INTEGRATED BUILDING INFORMATION MODELLING PROJECT
Introduction
A three-dimensional model-based process, BIM (Building Information Modeling) provides architects, engineers, contractors, and others more insight and tools for planning, building, and maintaining buildings and infrastructure. BIM is primarily used to design and document infrastructure. In a building every detail concerning it is modeled in BIM. BIM models are generally used to analyze, explore, and visualize construction options, so that stakeholders can visualize what the building will look like before it is actually built. This is the primary reason for generating construction documents with a BIM model.
Around two-thirds of companies that have adopted BIM believe they have done so successfully, according to the National BIM Report for 2019. Moreover, UN estimates that the world’s population will reach 9.7 billion by 2050. Building smarter, more resilient spaces is the objective of the global AEC industry, not just to meet the demands of global demand, but also to meet that demand. Not only does BIM improve the efficiency of design and construction teams, but it also enables them to capture and utilize the data generated during operation and maintenance. Hence, BIM is becoming increasingly mandated around the world.
Construction companies are becoming more familiar with BIM as a collaborative process. Construction managers, architects, and engineering firms are increasingly providing BIM services to owners. BIM technology is now being used by many construction firms during the bidding, preconstruction, construction, and post construction processes. This project aims to provide construction managers with knowledge about the benefits and uses of BIM and to study BIM-based scheduling. Our project has two objectives. In order to better understand how construction managers can use BIM-based “build to design” and “design to build” concepts under the Construction Management at Risk project delivery system, we shall first identify the current BIM uses in the architectural, engineering, construction, and facility management industries. Second, BIM-based scheduling is discussed along with the analysis of 3D and 4D BIM.
Importance of BIM in Project Planning
It has always been the goal of the construction industry to use technology to achieve faster, better, and more cost-efficient results. One of the most exciting innovations in recent years has been the rise of Building Information Modeling, or BIM. In the coming years, BIM will become increasingly prevalent in construction projects.
With Building Information Modeling, virtual simulations can be created for planning, designing, and constructing buildings. By replacing traditional 2D planning with 3D graphics, time models, and cost models found in BIM, traditional planning is rapidly becoming obsolete. Across the next two years, contractors expect a 50% increase in the use of BIM technology, according to a Smart Market Report. Building virtually is now a reality. BIM has various functions in construction planning, including visualization and cost estimation.
Visualization
An excellent tool for visualizing information is Building Information Modeling (BIM). It allows you to view the building in three dimensions. To better communicate the BIM concept in 3D, the construction manager can provide renderings, walkthroughs, and sequencing of the model during the bidding phase of the project. A visual representation allows a clearer understanding of what the final product might look like. To generate a 3D view of a detail, it is not necessary to bring together different traditional 2D views. Moreover, the designer and owner can be provided with virtual mock-ups of laboratories and building envelopes. Making these decisions on the aesthetics and functionality of the space would be easier to visualize, better understand, and make decisions.
Cost Estimation
Quantity takeoff and pricing are the two most important parts of a cost estimate. An Excel file or a cost database can be used to extract quantities from a Building Information Model. The model, however, cannot provide pricing. In order to estimate the price of a material, the cost estimator must analyze its components as well as its installation. Cost estimator may need more information about a certain element if a price for that activity is not already in the database. In a concrete pour, the model may take into account the level of detail in the rebar, the wire mesh, the pour stop, the formwork, and the concrete, but exclude these components from quantity take-off.
It may be necessary for a cost estimator to get this level of detail from the model in order to compute the unit price which is composed of the unit labor cost, overhead cost, and profit. Unit labor costs are determined by mobilization and installation times and wages, while unit materials costs are determined by the accumulated costs associated with each activity. By multiplying the quantity extracted from BIM and the unit price, the total cost of the entire activity can be calculated.
Data output from Building Information Models is as good as data input. Component definitions must be agreed upon between the constructor and designer. In other words, if our architect shows the roof with concrete slabs for modeling purposes, the amount of roof will not be accurately reflected in our model for quantity extraction purposes. The BIM technology makes it possible for estimators to obtain quantities directly from the model in order to optimize their productivity, especially when the design and construction teams collaborate.
Challenges associated with design management and planning
Opportunities for success can be found in challenges. Project managers face challenges due to a range of factors in recent years, including market unpredictability, rapid technological advancements, skills shortages, and communication problems, among others. How can project managers prepare for these delays and budget issues, and why are they occurring? A construction project likely faces the following challenges, along with some proactive strategies to deal with them.
Inadequate Risk Management
Risk management is often a part of project management. It is common, however, to overlook short-term issues. Issues of this kind can snowball quickly and have a severe impact on projects, whether they involve unreliable subcontractors, scheduling conflicts, or changing stakeholder tastes, any seemingly small issue can cause a project to fall apart. Therefore, contingency plans are essential. We can avoid any of these potential issues by adding flexibility to schedules, as well as investing in safety training.
Lack of Structure
If goals aren’t clearly defined, it’s hard to accomplish anything efficiently. If people don’t have a clear target, they can easily fall behind schedule or go over budget (or both). People have a hard time being held accountable for their part in a project without these goals. The key to project management is performance management. It is essential for all of them to have clear tasks to perform so they all stay on track. Individuals should be given daily targets to accomplish bigger, project-wide goals. Whenever we don’t get something done on one day, it compounds on the next. Create processes to hold people accountable.
Poor Communication
Every profession relies on communication, but when a lot of work is delegated to several parties, it’s especially essential. It is impossible to stay on top of important tasks without effective communication, and an issue can go undetected until it is too late. Clearly defined guidelines are therefore crucial for project managers. A clear ladder for communicating daily progress and obstacles should be in place. It will allow for proactive problem solving. Different types of software could be a good substitute for in-person meetings if they are not an option.
Furthermore, communication plays an important role in construction project management. To reach a common objective, construction projects require collaboration between several disciplines and participants. There is a high degree of interdependence between the tasks and deliverables of these different participants, necessitating close collaboration and information sharing. In addition to facilitating information flow and communication between the different participants, implementing BIM enhances both of these factors significantly. As a result of BIM, not only are internal communications within a project enhanced but also communication between internal and external stakeholders is strengthened through early visualization.
Unrealistic Expectations/Bad Forecasting
There may be some requests from clients and stakeholders that are quite ambitious. You are probably well aware that there are some challenges related to these expectations that may arise whether the project is to be completed on a short schedule or on a limited budget. Despite the fact that a skilled project manager is capable of some things, there are other things that simply are not possible. Attempting to reach unattainable goals can slow down the progress of a project.
The expectations are set in part because of inaccurate forecasting. In particular, this forecasting can be thought of as a long-term approach, much like risk management. If they are actually achievable, break down those forecasts into weekly, daily, and monthly goals. Communicate any issues with stakeholders as necessary. Make an alternative plan so they can see an aggressive schedule or budget that they can achieve. By managing expectations early, you are more likely to be successful.
Delayed Cash Flow
It is common for the construction industry to use outdated invoicing methods. A company’s cash flow may be negatively affected if payments fall behind. As a result, other projects can be delayed or funds dried up. The invoicing system should be improved. Construction companies can ensure their cashflow doesn’t affect their other projects with improved software and proper follow-up.
Possible Solutions for the identified challenges
Compared to standard CAD technology, BIM technology generates automatic plans, sections, and elevations from a 3D model of the building. Since all views are updated automatically, it is very easy to change or edit a component. Also, it creates physical and functional smart objects from data (Talaat, 2019). By holding all of the necessary data, BIM serves as a platform for information sharing and management throughout a project’s life cycle, resulting in reduced schedules, costs, and delays (Brokaw and Busing, 2011). The following sections discuss BIM’s effects on various stages of the project life cycle.
Feasibility Analysis
Projects and projects’ life cycles begin with a feasibility study. A reasonableness decision can be made based on it (PMBOK Guide, 2000). ACE 2018 3 offers alternative solution pile for choosing the highest level of profit and benefit. In order to determine if the project is suitable, Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), and Payback Period (PP) are often used. Construction projects are characterized by high levels of uncertainty that cause risks at every stage of construction and operation. It is therefore necessary to calculate the risks within the feasibility analysis (Tsoukalis & Chassiakos, 2019). An entire construction project is covered by BIM technology, from the planning stage to decommissioning (Dave, 2013). This study uses BIM technology to integrate project management and modeling to minimize costs.
3D Modeling
It is possible to build highly accurate models with BIM, but only if data is entered with high level of detail. It is because of this that the degree of detail in the three-dimensional (3D) model is essential. Among the details that need to be incorporated into the model are material properties, project parameters, family parameters, component properties, cost items, and supplier information (Heinisuo et al., 2014). 3D models are composed of geometric (shape and dimensions), spatial (space) and structural information. A semantic model is one that does not include geometric data (ibid.).
Clash Detection
A conflict detection process is done to ensure that there are no conflicts during the construction stage. By utilizing 3D models, BIM is able to automate the process, saving time. Moreover, many problems on the construction site are only discovered with traditional 2D based workflows. By detecting clashes using BIM, it is possible to resolve them before construction begins, reducing costs and delays. To detect clashes more accurately in a BIM model, higher levels of detail are required (Akponeware & Adamu, 2017).
BIM-based Scheduling (4D Model)
Activities integrated in time are directly related to scheduling. Companies use different scheduling methods at the planning, construction and monitoring stages. A bar chart, a Gantt chart, and a Critical Path Method (CPM) are among the most common methods. Construction companies now use computer-aided design tools. It is possible to create schedules and reports with several programs (Bazhenov, 2019). Building Information Modeling (BIM) allows the building components to be linked to tasks in a schedule, creating a 4D model. By presenting the activities in a visual way, a better understanding of how projects are constructed can be achieved (Cavalliere, 2017). The main advantage of 4D models is that they allow construction to be monitored and controlled more effectively, resulting in reduced time and cost. In addition to managing resources on the jobsite, this model also manages logistics (Cavalliere, 2017). In the construction stage, construction simulation software such as Navisworks is of critical importance for providing a visual representation of the 3D model over time (Brokaw and Busing, 2011). Changing the color of the picture enhances the visual impression of activity change (Bazhenov, 2019).
BIM-based Cost Estimation (5D)
Cost data is integrated into the BIM model with the 5D model (Blažević et al., 2014). Construction projects are primarily characterized by cost estimation and quantity takeoff. In the pre-design stage, it is important to estimate quantities and costs. Construction projects have an outlook before they start, and if the budget is exceeded, changes can be made to the design. Calculations need to be precise and accurate. BIM process is highly beneficial for such calculations, since they save time and energy almost immediately. If all required data is incorporated into a BIM model, accurate calculations are generated (Bazhenov, 2019). The unit cost of each type of component is fed into BIM software as input (Brokaw and Mukherjee, 2012).
Sustainability (6D)
If Unless a sustainable analysis is carried out early on in the design process, it will be difficult and costly to meet performance requirements. With the use of BIM technology, it is possible to conduct sustainability and performance analyses at each stage of the design process. It is possible to carry out the analysis of different domains simultaneously without interfering with one another. Building-mass, light, and energy analyses can be carried out by architects and engineers, while contractors can be incorporated into the construction process to control site conditions, logistics, and supply chains (Azhar and Brown, 2009). 6D models are primarily aimed at reducing the carbon footprint by reducing the amount of waste that is produced. BIM models that are integrated with tools for energy analysis allow the consideration of carbon and energy targets during the design stage. Sustainability does not only involve analyzing energy consumption but also is concerned with conserving water, using sustainable materials, reducing the amount of material used, and recycling the material used as well (Azhar and Brown, 2009).
Facility Management (7D)
A BIM model named 7D was developed for life-cycle facility management (Wang, 2011). Construction models serve as as-built models and are passed on to the operation and maintenance phases. According to McArthur (2015), it is challenging to integrate BIM with Facility Management due to four main challenges. These challenges are “identify critical information required for sustainable operations”, “manage information transfer between the BIM model and other facility management tools”, “manage the level of effort to create the model” and “handle uncertainty where building documentation is incomplete”. In order to create a consistent BIM model, the data must be collected, analyzed, and updated (McArthur, 2015).
Advantages of BIM supported management in construction projects
The BIM method of delivering construction projects is currently one of the most trusted methods. As a result, BIM is documented during the initial stages of planning and design, and three-dimensional scenes aren’t just for drawings anymore. Contractors are increasingly using BIM for construction management since BIM throughout the facility provides a value throughout the entire construction cycle. Below are some of the roles of management in construction.
Validates the Constructability of a Design
Three-dimensional models, the core component of BIM, provide advantages during the construction phase, especially when there is a complex design or site condition. It is very helpful to be able to see the final product visually because it will make it much easier to make an informed decision about how to build the project. As well as identifying conflicts between components, phases, trades, and even site features prior to the project beginning, it can also identify any potential clashes between them. Using BIM models, there is a better understanding and anticipation of how logistics such as machine storage spaces, temporary office structures and building supplies, cranes, support structures, and temporary roads can be planned and organized.
Improves Construction Cost Estimates
BIM, the model which is a 3D digital representation of a project, contains all the information about the project including the materials, products, etc. In order to calculate the quantity, the contractors do not have to perform separate, lengthy take-off exercises – they just have to generate a quantity report, which does everything they need. Getting the quantities and specification information related to a project directly from the model makes it easier, quicker and more accurate to create a cost estimate during a tendering process for a project than relying on 2D drawings. In addition to being able to easily and reliably export information into software for tendering or estimating, BIM software with open data exchange interfaces can be utilized.
Informs Construction Sequencing and Scheduling
Additionally, BIM for construction management allows for the planning and simulation of the construction phase through advanced 3D modeling software. Complex projects can benefit from this approach as it can determine the best sequence of construction and allow different options to be tested before work begins. Additionally, it can be used to calculate the duration of each construction activity, allowing an accurate construction schedule to be generated
Supports Prefabrication and Off-Site Construction
In addition to reducing construction time and costs, improving quality and controlling labor costs, prefabrication and modular construction are increasingly used on projects. The more details there are early on in the design phase, the easier it will be to prefabricate sections of the project.
Enhances the Completion and Handover Process
A BIM-enabled construction management system allows contractors to maintain a real-time record of every stage of construction, rather than relying on updating as-built drawings. Building information models (BIMs) allow information to be updated in the model as the building work progresses, thereby centralizing the building information and making it easier for facilities management staff to access. As well as being applied during the asset’s entire lifecycle, such as future refurbishment or demolition activities, the model can also be applied for ongoing operations and maintenance. There is a great deal of time that can be saved by working with contracts that include a building operation component.
Implementation of Solutions
3D Modeling
A In this study, a project for a three-story building was evaluated. We used Revit to design the architectural model. All relevant details were stored within the model. ACE 2018 5 automatically created the structural frame for the Floor Plan and 3D model. With the addition of foundation and reinforcement details, the structural model was completed after the columns, floors, walls, stairways, railings, windows, doors and roof were created. We generated schedules for both models, and prepared sheets based on the model details.
Clash Detection
The second step involved detecting clashes. A Navisworks model was converted from a 3D architectural model to detect clashes. There is an add-in in Revit that allows the model to be exported to Navisworks. Revit exports the model when using this add-in, but certain properties are not automatically converted when using this add-in. To transfer Revit properties into Navisworks properties, the Convert Element Properties check box needs to be checked in Navisworks settings. It is also necessary to save structural models as IFC files. This means that after the architectural model has been completed, Navisworks can open it and add the structural IFC model to Navisworks to complete the entire design process. This means that the two models must be aligned in order to complete the design process. Consequently, the two models are brought together into a composite model in order to complete the design process. Conflict detection is carried out using the “Clash Detective” tool. In total, 413 conflicts were detected. The clash status of all clashes must be checked as “Approved” in order to fix the model. When you hover the mouse over each clash, you can see the clashes in the simulation. According to the color code, each clash will be highlighted. Models that were split into different disciplines (e.g. architectural, structural, mechanical, or electrical) can be combined into one model in Revit and Navisworks. By detecting and avoiding conflicts before construction, we can save time and lower costs by avoiding mistakes during construction.
Conclusions and recommendations
To understand how BIM processes impact project management, this study presented a BIM-based construction project management concept. It is for this purpose that a building with three storeys was selected to be a case study. In this case study, we show how BIM is capable of sharing an effective 3D model of a project which includes all the semantic information necessary to demonstrate the efficacy of the processes that are shown in this study. It is worth noting that while the process of generating a model containing all the required information may seem simple to an inexperienced user, it presents some challenges. The model is complete once all details have been entered in the model and all details about the model are filled in. This process will then generate Automatically Floor Plans, Ceiling Plans, 3D Views, Perspectives, Elevations, Sections, Renderings, Schedules, and Quantities depending on the model. Moreover, the ability to detect clashes, errors and defects during the early stage of the design process, before construction begins, helps managers avoid unnecessary costs during subsequent stages of the project. This technology provides benefits beginning in the conceptual design phase and can be applied throughout the entire construction process. Construction projects become more efficient and efficient with BIM, which is an effective tool that facilitates design and planning. In recent research, it has been found that BIM-based models are a more time-efficient and cost-effective method of construction than conventional techniques. BIM is becoming a key and mandatory tool in the construction industry and I hope that this study will provide valuable insights into how this technology can be utilized in the future. BIM is becoming increasingly important and mandatory. In terms of optimizing integrated construction projects, BIM has proven to be very beneficial as a project management tool. The use of BIM as a management tool for project integration has positively impacted the various disciplines involved in construction projects. This has been proven by increased efficiency and integration in construction projects. It is imperative that the project team at the early stages of a project execute detailed and comprehensive planning in order to successfully implement and achieve these benefits.
In addition to its benefits, BIM can also pose some challenges. It is possible for the project participants to be not educated and understand BIM tools and deliverables at the minimum level, resulting in fragmentation due to the differences in competency levels and experience across the project. For BIM to be used effectively, all project participants must be trained at the same level. The project would be unable to move forward if any participant lacked the minimum competency level. Additionally, if ICT tools were classified differently, information sharing would be hampered and error-handling would be time consuming and unnecessary. As such, if BIM is not properly deployed, it may instead cause fragmentation and other problems rather than driving greater integration and efficiencies. The benefits and advantages of BIM outweigh these disadvantageous and potential barriers throughout all project phases and during the critical aspects of the projects. Accordingly, BIM has gradually been gaining acceptance in the construction industry as a mandatory and standard tool.
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