Investigating the future of model-based construction in the UK

Abstract

PurposeAlthough data rich building information models have been widely adopted in the Architecture Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry in the United Kingdom (UK), use of 2D drawings on site for construction is still the norm. The ability of 2-dimensional (2D) drawings to convey complex 3-dimensional information is limited and requires interpretation from operatives, and 2D drawings can be quickly superseded by model updates. Although constructing directly from a model has been adopted in the aerospace and automotive industries, its use in construction is in its infancy. This research therefore aims to investigate the potential for, and barriers to, model-based construction in the UK.Design/methodology/approachThis research uses a qualitative approach, thematically analysing 13 semi-structured interviews with UK-based construction professionals who have experience of paperless or model-based construction.FindingsAlthough model -based construction has been implemented to a limited extent on some civil engineering projects; research and investment in software, network capacity, legal and contractual issues, and cultural and human factors will need to be considered before model-based construction can be implemented more widely.Originality/valueThe research contributes to an understudied, emergent area of construction practice and outlines hurdles that need to be understood and overcome before more widespread adoption of model-based construction can take place.

Total BIM on the construction site: a dynamic single source of information

“…There has been a lack of research about BIM in the construction phase (Davies andHarty, 2013, Tu et al, 2021), but it is starting to gain interest. In a recent study investigating the future of model-based construction in the UK, Brooks et al (2022) highlighted several advantages and disadvantages with model-based construction. The advantages included time savings from not producing 2D drawings, coordination improvements due to a single source of information, increased quality and accuracy of the construction, and the potential for increased efficiency (Brooks et al, 2022).…”

“…In a recent study investigating the future of model-based construction in the UK, Brooks et al (2022) highlighted several advantages and disadvantages with model-based construction. The advantages included time savings from not producing 2D drawings, coordination improvements due to a single source of information, increased quality and accuracy of the construction, and the potential for increased efficiency (Brooks et al, 2022). The disadvantages included, increased time and cost of producing a detailed model, the training required to be able to work straight from the model, cost of hardware and software, unrealistic expectations may lead users to workarounds, lack of current skills, small and medium sized companies may struggle to compete, and drawings are still legally required for contracting (Brooks et al, 2022).…”

“…The advantages included time savings from not producing 2D drawings, coordination improvements due to a single source of information, increased quality and accuracy of the construction, and the potential for increased efficiency (Brooks et al, 2022). The disadvantages included, increased time and cost of producing a detailed model, the training required to be able to work straight from the model, cost of hardware and software, unrealistic expectations may lead users to workarounds, lack of current skills, small and medium sized companies may struggle to compete, and drawings are still legally required for contracting (Brooks et al, 2022). In a study with designers and builders Perera et al ( 2023) also found that costs were the main barrier to implementing digitalization in the construction industry.…”

“…How could BIM (Building Information Modeling) be used throughout a construction project as the dynamic single source of information on the construction site, i.e., Total BIM? Although research has shown benefits of using BIM in construction projects (Azhar, 2011, Sacks et al, 2018, we lack examples of empirical cases that successfully use BIM as a dynamic single source of information in the construction phase (Brooks et al, 2022). Furthermore, research concerning BIM implementation in the construction phase is scant (Davies andHarty, 2013, Tu et al, 2021).…”

“…2D drawings have traditionally been the dominant means of communicating construction information (Davies and Harty, 2013). Drawings have long been criticized for being inefficient, inconsistent, wasteful, error prone and limited in what they can represent (Brooks et al, 2022, Davies and Harty, 2013, Jahn et al, 2018, Sacks et al, 2018. These issues with 2D drawings lead to unanticipated costs, delays and lawsuits (Sacks et al, 2018).…”