Essay: Prevalent scope and role of it

1 Role of IT in construction and design

1.1 Prevalent SCOPE AND ROLE OF IT:

Summarizing the currently prevalent use of information technology in AEC is necessary for setting the stage for the points in this research report. Over the last two decades, due to the dramatic improvements in the use of information technology and many disciplines involvement, the construction projects have taken an entirely new shape. In the today’s global scenario, practically, modern software tools are being used for entering all the project information and then it is represented in the various formats used by many project disciplines involved. Some of the software tools are commonly used such as word processing and spreadsheet software or specialized, discipline oriented tools like mechanical CAD programs or cost estimating software. The information in AEC can be represented by using the common formats like text, 2D and 3D drawings, diagrams and charts, table and schedules in bar chart etc.

For most of the project decisions, input of engineers from various disciplines is required as shown in the (Figure 1) a project meeting is underway where different specialist such as a designer, project manager, scheduler and mechanical, electrical and piping coordinator(MEP) and cost estimator have to share information among the members of the project team. The meeting was arranged for the purpose of coordinating the detailed picture of the design, cost estimates, construction methods and the schedule for a big office building. The interpretation of the documents presented in the meeting helped each of the engineers develop an independent image of the current progress status of the project and visions in his head. Moreover, it was easy to have further discussion and detailed decisions on the basis of the interoperation, for choosing the appropriate design layout of the facility and its parts, time management, when, how and by whom it should be built, how much it would cost etc. As we have seen, the whole process of discussion and decision making about the project coordination was not based on IT rather than happened in the minds of engineers. The prediction of the outcome of the current design and construction process is difficult because information technology is typically used in these types of projects where most of the decisions are made on the basis of personal and human interpretations of engineers from various diverse disciplines. This generates inconsistent and unrepeatable actions and results. So IT helps a little for the reliable prediction of the outcomes.

It is of paramount importance that the information in the documents of the different specialists is based on the same information and it is shared and dispersed effectively, because most of the decisions and discussions demand the input information of engineers from various disciplines. The information integration and coordination process through various project phases and disciplines has become difficult and costly because of the increased amount of electronic information being generated by each discipline.

Specialist documents his or her work using different IT systems and formats to represent the information they need for their work

2 Example of Multi-Disciplinary Design and Coordination:

To set up the role and scope of IT in construction we will consider

Examples of multi-disciplinary design and coordination

2.1 Renovation of a large office building

Recently, one of the largest public owners took the decision for the renovation of one of its largest office building. For this purpose various scenarios and options for this renovation were considered and discussed among the functional units (real estate, human resource, operations, facility management, project management and operations) as well as an external team comprising architects engineers and construction managers.

One of the options was to move out all the tenants temporarily while the building was going to be renovated. This approach was looking to be more flexible for the construction and design team as to redesign the layout, structural and mechanical systems of the building and plan out its construction. Another approach was to move only half of the tenants in the first phase to make room for the renovation of half building. When the first half’s renovation was compete, tenants in the second half would have to shift into the new part making room for the renovation of the second phase, that ,upon completion , would be occupied by the tenants who had moved out originally. Significant cost savings of leasing temporary facilities and, reduced impact of the renovation work on the tenants could be easily seen in this approach. However, careful planning and coordination of the spaces and different building systems into two self-contained parts and coordination of renovation work with the tenants were required to make this approach more feasible and viable.

2.2 Large retail development

A project team has to face a two-month delay due to unexpected site conditions on a retail development project. The general contractor was asked to have a recovery timeframe so that the project could still finish at the originally schedule time. To comply with the instructions, the GC (general contactor) along with the subcontractors considered a number of acceleration alternatives and thoroughly analyzed the organizational requirements keeping in view the cost estimates and time schedule. They also analyzed and evaluated various options to redesign some of the parts of the project so that accelerated construction work or partial opening could be possible.

2.3 Opportunity for IT support illustrated in the examples

The above stated examples of project management and AEC have best explained the various scenarios and situations where the construction decision require the involvement of different stakeholders and parties and tradeoff between scope of work, time frame, schedule, and certain other issues regarding cost, safety and other criteria as set by the organization.

While working on these projects, the concerned parties and specialists considered and evaluated many alternatives in their heads, using some software programs such as 2D and 3D drawings, time schedules, cost estimations or 4D models to generate the description of some of the aspects of an option. However, for making all of the decisions, formal prediction process for expected outcome levels of a specific alternative with respect to decision criteria and other business objectives was virtually ignored.

Here, through the brief illustrations, we can easily highlight the challenges that most of the companies face with respect to their physical assets. Every company needs to provide the following project and development specification to have better physical infrastructure for its own smooth business setup.

• Performance of physical assets and related organization and certain other business processes should be evaluated keeping in view the business objectives, over time.
• Engineering and business behavior prediction.
• predicted business behaviors are to be evaluated on the basis of clearly defined business objectives.
• To maximize the measurable and clearly defined business objectives, there should be proper management of construction process and business

For example:

• measures of safety
• Schedule of time and duties
• Cost estimates
• Delivered Scope
• viable Sustainability

Therefore, it is suggested that the role and scope of IT in AEC should be base upon the predictions of estimated performance levels of the design of a projects’ schedule, scope, cost and organization with respect to the business objectives of the projects’ main stakeholders.

2.4 PRODUCT AND PROCESS MODELING:

To represent the information relating to the physical scope of a project, the 3D models are the widely used methods for many types of projects and moreover with the passage of time their data modeling, visualization, functionality and interfaces are improving rapidly. In this paper we would elaborate not only 3D modeling but also 4D and 5D modeling, because spatial and temporal aspects of a project could be integrated into the 4D models.

2.4.1 CAD, 2D, 3D and BIM:

2.4.1.1 2D drafting vs. 3D modeling:

The construction industry still relies on the 2D drawings as the main form of contract documentation. However, it is estimated that each year billion of dollars are wasted due to poor documentation created using 2-D models. This is one of the main reasons of conflict. The poor coordination and poor detailing are the main problems with 2-D documentations, as the engineers are unable to fully represent a physical building or any other object. On the other hand,

Three dimensional modelling has become the basis of the virtual design construction as it removes the problems of traditional drawing production and also presents essential improvements over them. In short, 3-D modeling has created a fast lead towards true design integration by pulling the activity of co-ordination forward into the process of design.

The 2-D drawings can be extracted directly from the 3-D model as soon as the spatial arrangement and detailing are resolved. It is also possible to have unlimited permutations of sections, plans, elevations, and isometric views because the drawings are a by-product of the model. More significantly, these drawings can be fully co-ordinated with one another as they reflect models and will only show consistent information. 3-D representation has enabled the design disciplines, clients as well as builders to understand the buildings far more easily. 3-D modeling is far superior to 2-D as a communication tool, showing better performance results with less rework (Anonymous, 2004).

The 2D drafting has been revolutionized with the advent of computer Aided design (CAD), thus as digital workflow has been introduced to benefit and with other approach throwing away their drawing boards.

However, to capture the competitive position in the industry, it is thought imperative to redefine and enhance best practices and design technology.

Now- a -days the 2D models are being used only to assist documentation process but on the other hand 3D models have enhanced and speeded up this process by bringing designs to life and providing the benefits of coordinated documentation changes. They also have provided the platform to conduct complex analysis in AEC, create real life visualization, and even identify clashes before getting to the site.

Before long it was realized that the shift towards the model-based approach could be time consuming and bloat project files. Hence, it was necessary to merge it with 3D BIM models for capturing the existing infrastructure.

The ways to create 3D models in an existing BIM tool are enormous. For example a traditional survey could be performed to create a drawing and then a model. This is considered to be the slowest route. The 2D maps could also be referenced and faceless 3d blocks can be used to generate possible forms of adjacent buildings, in the modeling context. Some times in case of small projects, this approach is found cost effective. However, this approach is slow, labor intensive, and detail -lacking when large and old building without documents are to be modeled fro renovation or retrofit.

The modeling in 3D is now possible through CAD systems. It was only considered time consuming effort to include raster point in these base level design systems. It is expected that the engineers and architects would have increased options of creating and using these 3D models with the help of Bentley and Autodesk. They will also be able to mid proposed design with highly accurate existing point clouds. However, it is still far reaching to convert point clouds to mesh r solids. Some companies have developed highly accurate and powerful point-cloud to intelligent solid models such as Geomagic that has focused on automotive and aerospace industries.

It is believed that the technology of Scan to BIM is emerging as it appeared in 2009 and a lot of research work is needed turn automatically mass of points into a Revit parametric wall.

2.4.2 3D laser Scanning:

In the field of surveying, latest 3D laser technologies have been introduced to get the 3D information about the physical objects having different shapes and sizes effectively and efficiently.

Since the 1980s, laser scanning that is based on the triangulation principle and high degree of precision has been widely used and at that decade the time of flight instruments have only been developed for conducting metric survey applications (Bornaz and Rinaudo, 2004).

With the passage of time the latter were improved and optimized to get quick and high speed surveys, and further a different set of mechanism was also developed so that the laser beam could be directed in a range that goes parallel with the instrument being used.

One million points could be recorded in a few minutes with the introduction of laser scanners moreover; these practical and versatile instruments have the potential of wide range of applications in the field of environmental, architectural and archaeological surveying (Valanis and Tsakiri, 2004).

It is thought to be fanatic and near-impossible to get a parametric, accurate model out through scanning the whole building and automatically taking the resultant point-cloud. However, some professionals are already working on it.

The point-clouds produced by 3D scanners can be used for visualization and measurement. But they are often not used directly. The conversion of these points into something more usable and CAD friendly is the next task. Such as creating polygon meshes, NURBS of tessellated surfaces or feature-based solid models. It is really significant to identify accurately what the data will be used for because with the rising level of complexity, the time and cost also increase unfortunately.

Visualization, analysis and even CNC machining are possible by turning point-clouds into meshed models. As every thing is made up of straight lines, tolerance and quality of any surface is compromised with the editing meshes.Meshlab, McNeel and Associates’ Rhino and Kubit Point Cloud for AutoCAD are some of the readily available mesh editors in the market.

The full surface conversion is the next step in the accuracy. It also possible to generate quilts of continued curved surfaces from point clouds by converting point-clouds to NURBS or Splines. With the help of an array of standards tools, again Rhino, Kubit, Autodesk’s 3ds Max, Maya and Geomagic these can be stitched and edited. In the last five years, surfacing software have emerged a long away. And a surface model is more unable and eminent.

The full solid model by full conversion has been possible because most of the companies have used scanners in automotive, aerospace and product design.

To produce actual solid models, there are no major CAD or BIM tools; these could be overkill for an AEC system. However, conceptual design process could be developed using these tools as one part of the process.

Through the CAD, it has been made possible to edit any natural shape or one built in a model moreover, it can be captured in a point-cloud to add intelligence such as parametric to a converted solids models. Some of the latest tools allow to fully utilizing the power of a solid modeling tool to reshape and refine a scanned object. In addition, blends, fillets and features in point-clouds could also be found using the products such as Geomagic Fashion. However, the application tool is much expensive.

Much of the research work has been undertaken to further explore the concept because professional don’t think AEC as standard and many companies are exploring the ways of doing this. It is proposed that BIM model can be quickly generated using the scan to produce referenced 2D vector floor plan and by mixing the point-cloud with the CAD BIM model to show design or proposed changes in context.

To explore the potential advantages of 3D laser scanning technology over the prevalent technologies for the purpose of documentation, mining, tunnel bridge construction and for detecting the defects in buildings, various researches have been undertaken.

Moreover the 3d prototyping has not yet been applied in the architecture and building designing purposes effectively however; it has become popular for manufacturing of small objects such as car seats.

2.4.2.1 3D model – cost integration

Now AEC professionals are able to estimate cost using the automated quantity takeoff feature of 3D CAD tools. Thus quantities can be taken off for quite some time using these advanced CAD tools. For instance Timberline’s Precision Estimating tool has the ability to import quantities as a part of an estimate’s quantity takeoff. The engineers will be able to leverage design data for cost estimation much more rapidly than today’s possibility as cost data can be represented to match 3D design data. For example, after rigorous experiments with the use of 3D models for automated quantity takeoff, Webcor Builders was able to show that a 3D model could be built with the help of Autodesk and project’s quantities could be taken off in less than half the time as compared with 2D drawing’s time. Moreover, the speed of re-estimating a project increases because variability of takeoff numbers between different estimators is reduced using such a model-based quantity takeoff (Bedrick 2003).

2.5 BUSINESS INFORMATION MODELLING:

The generation and management of building data during its life cycle is regarded as building information modeling. The productivity of building designs and construction can be increased by using its 3D, real-time and dynamic building modeling programs and tools.

The broader view of the term and process of the Business Information Modeling (BIM) includes spatial relationships, geographical data, building design geometry, and properties and quantities of building components. However, coordination of information is essential because digital design information and documentation process are used from the very beginning of the project till the lifecycle of the building.

BIM is bringing an unprecedented revolution in the construction industry as it is providing strong and powerful value to the construction firms. It involves using digital modeling application tools to more effectively design, build and manage projects. At the same time, it encourages the sharing and exchange of knowledge throughout the project lifecycle and closer collaboration to integrate valuable fabrication, construction and operations expertise into the overall design, thus removing the oldest hurdles between these AEC professional and contractors. This improves constructability, sickness to budget and cost and time schedules, lifecycle management and efficiency for every stakeholder.

The wide rang of applications for users are the great promise of BIM. At its basic level, BIM represents an evolution from traditional 2D design to a dynamic 3D model built around a database of a project’s physical and functional characteristics. The more data users add to the model, the more benefits can be leveraged from it. Beyond 3D visualization of a project, information about specific objects within the model can be used for a wide range of analyses such as building performance, schedule and costs. Today, 3D modeling is by far the most popular use of BIM, with architects leading the way. Other users, such as engineers, are finding selective ways to model elements in BIM. Contractors are building momentum for the use of BIM in 4D (scheduling) and 5D (cost estimating).

BIM has been used in the construction industry for many years in various forms and fashions. In the today’s world scenario, the shift towards more integrated and coordinated design is leading the way for a BIM workflow.

The collaborative approach for designing buildings is called integrated design that lays down stress upon a holistic design development. In more simple terms , when all of the members of project team working together in a collaborative and coordinated way from the beginning of a project through its end.

Building Information Modeling is one of the many envision in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. However, this approach has revolutionized the designing and execution process of multidisciplinary projects for the professionals (Khemlani, 2005).

Many AEC professionals are able to improve their single discipline’s performance by using BIM in the today’s environment. However, certain issues such as managing and communicating multidiscipline information still remain to be resolved.

The objectives-based, decision-making, exploration and learning process is described as design in which development of functional requirements, potential design forms and analysis of behavior of these forms takes place. In addition to AEC professionals also decide about the options that can effectively satisfy their requirements (Gero 1990, and Schon, 19921).

Some of the researchers have proposed systems for modeling and interrelating these multidisciplinary information and processes. But some AEC professionals, even with this theory and BIM, have to face difficulty and complexity while organizing the huge amount of information and processes on their projects. Moreover, controlling the integration of the information also creates problem as they execute these processes and evaluate the information to make and record the decisions (Gielingh, 1988 and Bjork 1989).

The process of planning, development, operations, reuse and renewal has transformed the world’s major cities from the unsustainable to the knowledge based sustainable form. This was the whole life cycle process. When this transformation process was evolving a fundamental: historical, architectural, archaeologically, environmental, social, economic, etc. multi-disciplinary knowledge base originated from the studies and research process about the build environmental aspects.

Although the range of 3D VR modeling applications and tools is much extensive and still increasing day by day, some build environment applications such as simulations, CAD designs demand more sophisticated models that go beyond 3D graphical visualization such as interoperable, intelligent and multi-representational. It has been suggested that the latest innovative 3D lasers scanners tools and digital mapping technologies can be used to have effective and productive e-planning, communication and collaboration while planning, designing construction and lifecycle process of building environment.

The building and human environment of 21st century is changing rapidly with architects, engineers and contractors are creating and applying latest approaches to the Whole Life Cycle process within it. Moreover, when data is processed using these technologies and modeled into the building information modeling(BIM), the fast and free flow of information sharing among divisions, departments, offices, and contractors and their partners generates productivity and efficiency (Anonymous, 2007).

An integrated 3D digital description of a building, its site and related geographical information system context is dealt in the range of BIM. In much broader perspective, this term is used to describe the wide range of discipline-specific application programs that are supportive and helpful for carrying out all the phases of the whole project from the design conception, documentation, to coordination, and construction, and ongoing facility management maintenance, and operations.

The individual building, site or GIS objects that define their extensive relationship and description with specifying the nature of the context with other objects are all parts of a BIM.

The objects in it have properties and relationships and this information is helpful for data mining to develop simulations using the model data. This feature makes it to be regarded as rich data model (Ballesty, 2007).

A BIM has the following generic attributes:

• A reliable, accurate and geometry is used to describe objects.
• It gives detailed and comprehensive objects properties that give expanded meaning of the object. The modeled objects come with some predefined properties or the IFC specification and there is no limit over the assignment of any number of users or project-specific properties with rich description of items such as manufacturer’s product code or cost of date of last service.
• The model has semantic richness as many types of relationships could be accessed for conducting rich analysis and simulation.
• It provides integrated information thus ensuring consistency, accuracy and accessibility of data having it in a single repository.
• It also gives life support as it gives the data support over the whole facility lifecycle from the design conception to the demolition. Business Information Modeling has the following benefits and advantages 🙁 Ballesty, 2007)
• It is regarded as more effective and faster process because of easily sharing of information and creation of value.
• Innovative solutions and better design can be obtained because building proposals could be analysed rigorously, and simulations can be done swiftly.
• Whole life cost and environmental data can be controlled so making the environmental performance more predictable.
• Production quality has been improved because of flexibility of documentation output and automation.
• It provides the platform for automated assembly through digital product data exploitation in downstream processes and manufacturing.
• Accurate visualizations help to understand the customers’ proposals.
• Facilities management can be done efficiently using the design, requirements, construction and operational information.
• The common data protocol among the government, industry and project team is a source of having integrated planning and implementation process.
• Resultantly, long-term sustainable regeneration of projects becomes more effective and industry competitive.

2.5.1 Key BIM concepts and Benefits:

The key benefits of BIM lie in the three basic concepts:

1. Database Instead of Drawings
2. Distributed Model
3. Value of BIM-Tools and Process

Database instead of Drawings:

For decades, architects and designers have used drawings and physical models, to share their mental vision of project to the persons who have the authority to approve and build it.

Drawings have become standardized documents such as plans, elevations, sections and details. However with the addition of certain other documents, they can tell quality standards for construction work, identify specific products to be used, or elaborate a fabricator’s detailed approach to achieving the design intent.

But the major hurdle to improve integration and coordination was the method of authoring these documents. There are typically thousands of documents that are produced for each project and lack of a central repository makes it difficult to integrate all of the information to represent the whole.

In short, an effective and efficient coordination and collaboration between the design disciplines and communication of design intent to the jobsite are constant hurdles; as comprehensible whole cannot be gather from these pieces of information without human interpretations.

Digital database rather than a series of separate documents serves as the central repository of all the physical and functional characteristics of a product, or in the case of BIM, a construction project. Documents are still useful, but with BIM they are generated on demand from the database which represents the most current, shared understanding of the project. Documents are no longer the primary, core representation of the project. Instead, the database is “the truth” at any moment in time; a shared resource for reliable, collaborative decision making. Consequently, documents become special-purpose work products generated from that database.

Distributed Model:

There are two basic types of BIM tools available today: authoring and analysis.

BIM users are taking a “distributed” approach that combines the value of authoring tools with the power of analysis tools. In a distributed BIM environment separate models are usually authored by the appropriate design and construction entities. These can include:

Design models – architectural, structural, MEP and site/civil

Construction model – breaking the design models down into construction sequences

Schedule (4D) model – linking them work breakdown structure to project elements in the model

Cost (5D) model – linking costs to project elements in the model

Fabrication model – replacing traditional shop drawings and driving fabrication equipment

Operations model – for turnover to the owner

This differs importantly from the current fragmented practice of numerous individual sets of drawings because these models are BIM databases. So, for example, they can be viewed together to identify “clashes” (geometric conflicts between architectural, structural and MEP systems that can be fixed virtually to avoid field problems. Authoring tools allow 2D or 3D viewing from any angle or section, and can also generate standard documents (plans, elevations, specifications, etc.)

Since the BIM database holds the information from each of the intelligent objects in a BIM, it can “publish” specific subsets of that data to analysis tools on demand. For example, an energy analysis tool can extract just the information about a project’s site orientation, glazing, doors, mechanical system performance, equipment electrical loads and heat generation, surface reflectivity of the exterior materials, and envelope insulation properties. The energy analysis tool already has the annual solar path, temperature and wind conditions for the site, so it can analyze a proposed design solution for energy performance and potential

LEED credits. The team can then modify the BIM and retest multiple times until satisfactory. All of this happens digitally, with no manual reentry of information from multiple sources into separate tools.

It is seamless, fast and highly effective.

Additional analysis tools are rapidly being developed and refined, including:

Model-checking – Applying user selected business rules to automatically check design models for clashes, or for compliance with accessibility regulations, building codes, etc.

Scheduling – Linking work breakdown structure to relevant project elements to plan construction sequencing. Can produce animated visualization of process

Estimating -Matching BIM elements to cost codes to produce construction estimates. Can produce “visual estimates”.

Ingress and Egress – Populating a BIM with people to simulate scenarios such as emergency evacuation or peak-time elevator queuing. As more analysis tools are developed to work with authoring tools, the power of BIM will increase exponentially.

Tools + Process = Value of BIM

While modeling tools provide significant benefits for individual users, leveraging BIM just to produce “silos of excellence” minimizes the greater potential for large-scale improvement of the entire industry. It is being called as dichotomy “lonely BIM” vs. “social BIM”. Encouragingly, a trend called Integrated Project Delivery (IPD)is rapidly emerging and leverages the power of modeling to facilitate collaborative decision making. IPD brings key construction management, trades, fabrication, supplier and product manufacturer expertise together with design professionals and the owner earlier in the process to produce a design that is optimized for quality, aesthetics, constructability, affordability, timeliness and seamless flow into lifecycle management.

Integrated project delivery (IPD) is another aspect of integrated design; it is the design contracts backing up the workflow and accountability. Involvement of all the major team members, especially the contractors early on the project is all about the process of integrated design where digital collaboration and collision check between the trades takes place regularly. The best for the project is decided rather than what is individually best. This trust based model of sharing and using 3d models keeps each of the team member in touch.

2.6 BIM and latest tools:

The key signal of efficiency and accuracy in the AEC industry is building information modeling, the intelligent 3D representation of a design. However, some of the big contractors don’t find it as useful as the indicators say because of the big BIM data files having complicated geometries and foreign semantics.

Here we consider the application developed by Innovaya Software and how they have transformed the construction industry. A bridging application has been developed by Innovay software. This application with its visual estimation and visual simulation 3 (4D-scheduling) technologies increase the efficiency of contractor’s BIM. In fact information is taken from the BIM and brought into the contractor’s existing estimating and scheduling application.

In the traditional or 2D drawing, the computers were unable to understand the meanings of the lines and downstream applications could not make use of them effectively. Hence, with the introduction of BIM or 3D models, this issue has been resolved as the objects such as walls, windows, and doors with their specific properties such as types, length, height etc. represent the whole design information (Kevin Yu, Innovaya’s president and founder, 2009).

The information about the design quantities can also be obtained using the Visual Estimating tool. Then these can be turned into an estimate of materials and cost by applying construction methods from the estimator’s database.

Quantity takeoff can be automatically generated, based on the user’s specific requirements using the Visual Estimating Tools. Thus this tool enables the automatic estimate for the entire design. All the elements from the BIM and estimating are linked together so that the estimate can be updated as the design changes.

Usually models are used as marketing tools and then they are kept in the drawers, but using the Innovaya tools contractors can leverage a model. Because the Visual Estimating by virtue of its process, reduces the size of the database necessary to estimate off a model.

2.6.1 BIM in preconstruction winning the clients:

Building information Modeling (BIM) can be used during preconstruction for estimating costs of different project sites and building alterations. This is also resulting in reduction of non-billable time. There are excellent uses of BIM technology, as it is increasingly used for communication, sharing designing information and collaboration with contractors during the project work.

Particularly in an unpredictable economy, the time when the owner or developer gives the green signal of letting do it can be a time of client uncertainty, fiscal variations and competing preferences. These early, non-billable services can cause a great deal of time and cost to client when a practitioner is required to commence preconstruction work on new project sites.

Hotels, office parks, retail town centers, corporate offices etc. have seen the situation of missed or unbillable preconstruction work; however, the catching solution is the BIM technology that is applied towards the conceptual and schematic phases of a project.

For example, one firm used the macro BIM to produce important information for a client who had orders for the virtual building in hand to attract the rich tenants. This was done only in 50 hours.

The client had thought of a having a 275000-sq-ft complex, featuring hotels, offices, and a parking space that would cost more than $50 million. This was to be built in Tampa, Fla.

Firstly, a conceptual estimate was produced based on the design. Latter on the firm, with the help of architects and BIM model, enhanced the working within the limits of the pro forma and developed visual aesthetics for the project at the same time. However, cost of upfront work is not billed until the client’s positive and final decision is received, it is considered to be a sound fiscal sense to minimize preconstruction time.

The still undecided owner was surprised to see that the firm was able to produce two different high-quality building and site alternatives and their conceptual estimates with much lower cost for the firm. This is one of the practical implications that BIM can produce effective and efficient work in an integrated delivery method.

Another Example 0f $9-million medical and residential project in Dunedin, Fla, where Building Information Modeling (BIM) with other technologies and approaches was used during preconstruction and it typically took almost 80 hours. However, it was much difficult for the estimator to deliver the same level of detail with same prices, without incorporating the technology; it would be much difficult to delivery the project within that timelines.

In the entire project, the team had to construct medical offices, retail space, residential space and parking. It was beneficial for the team to use preconstruction BIM to meet historic district standards.

After evaluating the ten cost options that were complete with graphic depiction and detailed estimates for the project, the final estimate reached to cost $9 million. The options divided into a three-phase construction schedule, were about the variations in the construction material, number of floors and building types.

In addition, schematic designs, design development and breakdown of the different various programmatic facilities were also provided.

To get better understanding of the cost, the client used the BIM to further refine his pro forma, despite the long incubation period for the project. The client could easily choose among the alternative options to discover what worked best. This ability was much appreciated by the client. Architect and contractors also liked the fast and accurate preconstruction work progress.

Similarly, a Texa-based Whole Foods was stuck upon the decision of determining whether to build a 16-floor building with its branded grocery store, additional office space, and both a blow-ground and above-ground parking garage, within the period of one week.

The collaboration between the director of construction and an integrated paid well as the firm produced six estimates, using macro BIM to create digitized framework of two different exterior scenarios and three separate models for each estimate. In almost 50 hours, the sole estimator was successful in producing a detailed and cost-exacting package for the developer. It might have taken more than 100 hours if the estimators had used traditional method.

The project was cancelled due the economic downturn in October; still the client was happy as the BIM produced saved a lot of time by producing valuable information in short span of time. Now the firm is at the top of his list for future work. The resulting proposal and data-rich models

Current usage of BIM Technology:

The usage of BIM even before the contract is signed can win the work for the contractor. Thus there is good reasoning behind this sophisticated and complex modeling tool in the AEC industry. In comparison with a traditional approach, A BIM proposal can be generated in half the hours and manpower. However, the information level remains the same so that project decision could be made effectively.

It is much easier for a practitioner to opt for BIM use because it is 3D, comprehensive, information-rich, graphical and accurate representation of a building structure. In addition, even the naive person with some basic training of building trades, design, and estimates, can create these models for the client.

The list of quality BIM products is much longer and even growing rapidly, but it is recommended tat some macro BIM technology should be used for arduous work and preconstruction. Moreover, one of the advantages of macro BIM is that it can result in reduced cost for the client, as it can be easily and efficiently integrated with other methodologies and technologies at present. The future of construction industry has wide range of applications and scope of BIM and that is why the technology in preconstruction is quickly evolving and dynamic. (Stewart Carroll, 2008)

2.6.2 Big returns on BIM investments:

Building information modeling has seen a lot of hype claims such as months of schedule gains, greater quality control an millions of dollars in savings, in the recent years. Now many of these promises are becoming true as the dynamic technology is being accepted warmly in the AEC industry.

The return on investment is eye-opening on BIM as it saves companies millions of dollar in scheduling. According to the McGraw Hill survey that was conducted in November, many BIM users are tracking returns on investment, as one party reported more than 100 percent return on investment.

According to the reports, it can be said that technology is gaining traction. Such as, 23% of the contractors said that they had applied BIM in more than 50 percent of their projects during 2008. In 2009, more than 30 percent had expectations to use it at that level. These contractors are becoming the rapidly growing users of Business Information modeling (BIM) (August McGraw-Hill Construction survey).

Some years ago the contractors were reluctant in using the BIM and now they are becoming major players and obtaining some of the biggest advantages from it (John, Tocci 2009)

Lining Up With BIM:

Many contractors have started to change their corporate structures to leverage BIM, because they are beginning to realize the value of it. here we take the case of Gilbane Building co, that formed a virtual construction department have better usage of technology across the company, showing strong commitment to BIM. It got the help of both the regional staff and national engineers for the projects on which BIM was being used.

Gilbane got almost 1500% return on its BIM-related expense, on a recently completed project of 96000-sq-ft data-center. In fact, there was virtual coordination of building experts that resulted in most of the benefits.

Rather than wasting the rich time in back and for the flow of paperwork, the teams worked collaboratively to resolve the conflicts and time from four months to two-and-a-half months and saved $86000.

Moreover, 43% decrease in the expected requests for information was seen because more than 1000 clashes and conflicts were resolved before they appeared in the field. Thus company saved roughly $863000

Due to the large scale of coordination among the trades and subcontractors, the complex and larger assemblies were pre-planed off-site. As a result, field hours were reduced by 15% and thus entire process saved about $140000. Combining the entire project results, the company spent almost $69000 and saved nearly $1.09 million. They are also looking to expand the use of BIM by getting the help of their senior management.

Collaboration Saves Time:

BIM has also transformed the interacting ways among the team members. Now the traditional hand off work way has been changed and data sharing through the effective use of BIM helping the firms to get greater rewards and benefits. Thus they are expanding the collaboration among the team members.

During the predesign phase of new academic building at Savannah State University, Atlanta’ Holder Construction was chosen as a construction manager. Thus, BIM models helped in making comparison of three complete conceptual models and estimating costs for each building phase.

Before the project was finalized in November 2007, the company remained engaged with the designer Lott+Barber, Savannah. The models were immediately taken up to extract all of the quantities without having to do any take-off or handwork and the use of BIM models supported the company to fully utilize its construction expertise and skills to each of these three alternatives.

To get accurate estimating the team added the details and explanation to the models. However, much of the design was still rough. It was revealed that one of the designs might have cost $2 million more to build than the other. The results were astonishing, as compared to the traditional way process that might have taken more than four months to the architect to draw and hand it out to the contractor , this happened in about 10 days. Moreover, the project was competed in the budget range and on time.

The major users of BIM projects and tools are looking to expand it as more and more firms are seeking innovative and additional methods of exchanging models and project savings. Such as most of the contractors, engineers, and fabricators are using Data exchange as a significant tool of saving time on projects.

Here we take the example of project of new $1-billion Meadowlands Stadium to be built in East Rutherford, N.J. the team was able to cut months off the schedule as it was led by construction manager Skanska USA Building Inc., a member of multiple AGC chapters.

The process was estimated to have saved about a month in the timesheet. It was possible only because the structure engineers communicated detailed BIM models with the steel fabricator who could extract advanced bill of materials from the data. At the completion of steel erection work, the project was about six months ahead to its scheduled time, because the engineers also were able to reveal the structure’s most complex connections in the model.

Skanska tracked the entire progress by finely monitoring shop drawings and color-coding the model. It could also use the same information for the creation of 3D models and steel work design in the final shape as much of the structure was exposed. The project was commenced in 2007, is now rushing toward its completion in 2010.

According to the virtual design and construction regional director at Skanska USA Building, the model helped organize the process, as on the Meadowlands Project, there was only one person doing all of the work instead of three people. BIM not only helps the integrated teams to gain significant savings on the projects but also assists the contractors to succeed on their own as well. In addition, as one of he VDC manager at Walsh Group has said that the contractors naive in designing and construction knowledge, can easily have benefits even if no one else is using Building Information Technology (BIM) on a project. It is also recommended that the integrated teams should use BIM on projects even if the designers aren’t employing the latest technological tools.

Another example is of $76-million Central Arizona Project water treatment plant expansion. This was completed last year by Archer Western, Atlanta and member of multiple AGC chapters. Almost 80 percent of the work done by Archer Western as it developed its own BIM models using the 2D drawings from the engineers.

During the coordination process, it recognized more than $150,000 in the system inferences; however, model creation caused $ 40,000 extra. It was estimated that the project was reduced to five weeks instead of 28-month, because request for information was minimized by more than 70 percent on the project with zero change order.

AgcXML:

AgcXML is a new schema to help construction programs communicate. It is a new standard released by AGC in March to solve inherent problems and issues of interoperability in the use of various construction applications. It would also enable exchange of key information among different programs.

It is expected that this tool can save time as well as a lot of money to construction companies. Because of compatibility issues among different programs and time taken to re-enter information into those program, almost $15.8 billion a year is spent in lost productivity. (Monique Valentine, 2008)

XML can work well with accounting application or BIM software that has adapted agcXML schema. Thus exchange of data is available at almost zero cost. This XML schema that was funded and initiated by AGC is now available for transactional data often exchanged in paper documents. To name a few these documents could be RFIs, schedules of values, request for proposals, change orders, submittals etc. It can support the nation’s construction industry as it is considered to be the newest tool in series technological and innovative products (Jennifer Seward, 2008).

2.6.3 BIM SUPPORTED DESIGN OF UNIVERSITY BUILDING:

The managing and communicating information using the modeling building information in the computer has led success to AEC professionals in the present decade. However, only ad-hoc management and communication of multidisciplinary collaboration was seen despite the hyped progress in improving single discipline performance. To identify and find out some of the limitations from the stat- of-the-art example, a recent application of BIM technology is put under review.

One of the first industry projects to use an array of multidisciplinary BIM tools in the design process was the HUT-600 auditorium project in Helsinki, Finland (Kam et al, 2003). To address the discipline needs the AEC professionals such as architects, structural engineers, energy consultants, HVAC designers, and construction managers developed specific BIMs.

The results were amazing as the end-users were better able to visualize and design, cost consultants improved their specialty services and architect’s efficiency in producing design documents improved a lot.

In spite of the availability of an interoperable data exchange standard, the design process was still time-consuming and ad-hoc in nature (see Fig). The single proposal was focused to make decisions such as HVAC choices (e.g. skylight versus windows and under floor versus traditional HVAC systems), without the need to look through all the choices and understand their impacts on multiple disciplines (e.g. architectural features’ impact on HVAC alternatives).

The seamless exchange and sharing of building data between multiple applications over any or all disciplines and over any or all phases of a building’s development is called interoperability. Sometimes the AEC professional think of BIM as independent concept but in practice shared utilization and value added creation of integrated model data are requisite to obtain the business benefits of BIM.

An information protocol is required to access the model data; the only open global standards industry Foundation Classes (IFC), although these database formats are usually owned by several venders. The International Alliance for Interoperability (IAI) publishes them. Now the focus will be IFC standard and information modelling.

2.6.4 BIM and Integrated POP modeling:

EMERGING METHODOLOGIES TO ADDRESS MANAGEMENT AND

COMMUNICATION:

Here three methodologies: POP, Narratives, and Decision Dashboards that are investigated to help the AEC professionals resolve the problems and conflict in managing and communicating multidisciplinary design process and fully utilize the power of these tools.

It is the powerjhh of the Product -Organization-Process methodology that it is much easier to collectively define the functions, forms and behavior of products, organization and process, with the help of multiple disciplines (Kunz and Fischer, 2005). We have found several illustrations where AEC professionals have started to represent the form and the product behaviors such as architectural and structural systems, components of building and analyses. However, it is one of the most important aspects to better manage and communicate the functional requirements of product, and the functions, forms and behaviors of the organizations and processes to design the product.

The implementation process of POP model is much easier as to represent the integrated function, forms, and behavior of the product, organization and process; it can be implemented in a spreadsheet matrix. The main object of POP model is to assure the mutual consistency and appropriateness of the integrated set of models and that the consistency of function, form and behavior of each P, O and P model.

The Narrative Methodology has made it possible to manage and communicate dependencies between information models by using multiple disciplines. It has been shown that information models are formally represented in AEC projects, but the design process that are used to construct and integrate these models, are not formally managed or represented. Hence Narratives can be used by the AEC professionals to formally define required functions, propose forms, analyze the behaviors of these forms, and manage and communicate the dependencies among these distributed, interdependent and evolving models (Haymaker et al, 2004).

The multiples disciplines can be enabled to decide among project alternatives and to manage and communicate these decisions with the help of the Decision Dashboard (DD) methodology. As some of the cases show that there is lack of formal methodology in AEC projects, making it difficult to consider multidisciplinary tradeoffs and make and document decisions. The decision topics, criteria, aggregation of options and their relationship and competing set of options are the decision information included in the DD. As the decision making process evolves, with DDL support, the design team can collaboratively and interactively change and evaluate the decision alternatives. They can also explicitly make the relevant information available for stakeholders to manage and communicate their decisions (Kam, 2005).

2.7 4D models:

As we know there is lack of support in conventional designing and planning tools such as 2D and 3D models and network diagrams, hence timely and integrated decisions cannot be made to move projects forward quickly. Moreover, the fast and integrated design and construction of project facilities are hard to achiever as there is deficiency of information modeling, visualization and analysis structure and environment in these applications. We can still see an array of manual works in the shape of synthesis of construction schedules from design information and integrated evaluation of design and cost schedule choices. In addition, it is much difficult to visualize and understand the cross-disciplinary impacts of design and construction decision for multiple AEC professionals and other stakeholders, because of the abstract representation of a design and construction schedule.

In near future, the AEC professionals such as planners, contractors, architects and engineers etc, will be utilizing the 4D technologies to analyze and visualize many aspects of a construction project. With the implementation of 4D models, communication of design and schedule information can be improved, as they support computer-based analysis of schedules with respect to cost estimates, interference and safety.

Visual 4D models are being combined with 3D CAD models with construction activities to extend the traditional planning tools and show the progress of construction over time. However, it is thought to be much time-consuming to generate manually 4d models and moreover analysis programs cannot be supported. The wide spread growth and application of these tools cannot be achieved because these tools demand a lot of cost and difficulty level for creating and using them. A methodology has been introduced that guides the planners in creating 4D models from 3D product models and in addition required AEC knowledge to build 4D models has also been formalized. With the support of this formalized knowledge, project managers can integrate the temporal and spatial aspects of a cost and time schedules as an intelligent 4-D models through rapidly creating and updating realistic schedules.

Implications:

In AEC industry, 4D models have not been so much developed as only a few tools allow a user to have linkage of a 3D model with a construction schedule to graphically represent construction over time. 4D models are purely visualization because 3D models are mostly based on object-oriented concepts and can be questioned about their content and relationship. We can see the applications of 4D CAD to coordinate the routine work of a team of contractors through simulating and coordinating the overall phasing of a project. A research work related to 4D CAD has been initiated by Professor Martin Fischer since 1994. Dillingham Construction was the sponsor of the first project and it was performed by Eric Collier. This was focused on the development of 4D model to communicate the 4-year construction project of the San Mateo County Health Facility. Martin Fischer, after seeing success of this project, carried on his research in 4D models and tools. Thus improvement of 4D tools and the value of 4D models in design and construction became his focus.

2.7.1 Benefits of 4D models:

The 4D models have helped project stakeholders:

• For retrofit projects, they facilitate the understanding between construction activities and facility operations.
• The work usage, phasing areas and access can be improved and understood well over time.
• Spatial conflicts among the crews and other production elements can be identified
• Sequence of activities can be analyzed.
• Constructability can also be improved.
• work flow for subcontractors is enhanced and improved, and
• Visualizing the timelines, work zone and subcontractors’ requirements of construction work become easier and cost efficient task.

2.7.2 Implementation of 4D modeling:

The mental flashes and movies of 4D models run in the heads of project managers, contractors and schedulers while they think about the construction of a project. Thus the understanding and usage of these 4D models become much easier for these professionals. When focused questions about the constructability of a design and related schedules are sought out, the application of 4D models has been of great support and help. Such questions can easily be addressed with time savings, if contractors build 3D and 4D models. Moreover, it also becomes economical and beneficial to support a project team’s decision making with the help of 4D models.

• To achieve the following purposes, 4D models have been implemented in the early planning phases of a project:
• To visualize the sequence of the individual building projects in the best possible way, 4D model was implemented for a multi-year, multi-phase campus retrofit/renovation projects.
• To collect the input of the affected stakeholders and synchronize construction with the facility operations, 4D models were built for reconstruction of facilities that were under operation.
• To provide early constructability input to the design, 4D models were implemented for the construction phase of a project having tough temporal or spatial conditions.
• To provide early operational input to the design, 4D models can be built to stimulate the operational procedures in industrial facilities.
• 4D models can also be used during the detailed design or early construction phase, Such as to coordinate the various subcontractors and make them more productive, 4D models are supportive to plan construction work in detail.
• During the start-up and operational phases, 4D models are built to train operators and make the start-up phase more productive.
• To plan future extensions to the buildings, maintenance, budgeting etc. 4D models play the role of being a life of facilities.

2.7.3 Examples of 4D models implementation:

2.7.3.1 Helping an owner visualize the future:

The successful implementation of 4D models led DPR construction to win two major expansions and one new hospital construction project. One of the models is used to create linkage between a project’s 3D model to the schedule and thus for any desired time interval such as day or week of the project, a 3D model can be generated. Sometimes, to get a project done, 4D model can be seen as continuous flow of the steps. The rapid and swift study of various designs and schedule alternatives is possible through the 4D models. In a briefing, DPR’ s project manager showed to the hospital administration that with the use of 4D models they can implement the best approach for maintaining 24/7 operation of critical care facilities.

After the administration saw the strength of 4D model during the proposal stage, a budget line for the 4D models was approved for all the three projects that DPR won.4D models were later on used a teaching models as the hospital administration educated physicians and staff about what would be happening during each stage of construction. That construction approach and schedule minimized the risks to the hospital because construction staff understands of the operational need s of the hospital was increase by using the 4D models. During the steel erection, the 4D model alerted the administration to need to change the flight plan for the medevac helicopter.

Ad-hoc modeling approach:

Due to the ad-hoc nature modeling, 4D model can be updated and maintained by only original creator. There is lack of a methodology to guide their generation.

Single level of detail:

Single level of detail of 4D models make it difficult to seamlessly aggregate, explain and refine the model details. Hence it is much difficult for the general contractors and subcontractors to collaborate while working at different levels of detail but heading toward the achievement of same objectives and goals.

Manual Analysis:

Analyses of cost estimations, safety measures and other performance metrics cannot be performed using computer-based models, as they lack this kind of support. The users have to carry out all of the reasoning with the help of visual 4D models. This is usually based on what they see in their heads. The 4D model and visualizations have the required support budgeting and many other kinds of analyses of design alternatives if necessary information is properly represented. In addition, 4D models have to show time explicitly to support such analyses and they cannot include only a simple progression of 3D model views.

Lack of Multi-user Environment:

There is lack of multiple-user desktop environments in these 4D models. In building and critiquing a 4-D model a lot many project stakeholders’ participation is often required.

nD computer-aided design:

Complex engineering systems could be understood by means of visualization tools especially when true simulation of systems are involved and included. Due to the rising level of complexity of systems, the data redundancy increase and thus these system are of no value for the engineers for performance appraisal before committing resources (what if analysis). Now the nD systems are being developed using the cost data as the fifth dimension thus enabling the simulation technology to go beyond four dimensions. The further variables that are included in the fifth dimensions are constructability, accessibility, sustainability maintainability, acoustics, lighting and thermal requirements.

The project managers in the profession of AEC can share, create and apply knowledge from the various perspectives of all the members in the process through the possibility of nD construction world.

2.8.1 5D modeling becoming popular:

Here we introduce the relatively new dimension of CAD application that is going to become the future of the construction industry as it has a lot of advantages over simple 2D or 3D programs. The true building information modeling process is also known as 5D CAD. This is created using the combined mature 3D CAD applications with integrated data for schedules and costs.

2.8.1.1 5-D scheduling:

Fifth dimension often known as 5-D is obtained by combining the automated extraction of quantities over a timelined 4-D model. With the strong power and effectiveness of 5-D scheduling, the relationships between the objects’ timeline within the 4-D model context can be exploited and then reported on their subsequent quantity or cost at particular points in time.

In simple terms, the investigation of unlimited permutations of quantum at any point in time becomes possible because of the consequence of task occurrences (or not), and their relationships to one another.

The selection of design consultants with the requisite modelling skills is now more important than ever and regarded as downstream benefits of 4-D and 5-D during the construction phase of a project.

1D in the form of data program, the 2D of a design based approach, the 3D in the shape of a building model with an integrated database of information about BIM or a virtual building, the 4D in reference to time scheduling or sequencing of construction activities and 5D of cost and resources for completing the construction of the building are all combined in 5D CAD model. The output and return from this process do not stop even after the construction of facility management because this information remains useful over the entire life cycle of a building.

The 5D CAD has the following key benefits over the other known processes and models:

• Everything is kept up-to-date using data integration.
• Understanding the designs and process becomes much easier with graphical interface.
• Risks are minimized through information integration.
• Analyses of alternatives of design and implications become quick.
• The owner is remained in control with integrated process.
• AEC processes are combined into a single environment.

3 Project Management Tools:

The importance and role of IT can also be judged by looking at the project management tools that have transformed the entire construction industry. Here we review the industry reviews about some leading project management tools and how they have supported their clients to succeed.

The storing and sharing of fieldwork information with the project team members, partners and subcontractors has become easy and accessible with the help of project management tools and software. The project management tools enable the contractors to have information all the time-whether they are on the jobsite or setting at the backside office. Thus they can enhance their productivity and profitability.

Spectrum Project management Software:

Project management tools create integration that makes the project managers work more proactively. For example, Colacurcio Bros. Construction Co., Blaine, Wash., a member of AGC of Washington has successfully implemented Dextor+Chaney’s Spectrum Project Management Software. With this tool, the real time collaboration and working of accounting department and project management side are possible with the same information.

Job-sheet information such as onsite labor information, materials delivery, safety inspection etc. is updated on daily-basis. The superintendents moreover can tack request for information and change orders accordingly. As a part of the project record, images can also be added. Coacurice Bros. can enter letters, invoices, spreadsheets etc. using the document-imaging module. In addition, the margins and profitability improved with the ability to handle change-orders efficiently.

Prolog:

Adolfson & Peterson Construction, Minneapolis, a member of AGC of Minnesota, increased the volume of business without adding staff by implementing Prolog by Meridian Systems. Now executives have an option to adjust because Prolog has eliminated profit-fade and made the transparency through real-time data. With minor adjustments, the company managed to lose not a single project ever.

More than ten years ago, The Weitz Co., Des Moines, Iowa, a member of Master Builders of Iowa, started using Prolog for document issue and cost estimations and managing changes. So it provided a collection point for everything happened during the construction process.

Skanska USA Building in Raleigh, N.C., used this tool on the $150-million North Carolina Cancer Hospital in Chapel Hill for the University of North Carolina for tracking costs, requests for information, submittals and daily schedules and reports. In addition, the contents can be sorted quickly to see where immediate attention is required or measuring the last issue and its results. In such a large project, the performance of Prolog was phenomenon as it helped the company to handle more than 1600 requests for information and about 500 cost events.

Edge Builder:

It is a web-based tool that was used by Elkins Construction to control request for information, submittals, safety reports and other operational activities and tasks. The real-time project status can be checked as it serves as an interactive electronic filing cabinet. The company also saved a lot of money on archiving, printing and postages.

CMIC:

Walton Construction Co., Kansas City, has shifted from a hodgepodge of applications to a fully integrated system from CMIC. It has helped them to be more efficient as they have real-time information from the financial side to the management of a construction project. They have set up a one-stop shop to better serve the clients. In the past, spreadsheets were kept off-line and it was hard to track invoices on daily-basis. In addition, projecting cost and profitability was a fudge factor because of the lack of real-time information access. Now their numbers and cost estimates are much more accurate and effective.

Customized Software:

TurnerTalk is a customized, web-based system built with Prolog. This project-management integration program was developed by Turner Construction Co., New York City, and a member of multiple AGC chapters. It can be used to estimate purchasing, shop drawings, meeting minutes, RFIs, and jobsite operations.

Everything is now accessible with this tool and building information modeling manager has no to worry abut tracking. Encrypted data is also accessible to owners, architects, subcontractors and other team members involved in the project. Resultantly, it has improved collaboration and efficiency at almost all levels. Greater information sharing is now facilitated because of the latest technologies that are advancing based on a service-oriented architecture. (Debra Wood, 2009)

4 ORGANIZATION-PROCESS MODELING AND SIMULATION

The development of theory and tools was the goal of the Virtual Design Team (VDT). This tool would help the project managers build virtual prototypes or computer models of their proposed project work, processes and organization, and then through the exaction of tasks, use the virtual prototypes for the prediction of the performance of the project organization. A PM could systematically analyze and diagnose time schedules, cost, and quality risks attached with the planned work of the project, using an organization and process analysis tool based on strong theoretical foundations. To eliminate of mitigate these risks; the PM could simulate the project to find out the impact on the project performance of set of managerial interventions. This method of VDT has gained industry reputation as it has been used on thousands of industrial in various industries and in many AEC applications. This has become possible due a decade of research and application. (Anonymous, 2005)

4.1 Overview of Virtual Design Team application

For conducting the rich analysis, simulation work and optimizing virtual prototypes, a long array of IT applications and tools has emerged in the manufacturing industry. Without keeping in mind the requirements for process re-engineering, collaboration over organizational limits in building projects, these tools were introduced in AEC industry.

4.1.1 Virtual design construction VDC

To support obvious and public business goals and objectives, the use of Multidisciplinary performance models of design-construction projects, work process, and organization of the design construction and operation team is known as Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) (Fischer and Kunz 2004).

That is, the project managers analyze, simulate and predict:

− The quality of the building

− To build and operate the product; characteristics of the process

Before the commencement of construction work, the product and the processes must be digitally designed and simulated in order to truly evaluate the different design and construction options against project goals and objectives.

The VDC model based on theory includes:

• Product, organization and process modeling
• Time schedule, cost estimation, 4D interactions, and process risks analysis
• Methods of visualizing
• Strategic management focus and business performance metrics
• Models of both the cost and value of capital investment fall under impact analysis

VDC Project Model:

The computer-based representation of the project is depicted through VDC models. The designable and manageable aspects of the project are highlighted under the VDC project model. Typically a building or plant being the product, the organization that defines, design, construction and the process being followed by the organization team are the aspects that are represented by VDC project model. These models can assess shared data as they are logically integrated and if one of the aspects is changed, the changes in the dependent aspects of related models can be highlighted by these integrated models.

Having multi-disciplinary nature, these models can show the architect, engineering, contractor and owner of the project as well as sub disciplines. In a sense they can work as performance models because they have the capabilities of predicting some aspects of project performance, tracking the relevant aspects, and representing predicted and measured performance in relationship to stated project performance goals and objectives. The very first levels and steps of VDC modeling are being practiced by some of the companies a they have found improvement in business performance by doing so (Kunz & Fischer 2007).

4.2 Approach and experience:

Meeting the needs of the society for buildings is no an easy task today and in the future. However, the use of a range of advanced and latest computer aided design techniques has made possible the production and creation of theses buildings. Here we discuss the unique approach, Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) that combines Building information modeling (BIM) and computer aided design (CAD).

4.3 Benefits of VDC:

The entire building project team, potential users and society as a whole can avail benefits from this approach:

• Firstly, the clients, designers, architects and other relevant project team members can see the early design process of the building using the 3D modeling and visualization tools.
• Certain design issues can be resolved through clash detection even before the building is constructed. Hence a lot of money can be saved, through reducing the risks of expensive design revision during the actual construction process.
• Improved sustainability and economy of the solutions are achieved because building configurations, fabrications, and design characteristics can be evaluated, assessed, and iterated before actual construction.
• Time, cost, and other associated risks at all phase of the building’ life cycle are reduced and mitigated by the efficient exchange and management of information between the project design team, contractors and potential users.
• Rationalization of complex geometries and relationships are possible through parametric design making the possibility of architectural aspirations as well.
• Material and energy efficiencies are achieved through the combination of 3D CAD models advanced engineering analysis tools and parametric methods. The result is inspiring buildings with efficient and elegant forms and structures.

Examples and Applications:

The groundbreaking construction project of Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles was one of the biggest challenges for the construction and design team. Hence, to avail the expertise of the best minds, AEC professionals were gathered from Walt Disney Imagineering and Stanford University. One of the challenging things for the many typical construction practices was the unique architectural components and fluid-shaped building’s design. However, the project team successfully converted the complex forms and structures to build a computer-based environment so that visual translation of the 2-D design could be done. As everything on project design was done before it could be built on actual site, the team was able to visualize the potential hurdles and enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

This was the first-ever large-scale project where 100 percent model-based design and fabrication process was implemented. This work also proved to be a pioneering project as it led to the introduction of 4D modeling and other advanced technological tools into the AEC industry.

Owner and other project teams were able to experience the real benefits including the following:

Increased understanding, communication, and team collaboration

• Team collaboration , communication and understanding improved
• Cost control, estimation and pricing strategies also improved
• The constructability analysis and design coordination were made accurate
• Minimized the expensive schedule time delays and other potential quality control issues by better scheduling logic and pre-planning of the project work
• Construction sequencing and trade coordination helped to have better cost control and schedules
• Better logistics management and early anticipation of hazards
• Learning and education for the project team

Integrated Project Team:

Now-a-days AEC industry is shifting its focus towards building Integrated Project teams, as the success of a project highly depends upon the strong and trusting relationship building early at the project and its maintenance throughout the project work.

There could be many levels of an Integrated Project Team concept but the basics involve the following:

• Common objective and one vision should be the focus while developing a unified project team,
• To keep the entire system and team informed all the times, a proper means of sharing and exchanging information about design, cost and schedule should be developed on live basis , and
• Early on the project, integration and collaboration of AEC professionals, trade contractors and supplier is essential to fully utilize their broader knowledge base, expertise and skills. Its focus should be on reducing or eliminating waste and data redundancy throughout the whole project.

Staggering results can be seen with a truly integrated project team. Such as the development and exaction process of the project becomes enjoyable for all the stakeholders because of better budget maintaining, improved schedules, higher quality levels, and improved safety statistics.

The virtual design and construction process:

• Through virtual design and construction process, all the stakeholders such as AEC professional, clients, end-users, construction workers and local government can get a clear picture of design intents.
• Product performance can be evaluated against common goals and objectives.
• VDC can help the different design teams avoid propagating design errors to downstream activities by enhancing design coordination between them.
• Construction planning, supply chain management and cost estimation processes are supported by VDC.
• Coordination and collaboration among the subcontractors and trades on the constructions site are enhanced
• VDC also provide handover support for the facility management

Factors in consideration:

When implementing a virtual design and construction process, the following key factors should be given consideration:

−Project environment

To set the basic frame work for the process design, it is essential to have some rule of the game. Then a suitable frame work is selected on the basis of time uncertainties in product design, strategic goals and availability of resources (Toolanen, Olofsson and Johansson 2005).

− Process design.

Some of the important parameters in the design of the process are social complexity, time and size complexities. However, based on specification for environment, the possibilities to design the process are many.

ICT technology:

While making selection of design tools to support process design, it is critically essential to explore the technology reach, participant’s qualification and arrival of advanced tools in the project organization.

4.3.1 Virtual Construction: Lean & Green:

4.3.1.1 Building Better with BIM:

Throughout the entire project delivery process, maximizing value, enhancing efficiency, and minimizing waste is all about lean construction. Its combination with building information modeling is taking the construction industry to new heights. Here, we take an example to establish its importance for the project teams and contractors. A project team used this combination at a $98 million project of the Camino Medical Group office building in Mountain View, Calif. a 250,000-sq.-ft medical office building and a 420,000-sq.-ft parking structure were to be built under this project work.

To build the structural system for this project, steel was chosen as it is commonly done for a majority of large-scale medical facilities. For building the lateral force resisting elements, it was decided to use Special moment resisting frames (SMRF) and special concentric braced frames (SCBF). With the support of such combination system, the project team was able to keep the entire steel weight and costs low and have open and more flexible work spaces.

The key element to the overall virtual mechanical systems coordination in 3D was the structural steel skeleton. It is estimated that without the BIM and lean techniques, the project could not be completed six months earlier using the conventional design building project delivery tools and models. The main goal of the owner was to reduce the project completion time to have the facility operations quickly at the place. It forced the project team to commence construction work even before the design was ready and complete. Hence, very early in the design process, the contractor as well as the key mechanical subcontractors started to collaborate with the structural engineers and architects. Multidisciplinary teams of designers, architects and contractors were formed to work together to model and coordinate building systems. Before breaking ground on site, this was all done on the Big Room-computers located in an open area of the field office complex.

Real Collaboration:

On the Camino Medical Project, a powerful and strong collaborative culture was established. The lack of experience that some of the parties had in using the 3D modeling and lean construction process was overcome through that shared enthusiasm to drive change. In addition a highly integrated project delivery and immediate conflicts resolutions were made possible through locating the design and detailing teams side by side in the Big Room where collaborative work was done on virtual design building. The 3D model was also used to review progress analyses and resolve clashes and issues.

Lesson Learned:

The key point to be noted is that traditionally in the 2D designing the structural model has to include the links and connections like gusset plates for the SCBF connections. In case of the Camino Medical project, all of the gusset plates were shown using the 3D model; however, ignoring the actual steel-shop fabricated gusset plates, they were based on engineer’s design. This was done without having any type of issues on the Camino project. Until a direct digital exchange takes place between steel detailer and structural engineer, the probability of field clashes will remain at large gusset plate connections (Atul Khanzode, Dean Reed, And Blake W. Dilsworth, S.E., 2006).

4.3.2 Environmental performance modeling:

Now exploration for project improvements has become possible through quick assessments and comparative study of alternative environmental performance choices. The forcing power behind this phenomenon is the principles of virtual building designing. To support and assist the planning optimal space, material and energy utilization, the pioneering approaches are emerging very fast. These methods enable the project teams to assess the optimal sustainable designs of buildings. With the rapid ability to schedule, analyze, and compare options concurrently as they are developing, it is has become possible to maintain these design options throughout the design period. For example, compliance reports for environmental rating systems such as LEED7 in the USA and Green Star8 in Australia can be automatically created using the central database offered by a 3-D model.

For instance, at micro-level, sustainable design assessments can be in the form of embodied energy in the concrete and at macro-level, it could be the determination of urban amenity, over-shadowing, or street acoustics in the whole precincts.

In either case, visual and aural models can readily interpret the changes and improvements. That is why the integration of thermal energy, air quality, and daylight modeling into a central virtual building model is considered one of the most important developments in this regard.

It is hoped to have access to more sustainable buildings and confidence in their performance using these tools. The contractors and clients are now willing to take small steps to assess the acoustic performance of spaces defined by 3D models. Seeing Arup in the modeling the upgrade to the Sydney Opera House Opera Theatre, it can be said that Simplified models can now be extracted from a detailed central model and tested and refined.

However improvement can be done on the direct interrogation of central models. As a part of an overall performance-based fire engineering method, similar testing has been made possible for smoke modeling. Geometry directly from the 3D model can be used for smoke modeling to have a more accurate and precise assessment of evacuation times and smoke control performance.

Here we analyze the situation of Weitz Co. that has achieved sustainability by implementing virtual design and better construction practices. To have sustainability that is green, leaning is essential. The Des Moines, Iowa-based company has become one of the top green contractors in the country through adoption of lean process-virtual design and construction. It started its first USGBC LEED-certified project in 2001, since then, it is moving forward to developing sustainable practices that go beyond any green-rating system.

It has been proposed that lean methods are inherently sustainable as they focus on eliminating waste from the construction process. Moreover, through sustainable construction process, energy and materials saving are possible and accessible. To achieve such outcomes, the company management has started to put those theories into practice by shifting focus to inputs and processes.

Eliminating Waste:

Wetiz’ development of sustainable practices has been about decade-long evolution. It implemented this practice at two buildings in Englewood, Colo, in September 2001. This was the first building with LEDD-certificate office completed in July 2002.

It is now ranking 27th on Engineering News-Record’s Top Green contractors list. As it has completed more than $900 million in green construction and has 220 LEED accredited professionals.

In fact, for eliminating waste at the construction site, the company developed virtual designs and construction practices to have green construction by reducing the need for rework and establishing more accurate quantities

Elimination of waste from the outset by using BIM is one of the largest advantages from VDC. The idea is that before the actual consumption of time or valuable resources onsite, everything is built virtually.

The tangible results can be seen at the $42-million, 330,000-sq-ft Central Park Tower project in Broomfield, Colo.,Weitz reduced the RFIs up-to zero percent on the site and beat the schedule by three weeks.

The BIM models enable the company to purchase 21.6 percent fewer reinforcing materials by shifting lump-sum supplier risk to project certainty. It was estimated that the company saved a lot of valuable resources as it had less than 0.07% jobsite waste in reinforcing materials.

Waste Prevention:

The company’s efforts of reducing wastes using the BIM and virtual models have not yet been recognized within green-building standards. There is lack of reward for the effort for preventing wastes in spite of the LEED-rating system gives points for recycling construction waste.

In-House Sustainability:

In recent years, Weitz’s mission for sustainable construction has gone beyond its project teams and into its own corporate practices. To achieve that purpose, the company has not only reduced its office material wastes but also cut down its carbon footprint through non-conventional measures such as routinely companywide video teleconferencing, rather than extensive physical travelling. Moreover, the company is also running two-day boot campus for those who are not familiar with sustainable buildings and constructions.

It is expected that green and VDC will take the whole construction industry in the next 20 years. Hence, if a company wants to be the top player in AEC industry, it has to lead on this. (Bruce Buckley, 2010)

5 Parametric and generative modeling:

A process using associative modeling software to capture and exploit the critical relationship between design intent and geometry through scripts, algorithms and rules is called parametric modeling. The design process can be automated and design iteration speeded up, by capturing the geometric constraints, material limitations, environmental issues and their relationship to the building structure and form. Thus, designers are able to explore unlimited expressions in form that are responsive to the important needs of the project.

The liberating impact was seen on the building design. For instance, parametric modeling though its immense power of designing is setting new trends in architecture for carving, non-orthogonal building structures. The design and setting-out of sophisticated non-orthogonal building forms are supported by parametric application in two respects. Firstly, users are able to produce the much complex and complicated first form that cannot be created using the simple computers or scripts. The form can be changed and altered rapidly by adapting the variables, tested for efficiency, esthetic beauty and performance, because the form was created from a ruled-based system applied to a few key variables. It is also true that programming and scripting have been used for generating geometry and analysis models or for venue sightline analysis.

Now-a-days parametric and generative modeling has become more accessible and reachable as the present users have graphical user interfaces.

For instance, parametric modeling was utilized to study the proposed roof of the Olympic park Stadium in Melbourne. The purpose of the study was to find the optimum shape, performance, and cost by altering the height of the leading edge of the roof and thus it resulted in an automatic update of the key geometry of the rest of the roof. To find out the optimum set from a cost and visual point of view, it was important to study structural and façade elements variations. Thus it has been proved that from standard components, multiple variations of buildings’ forms and structures can be designed. If we know the geometric and environmental limitations of a building, we can program a predefined façade suite to populate the building face automatically, as the geometric changes take place. Moreover, other components can also be made responsive to their inputs. Depending upon client, site, environmental requirements and individual preferences, the designer would have options to choose the preferred combinations. This has generated a large number of possibilities in reproducible or adaptable buildings such as schools and apartment buildings, especially when direct manufacturing operations are involved and combined.

6 Role of Wireless Technology:

The total market worth of wireless technology is about $3.2 trillion-per-year; however, construction industry is much slower in adoption of technology as its global ranking is 87 among industries.

These statistics are changing due to the wireless data technology. At the lowest level, unnecessary mistakes, time, energy and other associated risks can be minimized and even eliminated through the adoption of wireless data thus efficiency and effectiveness increase.

It has been estimated by a renowned research firm that with web-based technologies application, a construction project’s cost can by reduced from 5 percent to 10 percent. Moreover, competitive advantage can also be gained by eliminating various inherent inefficiencies in traditionally highly manual processes.

Real time collaboration among the contractors and suppliers over the internet has become possible through the latest applications such as exchange web sites, online project management etc. However, the full utilization of the technology is still a big challenge for the AEC industry because most of the work takes place in the field not behind the desk.

The biggest landmark of E-business application in the construction industry is the wireless data technology.

In fact, a $2, 3 billion technology industry is heading toward providing web-based tools and software applications to AEC professionals to resolve various issues and problems instantly and communicate efficiently anywhere and anytime in the world.

Some of the high-tech construction companies have started to take modern wireless data to the field. Here is the list of some of the latest and advanced technologies:

• Two-way Radio, text-messaging and on-the-go- internet connectivity are combined in Multifunctional Phones.
• The project contractors can gather useful information as it happens on the jobsite; by using Java-enabled mobile phones that can operate with or without a network signal and house the industry specific applications.
• Built-in business networks help the AEC professionals to have instant connectivity and collaboration among themselves and with clients, contractors and suppliers.
• Time critical data can be remotely tracked using the real-time. Two-way. Work-force management
• The AEC professionals can easily access project extranets, intranets and Web-based efficiency tools such as time schedules fleet management solutions etc. through Wireless Internet.

Application of Wireless Data Technology:

DR Horton, Arizona home Builder, can build a home every day. In such tight schedules, any small delay can cause a lot of damage and cost. However, the company officials and project team members are able to coordinate people and material real time, by using Wireless data technology. Moreover, it takes very short time to solve any issues and problems among the team members.

A data technology designed by MH2Build has enabled DR Horton to develop job schedules, track delivery of materials, coordinate and communicate to subcontractors and estimate cost schedules, and calculate lead times. This technology is accessible via mobile phones. Thus administrators, contractors, and suppliers can instantly connect to each other from the distant place using the phones as two-way radios.

The company also takes advantage of lower costs and cycle times by tracking jobs wirelessly on mobiles phones. The project officials can manage project schedules, personal and material procurement, while working from a job site.

In the coming years, the construction industry is going to face many challenges. Collaboration and coordination level of owners with construction companies, engineering firms and suppliers will be much increased to build project facilities. With virtual reality models and projects, the planning, engineering, operations, construction, maintenance have come much closer to each other. As these trends have raised the complexity levels of the project facilities, it is necessary to have more sophisticated project management expertise and skills.

Now those days have vanished when on-time and within the budget delivering building was enough. Moreover, it is not enough to have conventional supply chains and number crunching in the AEC. Industry as the competition has become cut-throat. (Anonymous, 2007)

7 GPS and construction industry

7.1 Mobile Technology:

The pressures of decreasing costs and improving efficiencies are being faced by construction industry in the present era. Moreover, customer satisfaction and quality of service are essential for construction companies to have competitive advantage in the industry. However, this tight situation can be addressed by taking advantage of latest mobile technological advancements.

The collaborative communication among the project team members, contractors and suppliers on or ways from the site has been supported through the development of a mobile facsimile solution. Such as the mobile solution called ClikiFax, eliminated and addressed some of the communication, and coordination problems and issues of the New Zealand AEC industry.

GPS and construction Industry:

The global positioning system is a highly accurate satellite-based navigation system owned and operated by the United States Department of Defence. . It was introduced in the 1980s. The time and location of a receiver based anywhere on the earth can be determined with greater level of accuracy.

How useful in the construction industry?

GPS presents an array of beneficial and helpful applications for the AEC professionals. Some of them are discussed below:

Navigation systems:

There are huge benefits of GPS for vehicle navigation. Such as the problems of unfamiliar locations to and bad road signage can be eliminated virtually through satellite navigation systems.

Some of the benefits are:

• On time reaching to meeting in unfamiliar places
• Delivery of product to unfamiliar locations becomes efficient
• Ease of finding out alternatives routs using maps
• Delivery to specific geographical locations becomes possible

Personnel location:

There is no problem and ambiguity to identify the location of personnel with GPS coordinates. Its significance is enhanced when personnel are traveling and working in remote and distant areas.

Equipment Tracking:

In the construction industry, GPS technology combined with phone technologies can show where equipment is, in addition, by the combined efforts of digital and analogue inputs, alarms can be triggered to activate the controls using direct dialing.

Location of fixed equipment:

The maintenance can take place on fixed equipments by combining a unique ID with a GPS coordinate. With GPS coordinate and more, it is also possible to go up-to 3m of a unit, or less than 1m with more complex item of fixed equipment.

Surveying and Mapping:

With the arrival of advanced technology, the approaches of mapping and surveying have been changed a lot. Now the geographical information can be represented by using GPS, because the level of sophistication has increased. Data on the site can now be obtained more quickly, and more easily.

7.2 Webcam and site positioning

With the development of a micro camera that is attached to a safety helmet, the AEC professionals have started to use webcam technology for the site observation activities. Camvista has developed a system to be used by the wearer. It can take images from any part of a construction site. Now the monitoring, improved site condistions and site safety are possible, as the project team can see round corners, over walls, behind construction and inside the smllest spaces by using this sophisticated tool

Images are sent to a centrally locted video server, using wireless technoogy. Then CamVista’s ORCA live imaging service is integrated with this server, so that these images could be viewed by any authorized person anywhere in the world, with the help of a PC and internet access. The off-site access to all places of construction is possible with this advanced technological tool and health and safety and other site monitorings have also become possible.

Wi-Fi and construction process:

Quick, secure and reliable internet connection is available with the help of Wi-Fi technology. Using high-speed wireless connections, the users at the site can check emails. Surf and connect to their corporate intranet. The Wi-Fi enabled devices such as handheld, PDA or mobile phone can be used on the site to have uninterrupted access to the intranet of the company.

Total mobility from project to project is accessible through Wi-Fi. It allows complete and reliable communication and collaboration with client, foreman or architects. Thus to resolve a dispute or engage in a discussion with the distant parties is much time-saving, resulting in increased productivity and efficiency.

If the latest technological communication tools are not installed at the working site, it would be difficult for the workforce to obtain latest construction instructions and details from the AEC professionals. This problem can be addressed using the Wi-Fi. It is very easy to have access to all the information the project team needs to communicate and collaborate quickly and efficiently, by using a public Wi-Fi hotspot.

Case Study: Rosser and Russell

The customers were unsatisfied with the administration system of Rosser and Russell, for maintenance tasks and time schedules. In addition, invoicing and reporting were inefficient and inaccurate. It was time consuming to prepare forms and timesheets manually and posting them to the office at the end of each week. It was subject to inaccuracy and customers had to face delay of 3-4 weeks in reporting.

The company found solution through providing the engineers with PDAs. With the real-time information sharing, it became possible to allocate jobs on weekly basis. This also improved the efficiency of the division.

7.3 MULTI-USER MULTI-DISPLAY HUMAN-COMPUTER INTERACTION

7.3.1 Virtual Reality prototyping:

Over the last 20 years, the architectural, engineering and construction industry is facing radical changes with the arrival of Building Information Model (BIM).Virtual prototyping is one of these changes. It is an advanced technology that integrate building information model with realistic graphical simulations. Its practical applications cannot be denied as in the last three years, the ten real construction projects in Hong Kong have successfully implemented construction virtual prototyping.

The construction virtual prototyping has gained positive response from the AEC professional and contractors, as it has latest and handy application functions that are related to visualization, collaboration and communication. It has been estimated that the CVP approach improves the collaboration and communication efficiency of the contractor and subcontractor by almost 30 percent. Meeting time is also reduced by 30 to 50 percent.

The improved accuracy of process planning and shorter planning times are the most important advantages of CPV in the construction planning stage. Moreover, implementation stage gets the benefits of reduced rework and improved fieldwork instructions. Although, some AEC professional and project team members are reluctant to implement CVP directly to save time in the fieldwork, it can reduce the workload of a project planner. The incorporation of automatic scheduling and advanced assembly study are suggested for the further refinement and development the CVP concept.

The critical role and importance of accurate and shared understanding of the design, design visualization cannot be denied. This sharing of understanding of sophisticated structures and forms could not be achieved using the conventional 3D visualization tools and models that were designed for the designers and architects to understand a complex structure. Mostly traditional 3D models are shown with certain limitations and on users’ interactions with the design model.

Augmented Reality & CAD:

With the introduction of Augmented Reality Computer-Aided Drawing (AR CAD, it is possible for the AEC professionals and contractors to understand a space more easily through visualizing and interacting with designs more intuitively.

With the arrival of Virtual Reality, the entire real world has been replaced with virtual images. On the other end, these virtual images on the real world have been superimposed by Augmented Reality (AR). Augmented Reality can be regarded as the most useful form of Mixed Reality as it is becoming popular for using computer to take virtual information from the real world view. In, 2000, Philip Dunston and his research team first introduced the concept of AR CAD that can be used to support design and construction. The AR CAD worked as an AR assistant viewer to standard CAD to maintain more intuitive interaction with design models.

The virtual design spaces can be generated with the help of AR CAD tool. These can be used to support only the design functions but also the development and execution of construction plans. Moreover, the piping detailer with the ability of exploring the CAD design in augmented virtual reality modes can be provided with the experimental prototype.

The AR CAD prototype has the following key features:

• The conflicts or interferences happening among the pipe objects can be automatically detected. If a conflict is found, it would be represented on the screen as wire frame elements, rather than the solid model representation.
• Object selection and manipulation has been made easy .The designer and architects can quickly recognize the activated object as it is represented by the wire frame on the scene. Moreover, at the bottom of the screen, the brief information as a text string about the selected object is shown.
• The AR module also has a zooming feature

7.3.2 The Benefits:

The application of AR to the construction industry has the following potential benefits:

• Improvement in Design Understanding: AR CAD has such features that enable the complete comprehension of the model content through changing the views of the model.
• The efficiency of the individual design improves
• Whenever, it is critical to have an accurate and shared understanding of the design model, collaborations for designs are made more efficient.
• The automatic interference detection reduces and minimizes the errors
• CAD modeling can also be applied in real time environment

7.3.3 Barriers

• In case of piping, the current AR CAD systems have certain limitations and constraints.
• Some special and sophisticated tools and efficient computer systems are required to build such systems.
• There is lack of quantitative research in this regard.

Virtual Reality:

Virtual construction has become the linchpin at the center of techno-evolution as the scheduling, cost estimating and even radio frequency identification (RFID) on construction materials have been incorporated in it.

The architects and designer of the traditional 3D designing are now gaining more complex and sophisticated 3D construction models from those designs. Moreover, contractors have also started to build their own models because constructability reviews to takeoffs and scheduling can be simulated on the computer (AGC’s Dmitri Alferieff, 2008).

Modeling the Way:

It has been suggested by the Holder Construction Co, that virtual technology should be norm of the construction firms to be successful in the AEC industry. That is why demand for is coming from every architect, trade contractor and project team. (LeFevre, 2005)

The collision-identification element inherent in 3D modeling is one of the greatest benefits to the virtual construction. As a direct collision detection can save almost three to five times payback.

Gilbane Building Co., a 4.5-billion-a-yer construction management firm has made virtual construction its norm. It announces on every project to implement a 3-D environment. The members are aligned with the consultants, if a project team member is unfamiliar with 3D modeling.

Here we take example of Tocci Building Corp., where owners have started to see benefits of 3D modeling. It is being used for coordination, collision detection and scheduling. Thus, it is making the company’s procurement handling entirely different.

Tocci also made effective use of Revit (the MEP software) model created by Crate & Barrel’s internal design team on a project for Crate & Barrel in Natick, Mass.A Chicago-based Teng Associates Inc. had already used the same model, Revit, for designing documentation, handling engineering for structures, including HVAC, and plumbing.

Tocci made different use of the model by utilizing it for cost estimations, optimization and coordination. Moreover, it also handled dimension and renderings, the unusual form of construction communication. Tocci’s research and investigation work in 3-D modeling spans about 10 years that has led to taking real benefits of BIM. The real value come by incorporating cost engineering and scheduling. Tocci now is workings as a BIM consultant to Crate & Barrel. (Laura Handler, 2009)

8 Conclusion:

This is the age of information technology (IT). New dynamics approaches and creation of collaborative, interdependent paths among project team members, contractors, consultants and customers are the results of information management in the business environments…

Information technology has become the part and parcel of all businesses today, including the AEC industry. Investment in information technology (IT) is increasingly driving the success of the construction industry and it is expected that this will be even more so in the future.

Now contractors are accepting latest technology and changing conventional construction delivery processes, as scheduling applications, document-management controls, and videoconferencing are resulting in increased productivity and savings in time and cost (Brad Matthews, 2006).

Many examples in this report have shown that the use of virtual building models has led many companies involved in the planning, design and construction and operation of facilities, to leverage their manpower resources and their information and information technology (IT) assets. Virtual building models or POP-product, organization, process-models are used in three different forms in the construction industry:

Visual 3D and 4D models:These models enable more stakeholders to be involved early in a project put their business, discipline-relevant knowledge and engineering into the design of the facility, its schedule and organization. Moreover, coordination in all life cycle phases of construction facility can be improved with the help of these models. The commercially readily available software applications can be helpful in developing such models quite fast today, and project budget funds typically fund them. One of the short-term current benefits of these models is to getting work for the companies. This advantage cannot be sustained in the long run. In the long run the construction companies’ success will increasingly depend on how they deploy such visual models efficiently throughout their projects.

Building Information Models:These models speed up analysis cycle times and reduce data input and transfer errors by supporting the data sharing and exchange between software tools. Usually corporate funding is needed to finance their set-up, testing and use as they cannot be typically financed on a project basis. For instance, 10 percent of engineering staff of one innovative engineering company was employed in the R& D group so that software and design methods could be made using product models. In addition, the team was required to learn how to use product model information that was produced by other project team members for their own benefit. When 17 more engineering staff was deployed, it gave a competitive advantage to the company by providing the ability to reuse the project information to do more work with far less cost and expenses. It should be noted that the visual models cannot provide such a sustainable competitive advantage.

Knowledge-based models:Throughformalizing and applying business and engineering knowledge, these models help the organization automate many of the tasks that are manually done and repeated on a project. With the completion of this automation process, a company is able to apply and improve its knowledge base quickly and efficiently.

It is expected that significant competitive advantage can be gain using these types of models, as they have the power to change the competitive environment in any industry for a specific task. Now a company is enabled to apply its knowledge base with dramatically increased consistency and frequency.

The role and scope of information technology (IT) in AEC industry is considered to be situated in the current industrial context, as projects are becoming increasingly complicated technically, socially, legally, environmentally, and culturally, and with shorter limits. Therefore, facility owners with increasingly economic pressures are now adopting POP framework to handle these challenges:

• More and more interdependence between the product’s subsystems is created by the high-performance product requirements.
• The real time propagation of changes across subsystems is possible through the prevalent fast-track concurrent processes. ( product subsystem interdependence shown )
• To process a larger number of changes, exception and decisions efficiently is the organization’s responsibility.

Hence, in determination of cost, schedule and quality performance, organizations usually have limited capacity to process information. Therefore, to support an organization’s capacity to model, analyze, simulate, and predict a project’s performance information technology (IT) is much needed.