Building Information Modelling for Construction Managers - Coursework Example

Building Information Modeling for Construction Managers Introduction Building Information Modeling (BIM) is one of core technologies which is showingpromise in the Construction and Architecture/Engineering (A/E) industries. A Building Information Model is simply a digital representation of the physical and functional distinctiveness of a facility. Building Information Modeling may also refer to the practice of producing and communicating as well as analyzing building models. Every contracting methodology may use BIM to enhance outcomes. BIM technology and its practice are growing on several fronts throughout the world. This paper illustrates the idea of Building Information Modeling and how the same has impacted on the construction industry. The study examines the introduction of BIM into the Market and how the same has improved the construction industry by maximizing efficiency. This study will evaluate the advantages of BIM in the industry and shed light on how BIM works and why it should be preferred to the alternative traditional methods where design was largely reliant on two dimensional drawings. With Building Information Modeling, architects focus not only on width height and depth (3D) but also on time (the 4th dimension) and cost (the 5th dimension). Background The theoretical underpinnings of BIM system dates back to the initial days of computing. By early 1962, Douglas C. Englebart offered us a mysterious vision regarding the future of architect in his own paper Augmenting Human Intellect. The architect then began to enter a sequence of specifications as well as data-a 6-inch slab floor, 12-inch concrete walls that is eight feet high inside the excavation, and such like. The moment he was done the revised scene had emerged on the screen. A structure was taking shape. He scrutinized it and adjusted it. These lists developed into an ever highly detailed, interlinked structure that signified the maturing idea behind the actual design. Englebart had suggested object based design and parametric manipulation as well as a relational database; His dreams would become a reality a number of years later. There also exist design researchers whose authority is considerable including Nicholas Negroponte, Herbert Simon, and Ian McHarg who was establishing a parallel track with the GIS (Geographic Information Systems). It`s worth noting that Christopher Alexander`s work would have without doubt had an impact since it influenced early school of programming computer scientists which were object oriented with notes on Synthesis of Form. As robust and thoughtful as these systems were, the theoretical frameworks were impossible to realize without a graphical interface, with which to interact, such a Building Model. What is BIM? Building Information Modeling is a project that includes the combination of architectural, building services and structural issues. In addition, its a model based on the process which offers an insight for constructing and managing building and infrastructure projects faster. It is more economical than other building models. Building Information Models can be exchanged to support decision making about a place. BIM software is always used by government authorities, individuals and businesses that plan, construct, operate and maintain the physical structure of infrastructures. This paper seeks to discuss or study the application of Building Information Modeling for building construction site giving various examples. Project Delivery Methods and BIM for Construction Managers The benefits of BIM tools yield the utmost advantage when utilized across integrated project team. Many BIM proponents allege that the rewards multiply whenever the technology is deployed together with a delivery method which promotes a collaborative environment and also ensures early involvement of the key stakeholders. A practical example was when a design and construction manager working on a 288-bed hospital on Mission Bay campus of University of California was counting on such a process.  Even though this project that is approximately $1.5 billion will definitely not be completed until this year, they are already reaping the benefits. The design to build and build to design processes guarantees that the information covered in the building model sails through to construction site and back. The design to build procedure requires the design team, construction manager, contractor as well as subcontractor collaborate early enough using a 3D model with right amount of detail. This model assists the project team and construction manager design structures based on precise construction information.   The second phase of the procedure is build to design phase. The construction manager, contractor and subcontractors may use as-built measurements to authenticate the quality of construction and also check acceptable tolerances by means of the building model. After as-built conditions are pooled and overlaid with the model, construction managers can ensure that all structures are built in accordance with the specification. It`s worth noting that B2D and D2B processes lessen field rework and also allow contractors to prefabricate more off-site. The outcome is a cut in field labor hours, thus reduced cost of project and so savings for all the project stakeholders. Using BIM the construction managers can detect building flaws and errors by enabling ‘clash detection’ whereby the computer model virtually highlights to the construction manager and their team where exactly the parts of the building might faultily intersect. This gives all participants the chance to pre-fabricate and pre-assemble some systems off-site thus minimizing waste on on-site products by ensuring the same are delivered just-in –time rather than being stock piled on site (Rosen, 2011, p.125).The use of BIM enhances the collaborative effort to the team. The engineers and the architect can test their design ideas and come up with a concrete solution on the building plans. Use of BIM in construction management BIM allows the stakeholders the chance to envisage the facility`s virtual construction before its real physical construction. This allows the stakeholders to reduce uncertainty and increase safety especially when the stakeholders are faced with budget cuts, limited manpower and accelerated schedules. In construction management, construction players bring benefits by improving communication between the construction industries and thus, fasten the design process within the shortest time possible. On the other hand, it limits time wasting in the design process. BIM ensures that there is timely completion of quality construction projects and assists the international construction management (Maxwell, 1991, pg. 48).There are various uses of BIM in the construction management for each project. In design phase, the use of BIM can as well maximize its impact on project. This is true since the ability to influence the cost is very high. This enables the team to identify a strategy to provide solutions to issues before problem becomes to the worst. It is quite efficient for the construction management to collaborate and coordinate. The use of BIM enhances the collaborative effort to the team. The engineers and the architect can test their design ideas and come up with a concrete solution on the building plans. Visualization in BIM BIM is a great visualization tool. It provides a better understanding on how and what the final product may look like. Moreover, it would help better understand, and make decisions on the aesthetic and the function of the space available. In the BIM forum in Hong Kong, virtual mock ups may be utilized to review 4D shop drawings. The 3D mock ups helps in communication and collaborating among the projects participants. In addition, it promotes planning, thus helps the construction managers to have the actual plan before having the final one. Despite the fact that a virtual mock up is cost efficient in comparison to the physical mock-up. The physical mock-up may be required in the preliminary stage where an assembly of the building such as a curtain wall that needs to go on a series of tests. A virtual mock-up could become a good standard to initiate the mock-up process and an actual mock-up may be necessary after the virtual mock-up is approved by the construction managers. 3D and 4D Coordination The construction team would converge and have to design the early stage. During this time, the Building Information Modeling shall be implemented immediately after the first phase. If the 3D drawings are provided, the construction manager at times will have to convert the drawings to 4D models. Prefabrication is the process whereby field labor cost, time increases accuracy in a good quality construction. Moreover, there are more options and tools readily available in the jobsite to perform work more precisely, and less costly in the shortest time possible. This in essence creates more efficiency and effective job plan is adhered to Prefabrication on the other hand, requires field accuracy and good design. Building Information Model can provide accuracy by providing or including specifications, sequence, finishes, and the 3D visual for each component. It is quite effective for the construction managers to make sure that the Building Information Model is operable with the software used by the fabricators in fabrication. This will help them to generate details for the products in their fabrication software. Once they are approved, the products can be fabricated using Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines. Construction managers must make sure that the fabricated products are delivered on site on time. This will enhance time management. Materials like steel connections that are difficult must be generated in Building Information Model and welded. The welding of this products or elements in advance saves time and money. On the other hand, BIM helps to timely modify timely designs to eliminate or reduce use of beam penetration. Construction Planning and Monitoring The construction planning involves the scheduling of the model to coordinating virtual construction in time space. The schedule of the construction progress can be integrated to a virtual construction. The utilization scheduling introduces time as the 4-dimemsion.There exist two methods which can be used to create 4D Building Information Model. They include, the Critical Path Method, and line of balance. In CPM, each activity is listed linked to another activity (Yates, 2006, pg. 57). The interdependency of an activity is added to another successor to another activity. The duration of the activity are entered based on dependency as well as the duration of these activities. In this case, the longest path is defined as the most critical path. While the activities in the longest path are defined as the critical activities. Construction planning models may be made and integrated with composite project model so as to consider the effect of temporary items, for instance work packages, cranes, formwork, and installations among others. These temporary items` location can be modeled and associated with the project timeline in order for their appearance and removal at a particular project locations over explicit periods of time can be confirmed and checked for the potential time-based clashes. Cost Estimation What proves to be a hurdle in BIM adoption is always the price of this software as well as incompatibility with other software. Construction managers face BIM short comings concerning software, for instance software bugs and also incorrect modeling processes due to lack of experience in utilizing 3D modeling. Moreover, the company which is to implement BIM has to undergo a change in the work process. That company, in entirety, has to align to their value chain. As a result of making these necessary changes, cost will be incurred. Therefore, companies are always worried about the obvious costs which come after implementation of BIM. BIM requires to be viewed from the perspective of value added. The implementation of BIM can cause a huge change in the way some AEC firm functions. This undeniably has associated challenges. Nevertheless, the long term returns are irrefutable. Record Model Record Modeling is a procedure used to depict a precise representation of physical conditions, environment as well as assets of a facility. Record model ought to, at a minimum, enclose information concerning the main architectural, structural and also MEP elements. It`s the culmination of every BIM Modeling during the project, including Maintenance, linking Operation, and Asset data to As-Built model (made from the Construction, Design, 4D Coordination Models, and also Subcontractor Fabrication Models) to submit a record model to the construction manager. Additional information on equipment as well as space planning systems might be necessary if construction manager and/or the owner plan to use the information in future. So as to properly exhaust every opportunity for using such a model, a dialog needs to happen prior to the commencement of the project. The success of making a record model is anchored on a proper documentation of the owners planned use of the stored information within the model. The moment these uses are illustrated, the necessary parties may produce the needed information and insert necessary infrastructure to the model so as to sustain this future information. Extra resources like comprehensive implementation plan, deliver/turnover strategy and also level of detail documents should also be established. BIM Tools and Usage With the introduction of BIM in the construction industry, many firms opt to use the software to carry out various sustainability design and environmental studies, such as ventilation, energy, carbon emission, and green design (Oberlender, 2000, pg. 79). The housing Authority in Hong Kong started piloting BIM since 2005. They have used BIM for design visualization and increasingly extended further to subsequent stages to advantage the chain of stakeholders in the building cycle, from design to documentation. Through the implementation of BIM in their projects, they have improved on their building by optimizing their designs by improving coordination and reducing construction waste (Crotty, 2012, pg. 67). The set standards, guidelines, and component families are essential for successful BI implementation. They are required for effective model in building, file management and communication between BIM users. This has enhanced them to facilitate the process they have prepared in-house BIM standards. In this response, they are one of the best construction industries in the globe. The application of BIM in the construction projects brings many benefits to construction players such as improving communication between the construction industries and facilitates faster design process and decision within the shortest time possible (Oreilly, 1999, pg. 62). In addition, the use of BIM features is ease of use related to its tools. This as well reduces the cost and the time spent in design construction. BIM can also be applied to all construction projects for every phase, consisting of the pre-construction phase, and pot construction phase. BIM also ensures completion of quality construction project because it assists on organizing international of construction engineering and management. There are various tools that have been introduced in many types and functions. Among the tools are Tekla, Bentley, Revit, Autodesk and many more (Jansen, 1988, pg.81). Each of the tolls has its own functions and each is used to manage different activities in the construction project. Selection of the tools are based on four features, they are accuracy, reliability of data exchange, usability, and communication reliability. In communication reliability, this can be realized through BIM process in defining a project team recognizing the key process and dependencies throughout a project, where there are assigning roles and assigning responsibilities to each project team. The utilization of BIM in estimating process illustrates the accuracy of BIM in the first phase process. BIM on the other hand, can lessen the number of errors linked to measurement estimates in the estimating process. BIM tools such as Revit Structural and Revit Architectural, in terms of usability, are able to illustrate the construction process through 4-Dimensonal simulation and clash detection (Loots & Charrett, 2009, pg. 76). BIM has generally proved itself through successful projects that have been managed by several countries like Hong Kong, USA, and Australia. Major successful project examples are one Island East in Hong Kong, The freedom tower. In addition the reliability of exchange of data between structural engineers and architects need to be verified prior to proceeding to develop model which can facilitate some other processes such as mechanical and electrical design. This is estimated on construction phase process. Methodology The research shall seek to devour building information modeling (BIM) in detail. The research entails reviewing of applications of BIM to the construction industry and how it has affected the work of professionals in this industry. It shall be conducted through literature review, case studies, and interviews. Primarily, the research shall focus on application of Building Information Modeling for pre-construction and construction as well as post construction phases. Thereafter, the article shall examine the application as well as the benefits of BIM in construction of research facility. While undertaking this research, the researcher had to use techniques and methodologies that can be best applied to the industry without creating a lot of complexities in data collection. Information collection and its analysis have been done in consideration of more than one reality, hence the resulting conclusion and research information is such relative rather than absolute. It is in the view of this paper that if more than one research method could be used, this would lead to reduction of any weaknesses in data and contributes to the building up of strengths. The research will center of attention on construction industry as the target study area. It will focus on the users of BIM, and the companies that have adopted BIM as their main software in the design work and data management format. The characteristic of the population will be experience in using BIM and the clients whose designs has been formulated using BIM. BIM: Main Generator for 4D Scheduling In 4D Scheduling, the concept is to utilize a visual tool that is made through the linkage of each object existing in 3D BIM with schedule activity which corresponds with it. The rationale of this activity is to create an animation revealing the construction process over a period of time. A 4D Scheduling is a technique which is most often adopted in construction industry since it has a great use as in most cases the projects are actually extensive and take much time in planning and scheduling process. Moreover, the contractor can always append the BIM model with the objects to represent cranes, scaffolding, man lifts, traffic routing as well as other equipment and logistics needed to construct the building. This is definitely a time-based approach and it provides a bit high level of the construction logistics planning. Advantages & Disadvantages of BIM There are many challenges firms do incur in the construction industry. They recognize that they are shifting from a physical model-hard copy plans to the primary information generators for a digital database. There are some problems with Building Information Modeling that relates to liability. With the access to the model for all aspects, that includes everyone involved in the construction project. There is no sense for engineers or architects be expected to sign a set of drawings, and at the same time, placing their liability on the line. Nevertheless, this issue could hinder or have effects on productivity. There is the driving theory behind BIM which is the elimination of change order that occur because of the missing information in the construction documents. All the parties who were involved in creating the BIM will always check for all possible conflicts and problems. I f this persists, problem will not only occur in the coordination of BIM, but in the coordination of all parties involved with the access to the BIM. There is also the problem of large group of people (mechanical, steel, electrical constructions) coordinate to use a BIM model for all construction information. The fact that there exist a good relationship between the involved parties and that are connected to the model and at the same time connected to each other. The biggest problem will be how to control who puts what into the system and what kind of problems will that generate. BIM has several different companies that use the software in building and construction, besides all that, there is the fee of purchasing all license. The formatting, on the hand, the compatibility of the files is of below standards. The situation may become worse if the amount of information is many. Another challenge the construction managers face on the Building Information Model is the speed. During the design time, the speed is quite low making the work ineffective. The software does not spread and still clogs the machines despite the fact that there was an update on the machines. However, BIM on the other hand, is less flexible in that it is more susceptible to user-generated problems (Smith, & Tardif, 2012, pg. 54). The delay may be caused by various bugs in the BIM software. Thus, it isnt appropriate for large scale industries with larger projects. In other words, its not cost effective for large scale projects. The demand of a large project in terms of the size of the model and amount of information are pushing the limits of what the BIM can deliver. No standard BIM contract documents-this is to say, if a set of standards is not developed, the operating system of the BIM will not be efficient. BIM cannot interface with other programs. When a different program takes a BIM and opens it with another program, the will be no doubt that all the engineers data will not be correct when transferred from another program. Engineers and the architects are reluctantly providing digital data to contractors and suppliers because the data can be modified. At the same time, when the suppliers enter data into the model, the question we should ask ourselves is. Will they be held responsible when things do no work? Or will they blame the engineers for not checking over the drawings? However, BIM should take over the construction management duties since the software provides a lot of specific products that the construction manager cannot easily provides. For example, scheduling and estimating. For this reason, BIM should be great asset for building and Design Company, currently this is not the case. When the work is done, who is going to have the final copy? Will the architect be able to copyright drawings when the program actually makes changes to the drawings? When the necessary changes are to be made, the person responsible will have to copy the drawings with a revision date, and the revision number. The part that needs to be changed should be marked and the corresponding revision number. Consequently, this will make it extremely easy for anyone who looks at the drawing what has been changed. With the Building Information Model, revision can still be made to the drawings. To get an accurate account on what has been changed, a whole new set of drawings will be issued, and since the whole setup or program has dynamic input, a change in one location is made throughout the drawings. On the other hand, this will not be marked with the revision clouds since finding changes on a set of drawings could be very difficult having in consideration that who should find the change made. This requires a careful consideration when using BIM. Conclusion The implementation of BIM in the construction projects can lead to successful construction of projects. This will al depend on the factors laid down on what basis BIM should be implemented. Major clients like Hong Kong needs to be early adopter of BIM technology. In the same scenario, BIM utilization in construction projects can decrease waste as well as safety problems in the contraction, leading to completion of quality projects. Several tools have been used in various countries in construction sector by improving project schedule, detecting any clash in the design stage. This, at the same time, decreases construction costs and improving communication between construction players. The introduction and implementing of BIM in construction industry can amplify the overall quality of projects and also improve the image of the industry. With the government efforts, it will be beneficial to the government if they acquire the use of BIM in the construction industry being that there is technological advancement. BIM is not just simply about purchasing and then installing the softwares. Criticism arise that most people in the industry believed that moment they have purchased this software from the vendors they are “BIM-ing”. However, it is definitely not the case. BIM is bout software and the process. Furthermore, implementing BIM entails dramatic changes in present business practices as well as cultural and behavioural change of the industry, altering the individuals way of thinking regarding working in partnership with and relating to different parties in project planning as well as construction. Thus, investigating the barriers as identified would contribute in fastening the adoption of BIM in the construction industry especially for construction mangers. It is vital to interact with construction industry and investigate which factor is on the lead and has the largest impact in implementing BIM. Again it is also essential to establish the perceived benefits that BIM could probably bring to the construction manager and to get the Contractors perception regarding these “three letters” by means of comparing the primary data outcomes with the secondary data outcomes and whether to restore or to oppose the outcomes from Secondary data. Recommendations The adoption of BIM within construction industry and more specific construction managers offer a significant productivity and also environmental benefits.  This research identified two major recommendations on BIM (Building Information Modelling). They include: Encourage the industry to widely use BIM and support pilot projects Consider BIM as the only key intervention to bring conceptualized ideas and imaginations, with regard to constructions, into reality. From 1 May 2016, every government building procurements to involve full collaborative Building Information Modeling, based on open values for information exchange. Commonwealth as well as state governments ought to be encouraged to begin mandatory utilization of BIM for their own building procurements. Implementation of project work agendas aimed at issues such as procurement, education, BIM guidelines, BIM libraries and also regulatory frameworks. A joint government and also industry task force ought to be created to oversee and facilitate implementation of this journals recommendations and adoption of BIM by the concerned government. The research further recommends the industry to establish a cost benefit analysis of the effect of BIM on the world`s construction sector. BIM has certain macroeconomic benefits - its accelerated extensive adoption will definitely create a significant difference to the national economic performance. List of References BRANDON, P. S., & KOCATÜRK, T. (2009).Virtual Futures for Design, Construction and Procurement. Chichester, John Wiley & Sons. CROTTY, R. (2012). The impact of building information modelling: transforming construction. Abingdon, Oxon, Spon. DEUTSCH, R. (2011). BIM and integrated design strategies for architectural practice. Hoboken, N.J., Wiley. EASTMAN, C. M. (2008). BIM handbook: a guide to building information modeling for owners, managers, designers, engineers, and contractors. 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