Building Information Modeling (BIM) represents a new paradigm in the Malaysian architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. BIM technology provides virtual models (including 3-D models) to generate a building’s entire lifecycle. The model can also be used for analyzing design clashes, project scheduling, cost estimation, and facility management. The use of BIM in construction projects can reduce time to develop a project, reduce construction cost, and increase project quality. This paper aims to explore roles of BIM in the Malaysian construction industry. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with project consultants and BIM consultants involved in two government projects. The projects were the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Malaysia and Sultan Ibrahim Hall (formerly known as the Multipurpose Hall of Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, or UTHM). The interviews revealed effects of BIM in both projects and potential improvement in implementing BIM in construction projects in Malaysia. A literature review and the interviews revealed that BIM is increasingly used and accepted by construction players in Malaysia, and is expected to grow in future.

Abstract. Level of Development (LOD) is a protocol to address the basic guidelines information of Building Information Modeling (BIM). LOD is created to identify specific content requirements of a BIM model elements at a given time. It is used to reduce the problem of inadequate information needed in projects. This paper aims to explore the implementation of LOD in projects using BIM in the construction industry. In order to do so, the definition, purposes and content of each level of LOD had been identified based on past literature. In addition, semi-structured interviews were conducted with BIM consultants from the public and private sector. The findings revealed that the implementation of LOD is varied depending on the requirements of construction players. From the use of LOD, it helps construction players to get the information that they need for a specific purpose in various project phases. The use of LOD in projects using BIM shows the capability and the level of understanding of construction players in using BIM.

Part 4: Building Information Modeling (BIM)International audienceApplication of building information modeling (BIM), such as preview design clashes and visualize project’s model increase effectiveness in managing construction projects. However, its implementation in Malaysian construction projects is slow in order to see and gain the benefits. Therefore, this paper aims to explore on potential improvement that could increase BIM implementation in construction projects. A literature review was conducted in the history of BIM and its effects on construction projects in Malaysia. This is further supported by semi-structured interviews with construction players, consist of client, architect, structural engineer, mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) engineers as well as contractor to discover potential improvement that could increase BIM implementation in construction projects. Encouragement from the government and top managerial level in an organization were found as a way to increase BIM implementation in construction projects. Highlighting the potential improvement is expected to increase BIM implementation in construction projects

Abstract. Building Information Modeling (BIM) is currently being used by the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry in Malaysia. It has been introduced by the Director of Public Works Department (PWD) in 2007 to reduce construction costs and avoid design problems. BIM utilization in construction can detect any clash analysis during the design stage, improves efficiency of project scheduling, reduce costs and ensure high quality of the project as well as facilitate communication among construction players. Since it has been introduced by the PWD, several projects have been constructed and being constructed using BIM and one of the project is The National Cancer Institute (NCI). The project is owned by the Malaysian government. This paper discusses the application of BIM in the project, the first project launched by the Malaysian government. A literature review was conducted to explore previous BIM studies on the history of BIM, benefits and importance, barriers and challenges as well as existing BIM projects in the Malaysian construction industry. Furthermore, semi-structured interviews were carried out with the client, consultant and contractor involved in the project. The interviews results reveal necessities and benefits of implementing BIM in completing the project. BIM is necessary for construction because its implementation can increase project quality. It is useful in assisting construction players to complete projects successfully. The results provide clear evidence of the effectiveness of implementing BIM in government projects. This paper can serve as a reference for critical studies of developing a strategy approach model for BIM implementation in the Malaysian construction industry.

The scatter behavior of fatigue strength for 17-4 PH stainless steel (JIS SUS630, equivalent to ASTM-A563 Grade 630), which exhibited a duplex S-N curve, was investigated. It was found that the fatigue strength scatter of the SUS630 at 10 6 and 10 7 cycles, which were corresponding to the fatigue strengths for the surface-induced and the subsurface-inclusion-induced crack nucleation modes, respectively, were significantly small and comparable to each other. The scatter of inclusion size in the present material was small and resulted in the small scatter of fatigue strength comparable to that for the surface-induced crack nucleation mode. The variation in size of non-metallic inclusions is known as one of the main factors for the fatigue strength scatter [1]. It was also found that the scatter of fatigue strength was in the same order of tensile strength.