Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
The improved interoperability of design software will have significant benefits
for overall project delivery. Developments in information and communication
technologies give an opportunity to improve the way energy simulation tools are
used to measure the energy performance of buildings throughout their life cycle
(Crosbie et al.
2011
).
Traditionally, the interdisciplinary collaboration among all the professionals
involved in the design and construction of buildings was limited by the exchange
of 2D drawings and documents, although many designers are used to manage 3D
models and applications for visualization and design development. The wide-
spread development and use of CAD packages and the increased level of automa-
tion in construction processes provide encouraging motives for the exchange of
3D data in the multidisciplinary collaboration: Building Information Modelling
(BIM) is envisaged to play a significant role in this transformation, even though its
adoption as multi-disciplinary collaboration platform still encounters many obsta-
cles (Arayci et al.
2011
; Singh et al.
2011
).
Building Information Modelling (BIM) and other methods of integrated project
delivery may help firms and organizations to enhance efficiency throughout the
building process (Barlish and Sullivan
2012
; Sacks et al.
2010
). BIM is currently
the most common denomination for a new way of approaching the design, con-
struction and maintenance of buildings. It has been defined as “a set of interact-
ing policies, processes and technologies generating a methodology to manage the
essential building design and project data in digital format throughout the build-
ing's life-cycle” (Succar
2009
).
A Building Information Model (BIM) is a digital model with a related data-
base in which all the information about a project (design, fabrication, construction
and project management logistics) is stored. It can be 3D, 4D (integrating time) or
even 5D (including cost). A BIM offers a more effective way of working, reduc-
ing transaction costs and opportunity for errors to be made. For example, the UK
Government has stated that from 2014 onwards all contracts awarded will require
the supply chain members to work collaboratively through the use of “fully col-
laborative 3D” BIM.
BIM creates a complete digital representation of a building, including physi-
cal attributes, geometric form, material descriptions, and thermal and structural
behaviour. It grows throughout design, informs construction, and continues to
serve facility managers during post-occupancy operations. It has been accepted as
key to integrated project delivery (IPD) in which the owner/designer/builder team
cooperates in shared risks and rewards (Novitski
2009
).
An analysis on 35 case studies, selected among completed construction projects
that implemented BIM, allowed to explore the extent to which the use of BIM has
resulted in reported benefits. The data obtained from the case studies suggest that
BIM is an effective tool in improving certain key aspects of the delivery of con-
struction projects: cost reduction was the one most positively influenced by the
implementation of BIM followed by time reduction, improvement of communi-
cation, coordination and quality (related to both the quality of the process and
improved documentation and enhanced designs). The negative benefits of BIM
