New Perspectives for BIM Usage in Transportation Infrastructure Projects

Building Information Models (BIM) have revealed themselves as a good tool to support construction actions, due to their ability to store all the information in one digital model and to promote collaboration between all participants in a project. Teaching Civil Engineering requires a permanent updating of knowledge concerning procedures and technologies used in the construction industry. In this sense, the school should seek to adapt its curriculum to include innovative issues to support new technologies. So, in an educational context, the aim of the present work is to disseminate knowledge concerning the benefits provided when implementing BIM in several aspects within the construction activity. In a Civil Engineering school some topics of BIM application were developed by students within MSc researches. The text describes in detail some of the main topics, showing distinct use of BIM: Generation and use of a 4D/BIM model to support construction planning; coordination of construction project based on BIM methodology; conflict analysis based in an architectural 3D/BIM model. Several study cases were modelled and analyzed, confronting the BIM use with the traditional way when performing the same tasks, and consequently recommendations were carried out. This work contributed to demonstrate the advantages of employing BIM for building tasks purposes when compared with the traditional process, and in a didactic context the main objective is to add competitive skills in the training of future civil engineers.

Building information modeling (BIM) has become an integral part of commercial construction processes in recent years. This article summarizes a research study undertaken to explore the frequency of BIM application, the advantages and effects of using BIM, and various other methods associated with developing and using BIM models in commercial construction. Executive, mid-management, and BIM practitioner-level employees from eighteen leading commercial general contracting firms (with regard to BIM use) were surveyed to determine how their companies utilized BIM. Thirty-two different applications of BIM use were identified for commercial construction, and those most commonly utilized included clash detection, 3-D modeling, team collaboration, constructability issues of design, and sales. Communication, scheduling, coordination, visualization, and clash detection were identified as the top advantages of using BIM. Regarding the effects of using BIM, companies reported a positive impact on profitability, time of construction, and marketing. Finally, this article discusses various processes for using BIM, how models were used internally and with trade partners, and the decisions affecting BIM use by leading commercial contractors.

<p>Building Information Modelling (BIM) has been increasingly expanding its application to different fields of civil engineering and Historic building information modelling (HBIM) is an example of that. Although, the concept has already drawn the attention of several researchers, there are still many limitations to a full and holistic process that may take HBIM to the same level of applicability that BIM used for new construction has.</p><p>Traditionally, assessment of existing structures, specially heritage structures, begin with the documentation of all important information dealing with the history, characteristics, type, material, uses and applied techniques, among other relevant information that may be retrieved by different sources. Further on, a geometrical survey accompanied with visual inspection and non or semi destructive testing leads to the geometry definition of the structure and to its condition (damage/defects) mapping. All of this information, must be analysed for consequent structural assessment and after stored in a proper database in order to monitor the condition change of the structure along time.</p><p>This paper, presents a framework for use of BIM in rehabilitation and assessment of the built heritage, based on the review of recent works, as to allow a better understanding of the potential for the management of important and significant structures. The paper deals with the dilemma of bringing what a “traditional” assessment can see to how intangible information may be applied.</p>

This study focuses on the use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) which begins with creating a 3D digital model (virtual building) which serves as a means for planning, designing, implementing development, and maintaining the building and its infrastructure for all parties involved in the project. Unlike other studies that use concrete structures, this study refers to the Bauntung Banjarbaru Market building with a steel structure. BIM software program is specific and correct. Specific is within the use of BIM information is taken and adapted to real conditions within the area. Correct is a constructible model, that is, the model that is created is the same as the model that was constructed. Besides, when there is a change in the model, the resulting cost estimate can change automatically.Modeling of building structures includes modeling of reinforced concrete structures and steel structures. The modeling is done using a software called Tekla Structures with a South-East Asia environment that refers to the plan drawing. After the modeling is complete, the work unit price is inputted into the software. The output of this modeling is direct cost estimation for structural work. For manual cost estimation using cost budget plan that has been obtained from the contractor in the form of a Microsoft Excel file.From the results of the analysis of the two cost estimates, the resulting comparison of the cost difference is quite scanty. The difference between manual cost estimation and BIM based cost estimation is 0.26%. So, it can be concluded that the use of BIM based cost estimation can be used because it produces cost estimates that are faster than using manual calculations made by contractors.The use of BIM can reduce costs and inaccuracies in the calculation of estimates in projects because it can be done more thoroughly. Keywords: BIM-based cost estimation, Tekla Structures, building structures

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.

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.

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to identify, classify and prioritize the benefits, challenges and risks for the integrated use of building information modeling (BIM), radio frequency identification (RFID) and wireless sensor network (WSN) in the architecture, engineering, construction and operation (AECO) industry.Design/methodology/approachThis study relies on the mixed method approach which consists of systematic literature review, semistructured interviews and Delphi technique. A systematic literature review was performed and face-to-face semistructured interviews with seven subject matter experts (SMEs) were conducted for identification and classification purposes. Delphi method was applied in two structured rounds with eleven SMEs for prioritization purpose. These three research techniques were chosen to reach the most accurate data by combining different perspectives on the subject matter. Data gathered by these three methods was triangulated to increase the validity and reliability of this research.FindingsThirteen benefits, ten challenges and four risks for the integrated use of BIM, RFID and WSN were identified. The results could aid the practitioners and researchers comprehend the pros and cons of this integration by representing SMEs’ valuable insights and perspectives about the current and future status, trends, limitations and requirements of the AECO industry. The identified risks and challenges show the requirements for future studies while the benefits demonstrate the capabilities and the potential contributions of this hybrid integration to the AECO industry.Originality/valueThe integration of BIM, RFID and WSN is still not commonly implemented in the AECO industry. Some studies focused on this topic; however, none of them reveals the benefits, risks and challenges for integrating BIM, RFID and WSN in a holistic manner. This research makes a significant contribution to the AECO literature and industry by uncovering the benefits, challenges and risks for the integrated use of BIM, RFID and WSN that could increase industry applications.

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is gaining momentum to soon become the construction industry’s chosen methodology for delivering projects. However, studies have shown that the implementation rate of BIM in smaller consultancies is notably lower when compared to larger ones. One of the main reasons for resisting implementation is the perceived notion that lower value projects are not suitable for the use of BIM. With this in mind, this study aims to determine if projects with a lower construction value are suitable for the BIM methodology. A data set has been generated that included individuals who have and have not implemented BIM within their workflow, the results of which have been collated from questionnaires and interviews. From the data set, conclusions were derived, which make up the findings of this report. The study found that there is a clear relationship between the individual’s experience of BIM and their perceived impression of BIM’s suitability within smaller valued projects. Individuals and companies who have fully implemented BIM within their workflow highlighted significant advantages and frustrations, that are valid, both on smaller and larger valued projects. Within the experienced community of BIM users, it is evident that BIM has been and can successfully be used on projects of any value, providing that the methodology is managed correctly.

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.

The productivity of real property depends on the efficiency of the property management technique. Building Information Modelling (BIM) is an emerging technique examined. The aim of the research is to explore the practicability of BIM for the management of public buildings (PBs) and the hindrances subject to the effective operation. The tasks of the research were to investigate the awareness level of BIM for management of PBs; to investigate the acceptance level of BIM as a property management technique; to explore the hindrances of BIM use for the management of PBs; and, to assess the suitability of BIM for management of historic buildings. Survey and descriptive methods were used in the research. One hundred and nine questionnaires were distributed and a total of seventy-eight was returned. Purposive sampling technique was used for the selection of the respondents. Stratified random sampling was used to select the public buildings, while clustered sampling was used for locations. The findings of the research showed a low level of awareness from the respondents; BIM was not in use; the acceptance of BIM was high but the hindrances were numerous. The research concluded that the use of BIM was practicable given adequate awareness and training. The research recommended a paradigm shift from the traditional property management approach to BIM strategy for the effective performance of PBs.

Building information modeling (BIM) is the geometric way to present a life cycle construction project including geographic information. Recently, the Internet of Things (IoT) has been progressively used smart buildings in order to enhance living comfort, work productivity and entertainment. However, studies addressing the combination of these two technologies (BIM and IoT) focused on the automatic diffusion of data through sensors to BIM models [1]. Based on American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM) a great portion of our time is spend inside buildings, in our offices, homes, schools, health care facilities, or in other private or public buildings. Hence the necessity to improve the basic human right to live in a healthy, safe and comfort environment is vital. This paper presents the use of BIM to support complex decisions concerning comfort conditions in buildings. This use is illustrated through a case study concerning a building of the AUST campus in Beirut.

The widespread use of knowledge management in a wide range of applications aids in professionally and wisely streamlining the procedure to produce improved outcomes and deliverables. Knowledge management is essential in the construction sector due to the considerable investment, extended deadlines and the need for higher performance efficiency and quality. The usage of BIM in construction projects has simplified the procedures required in building construction. The fundamental motivation behind the creation of BIM was the need to apply knowledge management approaches to make projects more sustainable and compliant with green building requirements. There are various limitations and risks associated with using BIM in construction projects, such as issues with file sharing and data security. This research examines numerous BIM benefits and drawbacks from a variety of angles, providing information and various measures for building the program. BIM adoption in construction projects includes a wide range of benefits as well as drawbacks. The relationship between the variety of information and outcomes was explored using different findings from numerous scientific studies that looked at the use of BIM in the construction sector. Due to the wide range of data that is available in the BIM sector, numerous areas were also found in this study. A thorough analysis was undertaken to present a variety of author viewpoints from various articles. This report's strengths and weaknesses have been noted. It has been demonstrated that BIM has additional benefits, including meeting client expectations, reducing design errors, and achieving project sustainability. However, there are also drawbacks to BIM, including user skill gaps, ambiguous standards and protocols, and transfer data problems. A few studies have addressed some of the research gaps and limitations in some of the domains. Additionally, these regions were thoroughly addressed from many authors' points of view.

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.