threats and unauthorized access. - Accountability and Audit Trails:
Every change to the golden thread must be traceable. Detailed audit trails, recording who made each change and when, are essential to demonstrate accountability. These records support the building regulations advisory committee and give duty holders confidence that every modification during the construction phase is transparent and justified. - Lifecycle Information Management:
The digital record must cover the entire building’s lifecycle – from design and construction to operation, maintenance and demolition. Continuous updates ensure the record remains a living document that guides responsible persons in managing building safety risks over time.
For more details on Golden Thread Building Safety Act, See: Digital Safeguards: Unraveling the Golden Thread in the UK Building Safety Act.
How BuildTwin Empowers Structural Engineers for Golden Thread Compliance
BuildTwin delivers a suite of features that specifically address each core requirement of the golden thread:
Centralized Platform for Managing Projects and Data:
As a global marketplace, BuildTwin provides access to a network of pre-qualified structural engineers and engineering consultancies. This means projects – especially in higher risk buildings – are executed by experienced professionals. The project management tools centralize all project data, creating a digital record that is the golden thread of information. This is invaluable during the design and construction phase to capture every detail for building control approval and completion certificate.
BIM Services for Accurate Digital Records:
BuildTwin’s BIM capabilities include 3D modeling, clash detection and coordination services. By adhering to international BIM standards, the platform ensures every structural engineer delivers accurate information that meets building regulations. Automation features like scan-to-BIM conversion make it faster and more accurate to generate detailed digital twins of designs that reflect the building and its safety requirements.
Integration with Common Data Environments (CDEs):
BuildTwin integrates with 3rd party CDEs so users can continue to use their preferred digital systems and benefit from BuildTwin’s specialized tools. This integration enhances collaboration during the Revit BIM process and ensures building information is maintained as a single source of truth for principal contractors and principal designers.
Data Security and Access Control:
With multi-layered security – SSL encryption and secure VPC networks – BuildTwin protects all building information. GDPR compliance and “Privacy by Design” means data is only accessible to authorized users. Regular 3rd party audits validate the security protocols to meet the building safety act standards.
AI for Enhanced Accountability and Transparency:
BuildTwin Pro powered with AI – project management tool comes with live AI tracking and automated quality checklists – to keep the digital record up to date. Real-time tracking of project schedules and automated RFI management means every change is documented in the golden thread. These features help manage building safety risks by flagging discrepancies and streamlining updates during the construction phase.
Benefits of Choosing BuildTwin for Golden Thread Compliance
BuildTwin’s integrated solutions deliver significant advantages:
Enhanced Accuracy and Reliability:
With robust BIM services and AI-driven quality control, the platform ensures that every detail in the golden thread of information is accurate. This minimizes the risk of errors that could compromise building safety.
Improved Collaboration:
Centralized data management and CDE integration enables seamless communication among structural engineers, principal designers, and principal contractors. This increases collaboration among project teams and ensures that building information is consistently updated.
Streamlined Workflows:
The platform’s project management tools organize tasks, track RFIs, and automate checklists. Such streamlined workflows help ensure timely updates during the construction phase and simplify the process of obtaining building control approval.
Reduced Risk of Non-Compliance:
By aligning with the golden thread requirements, BuildTwin reduces the risk of regulatory penalties. The comprehensive audit trails and continuous documentation help manage building safety risks and support the issuance of the completion certificate.
Cost and Time Savings:
Automation of drawing reviews and real-time tracking speeds up project delivery and also reduces the overhead costs associated with manual data management. This efficiency benefits both small firms and large enterprises operating in the construction industry.
Conclusion
A comprehensive platform—featuring centralized data management, advanced BIM services, seamless CDE integration, robust data security, and AI-powered project oversight—addresses every critical requirement from the design and construction phase of building information. By enabling accountable persons, principal designers, and principal contractors to capture and maintain accurate, easily accessible digital records, BuildTwin stands as a powerful digital partner for structural engineering striving to meet the rigorous standards of the golden thread and the Building Safety Act.
