Abstract: This paper examines the application of building inforamation modeling (BIM) in the phases of planning, design and construction of a reservoir, and summarizes the main applicable items of BIM technology and its advantage for each phase. It show that this technology provides powerful data and technical support for all the stages of the project life cycle, make it easier for different construction agents to collaborate, and improve the level of fine management over the whole project process. A flowchart of BIM application is given, and a case study of the Qianping reservoir in operation and maintenance stages is discussed. The problems of resource sharing and management of complex data sources in engineering projects are solved through using and integrating the cross-platform technology based on “BIM+” thinking, combined GIS technology, Web technology, mobile application, communication, and computer network technology, etc. The method for developing BIM applications and their implementation modes for the whole life circle of a reservoir project presented in this paper would help promote BIM application and raise informatization level in reservoir construction and management.

Key words: building information modeling (BIM), reservoir, life cycle, BIM application procedure, informatization