Towards a BIM-based approach for improving maintenance performance in IBS building projects

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zul-Atfi Bin Ismail

PurposeThe contemporary practice of conventional maintenance for industrialised building system (IBS) constructions suffers from poor service delivery and defect repetition. A key problem impeding the widespread adoption of emerging technologies is the lack of competent contractors to support the effectiveness of the technology implemented in conventional methods and to ensure returns on investment. The shortcomings of conventional methods are assessed from the perspective of IBS buildings. This paper aims to identify the different system approach using Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology that is equipped with decision making processes.Design/methodology/approachThis paper describes the establishment of key problem areas, the elements involved in implementing good practice and the requirements for integrating maintenance management processes and information databases in the maintenance management system.FindingsConventional methods have little emphasis on defect diagnosis tools. They also enhance inadequate strategic decision-making in the analysis of information when attempting to improve the maintenance project outcomes for IBS construction. The characteristics identified in a case study of IBS buildings are presented and analysed.Originality/valueThe conclusions and recommendations drawn from the analysis of the IBS case study are discussed, synthesised and deliberated upon. The approach presented in this paper integrates various aspects of building information modelling technology to facilitate improved execution of IBS maintenance activities.

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zul-Atfi Ismail

PurposeThe conventional methods practiced by Development and Facilities Management Unit (UPPF) faced issues due to management deficiencies and negligent staffs to handle operation and maintenance processes of Chemical Facility (CFs) management at Malaysian Polytechnic. The prime objective of this paper is to improve the conventional methods which tend to be both cumbersome and ineffective in the Maintenance Management Systems (MMS) for UPPF at Malaysian Polytechnic.Design/methodology/approachPrimary data was gathered through the interview to develop the proposed system. The major conclusion drawn from the interview results was that there is a lack of comprehensive MMS that integrate operation and maintenance processes of CF management and software programming that provide the guides for decision-making processes. The interview results also revealed irregularities within the Malaysian Polytechnic's maintenance management database.FindingsThe conventional methods had significantly little emphasis on defect diagnosis tools. It had also increased the inadequate strategic decision making to analyse information in improving the maintenance project outcomes for Malaysian Polytechnic's building. New MMS tools is suggested from findings and lessons learned as a good practice to reduce the frequent overhauling and repairs on the durability's performance and design of building control instrument.Originality/valueThe new MMS potentially transform operation and maintenance processes of CF management into one of the most sophisticated technologies by providing access to all information published by all Malaysian Polytechnics institutions. This is in order to foster financial cooperation, the idea that being that Polytechnics who compete with one another become financially independent towards successful achievements of CF management for laboratory building and equipment.


2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olufolahan Oduyemi ◽  
Michael Iheoma Okoroh ◽  
Oluwaseun Samuel Fajana

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore and rank the benefits and barriers (technological and non-technological) of using Building Information Modelling (BIM) in sustainable building design. It also employs the use of a design tool analysis of a case study using BIM compatible tools (Ecotect and Green Building Studio) to determine the environmental performance of a proposed multi-use building at Derby North. Design/methodology/approach The paper explores the benefits and barriers of using BIM through a literature review. Regression and factor analysis were used to rank these benefits and barriers. A questionnaire was distributed to a sample of 120 practitioners with 69 completing the survey. Finally, the paper employs the use of a design tool analysis of a case study using BIM-compatible tools (Ecotect and Green Building Studio) to determine the environmental performance of a proposed multi-use building at Derby North riverside. Findings The key findings of the statistical analysis indicated that professionals ranked the integrated project delivery as the most established benefit, while the lack of interoperability was ranked the greatest technological challenge. Only three of the attributes of non-technological challenges made statistically unique contributions, namely, training costs and software costs, client demand and potential legal issues. It was also discovered that BIM delivers information needed for environmental performance. In a forward-looking approach, the paper attempts to provide some recommendations that would encourage the continuous application of BIM in sustainable building design. Research limitations/implications This paper does not cover all features of BIM functionality, as the scope of BIM is very enormous and the resources of this research were limited. Practical implications The implication of the study is that it will assist in exploring and ranking the benefits and barriers (technological and non-technological) of using BIM while proffering recommendations for future use. This research will be of interest to industry practitioners and academic researchers with an interest in building information modelling. Originality/value This paper contributes with new outlooks aimed at syndicating sustainability with environmental performance and adds to the limited empirical studies on the benefits and barriers of the application of BIM.


Facilities ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 415-434 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadeeshani Wanigarathna ◽  
Keith Jones ◽  
Adrian Bell ◽  
Georgios Kapogiannis

Purpose This paper aims to investigate how digital capabilities associated with building information modelling (BIM) can integrate a wide range of information to improve built asset management (BAM) decision-making during the in-use phase of hospital buildings. Design/methodology/approach A comprehensive document analysis and a participatory case study was undertaken with a regional NHS hospital to review the type of information that can be used to better inform BAM decision-making to develop a conceptual framework to improve information use during the health-care BAM process, test how the conceptual framework can be applied within a BAM division of a health-care organisation and develop a cloud-based BIM application. Findings BIM has the potential to facilitate better informed BAM decision-making by integrating a wide range of information related to the physical condition of built assets, resources available for BAM and the built asset’s contribution to health-care provision within an organisation. However, interdepartmental information sharing requires a significant level of time and cost investment and changes to information gathering and storing practices within the whole organisation. Originality/value This research demonstrated that the implementation of BIM during the in-use phase of hospital buildings is different to that in the design and construction phases. At the in-use phase, BIM needs to integrate and communicate information within and between the estates, facilities division and other departments of the organisation. This poses a significant change management task for the organisation’s information management systems. Thus, a strategically driven top-down organisational approach is needed to implement BIM for the in-use phase of hospital buildings.


Facilities ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 395-414 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jian Zhan ◽  
Xin Janet Ge ◽  
Shoudong Huang ◽  
Liang Zhao ◽  
Johnny Kwok Wai Wong ◽  
...  

Purpose Automated technologies have been applied to facility management (FM) practices to address labour demands of, and time consumed by, inputting and processing manual data. Less attention has been focussed on automation of visual information, such as images, when improving timely maintenance decisions. This study aims to develop image classification algorithms to improve information flow in the inspection-repair process through building information modelling (BIM). Design/methodology/approach To improve and automate the inspection-repair process, image classification algorithms were used to connect images with a corresponding image database in a BIM knowledge repository. Quick response (QR) code decoding and Bag of Words were chosen to classify images in the system. Graphical user interfaces (GUIs) were developed to facilitate activity collaboration and communication. A pilot case study in an inspection-repair process was applied to demonstrate the applications of this system. Findings The system developed in this study associates the inspection-repair process with a digital three-dimensional (3D) model, GUIs, a BIM knowledge repository and image classification algorithms. By implementing the proposed application in a case study, the authors found that improvement of the inspection-repair process and automated image classification with a BIM knowledge repository (such as the one developed in this study) can enhance FM practices by increasing productivity and reducing time and costs associated with ecision-making. Originality/value This study introduces an innovative approach that applies image classification and leverages a BIM knowledge repository to enhance the inspection-repair process in FM practice. The system designed provides automated image-classifying data from a smart phone, eliminates time required to input image data manually and improves communication and collaboration between FM personnel for maintenance in the decision-making process.


2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 341-359
Author(s):  
Zul-Atfi Ismail

Purpose The purpose of this study is to identify existing weaknesses in precast concrete building maintenance and how to overcome it. The contemporary practice of conventional methods in the pre-cast concrete (PC) building maintenance entails many issues such as PC component aesthetic and structural defects, no integration between maintenance systems and lack the intelligent capabilities of linking defect diagnosis operations in maintenance due to poor service delivery and defect repetition. A key problem impeding the widespread adoption of emerging technologies is the lack of competent contractor supporting the effectiveness of implemented information and communication technology than conventional methods and the returns on investment. Design/methodology/approach The shortcomings of conventional methods are assessed from the perspective of PC buildings. Several data were collected through a case study of eight PC buildings from high-rise and complex buildings. Findings The conventional methods had significantly little emphasis on defect diagnosis tools. It had also increased the inadequate strategic decision making to analyse information in improving the maintenance project outcomes for PC building. Originality/value Building information modelling tools is suggested from findings and lessons learned as a good practice to reduce the repetition of defects on the design specification used and construction practiced.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mostafa Babaeian Jelodar ◽  
Suzanne Wilkinson ◽  
Roohollah Kalatehjari ◽  
Yang Zou

PurposeMany applications of Building Information modelling (BIM) are already integrated into project management processes. However, the construction industry is suffering from poor decision-making, especially during procurement where fundamental decisions are made. To make the best decisions at earlier project stages, such as design, large amount of information needs to be processed and classified. Therefore, this study seeks to create a Decision Support System (DSS) for construction procurement through the application of existing informatics infrastructure and BIM applications.Design/methodology/approachLiterature review expert interviews and case studies with complex procurement considerations were used to identify and validate attributes and criterions for procurement decision-making. Accordingly, Multi-Attribute Utility Theory (MAUT) methodology was used and mathematical models were driven as the foundation for a DSS.FindingsFive major criterions of time, cost, relationship quality, sustainability and quality of work performed was identified for complex construction procurement decision-making. Accordingly, a DSS structure and mathematical model was proposed. Based on this a model architecture was developed for the integration of the DSS into Autodesk Revit as a BIM platform, and assist in pre-contract decision-making.Practical implicationsThe results can be used in pre-contract selection processes via currently used BIM applications. The model architecture can integrate DSS outputs to nD models, cloud systems and potentially virtual reality facilities to facilitate better construction operations and smarter more automated processes.Originality/valueThis study formulates and captures complex and unstructured information on construction procurement into a practical DSS model. The study provides a link to integrate solutions with already available platforms and technologies. The study also introduces the concept of designing for procurement; which can be expanded to other challenging decisions during construction.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 261-284 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdullahi B. Saka ◽  
Daniel W.M. Chan

Purpose This study aims to evaluate and investigate the dynamics of the barriers to building information modelling (BIM) adoption from the perspective of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries with the Nigerian construction industry as a case study. Design/methodology/approach An interpretive structural modelling approach was adopted to develop a hierarchical model of the interrelationships of the barriers. Also, the Matrice d’Impacts croises-multipication applique a classement analysis was used for categorisation of the barriers. Findings The findings revealed that the barriers are from a sociotechnical context and that SMEs have the will to drive BIM adoption by focussing more on their internal environment. Originality/value This study presented the adoption of BIM in SMEs, which is underrepresented in extant studies. Also, it contributes to the nascent discussion of BIM from the perspective of SMEs in developing countries.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman ◽  
Fatma Othman Alamoudy

Purpose This paper aims to develop a framework for optimising building performance through the integration between risk management (RM) and building information modelling (BIM) during the design process. Design/methodology/approach To achieve this aim, a research strategy consisting of literature review, case studies and survey questionnaire is designed to accomplish four objectives. First, to examine the concepts of design process, building performance, RM and BIM; second, to present three case studies to explain the role of using RM and BIM capabilities towards optimising building performance; third, to investigate the perception and application of architectural design firms in Egypt towards the role of RM and BIM for enhancing building performance during the design process; and finally, to develop a framework integrating RM and BIM during the design process as an approach for optimising building performance. Findings Through literature review, the research identified 18 risks that hamper optimising building performance during the design process. In addition, 11 building performance values and 20 BIM technologies were defined. Results of data analysis showed that “Design budget overrun”, “Lack of considering life cycle cost” and “Inefficient use of the design time” were ranked the highest risks that affect the optimisation of building performance. Respondents ranked “Risk avoid” or “Risk transfer” as the most risk responses adopted in the Egyptian context. In addition, “BIM As Built” was ranked the highest BIM technology used for overcoming risks during the design process. These findings necessitated taking action towards developing a framework to optimising building performance. Originality/value The research identified the risks that affect optimising building performance during the design process. It focuses on improving the design process through using the capabilities of BIM technologies towards overcoming these risks during the design process. The proposed framework which integrates RM and BIM represents a synthesis that is novel and creative in thought and adds value to the knowledge in a manner that has not previously occurred.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Hemalattha ◽  
R. Vidjeapriya

PurposeThis study aims to develop a framework for optimizing the spatial requirements of the equipment in a construction site using a geographic information system (GIS).Design/methodology/approachAn ongoing construction project, an existing thermal powerplant in India, is considered to be the case study, and the corresponding construction activities were scheduled. The equipment spaces were defined for the scheduled activities in building information modelling (BIM), which was further imported to GIS to define the topology rules, validate and optimize the spatial requirements. The BIM simulates the indoor environment, which includes the actual structure being constructed, and the GIS helps in modelling the outdoor environment, which includes the existing structures, temporary facilitates, topography of the site, etc.; thus, this study incorporates the knowledge of BIM in a geospatial environment to obtain optimized equipment spaces for various activities.FindingsSpace in construction projects is to be considered as a resource as well as a constraint, which is to be modelled and planned according to the requirements. The integration of BIM and GIS for equipment space planning will enable precise identification of the errors in the equipment spaces defined and also result in fewer errors as possible. The integration has also eased the process of assigning the topology rules and validating the same, which otherwise is a tedious process.Originality/valueThe workspace for each activity will include the space of the equipment. But, in most of the previous works of workspace planning, only the labour space is considered, and the conflicts and congestions occurring due to the equipment were neglected. The planning of equipment spaces cannot be done based only on the indoor environment; it has to be carried out by considering the surroundings and topography of the site, which have not been researched extensively despite its importance.


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