BIM adoption and implementation for architectural practices

Abstract

ABSTRACT:Severe issues about data acquisition and management arise during the design creation and development due to complexity, uncertainty and ambiguity. BIM (Building Information Modelling) is a tool for a team based lean design approach towards improved architectural practice across the supply chain. However, moving from a CAD (Computer Aided Design) approach to BIM (Building Information Modelling) represents a fundamental change for individual disciplines and the construction industry as a whole. Although BIM has been implemented by large practices, it is not widely used by SMEs (Small and Medium Sized Enterprises). Purpose: This paper aims to present a systematic approach for BIM implementation for Architectural SMEs at the organizational level Design/Methodology/Approach: The research is undertaken through a KTP (Knowledge transfer Partnership) project between the University of Salford and John McCall Architects (JMA) a SME based in Liverpool. The overall aim of the KTP is to develop lean design practice through BIM adoption. The BIM implementation approach uses a socio-technical view which does not only consider the implementation of technology but also considers the socio-cultural environment that provides the context for its implementation. The action research oriented qualitative and quantitative research is used for discovery, comparison, and experimentation as it provides "learning by doing". Findings: The strategic approach to BIM adoption incorporated people, process and technology equally and led to capacity building through the improvements in process, technological infrastructure and upskilling of JMA staff to attain efficiency gains and competitive advantages. Originality/Value : This paper introduces a systematic approach for BIM adoption based on the action research philosophy and demonstrates a roadmap for BIM adoption at the operational level for SME companies.

An exploratory study on the building information modeling adoption in United Arab Emirates municipal projects- current status and challenges

“…BIM is the process of capturing the information through the development of nD models and use of these digital models and associated tools to facilitate planning, design, construction, and operation during the project lifecycle [3]. Once modelled, it contains a wealth of data about the designed entity and it is useful for representing several views of project data including two dimensional (2D), three dimensional (3D), four dimensional (4D, schedule), five dimensional (5D, cost), six dimensional (6D, operations and maintenance) forms [4] [5]. The BIM implementation in UAE municipalities is inconsistent and investigating the current status of BIM adoption, the related challenges and the possible future strategies becomes paramount important to efficiently deliver the construction projects.…”

Digital model data distribution in civil engineering contracts

“…The overarching aim of this work is to assess key benefits [extending work by Sas (2008) and Arayici (2011)] in digital-data-model distribution in civil-engineering contracts and to this end the approach taken, to build upon the key issues described above, sought to generate data to address the following objectives: -Determine key issues faced currently by industry in digital-model distribution.…”

“…Analysis of these core variables allows the development of research objectives outlined in the 'methodology section' towards a main aim of assessing key benefits (extending work by Sas, 2008;Arayici, 2011) in digital-data-model distribution in civil-engineering contracts.…”

An Overview of the Feasibility of Achieving Level 2 Building Information Modeling by 2016 in the UK

“…It is widely believed that BIM will help with integrating processes throughout the entire lifecycle of a construction project [21]. Even though the BIM concept has existed since the 1970s, it is only over the last five years that building owners have become aware that BIM has the potential to make the design, construction and operation of buildings much more streamlined and efficient [22]. Moreover, BIM is increasingly gaining ground as a means of developing buildings and infrastructure that are problem free and a better fit for the purpose with high efficiency.…”

“… a resistance to change culture within construction industry professionals, especially those at the top management level, and getting these people to understand the potential and realize the value of BIM over conventional design and management tools [3,23];  training employees on BIM, which require all project stakeholders to use and train their employees on BIM [24];  availability of the infrastructure required for BIM, including high-end hardware and networking facilities to run BIM applications and tools efficiently, and a components' library which requires manufacturers to produce 3D models for their components in BIM-compatible format [25];  understanding the importance of collaboration, integration and interoperability between all stakeholders;  lack of clear understanding on the part of construction lawyers and insurers of the responsibilities of different stakeholders [22];  absence of a common language for data exchange.…”