BackgroundHealth and safety (H&S) on a construction site can either make or break a contractor, if not properly managed. The usage of Building Information Modeling (BIM) for H&S on construction execution has the potential to augment practitioner understanding of their sites, and by so doing reduce the probability of accidents. This research explores BIM usage within the construction industry in relation to H&S communication.MethodsIn addition to an extensive literature review, a questionnaire survey was conducted to gather information on the embedment of H&S planning with the BIM environment for site practitioners.ResultsThe analysis of responses indicated that BIM will enhance the current approach of H&S planning for construction site personnel.ConclusionFrom the survey, toolbox talk will have to be integrated with the BIM environment, because it is the predominantly used procedure for enhancing H&S issues within construction sites. The advantage is that personnel can visually understand H&S issues as work progresses during the toolbox talk onsite.
Purpose -The section of the research presented in this paper reviews and explores 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 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.Communication Management: Management is expected to use a variety of formal and informal means to promote and communicate its commitment to safety (Baxendale & Jones, 2000). Simon and Piquard (as cited in Mohamed (2002)) claim that both management communication and employee feedback are critical for safety improvements and reporting near misses and unsafe conditions and practices. Most current H&S communication on construction sites tends to be one-directional without feedback from the operatives or any recording of their carrying out various activities.On Site H &S Communication: From the information garnered in the literature review, a questionnaire was developed and sent to practitioners to ascertain current on-site communication methods. The analysis of this survey is reported in the ensuing paragraphs.From the analysis of results as presented in Table 1, expressed as percentages of practitioners' responses, it appears that toolbox meetings, followed by workshops/seminars and HSE guides, are regarded as the current best forms of communication to site operatives. Currently, on-site communication using BIM and other visualisation tools is not a common practice. It may appear that BIM is not so well known and, therefore, scores lowest. The reasons for this may be that contractors on site are not yet familiar with the BIM tech...
The growth and advantage of Building Information Modeling (BIM) has recently gained momentum in the expanding needs of the construction industry, one that varies across disciplines. The UK government is the largest public stakeholder client that has realized the benefits and advantages of BIM when used in procuring projects. The usage and adoption of BIM in all UK government-procured projects with a Level 2 BIM status will be mandatory by 2016. Will this target be achievable by 2016? This study investigates that possibility. A critical review of the BIM literature was carried out and the evidence based on the government target of 2016. At the current stage, it appears that Level 2 adoption is achievable by 2016 for large construction firms. However, the technology needs to be properly tailored to meet SMEs variables, if the Level 2 status is to be achieved for the entire industry.
The UK government's ambitious plans to meet Building Information Modelling (BIM) Maturity Level 2 by 2016 places significant pressure on construction companies to ensure their existing BIM capability meets the mandated requirements. This poses a significant challenge to organisations, as BIM requires a radical repositioning in the way buildings are designed and managed, with collaboration playing a pivotal role in this process. For example, many construction companies still use traditional 2D CAD files, bespoke data, and drawing standards that are company-specific (and often non-compliant). These types of 'bad habits' and parochial standards are difficult to share or replicate. Conversely however, there is a real opportunity for companies to proactively embrace this transition to BIM through a number of conduits, not least: the installation of industry standard best practices; embedding improved collaborative approaches; improving data veracity, flow and coordination throughout the design, construction and operational phases. This research aims to identify and analyse UK and US BIM standards, along with their inter-relationships to promote best practice. Research data was collated through a comprehensive literature review of UK and US standards and collaboration publications ensuing 2007. Initial findings suggest that UK standards have been strategically developed in conjunction with one another, whereas US standards appear non-cognate and developed in isolation. Further research is required to critically compare and contrast the content of UK and US standards, along with initiatives published by other countries to develop a holistic UK BIM standards roadmap.
Building Information Modelling (BIM) represents a paradigm shift in the Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry as companies reposition themselves from a people, technology and process perspective to improve efficiency and quality. The aim of this paper is to identify and compare BIM standards, guidelines and templates from around the globe in order to provide an indicative central resource for BIM documentation and gaps in BIM standards. To achieve this aim, a qualitative research methodological approach was utilised, underpinned by document analysis of BIM standards developed in different countries across six continents. These findings are presented in tabular format along with illustrations to highlight documentation gaps, which form the basis of discussion. This research evaluates 13 countries’ BIM standards, guidelines and templates; the correlation of which presents relationships and synergy, including recommendations for the development of standards based on the gaps presented. Research findings provide a pivotal appreciation of the different levels of maturity – the discourse of which can act as a signpost for each countries reflection, viz: government, industry bodies or academic institution to help develop BIM standards to fill the gaps in contract, Employers Information Requirement (EIR), BIM Execution Plan (BEP) and design documentation.
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