scholarly journals Position paper: digital engineering and building information modelling in Australia

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Reza Hosseini ◽  
Julie Jupp ◽  
Eleni Papadonikolaki ◽  
Tim Mumford ◽  
Will Joske ◽  
...  

PurposeThis position paper urges a drive towards clarity in the key definitions, terminologies and habits of speech associated with digital engineering and building information modelling (BIM). The ultimate goal of the paper is to facilitate the move towards arriving at an ideal definition for both concepts.Design/methodology/approachThis paper takes the “explanation building” review approach in providing prescriptive guidelines to researchers and industry practitioners. The aim of the review is to draw upon existing studies to identify, describe and find application of principles in a real-world context.FindingsThe paper highlights the definitional challenges surrounding digital engineering and BIM in Australia, to evoke a debate on BIM and digital engineering boundaries, how and why these two concepts may be linked, and how they relate to emerging concepts.Originality/valueThis is the first scholarly attempt to clarify the definition of digital engineering and address the confusion between the concepts of BIM and digital engineering.

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincent Adam ◽  
Patrick Manu ◽  
Abdul-Majeed Mahamadu ◽  
Krzysztof Dziekonski ◽  
Ernest Kissi ◽  
...  

Purpose Although building information modelling (BIM) adoption in developed countries has largely been incentivised by government, in developing countries, adoption is often driven by desires of industry professionals, which is dependent on awareness of BIM and availability of skills among the professionals. Thus, BIM awareness and competence among professionals have become useful baseline measures of BIM readiness. To ascertain BIM readiness within the Seychelles construction industry, this study aims to investigate the level of BIM awareness and level of BIM competence among construction professionals. Design/methodology/approach The study involved a questionnaire survey of construction professionals (n = 96) and data analysis using both descriptive statistics and association analysis. Findings The results indicate a moderate level of BIM awareness, but a low level of engagement in BIM education/training. Also, the professionals have very low BIM technical skills, notably the ability to use BIM-related tools and to perform BIM-related task. Furthermore, this study suggests that the experience of working on collaborative projects could be a useful premise for BIM implementation among construction professionals. Originality/value The implication is that construction professionals in the Seychelles need to start readying themselves for greater BIM adoption by taking steps to address the BIM technical skills deficiencies and the low engagement in BIM education/training.


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):  
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):  
Ifeoluwa Benjamin Oluleye ◽  
Abiodun Kolawole Oyetunji ◽  
Michael Ayodele Olukolajo ◽  
Daniel W.M. Chan

Purpose Building information modelling (BIM) is a novel technological advancement in the built environment. Despite the potentials of BIM, its adoption and implementation are undermined in facility management (FM) operations. This might be because of limited information on the critical success factors (CSFs) that can enhance its adoption. The study aims to integrate building information modelling to improve facility management operation by adopting fuzzy synthetic approach for evaluating the critical success factors. Design/methodology/approach Data for the study were sourced from practising and registered facility managers within Lagos metropolis, Nigeria. The data collected were analysed using a combination of methods which include mean item score, factor analysis and fuzzy synthetic evaluation (FSE). Findings The factor analysis results showed that six underlying groups of CSFs would enhance the effective adoption of BIM in facility operations. The FSE results showed that out of the six groups, the three topmost important CSF grouping (CSFG) in the decision rule would enhance the effectiveness of BIM adoption for FM operations. Practical implications The result of this study provides a credible road map for facility managers, policymakers and other stakeholders in FM operations on the CSFs and CSFG required for the adoption of BIM. Originality/value Previous studies that aimed at integrating BIM into FM are limited. Hence, this study provides a broad perspective on the CSF required for BIM adoption and implementation in FM operations using the FSE approach.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Apeesada Sompolgrunk ◽  
Saeed Banihashemi ◽  
Saeed Reza Mohandes

Purpose The purpose of this study is to identify and analyse the key measurable returning factors, value drivers and strategic benefits associated with building information modelling (BIM) return on investment (ROI). The findings of this study provide researchers and practitioners with up-to-date information in formulating appropriate strategies to quantify the monetary value of BIM. The suggested research agenda provided would also advance what is presently a limited body of knowledge relating to the evaluation of BIM ROI. Design/methodology/approach To fill the identified gap, this study develops a comprehensive systematic review of mainstream studies on factors affecting BIM ROI published from 2000 to 2020. A total of 23 academic records from different sources such as journals, conference proceedings, dissertation and PhD theses were identified and thoroughly reviewed. Findings The reported BIM ROI ranged greatly from −83.3% to 39,900%. A total of 5 returning factors, namely, schedule reduction and compliance, productivity improvement, request for information reduction, rework reduction and change orders reduction were identified as the most commonly reported factors that influence BIM ROI. Four quantification techniques including general assumptions-based theoretical model, perceived BIM ROI based on survey, factors affecting BIM ROI with no reported ROI and quantified BIM ROI based on a case study were observed and pointed out in the review, together with their limitations. Finally, three major gaps were raised as the lack of consideration on the likelihood of BIM assisting in a construction project, intangible returning factors influencing BIM-based projects and industry standards in benchmarking BIM ROI. Practical implications The outcomes of this study would assist practitioners by providing the current evaluation techniques that address the limitations with BIM investment and present issues relating to the economic evaluation of BIM in the construction industry. It is also expected that presenting a deeper and wider perspective of the research work performed until now will direct a more focussed approach on productivity improvement efforts in the construction industry. Originality/value This study identifies and analyses the key measurable returning factors, value drivers and strategic benefits associated with BIM ROI on an industry scale rather than a particular organisation or a project scale.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Evans ◽  
Peter Farrell

PurposeThe construction industry encounters substantial challenges in its evolution towards sustainable development and in the adoption of building information modelling (BIM) technology and lean construction (LC) practices on construction mega-projects. This research aims to investigate the critical barriers encountered by key construction stakeholders in their efforts to integrate BIM and LC in the construction mega-projects.Design/methodology/approachA two-round Delphi survey shaped the foundation of aggregating consensus between an expert panel that examined a set of 28 barriers resulting from a detailed analysis of the extant literature. Descriptive and inferential statistical tests were exploited for data analysis, and interrater agreement analysis was used to elaborated and validate results.FindingsThe research concluded that the key barriers by descending order of significance are lack of mandatory BIM and LC industry standards and regulations by the government, resistance of the industry to change from traditional practices to LeanBIM, high cost of software licenses and training and running of BIM.Originality/valueThe research findings and the proposed mitigation strategy will enhance the application of BIM and LC practices in construction mega-projects and allow project key stakeholders to place emphasis on tackling the crucial challenges and barriers identified in this research.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 298-320 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Christina Georgiadou

Purpose This 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/approach The 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. Findings BIM 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 implications The 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/value There 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.


2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 195-212
Author(s):  
Moshabab Aljarman ◽  
Halim Boussabaine ◽  
Khalid Almarri

Purpose Building information modelling (BIM) is not without risk, as the greater reliance on information technology has associated technical risks. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to assess the perceptions of the users of BIM regarding the likelihood of emergence of technical risks which might influence the successful application of BIM, to facilitate the successful implementation of BIM in the construction industry. Design/methodology/approach The primary data were collected via a questionnaire to document the BIM risks, where 105 responses were recorded from constructors, consultants, cost consultants and other professionals from the UK construction industry. Subsequently, the analysis of the results was driven by univariate and inferential statistics (ANOVA) to assess the perception of risk emergence. Findings The study found the most likely technical risks that might emerge from BIM application. These risks are complexity of transferring modelling data from one program to another, lack of understanding of the BIM for the different software platforms, interoperability shortcomings, failure to discover errors in the model and risks of different software platforms. Practical implications The results will certainly intensify the discussion about BIM risks, risk allocation and all other aspects that are related to BIM contractual processes. Also, the compiled list of risks will help stakeholders in assessing financial implications that may result from BIM application. Originality/value Important technical risks have been identified in the application of BIM. This renders a new understanding of the risks that might influence the successful application of BIM. The respondents generally agreed on the importance of the following risks: “complexity of transferring modelling data between programs from one program to another”, “lack of understanding of the BIM for the different software platforms”, “interoperability shortcomings”, “failure to discover errors in the model” and “risks of different software platforms”, which are in line with current literature.


2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (03) ◽  
pp. 341-354 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdulkadir A. Ganah ◽  
Godfaurd A. John

Purpose The section of the research presented in this paper aims to review and explore health and safety (H&S) issues on construction sites. It has the sole intention of using better computer visualisation to meet the needs of site practitioners in understanding such H&S problems. Design/methodology/approach The methodology follows a traditional literature review approach to understand the development of building information modelling (BIM) technology up to its current status. A questionnaire survey was conducted to gather information on the embedding of H&S planning by site practitioners within the BIM environment. Findings BIM has the potential to be used in H&S planning procedures, particularly in those related to tasks on construction sites. A framework for an integrated visual tool is developed for better H&S practice on site. It may be used actively by all practitioners, starting with site induction and addresses, inter alia, personal hazard perception. Research limitations/implications This paper provides a foundation for developing a tool that helps construction personnel explore potential H&S risks on site before construction begins. By introducing a framework for integrating BIM and project planning, a prototype can be developed to demonstrate the application of the proposed framework. Originality/value The research presented in this paper introduces BIM usage during the construction stage as a tool that supports a H&S toolbox. The paper proposes the useful framework for better H&S practice on site that can be used actively by all practitioners. The intention is to find a way forward in addressing “real” H&S site issues that may not be easily understood by practitioners without the full aid of visualisation scenarios.


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