Application, Advantages, and Methods Associated with Using BIM in Commercial Construction

Abstract. Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a highly advanced spatial modeling method that is fully incorporated in the building lifecycle. With the support of Information Technologies, the use of BIM has become common in building management such as energy efficiency, indoor navigation and emergency evacuation simulations. This study focuses on emergency evacuation simulations since, integrating BIM and Spatial Information Science, could mitigate casualties in emergencies. Traditional evacuation management methods are generally inadequate since they are based on 2D evacuation plans, they are static and do not consider the characteristics/interactions of the people in the building. This study aims to integrate BIM and Agent-Based Modelling (ABM) for emergency evacuation simulations, where characteristics of the building and the users are incorporated. Istanbul Technical University Faculty of Civil Engineering was selected as study area and the BIM model was created by using the CAD drawings of the floor plans. The users of the Faculty building such as students, academicians, administrative staff and visitors are considered for simulations. The BIM model was transferred to the ABM environment, and the routes used during the fire evacuation were generated. Fire evacuation simulations were performed, where agents having different characteristics evacuate the building according to the rules predefined. Three different scenarios were tested. Major conclusion of this study is that, via integrating BIM and ABM, it is possible to model people’s behavior within a three-dimensional digital environment, where decision-makers could be performing simulations such as fire evacuation supported by dynamic, realistic and accurate information.

PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic has forced billions of people into lockdown; foregrounding the important relationship between architecture and health. In this context, there is heightened urgency for the construction sector to improve the healthiness of buildings. Accordingly, the research identifies the feasibility of measuring various building health indicators (BHIs) through the use of a building information management (BIM) model. The research seeks to find optimal strategies for integrating the near ubiquitous use of BIM with a range of health indicators related to building design.Design/methodology/approachA systematic literature review was undertaken to identify potential BHIs for use in BIM models. The research then undertook a Delphi technique in order to test the hypothesis. In total, three rounds of questionnaire-based surveys were undertaken with expert participants.FindingsThe research identifies three different levels of BIM complexity in order to achieve the integration of health indicators. The most simple strategy suggests BHI can be directly measured using existing BIM models; the next level of sophistication requires “plug-in” software to BIM models; the final level would require additional sensors and detectors in a “smart” building.Practical implicationsThe research is significant for users of BIM, building designers, public health advisors, construction professionals, healthcare providers, social prescribers, architects and clients.Originality/valueThe integration of BHI into the architectural design process is an important step towards the construction sector improving health and well-being. The research provides for the first time a rigorous identification of the most viable mechanisms through which BIM may be used to measure the healthiness of a building.

Brownfield site development refers to the process of redeveloping previously used or contaminated land for new construction or renovation projects. These sites often present unique challenges due to their historical use and potential environmental hazards. Despite the benefits accruable from the use of BIM and the steep rise its adoption, the literature shows dearth and lack of the adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in brownfield site development Therefore, this research project attempts to take the advantage of the growing development of Building Information Modelling (BIM) to bridge the above gaps, where BIM can play a significant role in this process by providing a virtual representation of the impact of the site on buildings and its potential hazards. By incorporating data from environmental assessments, such as soil and groundwater contamination, into the BIM model, project teams can visualise and analyse the risks associated with the site. This allows for better planning and decision-making in terms of hazard mitigation strategies. This study seeks to develop a clear and comprehensive conceptual framework to guide research in this field and shape the innovative system that integrates design decision tasks throughout project lifecycle with BIM processes. It will assist designers to reflect on the safety implications of their design decisions. The fundamental concern of the system is the identification, evaluation, and mitigation of potential hazard at the design stage of brownfield site development. The proposed system will add a new sort of functionality to common BIM tools such as Autodesk REVIT.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a technology increasingly used in the modern construction industry, particularly to improve communication efficiency and collaboration between stakeholders. This technology enables the integration of project data and information into a comprehensive digital model, allowing all involved parties to access, verify, and update information in real time. This study aims to evaluate the strategic role of BIM as a communication medium in the Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) approach, focusing on the planning stage involving the disciplines of architecture, structure, and Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) systems. The IPD approach emphasizes cross-disciplinary collaboration from the early stages of a project to optimize outcomes, reduce risks, and accelerate completion. The research methods used are literature review and case study analysis of various projects that have implemented BIM within the IPD framework. The data analyzed include the effectiveness of information exchange, inter-team coordination, and early identification of design conflicts. The study results show that BIM significantly improves information transparency among stakeholders, minimizes the risk of miscommunication, and accelerates the decision-making process through accurate and integrated data visualization. BIM models also facilitate the detection of potential conflicts, such as clashes between structural and MEP elements, before entering the physical construction phase, thereby reducing repair costs and delays. Furthermore, the use of BIM in IPD fosters a more collaborative work culture, where architects, engineers, and contractors can work together to solve problems quickly and effectively. Thus, BIM has proven to play a crucial role as a primary communication tool in IPD implementation, while also serving as a crucial foundation for achieving efficient, integrated, and high-quality construction project management.

PurposeThis paper aims to present a state-of-the-art review of building information modelling (BIM) in the UK construction practice. In particular, the aim is to examine the scope, value and practical implications of BIM implementation in residential projects by evaluating practitioners’ perspectives working in the Greater London Area (GLA).Design/methodology/approachThe paper outlines the general status quo of BIM adoption and maturity in the UK. It then discusses the feasibility of BIM use in residential projects drawing on an online survey and complementary semi-structured interviews with building professionals. The cross-comparison between the evidence base and literature review uncovers the specific benefits, challenges and risks to BIM implementation in the house building sector.FindingsBIM is an evaluation methodology that helps the management of digital information throughout the project lifecycle. At a conceptual level, a BIM-enabled project offers quality assurance and on-time delivery, collaboration and communication improvement, visual representation and clash detection and whole lifecycle value. The findings, however, suggest that the most frequently reported benefits are related to collaboration and the blend of product (software) and process innovation, whilst lifecycle thinking and waste reduction are often overlooked. At present, there is widespread awareness on BIM but with a financial barrier to invest in developing digital capabilities, particularly for small- and medium-sized enterprises.Practical implicationsThe paper concludes with a critical commentary on the lack of strategic leadership in both the supply and demand side. The role of policy to streamline commercial drivers for whole lifecycle costing in procurement is endorsed to drive the change management required to address the short-term mind-set of senior management and wider fragmentation of the construction industry, also serving as a research question for further research and development in the field.Originality/valueThere are relatively few studies evaluating BIM perspectives in UK residential projects. This paper explores the feasibility and “real-life” value of BIM in housing practice, drawing on views and experiences of building professionals in GLA. In particular, the research findings provide an evidence base evaluating the extent to which the house building industry has the expertise and capability to operate in a BIM environment and to comply with the Level 2 mandate and explore which of the generic barriers and drivers of BIM-readiness are more relevant to the design and construction of housing projects.

This research was designed to assess the significance of using Building Information Modeling (BIM) standards to enhance efficiency in the Qatari construction industry. The need for more efficient processes arose in part from the Qatari government’s increased level of investment in infrastructure and the accompanying desire to secure the country’s 2030 vision. A questionnaire was used to collect primary data from the Qatari construction industry. Three questions guided this research: (i) What are the current challenges facing the Qatari construction industry in the smooth deliverance of projects?” (ii) “What strategies does the industry use in the promotion of an integrated business model that is technological centric?” (iii) “What are the possible challenges that the industry would face if it were to adopt BIM as a standard for all projects in the Qatari construction industry?” The outcome of the research shows that using BIM as a standard could not reduce the inefficiencies faced by the industry. While the respondents to the survey had realised that the industry had challenges, the implementation of BIM seemed not to be in line with the difficulties experienced in the industry. This finding was supported by a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.001 for many survey questions. While the industry could be using BIM in general, it still does not form part of the strategy to promote collaborative working. The research did not emphasise the process of implementing BIM standards because most contracts did not require the use of BIM; neither do regulators. The research highlights the challenges of implementing BIM as a standard in a modern construction industry that is facing inefficiency. Even though clients have the capacity to apply innovative strategies, they are stifled by complex business structures and processes. Inefficient delivery of facilities raises questions about the management structures used by the industry. With a large expatriate workforce, Qatar needs systematic tools and approaches such as BIM for managing construction processes regardless of the level of experience and exposure of its managers. Adopting BIM could significantly improve working relations on projects. The research shows that the construction industry would require a standardised BIM process if companies were to deliver on their targets. There is value in adopting tools and techniques that would enhance collaborative tendencies by professionals working in the industry. However, the overall strategy to implement a standardised BIM approach would initially exacerbate current problems before it could bring forth improvements to the construction process.

This study demonstrates the research and development of a visualization method called thermal performance simulation. The objective of this study is providing the results of thermal performance simulation results into building information modeling (BIM) models, displaying a series of thermal performance results, and enabling stakeholders to use the BIM tool as a common user interface in the early design stage. This method utilizes a combination of object-oriented physical modeling (OOPM) and BIM. To implement the suggested method, a specific BIM authoring tool called the application programming interface (API) was adopted, as well as an external database to maintain the thermal energy performance results from the OOPM tool. Based on this method, this study created a prototype called the thermal energy performance visualization (TEPV). The TEPV translates the information from the external database to the thermal energy performance indicator (TEPI) parameter in the BIM tool. In the TEPI, whenever BIM models are generated for building design, the thermal energy performance results are visualized by color-coding the building components in the BIM models. Visualization of thermal energy performance results enables non-engineers such as architects to explicitly inspect the simulation results. Moreover, the TEPV facilitates architects using BIM as an interface in building design to visualize building thermal energy performance, enhancing their design production at the early design stages.

Although there is already a great amount of scientific literature dealing with the use of building information modeling (BIM) in engineering activities, the majority refer to successful case studies using the usual methods and technology of building construction but rarely bring up the real problems for implementing BIM methodology to the field of transportation infrastructure. It must be also considered that the construction activity is only a part of the infrastructure life and the stakeholder must consider the works of enlargement, renewal, and maintenance of the infrastructure. The purpose of this paper is not only to show a mere review of the existing literature but also present a rational analysis for the use of BIM in different areas of civil engineering. For that purpose, the gathered experience in the use of BIM in civil engineering projects in the final course of Civil Engineering Master Studies in the Civil Engineering School (ETSICCP) at Universidad Politécnica de Madrid were compared with the reported literature. This way, a complete and updated information regarding tendencies, applications, and practice along with limitations and benefits can be presented. The significance of this research relies on the original insight of BIM for civil engineering applications through four case studies. Two of them were focused on construction possibilities and the other two on the possibilities in the exploitation, rehabilitation, and maintenance. The results showed that despite the lack of previous experiences, the use of BIM methodology is possible for activities such as maintenance, managing, or expansion of infrastructure by applying different specific software packages. Among the main problems needing to be addressed are the following: handling of big data files, the integration of new data non-related with the modeled object, and interchange of data without losing information. That proves the need of new more efficient techniques to overcome the challenge of the full use of BIM in the civil engineering field and obtain the mutual advantage of the co-operation of the academic and industrial worlds.

As human needs evolve, information technologies and natural environments require a wider perspective of sustainable development, especially when examining the built environment that impacts the central of social-ecological systems. The objectives of the paper are (a) to review the status and development of building information modeling (BIM) in regards to the sustainable development in the built environment, and (b) to develop a future outlook framework that promotes BIM in sustainable development. Seven areas of sustainability were classified to analyze forty-four BIM guidelines and standards. This review examines the use of BIM in sustainable development, focusing primarily on certain areas of sustainability, such as project development, design, and construction. The developed framework describes the need for collaboration with the multiple disciplines for the future adoption and use of BIM for the sustainable development. It also considers the integration between “BIM and green assessment criteria”; and “BIM and renewable energy” to address the shortcomings of the standards and guidelines.

В статье выявлены факторы, препятствующие применению информационного моделирования зданий (BIM) в проектах реконструкции. Проекты реконструкции сталкиваются с неопределенностью высокого уровня в ходе реализации в основном из-за ненадлежащего управления информацией, недостаточного контроля качества и низкой компетентности участников. Применение передовых компьютерных инструментов, таких как BIM, которые используются как с передовыми информационными, так и коммуникационными технологиями (ИКТ), может стать способом решения проблем проектов реконструкции. Дан анализ существующих моделей информационного моделирования, используемых в строительных проектах зданий, и их краткая характеристика. Для выявления проблем предлагаются и внедрения BIM в проекты реконструкции, использование метода аналитической иерархии (МАИ). Определены этапы анализа факторов, ограничивающих применение BIM при реконструкции. На основе анализа наиболее значительных технических, организационных и управленческих проблем при применении современных технологий в проектах реконструкции выделены факторы, ограничивающие применение BIM в проектах реконструкции. Обоснована необходимость мониторинга этих факторов на протяжении всего жизненного цикла проекта. Проанализированы инструменты и действия, которые могли бы устранить выявленные факторы и повысить эффективность проектов.

BIM compatibility and its differentiation with interoperability challenges as an innovation factor

More than traditional computer-aided design (CAD), Building Information Modeling (BIM) can include a lot of additional information about the various products and systems in the design. It was noticed that BIM had unbalanced applications among different types of construction. BIM has been shown to provide a significant cost savings to the design firms and clients by its use in residential construction. Yet, it has limited use on a very small number of industrial construction projects. Rather than performing a theoretical cost analysis on BIM usage to prove that it could save project cost, this paper explores the specific benefits that BIM provides from an industry perspective, and see how they would translate to the industrial construction sector. To do this, BIM users in industrial and commercial construction are surveyed. The first-hand survey results revealed that the two biggest benefits to BIM are clash detection and the large amount of information it can provide to the entire stakeholder in the project. Comparing these benefits to the current practices used in the industrial engineering and construction field leads to the conclusion that, BIM usage is probably not worth the cost investment for these firms. There are some additional considerations as to why including BIM capabilities in a company’s profile would be a good option, but cost savings is not the most important.

This paper examines the implementation of building information modeling (BIM) in construction industry. Various initiatives and approaches are used in different countries to promote the BIM implementation in their construction industries. The real implementation and use of BIM remains a major concern of the construction industry. This study investigates the implantation of BIM globally, in developed countries and the percentage of implementation of BIM in constriction industry of Sindh, Pakistan. This research demonstrates 131 responses from BIM users regarding BIM implementation whose collaboration aspects produce the highest positive impact. The adopted methodology is an online questionnaire survey and literature review which was conducted to find out the implementation of BIM in construction industries of developed countries. This research reveals that BIM implementation is increasing continuously over the past few years. A Number of developed countries are emerging successful BIM implementation strategies, United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France are generally leading the way. However, according to our study findings, only 11% of industries have implemented BIM in Sindh, Pakistan.

Building information modelling (BIM) enables the creation of a digital representation of a designed facility combined with additional information about the project attributes, performance criteria, and construction process. Users of BIM tools point to the ability to visualize the final design along with the construction process as a beneficial feature of using BIM. Knowing the construction process in relationship to a facility’s design benefits both safety professionals when planning worker safety measures for a project and designers when creating a project’s design. Success in using BIM to enhance safety partly depends on the familiarity of project personnel with BIM tools and the extent to which the tools can be used to identify and eliminate safety hazards. In a separate, ongoing study, the authors investigated the connection between BIM and safety to document the opportunities, barriers, and impacts. Utilizing an on-line survey of project engineers who work for construction firms together with a comprehensive literature review, the study found those who use BIM feel that it aids in communication of project information and project delivery, both of which have been found to have positive impacts on construction site safety. Further, utilizing the survey results, the authors apply the binary logistic regression econometric framework to better understand the factors that lead to safety professionals believing that BIM increases safety in the work place. In addition, according to the survey results, a large percentage of the engineers who use BIM feel that ultimately it helps to eliminate safety hazards and improve worker safety. The study findings suggest that improvements in safety performance across the construction industry may be due in part to increased use of BIM in the construction industry.

Conventional construction scheduling techniques often fall short due to inefficiencies, the prevalence of human error, and the lack of reliable scheduling data. Despite efforts to obtain better scheduling data and automate the process using Building Information Modelling (BIM) as a primary source of information, challenges persist. BIM models contain inconsistencies that can compromise their scheduling effectiveness. Moreover, existing automation efforts face obstacles, including complexity and scalability issues. These efforts frequently overlook the intricacies of accurately modelling construction tasks, neglecting resource considerations, subprocesses, and structured information management, which further complicates the creation of reliable and efficient construction schedule data. This research proposes a framework designed to systematically obtain scheduling data in an automated manner, aligning with a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) to ensure organisational clarity. By incorporating subprocesses and focusing on resource constraint calculations and balancing. Furthermore, the framework structures scheduling data into a CSV format, facilitating easier analysis and integration with project management tools. The research follows the Design Science Research methodology. This multi-stage framework integrates BIM data extraction, automated element labelling, creation of a custom WBS, construction sequence, and resource balancing. The framework was developed using Python coding and libraries, facilitating seamless transitions between stages without manual intervention. The framework's performance is evaluated using 4D BIM software, assessing the generated data and logic in a girder bridge projects. This innovative framework enhances the accuracy and efficiency of construction data scheduling through automation. It reduces manual intervention, organises data effectively, and improves project timeline reliability. The use of 4D BIM further illustrates the practical application of this data in bridge projects, showcasing a scalable and robust contribution to construction automation.