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.     

A Quantitative Study of the Relationship between Project Performance and BIM Use on Commercial Construction Projects in the USA

This article reports the findings of a quantitative study on the relationship between various project performance outcomes and the use of Building Information Modeling (BIM), within the commercial construction industry. The literature review identified inconsistent results among prior qualitative and quantitative work concerning the relationships of key project performance measures and BIM use. Data on 13 variables from 93 completed construction projects were collected and examined through a causal comparative research design. Projects that used BIM (in design or construction) were not found to experience significant performance outcomes when controlling for the contribution of other independent variables and covariates at the 95% confidence level (CL). At the lower 90% CL, however, projects using BIM in construction experienced significantly higher levels of schedule growth than projects that did not use BIM in construction. Recommendations are made for training of construction management staff as a step to avoid unwanted schedule growth associated with BIM use during construction. This study is one of a very small group of rigorous quantitative analyses of BIM project performance outcomes conducted to date; additionally, it is the only study that has analyzed BIM in a multivariate context that controlled for the contribution of other project variables not directly related to BIM use.     

Impact of organization size and project type on BIM adoption in the Chinese construction market

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is perceived as an effective tool for improving the delivery and coordination of construction projects. The Chinese construction sector has demonstrated significant interest in implementing the 3-dimensional modelling-based process. BIM adoption is influenced by several factors which can either be operational or strategic related. Factors which can have a significant impact include the size of the construction organization and the type of projects that the organization has to deliver (i.e. building vs infrastructure projects). This study aims to evaluate the effect of project type and size on BIM adoption in the Chinese market, via an adoption model which analyses factors impacting the adoption decision. The study examines 200 samples collected from the Chinese construction industry, split equally between infrastructure and building construction data groups, as well as SMEs and large organizations. The collected data are first analyzed by principal component analysis and then through a Structural Equation Modelling-based multiple group analysis. Results demonstrate that essential factors such as operational risks are considered by small organization, whereas large organizations focus on implementation challenges. Implementation benefits and challenges are significant on the adoption decision in infrastructure organizations, but not in building organizations. In addition, the study reveals that “technical support” is an important factor when it comes to BIM adoption among all types of organizations, regardless of the organization’s size and project type delivered.     

BIM技术在建筑工程项目中的应用

在建筑工程项目中,BIM技术能够通过自身的优势缩短建筑工程项目的施工建设周期,降低其施工建设成本,并提高建筑工程项目施工建设的经济效益,具有积极的作用和意义。本文将通过BIM技术的概念和特点分析,对BIM技术在建筑工程项目中的应用进行研究,以供参考。     

Understanding adoption and use of BIM as the creation of actor networks

There has been a considerable time lag between the emergence of visionary expectations of BIM's (Building Information Models) transformative potential in the architecture, engineering and construction industry, and the deployment of the technology in the industry's daily practice. By viewing adoption and use of BIM as the inter-linkage of actors forming a building and construction project, the aim of the paper is to uncover mechanisms facilitating and constraining the creation of actor networks in which BIM is adopted and used. The aim is pursued by a case study in a major Swedish construction company. It is concluded that the possibility of incremental implementation of BIM applications is well aligned with the character of the industrial context. But the context can also constrain the use of applications requiring more long term thinking. However, because of the disruptive nature of building and construction projects, the challenge is to maintain and re-establish the network in which BIM is used in consecutive projects. When clients and regulating bodies recognize benefits from BIM usage, the main obstacle created by these characteristics of the industry will diminish.     

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.     

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.     

BIM implementation throughout the UK construction project lifecycle: An analysis

Substantial impacts through BIM implementation may be achieved throughout all stages of the construction process. The paper measures BIM use throughout the project lifecycle, confirming BIM is most often used in the early stages with progressively less use in the latter stages. This research demonstrates via 92 responses from a sample of BIM users that collaboration aspects produce the highest positive impact. The process aspects are more important than the software technology. BIM necessitates investment in software and training however, smaller practices can afford it. Stakeholder financial benefits are ranked concluding that clients benefit most financially from BIM followed by Facilities Managers. Despite this, over 70% do not provide a 3D model and Cobie dataset at the conclusion of a project. Identification of Key Performance Indicators currently being used for BIM is provided and findings indicate a lack of industry expertise and training providing an opportunity for education providers.     

Building information modeling as a risk transformer: An evolutionary insight into the project uncertainty

Building information modeling (BIM) is a promising technology for the construction sector, as it addresses multiple risks, supports decision-making and enhances value. However, its technological and contractual novelties introduce some new risks. To observe the BIM-driven risk transformation, this paper performs a thorough analysis involving international experts and practitioners. Data is collected in the form of open-ended interviews and typeset questionnaire along with case studies of running projects. Results reveal that BIM eliminates a majority of significant risks. Further, the findings fuel a new research problem; the lack of a dedicated BIM plugin for risk management. Responding to it, a theoretical framework is developed to automate the risk management process and improve overall project management practice. It is concluded that construction projects can greatly benefit from an automated risk management system and investment in developing a dedicated plugin is recommended, ensuring an effective penetration of BIM in the construction industry.     

基于合作博弈的BIM-IPD项目参与方利益分配研究

BIM与IPD的协同管理能为合作项目带来更多利益,为了解决合作参与方的超额利益分配问题,分析了BIM技术与IPD协同管理概念,构建依据贡献度来计算参与方最佳利益分配的合作博弈模型,考虑各参与方资源投入和风险分担两大因素,得出修正后的Shapley分配值.并通过算例分析各参与方的利益分配,结果表明业主、设计方、施工方、B...     

Collaboration barriers in BIM-based construction networks: A conceptual model

Building information modelling (BIM) teams, hereafter referred to as BIM-based construction networks, are teams whose possibly geographically dispersed members from various organisations and disciplines, perform project tasks on BIM-enabled projects. In recent years, BIM-based construction networks have progressively become the norm in executing BIM activities on projects. However, even though achieving BIM's full capabilities relies on effective collaboration among the team members in BIM-based construction networks, it is still a struggle for these members to collaborate. Nonetheless, only a few studies have been conducted to identify the barriers to strengthening team collaboration in BIM-based construction networks. To address this gap, the current study, by examining 73 journal articles on collaboration in BIM-based construction networks, builds upon a theoretical review of the literature. A conceptual model is presented to capture the main barriers to collaboration in BIM-based construction networks. The study benefits researchers as well as project managers. For researchers, the conceptual model provides an intermediate theory, namely, a theoretical basis to direct further knowledge creation attempts on the topic. In addition, the conceptual model supports project managers on BIM-enabled projects. That is, it simplifies the knowledge now available for practical applications enabling it to be translated into guidelines and practical instructions on real-life projects.     

基于BIM 的大型建设项目扁平化组织结构研究

近年来,随着各行业数字化、信息化的发展,建筑信息模型（BIM）作为建设行业数字化、信息化最先进的技术,在我国不但得到了广泛的认知,而且已经逐渐深入到与工程建设有关的各个行业。每一项重大技术的使用往往伴随着组织方式的革新,通过对比分析现存大型建设项目组织结构的优缺点,将已广泛应用于建设项目中的扁平化组织结构与BIM 技术相结合,并对两者在项目建设过程中相互之间的影响、作用进行分析,得出扁平化组织结构与BIM 技术的结合能够互相促进,加快数字化项目管理在我国推广的结论。     

Site managers’ daily work and the uses of building information modelling in construction site management

The use of building information modelling (BIM) and related software tools is increasingly expanding in the work of site managers in construction projects. The early uses of BIM in the actual tasks of site managers are explored by examining the utilization of BIM in their work and the challenges in the deployment of the new digital tools for traditional project collaboration. The ethnographic method of the study consists of shadowing the site managers’ work. The site managers actively used BIM and found it beneficial for their daily work. However, the use of BIM in construction sites is still limited because only a few managers have the competence to use BIM software tools, mobile tools are lacking, and the information content of the models needed for construction work is insufficient.     

基于BIM的桥梁工程设计与施工优化研究

为了提高桥梁工程的设计和施工效率,将建筑信息模型（BIM）引入到桥梁工程中来。通过分析桥梁工程设计和施工的特点及其存在问题,提出了基于BIM的桥梁工程设计和施工优化解决方案,包括初步设计优化、施工设计优化、施工工序优化、施工进度优化和施工管理优化等,并结合实际工程项目进行了适用性和成效分析。案例应用表明,BIM在桥梁工程项目中是适用的,可以为桥梁工程设计和施工提供有效的支持,进而减少返工、提高效率。该研究可为大型或复杂桥梁工程应用BIM提高设计与施工的效率和效益提供参考。     

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.     

国外BIM的发展及其对我国土木工程专业教学改革的启示

通过对国外BIM发展应用的介绍,结合中国建筑业所面临的机遇和挑战,分析中国建设行业信息化现状及BIM技术的应用,指出基于BIM技术的工程项目信息管理模式与发展趋势,并阐述其对中国高校土木工程专业BIM人才培养模式改革的启示,提出从课程设置、应用技术、应用管理层面建立符合BIM发展所需要的人才队伍。     

BIM技术在建筑工程管理中的应用研究

传统的工程项目管理技术在激烈的市场竞争中的生存空间已被极大地压缩,为了提升工程项目建设的质量与效率,市场上出现了以BIM为首的新型信息技术。BIM能在一个模型中容纳大量的建筑信息,有利于管理工作的系统展开,对提升建筑质量起到关键作用,使得项目在各个阶段的数据共享、协作和沟通变得十分便利,提高了项目效率,降低风险,为工程建筑业带来了巨大效益。     

BIM在施工总承包项目管理中的应用价值探索

通过几年的发展,BIM技术在国内建设行业得到越来越广泛的应用。但是,现阶段的BIM应用主要集中在管线综合排布、施工方案模拟、工程量统计等专项应用上,BIM与项目管理的集成应用还比较缺乏。本文分析了BIM技术和传统项目管理系统在施工总承包项目管理中的应用制约因素,提出了基于BIM的项目管理系统架构,探索了BIM在施工总承包项目管理中的应用价值。     

基于BIM的建设项目全生命周期工程价值分析

从建筑信息模型（BIM）的概念出发,归纳BIM的几个能力及基于BIM的工程建设项目全生命周期各个阶段的价值优势,同时总结归纳BIM的价值体现在建设项目的整个全生命周期。     

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？