CIVIL 743 Assignment 1

Kadin Su - 387287086
Anurag Ray - 850484648
Lisa Lin - 957920294
Index
Time Tracking Sheet

AR

Clocked IN Clocked out Time (hrs) Tasks

20:40 21:50 1.1 Journals for Q3,

Essay structure

14:20 17:30 3.1

What the fuck is this

1. Define BIM in a broader perspective (57 words)
Building Information Modelling (BIM) is an integrated set of processes that involves the
design, construction, and management of a digital representation of the physical and
functional characteristics of a building or infrastructure asset, using both geometric and
semantic information such as parametric modelling, product/data modelling, database
technology, and lifecycle integration to communicate and analyse the model.

2. Explain the role of BIM in a project life cycle. Please consider the following stages:
Design, Planning, Procurement, Construction and Maintenance (820 words)
Since BIM serves as a shared knowledge resource for information about buildings, it has the
potential to affect the decision-making process throughout all phases of the project lifecycle,
from inception to decommissioning. For the purposes of this report, only the following stages
will be considered: Planning, Design, Construction, Maintenance, and Procurement.

The role of BIM during the Planning Phase is quintessential since it is involved in various
construction management activities such as site preparation, cost estimation, and program
scheduling. Using 3D information capture approaches and BIM authoring software, a 3D
model of the existing conditions for a site can be developed to capture the existing
conditions. These approaches include laser scanning, photogrammetry, or traditional
surveying methodologies, and the models may have varying levels of information depending
on the 3D geometry and other asset information. In addition, BIM can be used to assist in
the generation of accurate quantity take-offs and cost estimates during this phase. This
allows the project team to see the cost effect of the design options, which can help curb
excessive budget overruns and save time and money within the early design stages of a
project. Furthermore, BIM can assist with programming and scheduling work packages by
adding the 3D model with the dimension of time. 4D modelling is a powerful visualization and
communication tool that can give the various project stakeholders a better understanding of
project milestones and the critical path. The process for site analysis can also be optimised
using BIM as GIS tools can be used to evaluate properties in a given area, then inputted to
the BIM relational database.

For the Design Phase, BIM can be used as a design analysis tool to review the conceptual
and detailed design models and assess their various performances. Due to information
being compiled in one database, a singular building information model can be reviewed and
consulted with various project stakeholders to gain their feedback and validate the design.
The virtual environment will make it much easier to evaluate programmatic requirements,
preview space aesthetics and layout, and set criteria such as layout, ergonomics, acoustics,
textures, and colours. Pairing Structural Engineering analysis tools such as SAP2000 with
the BIM design authoring model, specialized consultancy services can be delivered to
determine the behaviour of the given structural system. Similar to the structural performance,
the designer can also utilize the same BIM authoring tools to analyse the lighting, energy,
engineering, and sustainability performances. Further refinement of the structural design can
be achieved by modelling minimum design standard requirements such as NZS3404 for an
optimization problem. As a result of this optimisation, BIM has the potential to create
effective, efficient, and constructible structural systems.

Using 3D coordination, BIM plays a significant role in the Construction Phase by facilitating
the overall site logistics, aiding in the construction systems design, and digitally fabricating
products and materials to be used. The model information can be utilised to layout facility
assemblies and layout the construction work. The model itself may also be linked with the
construction programme and schedule to convey the activity sequencing and better visualize
the critical path. Additional information incorporated into the model can also include aspects
of the available resources such as labour, material deliveries, and plant locations. This will
enhance some of the site management functions such as short-term re-planning and
resource analysis. Also, BIM can be used to help design the temporary work platforms and
systems required for the construction of permanent buildings. These temporary works
include concrete formwork, scaffolding, temporary shoring and other excavation support
designs, and isolating safety barriers. Latest advancements in BIM technologies have
enabled the prefabrication of construction materials, assemblies, or modules. Using
geometric and semantic information from a building information model, structural
components such as sheet metal, pipes, wall panels, and wall assemblies can be
prefabricated off-site to improve the product quality and reduce the lead time.

During the Operations and Maintenance Phase, BIM is utilized as a management tool to
compile the records model and monitor several aspects of the built infrastructure asset. Data
analysis can be conducted to obtain information regarding the facility elements, surrounding
conditions, and assets of a facility and compile the subsequent record model. In turn, this
record model will contain the documentation relating to the architectural, structural, and MEP
systems, which will facilitate the modelling of future renovations and maintenance.
Integrating BIM with owner facility management systems will help monitor facility status and
schedule maintenance activities for a facility if required. Proactive maintenance planning can
be achieved and data on the maintenance history can be collected for future predicting and
planning. In terms of asset management, further actionable steps can be taken to upgrade
the existing physical asset in order for it to operate at an efficiency that will satisfy the Client
and the End User in the most cost-effective manner. BIM can assist in the financial
decision-making of long and short-term maintenance options by determining the cost
implications of changing or upgrading building assets, including the time value of money.

(Paragraph about Procurement)

3. What are the impacts of BIM on project performance?
Discuss at least 3 different impacts (820 words) - AR
-FLOW ON FROM Q2 - hence change the starting to flow..
● Provide brief intro on effect of bim on project performance (mention IPD, CSF, KPI,
sustainability aspects)
● Cover the 3 impacts, for each include: (ensure these involve a critical review of
existing literature)
● 3 key Impacts (Give examples):
○ Project execution efficiency (quantified by time - scheduling & cost
optimization - material estimates)
○ Project sustainability
○ Project operational aspects (maintenance, scheduling, LCA)
○ Litigation

Try include comment on

○ Control variables (procurement model, project type, etc)
○ Positive effects
■ · Improve project outcomes
■ · Increase efficiency
■ · Minimize risk for cost overrun and schedule delays
■ · Inspire creative and sustainable design
○ Negative effects
■ Intellectual property
■ High integration entails blurred responsibility & thus liability process
difficult
○ Future foreword
 ■ Interoperability issues remain a challenge. Need to systematize
processes
■ High initial adoption costs (software + training)

■
BIM has radically altered the approach to design, construction and operational aspects of
projects in the AEC industry (Architecture, Engineering and Construction) over the last
decade. Within New Zealand the average number of projects utilizing BIM over the last 5
years has doubled. In this section, three key impacts of BIM on project performance will be
discussed. Prior to evaluating the impacts, certain Critical Success Factors (CSF) need to be
met to ensure BIM is implemented successfully and in tandem relevant metrics need to be
established for assessing project success (Afari et al.). Some relevant CSFs include:
● Collaboration between design, engineering & construction stakeholders;
● Accurate 3D visualisation of design;
● Coordination & planning of construction works.
The CSFs outlined above are met when a BEP (BIM Execution Plan) is used for a project.
BEP helps in successful deployment of BIM technologies for construction projects (Franz et
al.). Hence, the impacts of BIM discussed in this essay, manifest in full when a BEP is in
place. Furthermore, as noted in the previous section, the type of procurement model strongly
affects the actualization of BIM benefits.

Regarding the relevant metrics, Zuppa et al. assert that, “The main success measures of
construction projects are cost, schedule, quality, productivity, and safety.” While KPIs (Key
Performance Indicators) such as dollars/unit, units/man-hours exist, currently there is a lack
of models that recognize indicators which accurately measure changes in performance and
project outcomes with respect to BIM utilization (Cox et al.). Critical metrics used to evaluate
the impact of BIM and consequent changes in project performance as per Barlish et al. are
design costs, contractor costs, cost of change orders as a proportion of total budget and
number of RFIs issued.

With these two prerequisites being met (a) BIM is successfully implemented (b) relevant
metrics have been chosen to assess project performance, the impacts of BIM may now be
explored.

1) Optimizing Project Efficiency

BIM significantly improves project efficiency as quantified by time and cost savings.
The power of nD visualizations allow effective construction sequencing to take place.
This involves coordination of material ordering, fabrication and delivery schedules for
all building components. In addition, built-in cost estimating features of BIM allow
material quantities to be automatically extracted and updated when changes are
made in the model. By the creation of a digital twin, design errors, omissions and
conflicts are identified and rectified early. It is estimated that there is a 40%
elimination of unbudgeted change, 80% reduction in time taken for generating cost
estimates, savings up to 10% of contract value through clash detections and 7%
reduction in project time as per CRC Construction Innovation (2007).
 ● Give example of hyatt case (2011 paper)

2) Project Sustainability Considerations

● Sustainability paper
3) Litigation Aspects
○ Stuff on IP
○ Case study / scenario if any.

As evident from the discussion above, skilled proponents of BIM reap substantial benefits
across the project lifecycle. While several challenges currently prohibit complete adoption of
BIM, the technology has become a sine qua non in AEC projects.
References