Investigating the Potential of Delivering Employer Information Requirements in BIM Enabled Construction Projects in Qatar

Abstract

Part 4: Building Information Modeling (BIM)International audienceEmployer’s Information Requirements (EIR) is a key document for the successful delivery of construction projects using Building Information Modeling (BIM). EIR sets out the information to be delivered and the standards and processes to be adopted by the suppliers as part of their project delivery approach. The concept of EIR has been developed by the UK BIM Task Group as a holistic framework for the UK construction industry to deliver the UK construction client requirements in projects using BIM. It includes a set of requirements and guidelines in three macro areas namely, technical, management and commercial. EIR, which are specific to the construction industry in Qatar, do not exist yet despite BIM is increasingly adopted across the Qatari construction industry. However, construction projects using BIM in Qatar adopts various aspects in technical, management and commercial areas. In this paper, we analyze the current BIM practice in Qatar and compare the findings against the items of the three EIR’s areas. The overarching aim is to assess the potential of delivering EIR in BIM based construction projects in Qatar. To accomplish this aim, major construction industry players (clients, consultants, contractors), representing a significant part of Qatar construction industry, were interviewed about the three EIR’s areas and their items. The results showed discrepancies in addressing EIR and varied levels of readiness in delivering the different EIR’s areas and items. The paper has proposed general guidelines for delivering EIR in Qatar which are informed by the survey and current international EIR standards

Hierarchy based information requirements for sustainable operations of buildings in Qatar

“…This phase of the research is based on previous literature review, policy documents, and research interviews with major QCI stakeholders, conducted and analysed by Hafeez et al (2016) Secondly, the selection of the key performance indicators (KPIs) for sustainable building operation and facility management is done through the study of existing literature and standards. The different values found in EN 15221-7:2012 standard, sustainable facility management approach and other approaches as Jansson et al (2013), Chen et al (2015), Zhang and El-Gohary (2016) and the different relevant sustainability assessment schemes.…”

“…A recent survey within main stakeholders in QCI showed the level of pervasion and maturity of BIM use and adoption (Hafeez et al, 2016). According to the survey, a list of BIM related requirements, which can be included in the aforementioned EIR areas, were commonly found in a big share of contracts (68%).…”

“…Hafeez et al (2016) showed some of the aspects to cover and how they should be covered. As part of this documentation to include in the alternative QCIR document, we propose to develop preliminary clients' requirements and priority baseline, which improves communication with the design team throughout the tender and project stages.…”

Adoption and implementation of BIM – case study of a Saudi Arabian AEC firm

“…Finally, the findings represent a market that is optimistic and aware, but inexperienced in BIM (BuildingSMART, 2011). Also, very limited amount of research has been carried out so far such as Dawood and Vukovic (2015), Ahmed et al (2014), Vukovic et al (2015), Hafeez et al (2015), Skaik and Ali (2013), Omar (2015). In addition to that, is the absence of any governmental mandate to encourage BIM adoption.…”

Development of OntEIR Framework to Support BIM Clients in Construction

“…A recent study conducted by Hafeez et al (2016) which investigates a framework for delivering EIR in the Qatar construction Industry; "QEIR". The study resulted in many useful recommendations and tips for delivering quality EIRs, shown in Figure 7 below.…”