Abstract
The Architecture, Engineering and construction industry is going from paper based linear processes to a collaborative digital approach with Building information modelling (BIM). BIM is not just a tool but a process that supports virtual design construction and methodologies. A whole ecosystem gets created around a project with the client, project manager, contractor, architect, authorities, consultants and sub-contractors.
All these people working in their areas of expertise are not really connected in a real time basis information is not exchanged thus causing a lot of friction, delays, just not a very efficient way of doing things. Cloud computing allows people in their zones to work together in real time without the need for large scale infrastructure or large- scale computers or server farms. The most important part is infinite scalability, any number of users, any amount of data and across the globe without spending any more money. The future lies in taking the new advances in technology and enormous amount of data being generated and how to marry these two to make processes better, help customers save money and build better.
Keywords: Building Information Modelling, project benefits, 3-D modelling, Digital interface.
1-Introduction
Building Information Modelling (BIM) is the process of creating and managing 3D building data during its development. BIM is a complex multiphase process that gathers input from team members to model the components and tools that will be used during the construction process to create a unique perspective of the building process. The 3D process is aimed at achieving savings through collaboration and visualization of building components into an early design process that will dictate changes and modifications to the actual construction process. It is a very powerful tool that when used properly will save money, time and simplify the construction process.
2-Research question
What are the impact of Building Information modelling (BIM)on the productivity of construction companies.
3-Methodologies
In order to understand the productivity gains in the construction industry by the use of Building information modelling (BIM).
4-Background
BIM (Building Information Modelling) is an intelligent 3D model-based process that gives architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) professionals the insight and tools to more efficiently plan, design, construct, and manage buildings and infrastructure.
Table 1. The efficiency difference between CAD and BIM applications for a particular project in different phases
Task
CAD(hours)
BIM (hours )
Hours saved
Time Savings
Schematic
190
90
100
53%
Design Development
436
220
216
50%
Construction Documents
1023
815
208
20%
Checking and Coordination
175
16
159
91%
Totals
1814
1141
683
Source :Rick Rundel(7),2007
Currently the usage of AutoCAD is the popular choice by professionals for the use of designing and documenting architectural and construction drawings. But the overall process can be slow and is used up in coordination and correcting of discrepancies. Which is why increase in the output of construction drawings and documents is a crucial part in a project-oriented industry such as the construction industry.
5-Dimesions of BIM in construction
3-Existing conditions
• Laser scanning -Ground penetration Radar(GPR)conversions
• -Safety and logistics models
• -Animations, renderings,
Walkthroughs
• -BIM driven prefabrication
• -Laser accurate BIM driven field layout .
• -Scheduling
4-Project phasing simulations
• -Lean Scheduling
• -Last planner
• -Just in time equipment (JIT)Equipment delivery
• -Detailed Simulation Installation
• -Visual validation for payment approval
5-Estimation
• Real time conceptual modelling and cost planning
• Quantity extraction to support detailed cost estimates
• Trade verifications from fabrication models
• structural steel
• Rebar
• Mechanical/Plumbing
• Electrical
• Value Engineering
• What if scenarios
• visualizations
• Quantity
Extractions Prefabrication solutions
• Equipment rooms
• MEP Systems
• Multi-trade prefabrications
Sustainability
• Conceptual energy analysis via D Profiler
• Detailed energy analysis via Ecotect
• Sustainable element tracking
• LEED tracking.
7-Facility management applications
• Life Cycle BIM strategies
• BIM As built
• BIM embedded Operations and maintenance manuals
• COBie data population and extraction
• BIM maintenance plans and technical Support
• BIM file hosting on lend lease’s digital exchange system.
(Source Dimensions in construction. Depending on the construction project there are more dimensions to a project the longer and more complex the project is .BIM helps with identifying and communicating building components and elements across the project team and to those involved in the project , regardless of which dimension the project is staged to be in .(BIMTALK ,2013)
6-PRODUCTIVITY GAINS
Productivity gain is one of the major benefits of using BIM and is the top metric organizations expect to improve when they adopt the technology. Primarily, BIM realizes this gain through its ability to:
• minimise project management
• foster communication and co-ordination
• identify errors early
• reduce rework
• reduce costs
• improve quality.
Internationally, BIM’s reputation for boosting productivity has made it widely accepted as a best practice approach for delivering major building projects. The United Kingdom government, for example, anticipates a 20–30% reduction in the lifecycle cost of its public-sector assets by requiring the use of BIM on all infrastructure projects built after 2016. In the United States, one of the most tightly controlled construction sectors in the world, the number of building sector professionals using BIM has surged from 28% in 2007 to 71% in 2012.
(BIM – Management for value, cost & carbon improvement – A report for the Government construction client group, building information modelling (BIM) Working Party (UK) (2011))
7-ASSET OPERATION
BIM’s real-time performance monitoring and asset management processes also lead to high- quality post-construction outcomes. The greatest advantages for public-sector asset managers are likely to arise from a new ability to create and manage building and infrastructure assets faster, more economically and with less environmental impact.
Asset managers, owners and occupants can optimize the building’s systems and performance for human comfort and safety, while minimizing environmental impacts and running
costs during operation. At the end of the building’s life, BIM documents all the materials, recyclables and any hazardous substances for the decommissioning team.
In the United States, almost two-thirds (62%) of organizations using BIM to procure and manage assets report a greater return on their investment, a figure that rises to three-quarters (74%) of organizations in Europe. The economic return correlates strongly with the level of BIM engagement, rewarding asset managers with higher skill, greater experience and more extensive implementation of the technology.
Worldwide, BIM’s positive impact on sustainable design, construction and post-occupancy monitoring is given as a major driver in the decision to adopt the technology.
(Productivity in the buildings Network: Assessing the impacts of building information models, Allen Consulting Group (AU) (2010))
8-CONSTRUCTION
Construction professionals see productivity gains as a result of more precise design and trade co-ordination, automated conflict avoidance, easier design interpretation, greater accuracy and fewer change orders.
In 2010, an Australian analysis found that BIM’s ability to detect and avoid conflicts prior to construction reduces unbudgeted construction changes by 40% and can save up to 10% of the entire value of a construction project when compared to a non-BIM project. Many construction businesses in the United States have seen similar results, with 65% of contractors reporting that BIM technology effectively reduces rework, cost overruns and missed schedules during construction.
(BIM in Australia – Report on BIM / IPD Forums, BIM / IPD Australia (2010))
9-DIGITAL TECHOLOGIES ALONG WITH BIG DATA AND VALUE CHAIN
Digitalization – the development and deployment of digital technologies and processes – is central to the required transformation of the construction industry. Innovations of this kind enable new functionalities along the entire value chain, from the early design phase to the very end of an asset’s life cycle at the demolition phase.
According to a recent study, full-scale digitalization in non-residential construction would, within 10 years, be capable of producing annual global cost savings of $0.7-1.2 trillion (13- 21%) on E&C and $0.3-0.5 trillion (10-17%) in the Operations phase.47 The core technologies enabling this transformation are listed in Figure 8 and described below.
First, the use of big data and analytics: algorithms generate new insights from the huge data pools created both on construction projects and during the operations phase of existing assets. New methods of simulation and virtual reality help to identify interdependencies and clashes (clash detection) during the design and engineering stages, and enable a virtual experience of the building even in the early design phase. By exploiting mobile connectivity and augmented reality, companies can engage in real-time communication and provide workers with additional on-site information.
EXAMPLE: Atkins has implemented advanced parametric design techniques for detailed design “optioneering” in the water infrastructure industry. That has made it possibleto provide 22 design options in one day, a 95%-time improvement on traditional design methods for similar results.
EXAMPLE: Arup combines various data-collection methods, including mobile surveys, security-camera footage and traffic-flow reports, for improved decision-making in the design of residential projects.
Companies can refine their monitoring of projects by using drones and embedded sensors to enable real-time communication and to track people, machines, components and the construction process itself.49 3D scanners build digital models of existing buildings; they can also detect any deviations very quickly during the construction process, and can enable deformation monitoring.
EXAMPLE: Skanska is developing a Tag & Tack system, pioneering the use of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags and barcodes on products and components in construction projects. By facilitating real-time monitoring of delivery, storage and installation in this way, the new system is achieving reductions of up to 10% in construction costs.
These digital technologies also facilitate the adoption or enhanced application of many of the other innovations, such as prefabrication, automation and 3D printing, and should help to improve various processes in the industry, such as front-loaded design and planning or project management in general. For instance, advanced project planning tools use complex mathematical modelling to optimize the allocation of construction staff and individual roll-out functions for infrastructure projects.
(World Economic Forum Shaping the Future of Construction A Breakthrough in Mindset and Technology Prepared in collaboration with The Boston Consulting Group)
10-CONCLUSIONS
BIM offers proven tools, methods, workflows, and invaluable insight in successfully integrating building information modelling into every construction project. From clash detection, estimation, and sustainability and in field RFI’s, facility management and more. BIM related programs and practices have helped increase productivity of construction projects as well as lower the amount of discrepancies, idle time, and rework that typically happens on a construction site as a result of poor management and scheduling outcomes.
9-REFERENCES
AEC Magazine. (2016). 30 of the best mobile apps for BIM. Retrieved February 20, 2016 from: http://aecmag.com/technology-mainmenu-35/678-mobile-apps-for-bim-professionals Autodesk. (2016). A framework for implementing a BIM business transformation. Retrieved March 19, 2016 from: http://static-dc.autodesk.net/content/dam/autodesk/www/solutions/building-information-
modeling/get-started/autodesk-project-transformer-whitepaper.pdf
BIM Executing Planning. (2011). The uses of BIM: Classifying and selecting BIM uses. Retrieved February 20, 2016 from:
http://bim.psu.edu/uses/the_uses_of_bim.pdf
BIMTalk. (2016). Dimensions in Construction. Retrieved January 30, 2015 from
http://bimtalk.co.uk/
Graphisoft. (2016). Open BIM: About BIM. Retrieved January 21, 2016 from:
http://www.graphisoft.com/archicad/open_bim/about_bim/
Rundell, R. (2007). The five fallacies of BIM, Part 2 (1-2-3 Revit Tutorial). Retrieved March 19, 2016 from: http://www.cadalyst.com/aec/the-five-fallacies-bim-part-2-1-2-3-revit-tutorial-3693
Source Dimensions in construction. Depending on the construction project there are more dimensions to a project the longer and more complex the project is .BIM helps with identifying and communicating building components and elements across the project team and to those involved in the project , regardless of which dimension the project is staged to be in .(BIMTALK ,2013)
(BIM – Management for value, cost & carbon improvement – A report for the Government construction client group, Building information modelling (BIM) Working Party (UK) (2011))
https://www.mbie.govt.nz
(Productivity in the buildings Network: Assessing the impacts of building information models, Allen Consulting Group (AU) (2010))
(BIM in Australia – Report on BIM / IPD Forums, BIM / IPD Australia (2010))
https://www.mbie.govt.nz
(World Economic Forum Shaping the Future of Construction A Breakthrough in Mindset and Technology Prepared in collaboration with The Boston Consulting Group) https://www3.weforum.org