Required model content and information workflows enabling proficient BIM usage

Abstract

The modern issue within the construction industry is its conservative approach to innovation and poor data management. In a world where information means everything and efficient workflows are becoming the norm for advanced businesses, not using the attainable data pool is a recipe for stagnation and even regression. Different ways to mitigate the risks involved in building projects have been developed at the design company Elea iC to become more flexible and efficient. Through several large-scale high-rise and tunnelling BIM projects in the past four years, engineers at Elea iC have identified two crucial development barriers for advanced proficient BIM usage. The first is organizing the BIM models: internal model structure, information required in models, and how this information is written into models. The second barrier is establishing crucial information workflows to achieve valuable practical results. Exploration of the required model content and its organization together with data workflows are thus the main purposes of this article. Incremental improvement from project to project was needed to provide a much-needed baseline for crucial project data which makes 4D, 5D and 6D BIM modelling possible. A database structure for model properties was developed, from which consistent properties can be inserted into all project BIM models. This provides a unified internal standard ensuring the correct level of information modelling. At the same time essential workflows for BIM implementation, modelling, data sharing, and information management were also developed. Standard BIM software was used to create the base models, but collaboration with other software developers and adapting their solutions was needed in order to attain the desired outcomes of advanced BIM analyses. As more and more clients require advanced BIM solutions for their projects, neglecting to develop and implement new ways of using BIM will diminish companies’ potential in the market in the long run. This paper demonstrates that BIM, coupled with databases including standard model content requirements and information workflows, can provide a credible solution for proficient project data management in the construction industry. Therefore, BIM must not be seen as an impractical tool only requiring additional expenses, but as a system that needs internal company development to be adequately utilized and profited from.

Concept Development for Adopting 5d Bim in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises of the Aec Industry

“…They can include aspects such as the BIM adoption scope, discipline, model analysis and data transfer methods, interoperability, and staff responsibilities [13]. Feasible results with BIM in SMEs can be obtained if the internal BIM model structure, standard information linked to model objects, critical information workflows as well as collaboration with external stakeholders are defined [3], [23]. Company-related BEP and standards must elaborate on issues like "scope of implementation, infrastructure, contracts, implementation process" [24].…”

“…The main obstacles to BIM adoption may be divided into four large general groups, e.g., mentality, knowledge and skill, software, and hardware [3], or categorized into five limitation categories, such as technological, legal, personnel, cost, and management barriers [26]. However, scientific research papers on the hindrances to BIM adoption are primarily related to a specific country.…”

“… Clients' demand for BIM services is important for most participants.  5D BIM implementation is an iterative process [3] demanding constant harmonization between BIM model creation and refinement of the costing database. LOD of a designed model should be sufficient to provide accurate quantities.…”

“…BIM methodology is not spreading rapidly in the AEC sector because many construction companies still think of BIM implementation as just a simple exchange of tools and therefore find it difficult [3]. Although, a fundamental part of the BIM methodology is to address the processes by using and sharing digital building information.…”