Building information modelling (BIM) framework for practical implementation

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2010.09.010Get rights and content

Abstract

Recent advances in building information modelling (BIM) have disseminated the utilization of multi-dimensional (nD) CAD information in the construction industry. Nevertheless, the overall and practical effectiveness of BIM utilization is difficult to justify at this stage. The purpose of this paper is to propose a BIM framework focusing on the issues of practicability for real-world projects. Even though previous efforts in the BIM framework have properly addressed the BIM variables, comprehensive issues in terms of BIM effectiveness need to be further developed. A thorough literature review of computer-integrated construction (CIC) and BIM was performed first in order to interpret the BIM from a global perspective. A comprehensive BIM framework consisting of three dimensions and six categories was then developed to address the variables for theory and implementation. This framework can provide a basis for evaluating promising areas and identifying driving factors for practical BIM effectiveness.

Introduction

Utilizing information systems (IS) in the construction industry has been an issue of great importance in order to enhance the effectiveness of construction projects throughout their life cycle and across different construction business functions. However, the concept of IS in construction is very broad and subjective [17]. Formulating comprehensive frameworks of IS in construction, therefore, would effectively facilitate the strategic utilization of IS.

By definition, a framework is a systematic set of relationship or a conceptual scheme, structure, or system [46]. The purpose of establishing a framework is to guide research efforts, to enhance communications with shared understanding, and to integrated relevant concepts into a descriptive or predictive model [23], [33]. Another notion is that a lack of perspective in observing IS not only wastes costly computing resources, but mismanages more expensive ones, human resources.

Computer integrated construction (CIC) and building information modelling (BIM) are the most often used acronyms representing this broad concept of IS in construction. Nevertheless, there have been limited efforts in systematically defining these concepts as a framework for theory and implementation. The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive framework of BIM in order to evaluate promising areas and to identify driving factors for practical applications in real world construction projects.

Section snippets

CIC and BIM: reciprocal convergence

In an attempt to develop an IS planning methodology prioritizing construction business value chains, Jung and Gibson [17] defined CIC as “the integration of corporate strategy, management, computer systems, and information technology throughout the project's entire life cycle and across different business functions”. In this definition, managerial issues including ‘corporate strategy’ and ‘management’ were strongly stressed by utilizing several analytical methodologies developed for assessing

BIM framework and variables

A BIM framework should be comprehensive enough to address all relevant BIM issues. However, at the same time, it needs to be concise enough in order to present key issues in a systematic manner. In this context, the BIM framework in this paper focuses on practical implementation with six major variables classified into three dimensions in a hierarchical structure. The three dimensions include ‘BIM technology’, ‘BIM perspective’, and ‘construction business functions’ as depicted in Fig. 1. Among

Implications of BIM framework

As pointed out by several researchers [17], [41], CIC or BIM efforts have largely focused on issues of technology. In order to achieve effective BIM implementation, a comprehensive framework can facilitate the identification of promising areas and influencing factors. The BIM framework proposed in this paper supplements practical issues for real-world implementation while encompassing broad issues across different levels of perspective.

The relative density of the shadings rendered in Fig. 2

Conclusions

CIC and BIM literature was intensively reviewed and analyzed in this paper in order to address BIM variables for theory and implementation. Even though their development patterns were historically different, the current objectives of CIC and BIM are identical; improving construction effectiveness by better utilization of construction information systems in an integrated way.

This paper defines the proposed framework as that ‘practical BIM implementation effectively incorporates BIM technologies

Acknowledgements

This study was supported by the Korean Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology (MEST) under Grant No. 2009-0074881. Their support is gratefully acknowledged.

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