Building Information Modelling in Construction and Operations - Literature review Example

BIМ IN CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATIONS By Name Course Instructor Institution City/State Date Table of Contents BIМ in Construction and Operations Introduction Because of the modern complexity in construction contracts, the demand for quality infrastructure construction and building design, the constructability issues faced by many construction companies are extremely sophisticated and solving them is very challenging without using technology. Building Information Modelling (BIM) is one of the technologies that has surfaced recently and has increased the sophistication of designs. Presently, the modelling industry, especially in the developed economies are supporting not just three-dimensional (3D) models but also various areas of construction management like safety training, cost control, scheduling, estimating, as well as sustainability. The focus of this study is to examine BIM enabled solutions that can address the challenges facing the construction industry by exploring innovative approaches that address the following issues: enhancing construction site management, including safety logistics; improving project schedules and cost certainty; and automating design to manufacturing processes and prefabrication. Enhancing Construction Site Management Construction managers and buildings’ owners, according to Eastman et al. (2011), could utilise BIM to achieve tools for streaming the delivery of better performance and higher quality. More importantly, BIM allows for collaboration between participants of the project, reduces field changes and errors and results in a more reliable as well as efficient delivery process which lessen project cost and time. Without a doubt, BIM has shown potential in many areas of construction site management. For instance, the construction managers could utilise BIM to enhance building value by means of BIM-based energy analysis and design with the aim of improving the overall performance of the building. Besides that, BIM reduces the project schedule from approval phase into completion phase through utilisation of building models for prefabricating and coordinating design with decreased field labour time. Thanks to BIM, it has become easier for construction managers to get accurate and reliable cost estimates by means of automated quantity take-off; thus, offering feedback quicker in a project where decision making has an enormous impact. BIM also optimise construction site maintenance and management through utilisation of as-built BIM as the equipment, spaces, and rooms’ database. According to Mäki and Kerosuo (2015), the sophistication and lengthy processes associated with construction projects is attributed to the fact that many people from different occupational groups are involved. Therefore, use of BIM would facilitate information transfer and communication between the occupational groups. In Mäki and Kerosuo (2015) study, BIM was utilised actively on the sites. The site manager failed to utilise traditional drawings once and achieved all the design information from the building models. Mäki and Kerosuo (2015) observed that the desired accuracy level of the models could be achieved through improved collaboration between designers as well as construction site personnel. Ho et al. (2013) posit that irrespective of whether the execution of the project by an architectural company is successful, it is possible to achieve valuable knowledge and have to be documented in order for the site engineers what is operational and not. From the knowledge management construction perspective, such experiences, as well as the gained knowledge, are valuable, since they are gathered by means of large investments in money, time, and manpower. As mentioned by Ho et al. (2013), the majority of site engineers are in agreement that construction projects’ knowledge management is an important tool for management construction processes. In addition, knowledge sharing and the feedback offered by site engineers could help avert mistakes made in the earlier projects. In Taiwan, the majority of recent construction projects utilised the knowledge management systems with the objective of improving the construction management. The knowledge management systems together with BIM facilitate data generation and management during building life cycle. More importantly, BIM technology facilitates fundamental changes in how projects are delivered and could support a process that is more resourceful and integrated. König et al. (2012) emphasise that utilising BIM for construction management lead to scores of benefits. BIM technology extended through construction process information are normally utilised for visualising the construction schedule as a four-dimensional visualisation. BIM could be utilised by site managers to detect clash considering that geometrical design inconsistencies are one of the main problem associated with construction project planning. The site managers could utilise BIM to review as well as handle constructability issues as well as promote issues into Request for Information (RFI). By linking BIM to the suitable tools, the site managers would be able to analyse the construction project’s energy consumption and come up with better solutions like changing mass and space, materials and orientation, and so forth. As indicated by Rokooei (2015), BIM facilitates collaboration and team building in the construction sites. Every effort made by different specialities on the construction project are integrated as well as applied to one model; thus, leading to team building and correspondence. According to Chowdhury (2009), BIM can be utilised to evaluate as well as model energy efficiency, monitor the life cycle costs of the building and allows for cost efficiency optimisation. As indicated by Construction Superintendent (2017), BIM could be utilised in the early stages of construction planning process for logistics equipment staging like protection systems, caisson augers and cranes with the objective of improving safety on-site as well as optimising construction process efficiency. More importantly, the BIM technology would enable site managers to place cranes at a suitable place in order to improve the construction process and safety. Because of this role, the majority of procedures and models have been developed for many years to handle the crane problems, normally associated with safety, operational, and financial efficiency. Using the BIM 3-D models by means of 7-dimensional capabilities generate models which offer risk analysis and make out as well as authenticate safe picking points at the time of assembly, exporting 4-dimensional simulations with the aim of improving installation techniques and reducing possible hazards. BIM could be integrated with the existing guidelines, safety rules, as well as best practices would be utilised together with the existing schedule information and 3D design to create an automated safety system for rule checking (Sulankivi et al., 2013). Improving Project Schedules and Cost Certainty Chen et al. (2011) asserts that scheduling the construction project can be achieved by adopting the object sequencing matrix (OSM) and BIM model with the aim of finding the construction building components sequence anchored in the physical relationships between BIM CAD objects. In the view of this, cost and time estimation are BIM features that facilitate the site managers in visualising the construction project and gain clear knowledge regarding the project phases. Normally referred as 4D and 5D, time and cost estimation could be utilised properly in the project’s first stages as well as facilitate the process of decision-making with minimum time and cost required. In addition, BIM can simulate different construction project alternatives; thus, helping the site managers to predict reliably the decisions’ consequences. According to Jrade and Lessard (2015), a number of issues like poor design requirements identification, reduction on labour productivity, and inadequate professional and steady construction management create an obstruction to the construction industry. Therefore, BIM technology could be utilised to improved technical work related to designing through the creation of 3D models which incorporate every feature of the building and it effectively represents the requirements of the infrastructure. Such models could be improved if connected to costs (5D) and schedule (4D). More importantly, cost and time controls are extremely crucial for all construction companies. BIM facilitates constructability by making it easy to bring construction process raw materials together so as to complete the project in an economic and timely manner. Increasingly, BIM has become a more integrated tool for design as well as construction process which lead to improved quality buildings at reduced project duration and lower cost. As constructability enabler, BIM can be utilised to develop improved project plans as well as the overall construction management. Without a doubt, BIM is an integrative solution, which allows for quick project schedule generation and costs reduction in terms of design leading to improved automation level of construction simulation as well as modelling. A number of studies as cited by Jrade and Lessard (2015), established that BIM allows for significant savings with reduced change orders and RFIs, resulting in improved profit as well as return on investment (ROI). It was also observed that adopting 4D process allows for the schedule linkage to 3D results and elements in construction animation. As pointed out by Kim et al. (2013), a number of simulations methods have recently been developed and utilised for supporting construction scheduling. The authors further argue that concepts of the discrete-event simulation are mainly utilised to simulate as well as analyse the operations of the construction process. For instance, simulation models could be developed with the aim of calculating the resources utilisation or in identifying logistics challenges through analysing storage areas and transport ways. Different simulation frameworks, as well as tools, are accessible to model construction operations, but the simulation model creation is mainly project-specific and it is not possible to reuse models for various projects. Hitherto, scheduling is still achieved manually, but it is a time consuming and extensive process. BIM can be utilised to generate schedules in order to realise significant time reductions in scheduling than traditional manual scheduling techniques. In König et al. (2012) study, they observed that scheduling approach anchored in a BIM approach allows for building elements selection for the process specification. The capability to complete various estimates for different designs at the early project phase is vital since this is the point where cost overruns are avoided and planning evolves. When the project scope matches the budget in the beginning then it becomes easier to avoid constant redesign and also possible to include the project priority features (Mitchell, 2012). BIM-based construction project’s cost and time planning, as stated by Pučko et al. (2014), can be achieved through a number of steps through Vico Office R4 software. Initially, the adequate modelling application is utilised to develop a three-dimensional model of the construction object. In this case, the 3D model could be developed in numerous formats like CAD-Duct, Tekla, Revit, ArchiCAD, and so forth, which the Vico Office R4 system supports. After the construction of the 3D model, the project time and cost planning could be achieved by utilising the BIM approach. With 5D BIM, Alsharqawi (2016) posits that it is possible to automate cost planning process. According to a number of software providers, a detailed cost planning can be achieved by integrating the 5D Cost Library with the BIM, which carries out the function of an estimating database. Automating Design to Manufacturing Processes and Prefabrication The CAD systems, according to Sandberg et al. (2016), could be utilised more as compared to 3D modelling to generate drawings. BIM, as pointed out by Eastman et al. (2011), is a modelling technology that could be utilised for analysing, communicating, and producing building models. More importantly, BIM could lessen losses of information given that the information and models ideally have to in line with the entire building process. The utilisation of tools which could handle 3D as well as objects has been doubled by the architects (Sandberg et al., 2016). The BIM technology supports the integration of the supply
chain, and tie together numerous design tools
 that are
 not likely to be a complete. Owen (2009) posit that utilising the existing 
interfaces
for
automated
information
exchange
could lead to information loss; therefore, using BIM as well as
interoperability
solutions
provide a complete
model
for the management of
information. Alwisy and Al-Hussein (2011) posit that construction project efficiency is determined through the specific model effectiveness utilised for information communication. Architects are utilising 3D or 2D-CAD models to automate the project design processes and project management software and management tools are being utilised by construction engineers to facilitate the project integration as well as control. Some years ago, professionals in construction industry solely depended on the abilities of project participants to interpret such discipline-specific models with the objective of forming mental pictures of the proposed design as well as its approach for corresponding construction. Such discipline-specific models, as argued by Alwisy and Al-Hussein (2011), result in misinterpretation and gradually lead to construction site errors. This leads to material waste, process and re-works as well as the consequent productivity loss and costs increase. As advanced computer tools, BIM could be utilised to prepare smart designs capable of integrating the discipline-specific models as well as coordinating the cross-disciplinary tools utilised in the decisions process of design, construction, and facility management. When such discipline-specific models are integrated with simulation and lean thinking, it will become possible to reduce or eliminate all non-value adding tasks carried out by the construction engineer. Without a doubt, building component preparation or fabrication assembly is a process that consumes a lot of time but relies on several complex factors. As indicated by Samarasinghe et al. (2015), BIM facilitates various design/construction-related activities such as building components’ Shop drawings and digital fabrication. More importantly, BIM allows for all building disciplines’ digital design-to-fabrication workflows. Prefabricated construction can be described as the process of manufacturing building main components or producing complete modular houses in an offsite factory before onsite installation. Samarasinghe et al. (2015) emphasise that BIM and prefabricated construction have enormously transformed the construction industry from a tedious, time-consuming, and costly process into a professional, dynamic, time and cost saving process which place more emphasis on the designing and constructing sustainable buildings. BIM allows for the development of the computation 3D models which could be utilised for information storage, virtual representations, and project analyses. BIM offers the designers an opportunity to perform analyses associated with building services before the construction phase with the objective of gaining understanding with regard to the operation of the building after its construction. In addition, the BIM approach could be utilised to perform energy analysis before construction in order to allow for the introduction of energy saving technologies at the project’s design stage. Linga (2015) study outlines some of the advantages of using BIM in the modules’ prefabrication. The BIM, according to the author, facilitate faster assembly of the unit, the product is improved, the time of construction reduced, the construction can be carried out during the extreme weather conditions, and the quality could be checked every time. Besides that, BIM allows for the recycling and reusing of the waste produced during the construction process. Conclusion In conclusion, this piece has examined BIM enabled solutions that can address the challenges facing the construction industry by exploring innovative approaches that address the following issues: enhancing construction site management, including safety logistics; improving project schedules and cost certainty; and automating design to manufacturing processes and prefabrication. As demonstrated in the report, BIM is an innovative technology which has enables the Architecture, Engineering and Construction industries to address various challenges facing them. In most developing countries, the construction industries are indecisive on whether to espouse BIM because of the recognised challenges as well as the lack of clear understanding regarding the best practices. BIM has been promising and facilitates the utilisation of 3D built asset models to go past the design phase towards the built asset construction as well as the maintenance phase. References Alsharqawi, Y., 2016. Cost Planning Strategy in Bidding Stage Using 5D BIM. Thesis. Gazimağusa, North Cyprus: Eastern Mediterranean University. Alwisy, A. & Al-Hussein, M., 2011. Automation in drafting and design for modular construction manufacturing utilizing 2D CAD and parametric modeling. In Proceedings of the International Conference on Computing in Civil and Building Engineering. Nottingham, UK, 2011. Nottingham University Press. Chen, Y.-J., Feng, C.-W., Wang, Y.-R. & Wu, H.-M., 2011. Using BIM Model and Genetic Algorithms to Optimize the Crew. Assignment for Construction Project Planning. International Journal of Technology, vol. 3, pp.179‐87. Chowdhury, G.K., 2009. Building Information Modeling in Site Management. Research Paper. Berlin, Germany: HTW Berlin. Construction Superintendent, 2017. The Benefits of BIM for Logistics Staging of Cranes, Field Staff. [Online] Available at: HYPERLINK "https://consupt.com/2017/03/the-benefits-of-bim-for-logistics-staging-of-cranes-field-staff/" https://consupt.com/2017/03/the-benefits-of-bim-for-logistics-staging-of-cranes-field-staff/ [Accessed 20 April 2017]. Eastman, C., Teicholz, P., Sacks, R. & Liston, K., 2011. BIM for Owners and Facility. In BIM Handbook: A Guide to Building Information Modeling for Owners, Managers, Designers, Engineers and Contractors. New York: John Wiley & Sons. pp.93-147. Ho, S.-P., Tserng, H.-P. & Jan, S.-H., 2013. Enhancing Knowledge Sharing Management Using BIM Technology in Construction. [Online] Available at: HYPERLINK "https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3956413/" https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3956413/ [Accessed 19 April 2017]. Jrade, A. & Lessard, J., 2015. An Integrated BIM System to Track the Time and Cost of Construction Projects: A Case Study. [Online] Available at: HYPERLINK "https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jcen/2015/579486/" https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jcen/2015/579486/ [Accessed 20 April 2017]. Kim, H., Anderson, K., Lee, S. & Hildreth, J., 2013. Generating construction schedules through automatic data extraction using open BIM (building information modeling) technology. Automation in Construction, vol. 35, pp.1-11. König, M., Habenicht, I., Koch, C. & Spieckermann, S., 2012. Intelligent Bim-Based Construction Scheduling Using Discrete Event Simulation. In Proceedings of the 2012 Winter Simulation Conference. Berlin, 2012. IEEE. Linga, N.C., 2015. BIM USE IN ADVANCED PREFABRICATED MODULAR CONSTRUCTION. Conference Paper. Tempe, AZ: Arizona State University. Mäki, T. & Kerosuo, H., 2013. Site managers' uses of building information modeling on construction sites. In Proceedings 29th Annual ARCOM Conference. Reading, UK, 2013. Association of Researchers in Construction Management. Mäki, T. & Kerosuo, H., 2015. Site managers’ daily work and the uses of building information modelling in construction site management. Construction Management and Economics, vol. 33, no. 3, pp.163–75. Mitchell, D., 2012. 5D BIM: Creating cost certainty and better buildings. In RICS Cobra. Las Vegas, Nevada , 2012. Owen, R., 2009. Integrated Design and Delivery Solutions. CIB White Paper. Eindhoven, Netherlands: CIB Publication University of Salford. Pučko, Z., Šuman, N. & Klanšek, U., 2014. Building Information Modeling Based Time And Cost Planning In Construction Projects. Organization, Technology and Management in Construction: an International Journal, vol. 6, no. 1, pp.958-71. Rokooei, S., 2015. Building Information Modeling in Project Management: Necessities, Challenges and Outcomes. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, vol. 210, pp.87 – 95. Samarasinghe, T., Mendis, P., Ngo, T. & Fernando, W.J.B.S., 2015. BIM Software Framework for Prefabricated Construction: Case Study Demonstrating BIM Implementation on a Modular House. In th International Conference on Structural Engineering and Construction Management. Kandy, Sri Lanka, 2015. Sandberg, M. et al., 2016. esign automation in construction – an overview. In Proceedings of the 33rd International Conference of CIB W78. Brisbane, Australia, 2016. Sulankivi, K. et al., 2013. Utilization of BIM-based Automated Safety Checking in Construction Planning. In CIB World Building Conference 2013. Brisbane , 2013. Read More