The project benefits of Building Information Modelling (BIM)

Theoretical developments in Building Information Modelling (BIM) suggest that not only is it useful for geometric modelling of a building's performance but also that it can assist in the management of construction projects. The purpose of this paper is to explore the extent to which the use of BIM has resulted in reported benefits on a cross-section of construction projects. This exploration is done by collecting secondary data from 35 construction projects that utilised BIM. A set of project success criteria were generated and content analysis was used to establish the extent to which each individual project met a criterion. The most frequently reported benefit related to the cost reduction and control through the project life cycle. Significant time savings were also reported. Negative benefits were mainly focused on the use of BIM software. Cost/benefit analysis, awareness raising and education and training are important activities to address the challenges of BIM usage.     

Analysis of the impact of craft labour availability on North American construction project productivity and schedule performance

The North American construction industry has experienced periods of craft shortages for decades. While this problem has received significant attention from researchers, less attention has been given to quantifying the impact of availability of craft labour on project performance. The primary contribution of the current work to the body of knowledge is the quantification of the relationship between craft labour availability and project performance, as measured by project productivity and schedule. Data from 97 construction projects completed in the U.S. and Canada between 2001 and 2014 were collected from two industry databases. The primary analysis shows that projects that experienced craft shortages underwent substantial and statistically lower productivity compared to projects that did not. The analysis also shows a significant growth in schedule overrun due to the craft labour shortages among the same population of projects. Further exploration by means of several regression analyses shows a statistically significant correlation between increased craft recruiting difficulty and lower project productivity and also higher schedule overruns in both project databases. The results are confirmed across both databases and serve as informative models that provide valuable insight for project management teams to perceive the risk that lack of skills poses on project productivity and time performance. Understanding the level of impact that craft shortages are having through robust statistical analyses is a first step in developing the motivation for industry leaders, communities and construction stakeholders to address this challenge.     

Effect of project complexity on cost and schedule performance in transportation projects

Project complexity is a contributing factor to project performance. Understanding how project complexity interacts with management actions and project performance is imperative. This study fills this knowledge gap by empirically exploring the relationship between construction project complexity and project performance and their interaction with resource allocation. Empirical data were collected from 79 transportation projects. Due to its capability to build several regression models by adding independent variables to previous models, moderated hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to identify the underlying effect of resource allocation on the project complexity and performance relationship. The results show that: (i) project complexity was significantly correlated with schedule growth (positive correlation) but not significantly correlated with cost growth; (ii) resource allocation was significantly correlated with schedule growth (negative correlation) but not with cost growth; and (iii) resource allocation had a buffering effect where increasing resource allocation significantly decreases the effect of project complexity on schedule growth. The findings from this study contribute to the extant literature on construction project complexity by empirically showing that the impact of project complexity on schedule performance interacts with the level of resource allocation. This understanding of the role of resource allocation may help construction managers and engineers to better administer and manage their complex transportation projects. The findings also imply that organizations should appropriately evaluate project complexity to allocate necessary resources to achieve project success.     

Real time progress management: Re-engineering processes for cloud-based BIM in construction

Having timely access to information on the performance of a construction project enables the design team and contractor to improve their decision-making so as to ensure project deliverables are met. This paper examines the effectiveness of cloud-based BIM for real-time delivery of information to support progress monitoring and management of the construction of a reinforced concrete (RC) structure using action based research. To undertake this task, existing paper-based processes were re-engineered to accommodate the use of cloud-based BIM during construction. The design and implementation of a real-time object oriented bi-directional system, allowed information (e.g., the status of the ‘As-Built’ schedule) to be captured on-site and synchronized with a federated BIM. As a result of adopting cloud-based technology during construction, a new object oriented workflow and processes for progress management are proposed.     

Integrated visualized time control system for repetitive construction projects

Construction control is an essential management function for successful delivery and achieving of construction projects’ goals. Considerable research efforts have been done regarding project control. However, literature suffers from a lack of visualizing the controlling process. With the growth of using visualization techniques in construction, Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Geographic Information System (GIS) have recently attained a widespread contribution in visualization of construction progress. BIM is a process of creating virtual models data that represents building facilities. In this research, BIM represents a platform for nD (n-Dimensional) visualization of construction progress. The advantages of this paper stems from three main contributions for construction projects control: 1) developing of a mathematical model for time control of repetitive construction projects; 2) an automated system to dynamically integrate project progress with BIM technique; and 3) a GIS-based tool to visualize the progress of distributed sites. The developed model provides abundant information to help decision makers take the appropriate corrective actions. An example application is presented to demonstrate the applicability of the developed system.     

BIM-based benchmarking system for healthcare projects: Feasibility study and functional requirements

While project benchmarking based on key performance indicators is regarded as a crucial technique for mature project delivery in the construction industry, incorporating it into an organization's routine is a cumbersome and time-consuming endeavor as it entails considerable time and human efforts for collecting and providing project information, and validating the quality of collected data. To overcome this challenge, this paper introduces an approach that leverages Building Information Modeling (BIM), which allows for a more streamlined benchmarking process. The approach presented in this paper focuses on healthcare projects which have been benchmarked using a comprehensive set of cost, schedule, dimension, and planning performance metrics through a mature sector-specific benchmarking program at Construction Industry Institute (CII). As an initial step in the formulation of such a tool, this paper investigates the potential of leveraging BIM for benchmarking through close scrutiny of contents embedded in real-world models collected from six healthcare projects. Functional requirements were, then, established to realize a BIM-based benchmarking tool for healthcare projects by developing conceptual process flow, use cases, and data flow diagrams. The requirements are further illustrated in mock-ups of a prototype system.     

An optimisation process to motivate effective adoption of BIM for refurbishment of complex buildings in New Zealand

Despite the multidisciplinary networks involved in refurbishment of complex building projects, the lack of BIM adoption signifies lack of real BIM benefits towards acceptance of BIM within Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC).To this end, this study empirically examines the potential real benefits between traditional network and BIM network for a real-time refurbishment case study project, through agent-based simulation modelling. A social network analysis theory is adapted to model the project interaction networks and a BIM prototype network. An assessment of the main stakeholders for BIM perception is carried out. We offered three prototype interaction networks for comparison of real BIM benefit.An agent-based Bayesian network model is used to simulate the propagation of design error within the project networks. The result of the analysis show that BIM project diffuses error efficiently, while stakeholders recovers faster and nearly at the same time than traditional network. The optimised network shows better performance to the traditional network, when there is early involvement of subcontractors. The main contribution of this study is providing a novel approach to compare real benefits for traditional method to BIM method for refurbishment project and to provide avenue for project stakeholders to optimise their interaction through adoption of BIM.     

基于BIM与遗传算法的建筑工程施工进度多目标优化研究

为解决施工进度优化领域数据获取、定量分析、模型求解等难题,构建了基于BIM与遗传算法的建筑工程施工进度优化体系.在此基础上,建立了以成本最低和资源均衡为目标的"工期—成本"和"工期固定—资源均衡"施工进度两阶段多目标优化模型,并运用遗传算法进行求解,确定了各工序最优持续时间和非关键工序最优开始时间.在实际工程中对所建体...     

业主BIM应用特点分析

国内业主主导的BIM应用数量呈现逐年快速上升趋势,但业主的BIM应用和设计机构、施工企业等项目参建方的BIM应用有什么相同和不同之处呢？业主自己应该如何使用BIM？应该如何协调项目参建方使用BIM为提高项目质量和效益服务呢？     

A MODEL FOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECT BUDGET AND SCHEDULE PERFORMANCES USING FUZZY DATA

Ensuring satisfactory budget and schedule performance are two major challenges for construction projects. On this issue, predictive models for budget and schedule performances can provide assistance in the appropriate allocation of project management resources. Two neural network models for construction budget and schedule performances using fuzzy data have been developed in the present study. These models consist of eight and five key determinants of project outcome, respectively. A combined fuzzy index (CFI) approach is introduced for data representation. The CFI for an input or output measurement can be derived using the fuzzy number membership degree concept. This approach permits a gradual change of scale value in the classification. Several definitions to the fuzzy numbers are experimented. The results reveal that this approach is a feasible alternative for neural network implementations dealing with quantitative measurements. Examples of using the models for guidance in project management are presented. These include the effect of amount of design completed before construction starts on budget performance, and the effect of amount of time devoted by project manager on schedule performance. The trade-off effect between two key determinants on project outcome can also be studied using the models.     

A case study approach for developing a project performance evaluation system

Prior project management research has identified a wide variety of measures that describe the outcomes of a project and the input characteristics that impact outcomes. In practice however, project schedules are still used as the sole project performance measure in some firms. Although the use of project schedules is still a good practice for some companies, for other companies the use of project schedules as the sole project performance measure can result in industrial projects falling behind schedule and coming in over-budget. In order to examine how the evaluation of project performance can be improved, a two-step approach is documented that was used to design a new project performance evaluation system at Honeywell Federal Manufacturing & Technologies (FM&T) that would enable managers to audit a project and determine where improvements could be made. Lessons learned from the development of a project performance evaluation system at Honeywell Federal Manufacturing & Technologies are then discussed.     

Building Information Modeling (BIM) outsourcing among general contractors

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a process used by Architecture Engineering Construction (AEC) stakeholders which simulates a construction project in a multi-dimensional digital model and provides multitudes of project benefits from project inception to its occupancy. However, a variety of barriers impede a holistic BIM implementation. Due to these barriers, some general contractors outsource the creation and use of BIM models to specialized Information Technology (IT) firms. Since limited literature currently exists for BIM outsourcing, this study aims to identify BIM outsourcing patterns among the general contractors across the US and the perceived impacts it has on construction projects. Analysis of two-hundred and fifty-two complete responses from general contracting firms determines that 45% of responding companies have outsourced BIM, this signifies that outsourcing has become an important facet of BIM implementation. Data was also collected on company demographics, BIM outsourcing locations, strategic reasons for outsourcing, and various other aspects related to BIM outsourcing. The results indicate that respondents perceive BIM outsourcing as less efficient than in-house BIM implementation. However, continued use of outsourcing for BIM functions also displays the adaptability of the industry in meeting challenges and embracing new technology through alternative methods, despite the potential risks.     

基于BIM技术的大直径公铁合建盾构隧道项目管理应用研究

大直径公铁合建盾构隧道的施工过程较为复杂,为了将产生的信息更好的共享与管理,在施工前期建立基于GIS的BIM模型,BIM模型内的各构件信息包含了该构件的所有三维几何信息和施工信息,通过BIM模型链接施工全寿命周期内产生的信息,并研发建立BIM智慧指挥平台,从而指导项目管理.依托大直径公铁合建盾构隧道项目,将BIM技术覆...     

Extending BIM interoperability to preconstruction operations using geospatial analyses and semantic web services

Since the early 2000s, building information modeling (BIM) has been used through the entire project life cycle to facilitate effective project collaboration and integration of data to support project activities. Despite the successful applications of BIM in the design and construction stages, the use of BIM for preconstruction planning has not gained wide acceptance as in other project phases. The integration of BIM and geospatial analyses can offer substantial benefits to manage the planning process during the design and preconstruction stages. However, this integration suffers from a lack of interoperability across the geospatial and BIM domains. Semantic web technology is used in this study to convey meaning, which is interpretable by both construction project participants as well as BIM and geographic information systems (GIS) applications processing the transferred data. To achieve this, we first translate building's elements and GIS data into a semantic web data format. Then we use a set of standardized ontologies for construction operations to integrate and query the heterogeneous spatial and temporal data. Finally, we use a query language to access and acquire the data in semantic web format. Through two scenario examples, the potential usefulness of the proposed methodology is validated.     

A framework for an automated and integrated project scheduling and management system

Construction projects are becoming progressively larger and more complex in terms of physical size and cost. Building information modeling (BIM) is being regarded as a revolutionary change for managing the entire lifecycle of a construction project. However, the information provided by BIM cannot fulfill the requirements of on-site project scheduling and management. This paper presents a BIM-based framework with the function of developing the near-optimum schedule plan according to project objectives and project constraints for project scheduling and management. An automated database management system, a schedule simulation system, and a MD (multi-dimensional) CAD model creator provide a reliable platform for the proposed framework. To verify the concept and test the feasibility of this framework, a computer implementation called NDSM (N-Dimensional project Scheduling and Management system) was developed and implemented in a construction project.     

跨专业BIM团队的工作程序与动态

BIM将技术与方法论相结合,整合了设计和施工团队,从而优化了生产力和项目成果。跨专业团队的本质特色在于来自不同领域的成员引领着不同的项目目标和进程。建筑和施工专业的教育工作者们正面临着让学生融入跨专业团队环境中的挑战。一项为期三年的研究对跨专业团队在课堂环境中,在多个项目上的工作进行了调查。本文论述了该研究所取得的结果,主要侧重于团队工作程序和团队动态两方面,其中,团队工作程序的内容包括目标设定,沟通方式、备选方案分析、决策制定以及冲突管理,团队动态的内容包括人际关系、信任、冲突、承诺以及凝聚力。这些团队证明了综合战略对项目表现和成果的优化作用。除了关于该项研究成果的讨论外,本文还建议培养一个侧重于团队工作程序和团队动态的跨专业学习环境。     

The advantages of information management through building information modelling

As building information modelling (BIM) is positioned by governments and construction professionals as a solution to the problems in the construction industry, research is needed into the benefits BIM actually confers. The focus here is on the effectiveness of BIM as a medium for communicating information within a construction team. A case study of an offsite precast concrete fabrication facility was conducted. At the time of the study, the facility was supplying precast units for four public sector projects, and using four information management systems: e-mail, a construction project extranet tool, an Enterprise Resource Planning system and a new BIM-based system. The flow of information through the four media was measured and visualized as the projects progressed. This quantitative measurement of information flow was combined with qualitative data from interviews with facility staff. It was found that the introduction of the BIM-based system diverted information flow through the building model and away from the extranet system. The use of e-mail was largely unaffected. BIM allowed considerably more accurate, on-time and appropriate exchange of information. It is concluded it is possible to quantify some of the benefits of BIM to information management. This research paves the way for future research into the management of more construction project information linked more closely to building models.     

基于BIM 的建筑设计企业设计质量管理问题研究

作为建设工程项目重要环节之一,建筑工程设计质量,不仅影响着整个建设工程项目的投资,还影响着建筑工程的整体进度以及建筑工程质量管理。因此,为了有效提高建筑工程设计水平,加强企业设计质量管理,近年来,BIM(建筑信息模型)被引入中国,BIM带来的不仅是先进技术,同时,也是一种先进的质量管理理念,如何更好地发挥BIM的价值,本文基于BIM的建筑设计企业设计质量管理问题进行了探讨。     

基于 BIM+GIS 的长距离引水工程建设管理系统设计与实现

针对长距离引水工程建设管理中存在可控性弱、信息共享交流困难等问题,提出了 Skyline 平台集成 BIM 信息模型的方法,实现了施工进度模拟和工程量统计,通过 Skyline 软件的二次开发建立了基于网络的长距离引水工程建设管理系统。系统以三维空间大场景为可视化交互环境,为各参建方提供了一个可视化的信息共享与协同办公平台,同时实现了以进度和工程量管理为核心的八大项目管理功能,满足引水工程建设管理需求,体现了 BIM 和 GIS 融合在引水工程建设管理中的应用价值。目前系统已应用到某引水工程中,效果良好。     

EPC项目BIM技术应用实践

建筑工程领域的EPC模式指设计、采购及施工一体化,系集成化项目管理模式的范畴。建筑信息模型,简称BIM,是建筑行业的新兴信息技术,对于提升项目管理有着较大的价值[1]。文章从传统设计院转型的工程公司角度出发,采用BIM技术对EPC项目实行全过程的精细化管理,为建立一系列基于BIM技术为核心的企业EPC项目管控体系提供实践基础。