Application of Bim for Supporting Decisionmaking Related to Logistics in Prefabricated Building Systems

Abstract

Managing industrialised construction requires an accurate synchronisation of design, manufacturing and assembly processes. Considering the high uncertainty and the interdependences between different processes on site, it is important to consider the status of the construction site in the planning and control process. Understanding the demands of site assembly in terms of components is a key step for integrating fabrication and site assembly. One possible approach is to use Building Information Modelling (BIM) for planning the logistics operations of prefabricated building systems.The aim of this paper is to describe an application of BIM 4D modelling for supporting the planning and control process of logistics operations for Engineer-toorder (ETO) concrete prefabricated structures. Design Science Research was the methodological approach adopted in this investigation, which involved an empirical study carried out in partnership with a company that design, produces and assemble prefabrication concrete structures. The main contribution of this investigation is on how to increase the reliability of information exchanges by concentrating product and process information in a BIM model. Also, some guidelines on how to plan loading and unloading operations, and how to use BIM to assess changes in production plans, considering the logistics impacts.

Evaluating Social Housing Retrofit Options to Support Clients’ Decision Making—SIMPLER BIM Protocol

“…BIM 4D provides a better understanding of construction components and schedule, by aligning 3D models with the associated construction schedule, which can support the development of better construction plans [25]. Recent research has shown the benefits of using 4D BIM simulation in scheduling, regarding plan visualisation [26], comparing the 'as-planned' and the 'as-built' [27], construction schedule compression [28], and supporting the production planning and control [29]. The critical element of BIM-enabled construction scheduling is to generate the task breakdown and schedules, connecting them to a 3D model so that the construction process can be virtually simulated [30].…”

“…The critical element of BIM-enabled construction scheduling is to generate the task breakdown and schedules, connecting them to a 3D model so that the construction process can be virtually simulated [30]. BIM 4D allows visualising critical components and flows of building construction, usually hidden when using traditional planning and scheduling methods, and contributes to a better understanding of the overall production process [29]. Using BIM 4D allows for effectively communicating essential aspects of the production plan, such as a sequence of construction, the precise location of work and the associated impacts of moving resources on the construction site [31].…”

Lean, Automation and Modularization in Construction

“…BIM and engineered-to-order (ETO) components interactions are discussed in five papers. 4D BIM modelling is used for planning and control logistics operations in ETO prefabricated building components (Bataglin et al 2017;Bortolini et al 2015). Integrated production control (design, manufacturing and assembly) in ETO prefabricated concrete building systems is automatically enabled by 4D BIM simulations (Peñaloza et al 2016).…”

A Predictive Method for Benefits Realisation Through Modelling Uncertainty in Front End Design

“…According to literature, processes can be optimised as part of the wider planning, monitoring and control process either through (i) analysis, (ii) inspection, (iii) demonstration, (iv) testing or (v) certification (Kukulies and Schmitt, 2018). Parts of this process are seen in lean practice in the LPS (Torp et al, 2018, Kim andBallard, 2010) and application of BIM (Bataglin et al, 2017) to support decision making. The suggested optimisation processes proposed in this paper is at the planning stage in FED processes with two process aims: 1) Assessment and analysis of BR processes in meeting the delivery of intended benefits and 2) Identify FED deficits potentially impeding the delivery of these benefits.…”